14 Most Charming Small Towns in Austria, it is renowned for its majestic mountains and stunning metropolitan areas, including Salzburg and Vienna. Although many individuals typically focus their trips on these bustling cities, with their exceptional museums, opera houses, and historical landmarks, it is equally crucial to allocate time to explore the charming small towns in Austria. It is within these towns that you will discover the authentic essence and spirit of Austria.
St. Gilgen
Less than 30 kilometers away from Salzburg lies the charming town of St. Gilgen, which is a popular destination for day trips from the city. The town is situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Wolfgang and was used as a filming location for several outdoor scenes in the iconic movie, “The Sound of Music.” St. Gilgen is also known as Mozart village due to the fact that the composer’s mother was born here, his sister lived here, and his grandfather worked in the town. Visitors can take a cable car up to the Zwolferhorn for stunning views, and during the winter holiday season, the town hosts a beautiful and traditional Christmas market that is not to be missed.
Lienz
Lienz, also referred to as the Pearl of the Dolomites, is situated in the Tyrol province, near the Italian border. Due to its southern location, this delightful city is renowned for being one of the sunniest in Austria, with an average of 2000 hours of sunshine annually.
Additionally, Lienz is in proximity to the Hohe Tauern National Park, one of Europe’s largest nature reserves. The city boasts several attractions, including a picturesque medieval town center and the Osttirodler Alpine Coaster, a roller coaster that will take you down the side of a mountain. If you’re an art enthusiast, don’t miss out on visiting Bruck Castle, which now serves as an art museum and houses the most extensive collection of works by East Tyrolean painter Albin Egger-Lienz.
Millstatt
This charming village is situated on the northern coast of the Millstatter See, the second largest lake in the Austrian state of Carinthia. The climate and the waters of this lake are pleasantly warm during the summer, making boating and swimming popular activities in this town. Additionally, during the summer months, the town hosts the annual Millstatt Music Weeks, where visitors can delight in choral, orchestral performances, and chamber music presented by international musicians. Millstatt is also renowned for its Benedictine Millstatt Abbey, a significant Romanesque structure constructed in 1070, which holds great importance in Carinthia.
Maria Alm
Maria Alm, situated in the Hochkonig region of Austria, is a renowned ski resort that has long been favored by the affluent and prominent individuals, such as Formula-1 driver Keke Rosberg and former German president Walter Scheel. However, it would be a mistake to dismiss Maria Alm if you happen to be in the area during the summer season.
In the warmer months, Maria Alm entices cyclists, hikers, and climbers with its picturesque landscapes. Additionally, Maria Alm boasts a notable church that serves as the starting point for the Almer Wallfahrt pilgrimage, a spiritual journey that traverses the breathtaking Berchtesgaden Alps and culminates at St. Bartholomew’s Church on the western shore of Lake Konig.
St. Wolfgang
St. Wolfgang, a charming town situated at the base of Schafberg Mountain and along the shores of Lake Wolfgang, is renowned for its stunning beauty. One of its notable attractions is a 14th century church, which was carefully chosen by St. Wolfgang, the Bishop of Regensburg.
This church serves as the final destination for a popular pilgrimage that begins at St. Wolfgang’s grave in Regensburg and concludes in the village of St. Wolfgang. Inside the church, visitors can marvel at the exquisite Michael Pacher Altar, considered by many as the most remarkable example of Gothic art in Austria. With its advantageous location, this town serves as an ideal starting point for skiing, hiking, and biking adventures.
Seefeld in Tyrol
Martha de Jong-Lantink / Flickr
Seefeld in Tirol is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. Situated on a high plateau in Tirol, this charming village is renowned for being one of the top cross-country skiing destinations in Austria. It has even played host to sporting events during the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. In addition to skiing, Seefeld in Tirol is also considered the hiking capital of Austria, offering a plethora of trails for all levels of hikers. Golfing and mountain biking are other popular activities that visitors can enjoy. And with its close proximity to Innsbruck, just 18 km (11 miles) to the northwest, Seefeld in Tirol is an ideal destination for a day trip from the city.
Gmunden
Gmunden, situated on the picturesque Lake Traun and surrounded by stunning mountains, has always been a favored destination for weekend getaways or day trips among residents and visitors of Salzburg. T
he town showcases magnificent 19th century villas and castles, including the renowned Schloss Ort, positioned on an island in the middle of Lake Traun. Hikers are drawn to Gmunden, particularly those seeking the challenge of conquering Grunberg Mountain. However, if you’re not up for the hike, the Grunberg Mountain cable car, inaugurated in 2014, offers a convenient way to reach the summit. Additionally, Gmunden is renowned for its ceramics, making it a must-visit for those seeking unique souvenirs.
Zell am See
Situated on Lake Zell in the heart of the Austrian Alps, this charming town offers a picturesque setting. During the winter, it becomes a popular ski resort, attracting visitors from all over. In the summer months, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area by bike or on foot. For those who enjoy climbing, a new attraction called the MOBO 107 was added in June 2017. This via ferrata or climbing route allows climbers to ascend the impressive Mooserboden Dam Wall. If water sports are more your style, you can take a swim or try stand-up paddling on the lake.
Durnstein
© Bwag / Wikipedia
Durnstein, a charming walled town situated on the Danube River just northwest of Vienna, boasts a plethora of historical sites that are sure to captivate you. Among them are the remains of a medieval castle that dates back to the 10th century and the Durnstein Abbey, which is recognized for its blue tower and is a prominent landmark in the Wachau Valley. Additionally, Durnstein is located in the heart of a wine-growing region, so be sure to indulge in some of the local wine varieties.
Alpbach
Alpbach, located in the state of Tyrol, is a charming ski resort town with a unique distinction. It annually hosts the Alpbach European Forum, a prestigious two-week conference that gathers influential figures from politics, business, science, and culture. Moreover, Alpbach has earned the title of the most picturesque town in Austria due to its enchanting timber houses and delightful floral embellishments. To maintain its aesthetic appeal, the town implemented a regulation in the 1970s mandating that all new constructions adhere to the traditional stone and wood architectural style.
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is situated in the breathtaking Salzkammergut Mountains and on the shores of the Hallstatter See, making for a truly stunning setting. This charming village is also known as the birthplace of Austrian civilization, with over 2,000 prehistoric graves discovered in the area. Despite its small size, Hallstatt offers a variety of interesting attractions, such as the picturesque market square with its 16th-century buildings and the Hallstatt Skywalk, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the St. Michael’s Chapel houses a charnel house with over 600 painted skulls, adding to the town’s unique character.
Kufstein
Kufstein, situated in the Tyrolian Alps on the Inn River, is a charming medieval town. It holds the distinction of being the second largest town in Tyrol, with only Innsbruck surpassing it in size. The town’s most renowned landmark is the impressive Kufstein Fortress, a structure that dates back to the 13th century and stands proudly above the city.
Within the fortress lies the Heldenorgel organ, which holds the title of being the largest outdoor organ in the world. During your visit to Kufstein, be sure to take a leisurely stroll down Romerhofgasse, a captivating lane in the heart of the town that will transport you into the enchanting world of a fairy tale.
Bad Gastein
Bad Gastein, renowned for its therapeutic thermal spring waters, is a spa town that offers a multitude of benefits. These waters, extensively researched by Marie Curie and other scientists, were found to contain radon. It was believed that inhaling radon could alleviate various ailments, such as arthritis. Nestled in a valley resembling a gorge, Bad Gastein is not only a ski resort boasting exquisite Belle Epoque architecture, but also a year-round destination. Its central waterfall adds to the town’s charm. In addition to winter activities, Bad Gastein serves as an ideal base for summer sports like hiking and biking.
Heiligenblut is one of the 14 Most Charming Small Towns in Austria
Heiligenblut, a small town in Austria, holds a significant meaning as it translates to Holy Blood. The town is renowned for its chapel, which is believed to house an authentic vial containing the blood of Jesus Christ. Constructed in 1271, this church has been a pilgrimage site for Christians who seek to witness this sacred relic.
Additionally, Heiligenblut marks the beginning or end point, depending on one’s perspective, of the breathtaking Grossglockner High Alpine Road. This road, recognized as Austria’s highest surfaced road, is a prominent attraction in the country, offering awe-inspiring and picturesque views. Situated at the base of Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest mountain, Heiligenblut also serves as a popular ski resort.
