Best Villages In Austria To Visit This Holiday Season

Austria has been a very influential part of Europe since the early ages. It also has some of the oldest towns and villages in the world. So if you are planning a vacation there and don’t know where to start just follow our list of top 10 best villages in Austria which will take you from Mozart’s birthplace to high up in the Alps!

 

 

 

Image Source: keith roper/flickr

The next entry on our list is very conveniently located between the borders of Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which makes it trapped between the high rising mountains from all sides. The small town in Austria itself is centuries old with its first mention in text dating back to the 1200’s. You can still see the medieval architecture in the town center which will remind you of every classic literature you read. It is also pretty lively during the weekends with music performances of many indie artists in the main square. This is the perfect small town in Europe to start writing your novel (if you ever wanted to).

 

 

 

Image Source: Riessdo/flickr

While keeping up with the tradition of picturesque Austrian villages, the town of St. Gilgen had to make the list. It is located on the Wolfgangsee and surrounded by the Salzkammergut mountain range. When you see the town with your eyes for the first time you realize you have walked into a very beautiful art work. The streets are covered with beautiful villas and mansions that can rival any major city in Europe.

 

 

 

Image Source: Stephan Mosel/flickr  

Due to its location in high up in Alps it has hosted numerous winter Olympic events since the early 60s. But that doesn’t mean you have to be an Olympic level athlete to slide down a snowy mountain, as it has some of the best ski resorts in the Europe. If that is not your thing, the town center consists of beautiful Austrian architecture which is visible when you walk down any street. The town was also heavily bombed during the second world war, and the ruins can still be found which can interest the inner historian in you.

 

 

 

 

 

Image Source: Jiuguang Wang/flickr

Located in the same premises of the Alps, it is the neighbor of the town of Innsbruck. But both towns couldn’t be any more different. Hallstatt has been a traditionally mining town with a population that doesn’t even cross four digits! But that has never stopped tourists from flooding this place. Its cult popularity has reached a new level with the Chinese government building the replica of this place to gain more tourists from the Asian region. But we’d recommend that you stick with the original.

 

 

 

Image Source: Byron Howes/flickr

At first glance, Durnstein might look like a city straight out of an Assassin’s Creed game, with the castle located on a hill in the center of the town looming over this Austrian beauty.  When you walk in the town the first thing you will see is the old timely architectural buildings which are still preserved in very good conditions. Some of those are even centuries old. But if art and history doesn’t fascinate you, the wine might! Durnstein is covered with dozens of wine yards which make the famous Gruner Veltliner white wines.

 

 

 

The ‘Beauty with brains’ title isn’t only limited to people or cats. This next entry on our list will just prove that right. Located in the Alps, this town houses some of the best skiing locations in the country. It was also the winner of most beautiful village in Austria in 1983 and 1993. Coming to the brains part, the town holds an annual forum known as the Alpbach European Forum, which brings in lot of important people in the sector of science and engineering.

 

 

 

Image Source: Jason Korom/flickr

The first mention of this town was in the year of 1996! But recent studies have shown the town to be thousands of years older than that! Krems has no lack of history which can be seen from its beautiful Old Town which dates back to almost 11th century.  But if you are not into history this town is also known for Marillenschanps or famously known just as ‘Schanps’ which is a special made apricot brandy that is sure to knock your socks off!

 

 

 

Image Source: VillageHero/flickr

This town used to be a summer paradise of the monarchs and kings in the medieval times, remnant of which can still be found in the city center and the architecture of many of the buildings. It also has many hot springs that will help you relax after long hours of travel that is going to take to travel to this place.

 

 

 

Image Source: tea610/flickr   

Lienz literally translates to "Sun Town" which is exactly what it is. It is Located in the southern region of Austria it shares a border with Italy, which explains the amazing weather in the summer.  The history of this town goes back to the early Bronze Age and the evidence can be seen on the beautiful architecture of the buildings. We recommend visiting the famous restaurants in the city for some amazing wine.

 

 

 

So what are you waiting for? Pack your suitcase and book a one-way ticket to Austria as you may not want to come back.