Romantic getaways in Austria
INNSBRUCK AND THE TYROLEAN ALPS
Distance from Vienna: 300 miles (480 km), drive time approximately 5 hours.
Distance from Salzburg: 100 miles (160 km), drive time approximately 2 hours.
Nearest Airport: Innsbruck Airport (INN), 3 miles (5 km), drive time approximately 10 minutes.
Things to Do:
- Take a cable car ride to Nordkette Mountain for breathtaking views.
- Stroll through the historic Old Town and admire the Golden Roof.
- Visit Ambras Castle, a Renaissance castle with beautiful gardens.
- Explore the nearby Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a unique art and design experience.
KITZBUHEL
Distance from Vienna: 230 miles (370 km), drive time approximately 4 hours.
Distance from Innsbruck: 50 miles (80 km), drive time approximately 1 hour.
Nearest Airport: Innsbruck Airport (INN), 60 miles (95 km), drive time approximately 1.5 hours.
Things to Do:
- Explore the cobblestone streets and colourful houses of the town centre.
- Take a cable car ride to the Kitzbüheler Horn for panoramic views.
- Enjoy a romantic hike through the nearby Alpenblumengarten (Alpine Flower Garden).
- Spend a cozy evening in a mountain chalet or luxury alpine hotel.
SALZBURG
Distance from Vienna: 185 miles (300 km), drive time approximately 3 hours.
Distance from Innsbruck: 100 miles (160 km), drive time approximately 2 hours.
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (SZG), 3 miles (5 km), drive time approximately 10 minutes.
Things to Do:
- Walk through the Mirabell Gardens, featured in The Sound of Music.
- Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views of the city and Alps.
- Explore the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Take a romantic fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) ride through the city streets.
HALLSTATT
Distance from Vienna: 180 miles (290 km), drive time approximately 3.5 hours.
Distance from Salzburg: 45 miles (72 km), drive time approximately 1.5 hours.
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (SZG), 50 miles (80 km), drive time approximately 1.5 hours.
Things to Do:
- Stroll through the picturesque village and along the lakefront promenade.
- Take a boat ride on Hallstätter See to admire the stunning views.
- Visit the Skywalk for panoramic views of the village and lake.
- Explore the ancient Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world.
ZELL AM SEE
Distance from Vienna: 246 miles (397 km), drive time approximately 4.5 hours.
Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (SZG), 46 miles (75 km), drive time approximately 1.5 hours.
Things to Do:
- Lake Zell offers the perfect setting for a romantic boat ride or a peaceful walk along the lakeside.
- In winter, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is a top choice for skiing, while in the summer, you can take the cable car up to the glacier to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
- For a more relaxed day, Schmittenhöhe Mountain provides great hiking opportunities or you can take the cable car to the summit and unwind with a delicious meal at one of the mountain restaurants.
THE LOST GARDEN OF SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
The opulent Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most important buildings in Austria and the former abode of the Habsburg royal family. A secret garden sits alongside and offers more intrigue than the rest of the estate.
Known as the "irrgarten," the mysterious green maze has surprises around every corner, including riddles and tasks such as the "chiming climbing pole" and the "bouncing boards" pathway. Scandalous encounters between courtiers and aristocratic ladies once occurred at the labyrinth’s center and almost caused its destruction in 1892.
KREMS AN DER DONAU
Located in the world-famous Wachau region, this 1,000-year-old city provides a gateway to the past. Walk among the distinctive pastel, red-roofed buildings and gaze up at monastery spires. Museums and monuments are around every corner so exploring by foot is a pleasurable and educational way to spend an entire day.
The settlement lies on the banks of the Danube, offering great views of the river. The area also has delicious wines that are locally grown and produced in the surrounding vineyards.
MELK ABBEY
The gleaming golden monastery, perched formidably on a rock overlooking the ancient town, makes visitors feel as if the architects were a bit overenthusiastic about baroque architecture. But the ornate façade is only part of what lies behind the outer walls of this astonishing abbey.
Built in 1089, this former palace is home to many impressive decorations – ornate stained glass windows, multifaceted marble walls, and deeply detailed frescoes. Despite the finery, it also has a humbler side and still operates as an educational facility, as it has done since the 12th century. A whopping 80,000 books in its two-story library should keep the students busy.
MARIAZELL
This petite village in the state of Styria is nestled at the base of the beautiful eastern Alps and considered one of Austria’s foremost winter sports destinations.
A rare wooden statue depicting the Virgin Mary is housed in the grand Catholic basilica at a prominent town square. The attraction draws crowds so often that the site now is one of the most visited shrines in Europe. Though several myths surround the formation of the church, its beauty – and that of its surroundings – are entirely unquestionable.
REIGERSBURG
Often associated with the great conquests of male kings and lords, this castle is unusual because it also was a well-known homestead for many influential and wealthy women throughout the ages.
The scenic castle was reconstructed over centuries by a series of royals and affluent families. Baroness Katharina Elisabeth von Wechsler took control of the land in the 17th century and helped create its distinctive look. It has since been in the ownership of the von Liechtenstein family after their purchase in 1822.
The attraction is open to the public and has a hotel on site that will make you feel like royalty.
