This amazing country is located in the very center of Europe and became famous not only for its outstanding natives in the world of art and science, but also for its beautiful sights.
We set off on a journey and settle the unique sights of Austria, both natural and created by human hands.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Let's start with the most beautiful cathedral in the Austrian capital, built in the Gothic style at the turn of the XIV - XV centuries. But it should be noted that in 1137-1147 an ancient temple stood on the site of the cathedral.
In the Vienna Cathedral is stored a valuable Pechersk icon, donated to the church at the end of the XVII century. Under the eastern wing and houses are the catacombs - the oldest cemetery in which the highest ranks of the Austrian church are still buried.
Hofburg
We will stay for a short time in Vienna and see the winter residence of the emperors of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty Hofburg Palace. Although a medieval castle on this hill was built long before the appearance of emperors in Austria.
Frans Joseph at the beginning of the twentieth century decided to rebuild the castle in the style of a new Empire, but the outbreak of war interfered with the plans of the emperor. From historical events, the proclamation of the accession of the Austrian state to Germany took place here.
Hallstatt
One of the most visited and, due to the beauty of architecture and nature, the most photographed city in Austria. The oldest city is located on the shores of the wonderful Salzkammergut Lake.
Compact houses surrounded by flower beds harmoniously fit into the mountain landscape, and their reflection in the crystal mirror of the lake is more like a flickering mirage.
Not far from the town there are ice and salt caves, which can be accessed through mountain trails, surrounded by greenery.
Salzburg
But music lovers must visit Salzburg. Mozart's homeland attracts tourists with its many concert halls, as well as its unique Baroque architecture.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site has many attractions. This, for example, the castle of Helbrunn, around which there are magnificent gardens with musical fountains.
Salzburg is also famous for its many museums, including a toy museum, a historical and a museum of modern art.
Belvedere Palace and Museum
At the end of the XVII century, Prince Eugene of Savoy tempered architects to design and build a castle. And in one of the districts of Vienna, a majestic castle grew, which became the residence of the prince.
Designed in two parts - Lower and Upper Palace, between which is a garden with a cascade of fountains and sculptures. Today in the halls of the palace is a museum with galleries of paintings by world famous painters.
Alpbach
You can get acquainted with rural life and folk traditions in the rural commune Alpbach. The village is located among the mountain peaks, from it you can easily get to the ski resorts, as well as enjoy the picturesque mountain scenery.
One of the most beautiful villages in Austria, where residents have kept the secrets of ancient crafts, traditions and rituals, as well as the traditional rural way.
Lake Faker See
Alpine lake stretches in the picturesque places of Carinthia. A popular place among locals and visiting tourists. For the convenience of those coming along the shores, there are comfortable resort villages.
The water body is famous for its clear water and shores, laden with greenery. Here you can swim, go boating and have a great time fishing.
Monastery in Melk
On the rocky bank of the Danube, near the town of Melke, there is a Benedictine monastery built in the XII century. But the modern Baroque style, the religious structure acquired during the reconstruction period at the beginning of the XVIII century.
Today in the beautiful halls of the monastery there is a unique museum telling about the history of the Order and the Babenberg Dynasty.
Kitzsteinhorn Mountain and Glacier
Everyone knows that Austria is famous for its ski resorts. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier, in the main alpine ridge, acts as a ski resort at any time of the year.
Thousands of skiers and climbers annually come to ride on the snowy slopes, and enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Austrian part of the Alps. Around the mountain, with a height of 3000 meters, there are many tourist centers and hotels.
Krimmler Waterfall
This is a cascade of beautiful waterfalls on the Krimler Ahe River. In addition, it is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe, with a total height of flowing water of 380 meters.
In winter, Krimmler freezes and the park in which it is located is closed to visitors. So, when planning your trips, consider this to see the most beautiful natural wonder of a mountainous country.
High tauern
High in the mountains on an area of more than 181,500 hectares, a wonderful natural reserve has spread its expanses.
Here you can see the highest mountain of the Austrian Alps, the narrowest gorge, many waterfalls, caves. There are many lakes in the reserve, and fast rivers cross the territory.
Through the largest and highest mountain reserve in Europe laid tourist routes of varying complexity.
Hochosterwitz
On the mountain, 160 meters high, in the Middle Ages the most beautiful castle of Europe - Hochosterwitz - was built. In clear weather, its walls and tower spiers are visible from a distance of 30 kilometers.
In historical documents, this architectural structure was mentioned back in 860. Today, from October to April, some parts of the castle are open to visitors, but to get only to the facade, you need to go through 14 fortifications, overcoming 620 meters.
Vienna State Opera
We complete the journey, where we started, in the capital. Sights of Austria will be incomplete, if not to mention the Vienna State Opera.
The opening of the temple of music took place in 1869, and the work of Mozart “Don Juan” was performed. Visitors are impressed not only by the acoustics of the opera, but also by the magnificent and magnificent interior decoration and the beauty of the facade.
Conclusion
The most beautiful places in Austria are rightfully included in the world heritage of Mankind. Through centuries, the Austrians managed to preserve national traditions and culture, to increase natural wealth. The whole world admires the picturesque mountain landscapes of Austria, as well as objects of architecture.