Tourism in Austria

What Are Austria's Top Regions for Tourism?

Austria's nine federal states each offer distinct experiences. Here are the top regions for tourism:

• Vienna (Wien): Imperial palaces like Schönbrunn and Hofburg, world-class museums including the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Albertina, and the famous Viennese coffeehouse culture. Vienna consistently ranks among the most liveable cities in the world.
• Salzburg: The birthplace of Mozart, filming location for The Sound of Music, and home to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele) draws classical music lovers every summer.
• Tyrol / Innsbruck: Austria's premier Alpine destination for skiing, hiking, and mountain scenery. Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics twice and offers direct access to world-class ski resorts.
• Styria (Steiermark): Known as Austria's wine country with rolling vineyards, the charming old town of Graz (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the green heart of Austria.
• Carinthia (Kärnten): Austria's sunniest region with warm lakes perfect for summer swimming, including Wörthersee and Millstätter See. A quieter alternative to the more touristy Alpine regions.

For a detailed breakdown of all nine states, see our federal states guide.

What Should Expats Know About Tourism in Austria?

Living in Austria gives you unique advantages for exploring the country. Here are essential tips for expats:

• Gästekarte / City Cards: Many Austrian tourist regions issue a guest card (Gästekarte) when you stay overnight, giving you free or discounted access to local attractions, cable cars, and public transport.
• Super ski passes: Multi-resort passes like the Jöchl and Stubai Super Ski Pass cover dozens of resorts across Tyrol, offering significant savings over individual day passes for regular skiers.
• ÖBB Sparschiene: The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) offers Sparschiene discount tickets starting from EUR 19.90 for long-distance trains when booked in advance. Ideal for weekend trips to Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Graz.
• Alpine hut etiquette (Hüttenetikette): When visiting mountain huts, greet fellow hikers, remove muddy boots at the entrance, order food and drinks (huts are businesses), and do not bring outside food. Reservations are recommended for overnight stays.
• Tipping customs: In Austrian restaurants and hotels, tipping 5 to 10% is customary. Round up the bill or tell the server the total amount you want to pay. Tips are given directly to the server, not left on the table.
• Museum free days: Many Austrian museums offer free entry on specific days or for visitors under 19. The Bundesmuseen Card (EUR 59 per year) covers eight major federal museums including the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Belvedere.

For a full breakdown of living expenses and budgeting, see our cost of living guide.

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