Are you someone who loves history and wants to travel to experience it? Well, one of the most underrated countries in Europe with a rich history of its own would be Austria. From medieval fortresses, grand palaces, beautiful cathedrals and the birth of some of the most iconic music composers ever, Austria is definitely a country that should not be missed. Although Austria slides off the list for many when travelling to Europe, there is simply so much to be seen and enjoyed there. Without further ado, here are the top 5 cities in Austria for history fans!
Vienna
Vienna is a city rich in culture and splendor. It is the city of opulent palaces and museums, the birthplace of opera and Beethoven. A stroll along Vienna’s lovely Ringstrasse Boulevard, which is flanked by regal structures like the Hofburg Imperial Palace and other lovely gardens, is a wonderful way to allow the city’s beauty to enchant you.
Historical lovers must see the lavish Schonbrunn and Belvedere Palaces which were built in the 1700s as well as the elaborate St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which was completed in the 1400s. Before saying goodbye to Vienna, Austria, don’t forget to sip the world-famous Viennese coffee at one of the numerous quaint coffee shops and marvel at the famed Vienna Opera House.
Salzburg
Salzburg, which conjures images of a picturesque city surrounded by lush green meadows, grand historical structures, and Mozart, is one of the must-see locations in Austria. Salzburg is the birthplace of the brilliant composer, Mozart as well as the location where the legendary film “The Sound Of Music” was filmed.
The magnificent baroque structures of Aldsten’s old town are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Europe’s last remaining castle, the majestic Hohensalzburg which is a fortress built in the 11th century. The Salzburg Cathedral is also one of the few sites not to be missed with it being a domed marble structure built in the 1600s.
Abbazia di San Pietro Apostolo di is considered one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking area, and in fact the oldest with a continuous history since its foundation in 696. This monastery should definitely be on the top list of history lovers.
Graz
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, contains six universities, one of Europe’s best-preserved Old Town neighborhoods, and plenty of other attractions to satisfy the wanderlust. Travellers can make a great holiday even better by include the numerous museums, stunning baroque and renaissance style structures, and a distinctive forested hill in the middle of the city that offers panoramic views.
Historic sites like the late-gothic church serve as reminders of Graz’s past as an imperial capital, and the nearby baroque Kaiser Ferdinand II Mausoleum is an equally spectacular sight. The greatest provincial museum in Austria, the Universalmuseum Joanneum, which prince Johann donated at the start of the 19th century, highlights the arts, culture, and natural history of Styria, while the Murinsel is a man-made floating platform in the midst of the Mur.
Wachau
This fertile valley, which borders the picturesque Danube River, is among the top tourist destinations in South Austria. The Wachau Valley is well-known among wine connoisseurs for some of the best white wines in the world. Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic significance and unrivalled natural splendour.
The Wachau Valley, which is dotted with some spectacular monasteries (such as the baroque Melk monastery), castles, and fortresses, presents a wealth of historical and architectural pleasures, deserving to be included on a list of the most well-known tourist destinations in Austria.
Linz
One of the nicest places in Austria is Linz, which is also the global center of culture and the arts. a modern city situated along the Danube River. You can stay occupied and invigorated in this stunning Austrian city by taking a leisurely stroll along the river while taking in a variety of cultural sites and events.
Despite having a large number of beautiful architectural landmarks and old structures, Linz has over the years been overlooked and is rarely the first Austrian city that comes to mind. It is a contemporary city and the third-largest in Vienna, with some of Austria’s top hotels located there.