Austria Travelers Recommend

It’s no surprise that Salzburg has been such a draw for tourists over the last several hundred years. Sitting on the Salzach River and a stone’s throw away from the Bavarian Alps, the local geography is breathtaking. But it’s not just the landscape that drives people there – the city is rich in exciting history. Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and where he performed his earliest concerts as a child prodigy, it boasts a wide array of beautiful Cathedrals which dominate the skyline of the old city and – of course – it was the setting for Julie Andrews’ Oscar-winning musical phenomenon, The Sound of Music. For many people, the greater musical draw to Salzburg is The Sound of Music. Tours take place frequently and often burst into song, so make sure you’ve warmed up your vocal chords! You’ll be taken to the Von Trapp house and shown the boating lake, the Cathedral where Julie Andrews tied the knot with Mr. Von Trapp and many other noticeable locations.

Home to the Habsburg dynasty since the 15th century and once the de facto capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Vienna is one of the finest and most historic cities in Europe. In addition to its vast imperial history, Vienna’s impressive musical legacy is evident in the city’s many theaters, opera houses and concert venues. Day One: The Heart of Vienna Kick off your visit by picking up the Vienna Card at your hotel or the tourist information center. Then, get a feel for the city by circling the Ringstrasse via the Vienna Ring Tram. Day Two: Museum-Hopping Today, dig a little deeper by visiting some of the city’s top museums. Day Three: Vienna’s Imperial Past Start your third morning with a visit to the Naschmarket, an open air market on the edge of town that has been around since the Middle Ages. Then, explore more of Vienna’s imperial past at the enchanting Schoenbrunn Palace and Park.

Hop on the famous Sound of Music bus tour to see the original settings for the film, and learn unknown facts about the filming of the classic musical. Be sure to bring your vocal chords with you, because you’ll be treated to sing-a-long renditions of the classic songs all day. The tour starts at the Schloss Leopoldskron, which was used for the exterior of the Von Trapp house, and is the location of the boating lake where the young actress playing Gretl nearly drowned when the Von Trapp’s boat capsized on screen. The glass rotunda used for “I am Sixteen, Going on Seventeen” was originally located in the garden of this great house, but so many people broke in to re-enact the scene that it has now been moved and put on public display. The tour then heads out to the Lake District and the small town of Mondsee. This is home to the cathedral where Maria and Colonel von Trapp tied the knot. It is also a great place to buy an apple strudel, and sample the Austrian countryside.

Warmer months mean longer days and more time to explore. The city of Vienna offers travelers plenty of ways to capitalize on sunshine with numerous cultural, historical and sightseeing options. The gilded city of Vienna is the perfect place for travelers who want to experience the royal treatment. Visitors can float along the picturesque Danube River and stop at the incredible Schonbrunn Palace, where breathtaking interiors and historic artifacts tell the story of kings and queens. While city highlight tours prove a popular choice for first-time visitors, Vienna offers up several options that cater to specific interests. Whether it’s a wine-tasting bike tour, walking tour of the historic district or guided journey that ends with a Mozart concert, there’s a tour in Vienna for almost anyone. The city’s close proximity to other popular destinations also makes it an ideal place for day tours to places such as Viena Woods, Bratislava or Melk Abbey.

Running all the way from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea on the eastern coast of Romania, the mighty Danube River is the longest river in the European Union and has long been known as one of Europe’s great rivers to cruise. It’s possible to cruise the entire length of the Danube, but the most scenic section is the romantic "Blue Danube" route between the Hungarian capital of Budapest and the medieval town of Passau on the German border, winding through the vineyards of the Wachau Valley and passing through the Slovakian capital of Bratislava and the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg. Of course, you don’t have to embark on the journey of a lifetime to take in the highlights of the Danube–a short sightseeing cruise is also a great way to enjoy the scenic waterfront, and with its opulent palaces and regal parks, Vienna offers a striking backdrop.