The Alps encircle the landlocked German-speaking nation of enchanting Austria in central Europe, making it totally landlocked. The majority of Austria is covered with mountains. Still, numerous alpine valleys, lakes, quaint towns, and villages are also spread out amid the foothills.
Even though only about a quarter of Austria is located at sea level, the lower parts are just as beautiful, with scenic agriculture, picturesque rolling hills, and magnificent rural scenery. For example, a quarter of Austria’s population resides in the prosperous capital, Vienna, on a plain with the Danube flowing through it.
Austria is a stunning destination year-round, whether you’re in the mood for hiking and swimming in the summer or skiing and other winter activities. The landscape changes dramatically between the two seasons.
1. Burgenland
Burgenland, located in the country’s far east, is on the border with Hungary. It was once a part of Hungary until it acquired Austrian territory after WWI. As a result, the region’s cities and villages have a distinct character, and the region’s breathtaking landscapes and broad array of attractions draw in visitors and residents alike.
For example, the breathtaking Neusiedel Lake is a sight to see. Not only is Austria’s biggest lake home to quaint villages like Rust and Neusiedel Am See, but it also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and a wide range of exciting watersports. Not only that, but the region is also home to many charming wineries and picturesque vineyards.
Austrian Castles
Burg Gussing and Burg Lockenhaus are two of the most breathtaking castles you’ll see as you travel throughout the country. Burgenland literally means “land of castles,” these majestic structures are tucked away amid the region’s picturesque landscapes.
Visiting one of the several hot springs in Burgenland is the perfect way to end a vacation to the area. The most well-known spa towns in the region, Stegersbach and Lutzmannsburg, are thermal springs that form due to the area’s volcanic activity.
2. Carinthia
Located in southern Austria, bordering Italy and Slovenia, the hilly region of Carinthia is framed by the Karawanken range to the south and the Alps to the north. The area is adorned with several shimmering lakes and picturesque alpine valleys.
Because of the abundance of outdoor activities in the region, including rock climbing, swimming, and sailing in the lakes, as well as skiing in the famous mountain resorts of Gerlitzen, Nassfeld, and Turrach, this is a paradise for nature lovers.
Located in one of the sunniest sections of Austria, with so much breathtaking landscape on display and a fantastic spot to swim in the summer, the enormous Lake Worth is one of Carthinia’s primary attractions and a popular vacation spot.
Burg Hochosterwitz is in Sardinia, a region famous for its mountains, lakes, and incredible outdoor activities. Once you’ve made it through the fourteen defensive gates that lead to the top of the hilltop castle, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the beautiful countryside.
3. Lower Austria
You would assume Lower Austria is in the southern part of Austria but in the northeast. The region is called Lower Austria because it is situated downstream of the Enns River. Once part of the area, Lower Austria encircles Vienna in all directions.
Plains and plateaus, mountain ranges covered with trees, hot springs, and the breathtaking Limestone Alps foothills are all part of the region’s varied topography. The latter is perhaps the most breathtaking section of the area, with its 2,000-meter mountains dominating babbling rivers, verdant valleys, and picturesque tiny towns and villages.
4. Styria
Styria is the second biggest area in Austria, second only to Lower Austria. It is home to Graz, the second biggest city in Austria, which serves as the region’s nerve center and a plethora of breathtakingly beautiful and wonderfully diverse landscapes.
One of its most picturesque locations is the Gruner See, emerald-green waters bordered by seemingly endless trees and the majestic Hochschwab Mountains in the background. Among the breathtaking natural attractions in the area are mountains, lakes, and Alpine rivers; in other parts, you may discover vineyards covering softly undulating hills and charming little wineries to visit. True, the area’s stellar reputation rests squarely on its mouthwatering white wines.
You may also find beautiful castles, spa towns, and ski resorts in other regions of Styria; Schloss Riegersburg, Bad Blumau, and Schladming are three of the best.
5. Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg, which forms the very point of Austria, has an Alemanic alpine culture that is quite different from the rest of Austria and borders Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
The little Vorarlberg hosts various landscapes, from the northernmost Lake Constance and the Rhine Valley to the southernmost mountain ranges and alpine valleys. Because of this, it provides a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including swimming, rock climbing, hiking during the summer, and skiing and skating during the winter.
Surrounded by towering mountains, Vorarlberg is the richest area outside of Vienna. The region is intriguing due to its rich cultural past, distinctive personality, and breathtaking landscape.
