Photo Essay: 30 Photos that will Inspire You to Visit Austria

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Austria is definitely one of the prettiest and most dynamic countries in Central Europe. I loved it! I know you’ll love your Austrian adventure too – even if you haven’t watched The Sound of Music. But, first, let’s tackle some of the negatives. Yes, Austria is expensive. Vienna is especially expensive. My wallet wasn’t too happy with Austria’s prices especially after visiting countries such as Poland and Hungary. Honestly, I just paid for attractions and food without care, because why waste time worrying? Afterwards, I decided to “deal with the bills” once I returned home, and paid for my sins in New Jersey. If you’re on a strict budget, please don’t follow my example.

However, despite its high prices, Austria is a wonderful destination for both solo female travelers and anxious travelers.  I loved that Austria is home to cosmopolitan cities and mountainous countryside. Here I could enjoy the “bests of both worlds” smack in the middle of my 7 week Central European escapades.

In addition to its fun cities and natural beauty, Austria as a whole is also very, very, very safe. I explored day and night and never had a single safety issue, which especially good for solo travelers.

So, in this post, I’ve included 30 of my best photos that will inspire you to visit Austria. On my own trip, I spent time in Vienna, Salzburg, and a little village called Grünau im Almtal. I know Austria has many other fabulous options – such as Hallstatt and Innsbruck – and I hope to revisit in the near future to enjoy those spots too.

Happy viewing!

Vienna

Vienna is Austria’s glitzy and sophisticated capital city. Sigh. There are so many reasons why I fell in love with Vienna that I can’t even began to count them here. You can’t visit Austria without going to Vienna. Even better, if you’re a fan of cake and coffee, opera, and world-class museums, then Vienna is practically created for you and your interests! History and art buffs will be in their nerdy glory. Let’s not even describe the many palaces you can appreciate on your stay in Vienna. I still wish I could move into Schönbrunn Palace forever and ever.

Book your accommodation in Vienna.

Salzburg

Eee, much like Vienna, Salzburg is so so so beautiful. The Old Town, New Town, the gardens, the Fortress, Mozart. Seriously, the list goes on forever. As for me, I spent some happy and musical summer days in Salzburg. I even loved this city so much that I took the time and wrote a beginners guide to Salzburg in the hopes of helping future travelers plan their own trips! Now keep in mind that Salzburg is a major tourist destination, so you won’t wander far off the beaten path here, but I really think the (somewhat) annoying crowds shouldn’t deter anyone from visiting. If you’re a classical music lover, then Salzburg is a definite item required for your bucket list.

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Grünau im Almtal

Grünau im Almtal proves roaming beyond Austria’s beaten path is a great idea for travelers. Unlike Vienna and Salzburg, you won’t encounter too many tourists in this corner of the country. I only interacted with others at my small hostel. This picturesque little spot provides a needed and refreshing break, and furthermore, Grünau im Almtal promises wonderful experiences for hikers and bike enthusiasts. Now I’m not the best cyclist in the world. Actually that’s an understatement. I shouldn’t venture within two feet of a bike. Yet, despite my own clumsiness on two wheels, I took the most memorable bike ride through Grünau im Almtal and it’s wondrous natural surroundings – mountains and lakes – and somehow kept riding for 16 miles without passing out in a sweaty mess. Miracles can happen, haha.

Book your accommodation in Grünau im Almtal. 

Have you ever visited Austria? Which photo was your favorite out of the bunch? Thanks for supporting me!