Discovering Austria: Imperial Cities, Majestic Mountains and Rural Charm

Imperial cities, majestic mountains and farmland with green pastures and cows. Their large bells echo through the countryside. Men and young boys wear lederhosen, women and young girls are dressed in dirndls. All this awaits, as you discover the wonders of Austria.

I enjoy traveling to different destinations to discover other people’s culture. Yet there is something about Austria that beckons me back year after year. Maybe it’s the rich cultural heritage and traditions that are kept alive. Or perhaps I love Austria for its idyllic old-world charm.

It could also be its wild, untamed beauty. I believe it is some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Whatever the reason, I always look forward to returning to this delightful travel destination.

The Grossglockner, Austria’s Highest Mountain

I prefer to visit when the crowds of summer are gone from Europe. This is usually in September and October. It is a great time to experience the best of fall before it gets too cold. In the valleys, leaves on the trees are starting to change colors. At higher altitudes, they have turned a beautiful red and gold.

Lovely Lakeside Promenade, Wolfgangsee, Austria

During September temperatures are usually in the 60’s or 70’s in the day and in the 50’s at night. In October, a typical day is sunny and moderately chilly with temperatures around 55 to 60. At night, temperatures drop to the 40’s. This is when there’s a chance of seeing snow on the mountain peaks which adds to their beauty.

It is an excellent time to look for discounts on flights, train travel, and accommodations. Although weekends can still be busy, you will have an easier time getting into tourist sights and popular restaurants.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Vienna is Austria’s most popular travel destination. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city has stunning architecture, historical landmarks and wonderful museums. I especially enjoyed visiting the beautiful Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palaces during my visit.

The Gloriette At The Schoenbrunn Palace

The city has a vibrant cultural life. No other country can claim such an impressive history of major composers. These composers either came from or made their mark in Austria.  You should try to visit a performance at the world famous opera house.

Alternatively, enjoy a symphony performance or the Vienna Boys Choir. Or watch the leaping Lipizzan stallions perform at the Spanish Riding School.

The Fortress Hohensalzburg, Salzburg, Austria

The smaller yet equally popular city of Salzburg is a delight at any time of the year. The Fortress Hohensalzburg stands high above the Baroque towers of the city.

Mirabell Palace Gardens Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg has its own unique history and culture and is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. As you walk along Salzburg’s Getreidegasse, a quaint shopping street, look for building no. 9, it is Mozart’s birthplace. The Salzburg Music Festival is one of the world’s most important festivals for opera, music and drama.

After visiting the wonderful cities of Vienna and Salzburg, you should also visit the Austrian countryside. This is essential for a dose of traditional culture of a different sort. It is found in quaint storybook villages that look like they are from a movie set.

Lovely Countryside Village

For ease of transportation and to experience the countryside at its best, I would suggest renting a car. You will discover a majestic landscape dotted with authentic villages within an hour’s or two drive from the large cities.

When planning a trip, we stay at several different hotels for 3 to 4 nights each. That way, we have extra time for a wonderful side trip or two at a more laid-back pace. Each morning, we start out after breakfast for a day of exploration. We return to the hotel in the afternoon with plenty of time to relax before our evening meal.

For example, plan to stay in Salzburg for 3 or 4 days. “The Sound of Music” fans will enjoy many sites from the movie in old town. Afterwords, drive to Austria’s Lake District. It is an area of shimmering lakes surrounded by majestic mountains. Plan for another 2 or 3 day stay.

St. Wolfgang In The Austrian Lake District

The beautiful green pastures, hills, and mountains are where the opening scenes from the movie were filmed. Drive to Mondsee, a delightful lakeside town, and visit St. Michael’s church. The splendid interior of this former medieval Benedictine abbey is stunning. It was used as the site where Maria and Captain von Trapp exchanged their wedding vows.

Locals Enjoying Bauernherbst

In the region just outside of Salzburg, 70 towns and villages hold harvest celebrations. These events are called Bauernherbst. They take place annually from mid-August to the beginning of November.

Bauernherbst Hay Art

Parades are held with marching bands. Tractors and horse-drawn wagons carry creations all made out of hay. Locals wear their traditional dirndl’s and lederhosen for all these special events. It is one of the ways they preserve their rich cultural heritage.

Bauernherbst Parade

Travel higher into the alpine valleys along the back roads. Some are little more than one lane wide. Pass beautifully maintained old farmhouses with attached barns in the middle of lush green pastures. You can hear the clanging of cow’s bells as they wander and graze.

Cow In The Almabtrieb Procession

In these regions, there is an annual event held in September or October called Almabtrieb. It is among the most traditional of thel events still being held..

Cows are decorated with ornate headgear made from evergreens, flowers and colorful ribbons. They are then herded down from their summer mountain pasture to the valley below for the winter. Enthusiastic onlookers line the streets to watch as the procession passes by.

Cows In An Almabtrieb Procession Herded Down Main Street

I’ll always remember the first Almabtrieb procession I saw. Traffic delays do not often happen due to cows being herded past your car. Herdsmen with tall walking sticks guided them right down the main street of the town. If it happens, open the car window and take a photograph. It is a true Instagram moment.

Wherever you decide to visit, stroll along the town’s streets usually just a short walk from one end to the other. Sit at a cafe on one of the squares. Have a cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry and enjoy the moment.

Pretty House In Alpbach Austria

Admire the colorful painted facades on beautiful old buildings that surround you. Rustic wooden chalets have overhanging balconies with flower boxes overflowing with geraniums. Windows are covered with white curtains bordered with lace. Disney couldn’t have done it better.

Besides the large hotels in the cities, there are many atmospheric hotels in the Austrian countryside. These accommodations offer a relaxing stays for all guests. I can highly recommend three of our favorite hotels in Austria.

Each of the hotels are located in a beautiful but lesser-known village in Austria. Hotel Post is in Lermoos with views of the Zugspitze. Das Edelweiss is in the mountain village of Grossarl. Hotel Gmachl is in Bergheim one of the suburbs of Salzburg.

Each of the hotels are family-owned and have been for many generations. They are a good base for making day trips when you want to explore the surrounding areas. They have very comfortable rooms, delicious food and award-winning spas.

I encourage you to visit the land of Mozart, wiener schnitzel, and the famous chocolate cake, Sachertorte. Go beyond Austria’s famous towns and visit its charming villages. Local traditions have not been forgotten there.

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You have guessed by now. My husband and I have planned another trip to Europe (Germany and Austria) in the coming weeks. I hope you follow along. Enjoy the beauty, rich cultural heritage, and wonderful foods of Austria that I will be sharing.