Things to do in Vienna

Visit Vienna, and you could be excused for thinking the wealthy Habsburg family was still in power, still controlling its huge swathe of Central Europe from its capital here in Austria.

Because so much of the city – at least, the inner city – is focused on the heritage of the Habsburg dynasty, from the palatial residences like the Hofburg to the enormous Kunsthistorisches Museum that was built by the family to hold its vast art collection.

Some of the best things to do in Vienna involve these grand imperial sites and the elegant architecture that surrounds them. The historic part of the city is beautiful and you constantly feel like you are still in the centre of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with all its riches and sophistication.

Even beyond the imperial history, it’s easy to spend days in Vienna exploring the heritage sites, visiting the museums and galleries, going to a classical concert, and maybe even taking a cruise on the Danube River.

But, of course, much of the city is modern – even if the facades don’t look that way. As you go further out from the city centre, you’ll find hipster neighbourhoods and great restaurants that blend multiculturalism with Viennese tradition. It’s worth exploring some of the street art, local markets, and boutique shops to see this side of Vienna.

In this guide to the best things to do in Vienna, I’ve focused a lot on the main landmarks because there is so much interesting and beautiful heritage to discover. But I’ve also included some lighter suggestions, like the amusement park in the Prater or hiking in the hills to a wine tavern.

My top tip for visiting Vienna is not to just spend your whole time in the historic centre of Innere Stadt. Spend some time in the neighbourhoods that have a more local feel, and also enjoy the parks, the river, and the hills.

The Hofburg

The Hofburg is not a single building, but rather a sprawling complex across much of Vienna’s historic centre. Serving as the nerve centre of the Habsburg empire, it grew continuously from a fortified 13th-century castle into a series of interconnected palaces.

This means that, today, there isn’t a single attraction you visit or ticket you buy. There are actually lots of different areas you can see, each with their own entry prices.

Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum

The main attraction at the Hofburg (and what people probably mean if they are “visiting the Hofburg”) is the Imperial Apartments, the private residence that gives you a look into the lives and rigid court protocols of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth.

The Emperor ruled for 68 years (from 1848 until 1916) and the 26 rooms currently open to the public reflect his austere private lifestyle in the audience chambers, studies, and shared bedrooms.

The attached Sisi Museum focuses on the life of his wife Elisabeth (known as Sisi) and strips away the extensive mythology to focus on things like her obsession with poetry and exercise. The museum holds over 300 of her personal items, including parasols and a replica of her embroidered coronation gown.

Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library holds an archive of over 12 million individual items, but there’s one thing that’s usually the focal point – the State Hall.

Constructed in the 1720s, the hall is 80 metres long and 20 metres high, with a huge fresco painted on the ceiling. There are about 200,000 historic books on the heavy wooden shelves and important artefacts like Venetian globes placed throughout the space.

The library’s State Hall gets very busy so it’s worth arriving at opening time if you want photos. The library also has normal reading rooms where you can spend some time for a more modern atmosphere.

Spanish Riding School

Don’t get confused – yes, you’re in Austria. The Spanish Riding School gets its name from the Spanish horses that form the base breed of the Lipizzaner horses, made famous by the Habsburgs (and now bred on the Piber Stud Farm near Graz, which you can also visit).

This is the only institution in the world that has continuously practised classical dressage for over 450 years and you can see a performance in the Winter Riding School, a heavily ornamented riding hall from 1735 (or catch the morning warm-up for a cheaper ticket).

You can still see the horses without spending any money, though, because some of their stables are visible from the street as you walk past.

Imperial Treasury

The Imperial Treasury is, as the name suggests, a real treasure trove! It houses the most valuable items amassed by the Habsburg dynasty over nearly a millennium, all stored behind heavy vault doors.

The undisputed centrepiece is the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, crafted in the late 10th century and defined by its distinctive octagonal shape and heavy jewel encrustation. You will also find the Austrian Imperial Crown here, created in 1602.

Beyond the crowns, the vault contains massive uncut emeralds, intricate coronation robes, and items of profound religious significance, including pieces alleged to be the Holy Lance and fragments of the True Cross.

More museums

You’ll get exhausted if you try to see it all, but there are a few more museums in the Hofburg complex that may be of interest:

• House of Austrian History: it focuses on the complex political history of Austria from the collapse of the Habsburg empire in 1918 through to the present day.
• Ephesos Museum: a collection of monumental ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including the 40-ton Parthian Monument, excavated by Austrian archaeologists in modern-day Turkey.
• Weltmuseum Wien: an expansive ethnographic museum containing over 200,000 objects from around the world, including an Aztec feather headdress often attributed to Moctezuma II.
• Historical Musical Instruments Collection: included with a ticket for the Weltmuseum, it has instruments used by musicians like Schubert, Liszt, and Mahler.
• Imperial Armoury: also included with a ticket for the Weltmuseum, it mostly has ceremonial armour and weapons on display.

Other main sights

If you are short of time and trying to choose the most important things to do in Vienna, then these are the other key sights to consider alongside the Hofburg.

Schönbrunn Palace

Even though it’s less than five kilometres from the Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg family. As well as the enormous 1,441-room Rococo building, there’s a huge garden that was once part of hunting fields.

A World Heritage Site in its own right, I think visiting Schönbrunn Palace is a highlight in Vienna (although tickets are not cheap). It’s one of the grandest palaces in Europe but with some of the unhappiest residents, according to the guides.

Make sure you don’t miss the gardens, which have lots of different things to see, including the Gloriette monument perched on the hill and the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which opened in 1752 and remains the oldest continuously operating zoo in the world.

There can be huge queues to buy tickets on the day, so I would suggest skipping the line with this interesting and affordable guided tour.

Belvedere Palace

If you’re not palaced-out, I also want to mention Belvedere Palace, located in the third district of the city. While it is referred to as a single palace, there are actually two main buildings (and some smaller ones) spread across the estate.

Historically home to various Habsburg dynasty members over the years, the complex now functions as a major national museum.

The Upper Belvedere houses an extensive collection of Austrian art, including the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings. The Lower Belvedere has works that include the ancient periods, while Belvedere 21 focuses on contemporary art, film and music.

St Stephen’s Cathedral

Right in the centre of the historic part of the city, it’s impossible to miss the towering, multi-coloured tile roof and the distinctive Gothic spires of St Stephen’s Cathedral.

The current Romanesque and Gothic form is largely from 1359, standing on the ruins of two earlier churches. With the south tower reaching exactly 136.4 metres high, it’s the tallest church in Austria and has 13 working bells that can chime out across the city.

The towers have ruled supreme over the city’s skyline for centuries and continue to be an iconic symbol in the city today. At 137m high, it is also the tallest church in Austria and visiting it is a must. The cathedral also houses 13 bells that you will be able to see during your visit, the most famous of them called the Pummerin.

More churches

While St Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, there are some other interesting churches in Vienna that are worth visiting if you want to see more of the glorious art and architecture.

Karlskirche

Completed in 1739, Karlskirche stands on the south side of Karlsplatz as a prime example of Baroque architecture. Interestingly, the design blends ancient Greek, Roman, and contemporary Viennese elements.

The exterior is defined by a massive green dome and two large intricately carved columns that flank the entrance. Inside, the ceiling is covered in expansive frescoes. At the high altar, you can see a detailed carving that shows St Charles intervening to save Vienna from the plague of 1713.

To get the best view of the ceiling frescoes, pay the entrance fee to use the panoramic elevator, which takes you directly up into the dome. It saves your legs and gives you a close-up look at the brushwork. 

St Peter’s Catholic Church

Another major Baroque structure within the Innere Stadt is St Peter’s Catholic Church. Although it was consecrated in 1733, it sits on the site of an early Roman encampment, leading some historians to claim it’s the oldest continuous church foundation in Vienna.

The interior footprint is incredibly compact, yet the oval-shaped nave is packed with high-Baroque art, gold leaf, and elaborate stucco work. The church also formally houses the skeletal remains of both St Benedict and St Donathus, which were transferred here in the 18th century and are displayed in glass coffins.

Capuchin’s Crypt

Located directly beneath the unassuming exterior of the Capuchin Church, you’ll find the Imperial Crypt, commonly known as the Capuchin’s Crypt. Founded in 1618 by Empress Anna, the primary purpose of this sprawling subterranean space was to serve as the final resting place for members of the Habsburg dynasty.

The sprawling crypt network currently holds the physical remains of exactly 149 Habsburgs, which includes 12 former emperors and 18 empresses. The metal sarcophagi range wildly in design from simple, austere lead boxes to massive, highly elaborate Rococo tombs.

Two of the most frequently visited tombs belong to Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), who you may remember as the last residents of the Imperial Apartments in the Hofburg.

The Ringstrasse

Following on from the main sights in the Innere Stadt are those located on the Ringstrasse. The 5.3km circular boulevard encompasses the Inner Stadt is home to some of Vienna’s most famous museums and sights. This was no coincidence as it was carefully planned as a showcase of the glory and grandeur of the Habsburg Empire. 

Vienna Opera House

The Vienna Opera House, or Staatoper as it is known locally, is one of the world’s most beautiful and famous opera houses, located on the Ringstrasse. It has housed works from some of the most famous performers such as Mozart, Richard Strauss, Richard Wagner and Luciano Pavarotti. 

The 1,709-seater Renaissance Revival venue was built between 1861 and 1869 and continues to wow audiences to this day. And let me tell you – the tickets are worth their weight in gold! The experience is nothing short of unforgettable and if you have the time, do yourself a favour and go see a show. You’ll thank me later!

An alternative to the Vienna Opera House, if tickets are sold out, is the Burgtheater – a short commute by tram along the Ringstrasse.

Austrian Parliament

The Austrian Parliament in Vienna, designed by Architect Theophil Hansen, is where the two houses of parliament conduct their business. Located near the Palace of Justice and Hofburg Palace on the Ringstrasse in Inner Stadt, it is possible to visit both the Palais Epstein and the main building as a tourist. All you have to do is register and then you’re good to go. The tour is free and is offered in both English and German.

You can also browse the on-site library and even have a traditional Viennese coffee at the café next door. There’s even a rooftop restaurant that serves up some delicious cuisine, with amazing views of downtown Vienna.

Rathaus

Located on Rathausplatz, Rathaus, or the Vienna City Hall, serves as the seat for both the city and provincial government. This is because Vienna is both a city and a province, in case you were wondering. There are more than 1,500 rooms in the building that house the hundreds of officials that are based there.

The Rathaus is considered to be one of the gems of the boulevard and is one of the favourite places to visit – well, it was one of mine at least. It’s possible to visit one of the seven inner courtyards for free, provided you join up with a local tour.

Parks and gardens

Museums

Next up are the incredible Viennese museums, often regarded as some of the best in the world. From housing objects of global importance to hosting top international exhibitions, it’s easy to see why this somewhat bold statement rings true.

Museum Quarter

To say that the Museum Quartier is nothing short of impressive would be an understatement. Spread of 90,000 m2, MQ as it is abbreviated to, has no less than 60 cultural institutions that are spread out over central Vienna. While the area is free to enter, with no formal barriers or gates, you have to purchase tickets for each of the individual museums you wish to visit.

Some of the most notable institutions in the MQ include The Sigmund Freud Museum, The Kunsthistorisches Museum, The Leopold Museum, The Albertina and The KunstHausWien. You can expect a vast spectrum of works ranging from photography, music, art, theatre and dance to street art, children’s culture, fashion and even game culture. It would be difficult to leave not feeling inspired.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which translates to the Art History Museum, is found along the Ringstrasse in Vienna. The museum houses some of the world’s finest artworks, including rare and precious works from the Middle Ages, Baroque era and even the Renaissance. It’s best to dedicate at least a morning or an afternoon to visiting the museum as one can easily spend up to three or four hours exploring.

Some of the highlights of the Kunsthistorisches Museum include the famous “Saliera”, the exoctica complex and the impressive collection of Emperor Kaiser Rudolf II. Across the square from the Kunsthistorisches Museum is another one the world’s most important museums of its kind, the Museum of Natural History, which cannot be missed.

Albertina

Located in the Inner Stadt, Albertina houses some of the most important graphical collections in the world. There are believed to be in region of a million old master prints, photographs, architectural drawings and more modern graphic works. There are also in the region of 65,000 drawings housed at the museum – try wrapping your head around those figures. 

Not only is this the largest collection of its kind in the world, it is also the most valuable. In recent years, a collection of 1,323 works was received that was part of the Essl Collection, believed to have a value of around €90 million. That gives you a small idea of the value of the works housed at Albertina!

Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum, known locally as the Jüdisches Museum Wien, is found in the heart old town and strives to provide an insight into the harsh struggle of the Jewish community in Austria. It serves as a centre for history, culture and arts, housing displays of a somewhat paradoxical nature. “Shocking, yet not shocking enough” has been used to describe the exhibitions that are housed in the museum.

The Our City! Exhibition is housed at the main museum site at Dorotheergasse and is spread over the first and second floors. The presentations (daily items, photos and documents) are nothing short of horrific but are there for us to learn from history to ensure that it doesn’t ever repeat itself.

Sigmund Freud Museum

The final Viennese museum of significance is the Sigmund Freud Museum – a must-see when visiting the city. The museum is solely dedicated to the life and works of the Austrian neurologist, regarded as the father of psychoanalysis and who revolutionized the idea of self-image. 

His former apartment and surgery, found at Wien IX, Berggasse 19, is now the home of the famous museum. Some of the highlights of the museum include viewing the working of Freud’s old surgery and living quarters as well as original documents, objects and photographs.

Culture

Music, theatre, operas and concerts are a huge part of Viennese culture and have been for centuries. Many world-famous music composers have lived and worked in Vienna and the city is considered to be one of the music capitals of the world. It is also considered to be the cultural capital of Austria – and it’s easy to see why.

Classical music concert

Even if classical music is not your thing, it is highly recommended to dip your feet in the sea of classical music concerts that Vienna has to offer. While the venues themselves are enough to entice you, the music itself is spectacular. Your tympanic membranes will be graced with excerpts from Mozart, pieces from John Strauss and works from the Viennese classical period. 

The Musikverein is one of the most famous places to watch a classical music concert, where you can hear the classics performed by a live orchestra. Alternatively, you can visit the Karlskirche and listen to the Four Seasons by Vivaldi – a real musical history journey. 

The Prater

The Prater, a large park and green area in Vienna, is home to one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Once the imperial hunting grounds, it opened to the public in 1766 and houses one of the symbols of Vienna – a giant Ferris wheel that stands over 200m high.

The Prater is open year-round, with the attractions closing over the winter months. There are some 250 different attractions on offer from shooting booths and ball toss to roller coasters, merry-go-rounds and even an old Viennese grotto train. The area is free to enter, and you can spend hours cruising up and down the stall-lined avenues. 

Hundertwasserhaus

The Hundertwasserhaus is one of the most famous works of Austrian painter, architect and printmaker Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The apartment block was completed in 1985 and belongs to the city today. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to go inside but you can marvel at the works of Hundertwasser from the outside.

You can, however, visit Museum Hundertwasser im Kunst Haus Wien, which was designed by Hundertwasser himself. It’s the only museum of its kind to house permanent works of Friedensreich Hundertwasser but also hosts continuously changing temporary exhibits of other artists.

Street Art

Street art has become increasingly popular in Vienna and these artworks can be seen throughout the city. Graffiti artists use the city’s walls, archways and rails as their medium and decorate them with bright colours and spray-painted depictions. 

One of the most famous areas to see these works is The Danube Canal, often referred to as the epicentre for street art in Vienna. It is a tributary of the main river and the unofficial outdoor exhibition space for street artists. You can also spot the colourful artworks when on a bus, tram or strolling through the city so always keep your eyes peeled. 

Neighbourhoods

Vienna has 23 neighbourhoods scattered across the city, and each has its own unique charm and attractions. These are a few of the top ones I’d recommend when visiting Vienna. The city has a pretty impressive transport system with buses, trains and trams in operation so getting between them is easy.

Neubau

Neubau, the 7th district of Vienna, is best known for its vintage stores, galleries and trendy bars and restaurants. The busier Mariahilfer Strasse borders Neubau to the south, the Gürtel to the west and Lerchenfelder Strasse to the north.

You can expect to find both hipster-style thrift stores as well as high-end retro boutiques. During the autumn, there are also flea markets that take place along the Neubaugasse with local vendors selling their goods.

Karmeliterviertel

The Karmeliterviertel, at the centres of Vienna’s 2nd district, Leopoldstadt, is the epicentre of the Jewish community in the city. You can expect to find a number of Kosher bakeries, butcheries, stores and restaurants as well as both religious and cultural institutions and schools. 

Aside from this, Karmeliterviertel has a somewhat laid-back feel to it, with a bustling art scene and a number of galleries and shops to compliment it. Much of the attraction is centred on the Karmelitermarkt which is home to an impressive culinary scene.

Wieden

Wieden, the 4^th district of Vienna, is very much the hip and happening, cool district of the city. It is definitely a different side of the city, free of pretences, ballgowns and expensive artworks. With Karlskirche at the epicentre of the district, it is home to some of the city’s most iconic and visited landmarks. Think Belvedere Palace, the botanical gardens, the naschmarkt and the Wien Museum.

Wieden also has a younger, excitable vibe to it with a plethora of contemporary galleries, hip coffee shops and an impressive culinary scene. 

The Danube

Now, The Danube River isn’t like any old river – it’s the largest river in Austria and the second longest river in the whole of Europe. Not only does it flow through Austria’s capital, but through three other capital cities in Europe – Bratislava, Belgrade and Budapest. It is both an iconic symbol in Vienna as well as an important trade artery too.

River cruise

What better way to see the city than a boat cruise on the Danube River. There are a number of different cruise options ranging from 75-minutes up to 3-hours that take you past some of the top sites in the city. There is also a restaurant onboard that serves up some delicious dishes to accompany the tour. You can take pick from the apple strudel, schnitzel, lunch or dinner cruise options and even sip on your favourite beverage – take about cruising in comfort. 

If you have a bit more time on your hands and are up for an adventure, you can take an 8-day cruise along the Danube all the way to Budapest. 

Swimming

Swimming in the Danube River is a popular summertime activity, especially when the temperatures soar. It’s the perfect way to cool off or even do a spot of open-water swimming training. Some of the most popular swimming spots along the river include An der Oberen Alten Donau, Neue Donau, Romaplatz, An der Unteren Alten Donau and of course, the most well-known, Strandbad Gänsehäufel.

Another way to see the city is by kayak on the Danube River. Whether on a relaxed tour to see the city or a sunset paddle with your friends, it’s a fun activity for both locals and foreigners alike.

Danube Tower

The Danube Tower, or Donauturm as it’s known locally, is an iconic Viennese symbol. Located in Donaustadt at Donauturmplatz, the impressive silver tower stands 252m high. The best part of it is that you can take an express lift up to the observation deck, 150m off the ground. You are greeted with unparalleled views and it’s a great way to see the city from above. There is also a restaurant, café and inside terrace at the top of the tower.

A smaller insider tip – if you have a Vienna PASS, you are granted free admission up the tower. The PASS is available online and also on the bus.

Tours

Guided tours are a great way to see the city as more often than not, when you do it yourself, you miss out on things. Rather leave it to the professionals – guides have insider knowledge and can share some unusual facts and show you a side of the city that you might have otherwise missed. 

General city tour

Guided tours are a great way to discover the city and its most iconic sights as you are in the capable and experienced hands of a guide. You will also learn a great deal about the city that you might not have learnt otherwise.

Take this walking tour, for example. You’ll get to discover the former imperial palace of the Habsburgs, visit Mozart’s residence, discover Vienna’s old town and even visit one of the most famous coffee houses in the city.

Hidden gems

Who doesn’t love finding a hidden gem, especially when it comes to a new city that you are visiting for the first time? A great example is this underground walking tour of Vienna. You’ll get to discover the archaeological site at Michaelerplatz and see mummies of former noble figures in the crypt of St. Michael’s Church.

There’s also a tour that explores courtyards & mysterious places in Vienna –  a unique way to learn about the lesser-known places in the city and learn about the legends of the courtyards. Lastly, there’s a hidden gems tour – think myths and legends, charming courtyards and winding alleyways. 

Food tour

One of my favourite ways to discover a new country or city is through its food. Vienna has a great food and drink culture, with some amazing local markets, cafes, restaurants and coffee houses. A fun way to discover the local food and drink culture is through a local walking food tour. 

An expert local guide will take you to some of the best local markets, you will learn all about the local Viennese coffee culture and try both savoury and sweet snacks from local eateries. The best part of it all? It’s a walking tour so it’s carbon neutral.

Food and drink

As I mentioned previously, a great way to discover a new country or city is through its food (and drinks). You know what they say, the way to every person’s heart is through their stomach. Vienna has some pretty amazing local dishes, an incredible local coffee culture and some trendy cafes, bars and restaurants.

Naschmarkt

The Vienna Naschmarkt is the most popular market in the city, open daily barring Sundays. The market has around 120 stands of varying cuisines, from Viennese to Vietnamese and everything in between. There are also a number of restaurants, bars and cafes in the area around the Naschmarkt so there’s plenty to choose from.

Saturdays are particularly busy as there’s also a flea market on the go, with local vendors selling their products. A fun summertime activity is to sit outside with your food and beverage and watch the passers-by. 

Local food

There are a number of Viennese specialities that you have to try when visiting the city. There is a rich culinary heritage, and it makes for a popular venue for foodies from all over the world. The Wiener Schnitzel is one of the most famous dishes – a crumbed and fried veal meat that is pounded and tenderized and is usually served with fries.  

Erdäpfelsalat is another popular dish – a much lighter local take on a potato salad that incorporates chicken broth for added flavour. Wurstelstande are also a common sight in Vienna that is a must-try. They are traditional street food shops that specialize in sausages, hot dogs and sides.

Cafe culture

The café culture in Vienna is second to none, with a focus on the coffeehouse culture. coffeehouses are to the Viennese what pubs are to the British. Café Central is considered to be the most popular café in the city, usually sporting a pretty long queue of tourists. Aside from its sheer magnificence, it has also served coffee to the likes of Leon Trotsky Adolf Loos, and none other than Sigmund Freud. Some of the other notable ones include Café Schwarzenberg, Demel and Vollpension.

Vienna has thousands of coffeehouses that all share a common value – they celebrate Viennese coffee and its history. So, no matter which café you choose you’re bound to have a great experience. 

Heuriger wine taverns

A heuriger is a traditional Viennese wine tavern, usually small, rustic places that serve delicious wines and simple food. ‘Heuriger Wine’ translates to “this year’s wine’ so traditionally the taverns served the freshest wines directly from the producers, along with simple cold cuts of meat.

Today, Viennese heuriger serves up a few more options, but it is usually limited to some homemade bread, spreads, cheese and other simple platter items. A fun way to discover the taverns is with the Vienna Heuriger Express, a hop-on hop-off shuttle.

Day trips

If you feel like you’ve conquered all the sights in Vienna or simply want to escape the city for a day, there are a number of day trips that you can embark on. It’s even possible to leave the country and come back on the same day, especially if you fancy visiting somewhere like Bratislava in Slovakia. 

Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley, found to the west of Vienna, is a section of the Danube Valley between Krems and Melk. It’s the perfect place to head for a day trip from the city. The area is well known for its grape and apricot production, used for producing liquors and wine respectively. 

I’d recommend jumping on an organized tour that includes your travel to and from the Wachau Valley as it just makes things much easier. A full Wachau, Melk Abbey and Danube Valley tour includes all the top sights such as the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, the imperial history on the Blue Danube and the ruins of Dürnstein Castle. 

Mauthausen Concentration Camp

The Mauthausen Concentration Camp, one of the worst of all the Nazi camps, is located near the village of Mauthausen close to Linz in upper Austria. The camp housed Jews, political prisoners as well as Soviet prisoners of war that were in operation during the Second World War. It was liberated by the Americans at the beginning of May 1945.

You can easily and effortlessly visit the camp and it’s recommended to take a day trip from Vienna. You will be driven to and from the camp and will visit significant sites such as the Room of Names, the prisoner barracks, SS Quarters, the Wiener-Graben Quarry and the Mauthausen Museum.

Hallstatt

The village of Hallstadt is located on the western shores of Lake Hallstadt in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. The area is famous for its production of salt that dates back to prehistoric times. A full day trip to Hallstatt and Salzkammergut is the perfect escape from Vienna and makes for a fun day out. 

The day trip includes a scenic bus ride through the Austrian Alps, exploring the Salzkammergut UNESCO World Heritage Site and in summertime, a boat ride on the Hallstätter See (the Hallstätter Lake). You’ll also get some free time to explore the village before heading back to Vienna.

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