Nowhere in the world quite compares to Austria, where the natural and urban attractions are equally spectacular. The country’s hills are alive with snowy ski slopes, pristine lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers. Meanwhile, its cities and towns are some of the best in Europe, from culture-heavy Vienna to storybook Hallstätt. Here, 12 photos that prove just how gorgeous the country really is.

Hallstätt

With its 16th-century Alpine houses, tiny population (just under 800!), and lakeside location in the Dachstein Mountains, Hallstätt is as close to a fairy-tale setting as you’ll ever find in real life. (Bonus: it’s just as amazing during the winter as it is the rest of the year.)

Innsbruck

Surrounded by ski slopes during the winter and mountainous hiking trails during the summer, Innsbruck is the place for adventurous travelers. But Tyrol’s capital city is more than just a place to sleep between exploring the hills—its museums, medieval old town, and Alpenzoo (the highest-altitude zoo in all of Europe) are all well-worth a visit.

Hohe Tauern National Park

If you’re hoping to belt out some Sound of Music tunes, head directly to Hohe Tauern National Park (reachable via the winding Grossglockner High Alpine Road). It’s close to Salzburg, and features that perfect combination of snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills—even some waterfalls as an added bonus.

Aqua Dome

Längenfeld’s Aqua Dome is like a luxurious spa out of a sci-fi movie, featuring modern structures tucked away in the majestic Ötztal Alps. Stealing the show are the two UFO-shaped thermal pools, filled with spring water reaching 97°F.

The Green Lake, Tragoess

During the fall and winter, Austria’s Green Lake is a small but scenic body of water surrounded by popular hiking trails. But when the snow on the bordering mountains begins to melt in the spring, the run-off causes the lake’s water levels to rise. By June, the nearby park becomes completely submerged, making for one of the most unusual diving experiences in the world.

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, is Vienna’s most popular tourist attraction, with more than 2.7 million visitors annually. Join the crowds to appreciate the palace’s Baroque architecture, spectacular gardens, and on-site children’s museum.

Hundertwasserhaus

Austrian-born artist/architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser was known for his quirky buildings: think uneven floors, tons of bright colors, and live vegetation incorporated directly into the design. For the best example of his style, head straight to Vienna’s Hundertwasserhaus (pictured), an apartment complex built during the 1980s.

Burg Hochosterwitz

You can’t visit Central Europe without seeing an epic castle or two—and Burg Hochosterwitz, built circa 860, is about as epic as they come. Sitting on a 564-foot-high limestone rock in Carinthia, the castle’s main medieval building, 14 fortified gates, and frescoed chapel are open to visitors from May-October.

Bregenz Festival, Lake Constance

Lake Constance sits on the border of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, where people gather during the summer months to sail and swim. If you can only visit once, try to make it during July and August for the annual Bregenz Festival. This performing-arts festival](https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-11-11/9-european-festivals-you-should-know-about/), founded in 1946, takes opera to a whole new level with a floating stage, pyrotechnics, and innovative productions. (Seriously, you’ve never seen set designs like this before.)

Salzburg

Made famous by Mozart and the Von Trapps, Salzburg remains popular among music-lovers and tone-deaf travelers alike. Make a point to stop by the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, Mirabell Palace and Gardens (pictured), and Bräustübl zu Mülln (Austria’s largest beer hall).

Arlberg

For some of the best skiing (and après-ski) in the Alps, head to the Arlberg mountain range. Here, you’ll find pristine slopes and well-rounded villages that offer much more than just an occasional funicular lift. We’re particular fans of St. Anton am Arlberg’s modern Alpine architecture and picturesque main street promenade.

Graz

Austria’s second-largest city is often overshadowed by Vienna and Salzburg, but it deserves a spot on your itinerary. Since being named European Capital of Culture in 2003, Graz continues to impress with its combination of cutting-edge buildings and well-preserved Old Town. The surrounding wine country isn’t too shabby, either…

By: https://www.cntraveler.com/