12 interesting smaller towns to visit in Austria

Not sure how to plan your itinerary in Austria, apart from the state capitals? Check out this list then, even though I need to admit it is quite heavy on Salzburg.

12 smaller towns to visit in Austria

  1. Zell am See: This alpine town is located on the shores of Lake Zell and offers plenty of outdoor activities, from skiing in the winter to hiking and boating in the summer.
  2. St. Gilgen: This quaint town on the banks of Lake Wolfgangsee is best known as the birthplace of Mozart's mother and features a charming town square and plenty of outdoor activities.
  3. Fuschl am See: Located on the northern shore of Lake Fuschl, this village is known for its crystal-clear waters, scenic hiking trails, and luxurious resorts.
  4. Dürnstein: This medieval town in the Wachau Valley is known for its charming cobblestone streets, castle ruins, and picturesque vineyards.
  5. Gmunden: This town on the shore of Traunsee is known for its charming promenade, historic villas, and beautiful ceramics.
  6. Friesach: This medieval town in Carinthia is known for its well-preserved city walls, castle ruins, and annual medieval festival.
  7. Rattenberg: This tiny medieval town in Tyrol is known for its glassblowing tradition, charming narrow streets, and picturesque location on the Inn River.
  8. Bad Gastein: This spa town in the Hohe Tauern National Park is known for its natural hot springs, Belle Époque architecture, and stunning mountain scenery.
  9. Großgmain: This village in the Salzburg region is known for its idyllic location at the foot of Mount Untersberg, as well as its traditional folk culture and historic buildings.
  10. Hallstatt: This picturesque village on the shore of Hallstätter See is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its charming architecture and stunning mountain scenery.
  11. Golling: This charming town in the Tennengau region is known for its historic castle, picturesque old town, and nearby natural attractions like the Golling Waterfall.
  12. Hallein: This town in the Salzburg region is known for its salt mines, which have been in operation since Celtic times, as well as its charming old town and nearby Dürrnberg plateau.

Cool stuff to see in Austria: Fortress Hohensalzburg

What about the state capitals of Austria?

Since Austria is composed of 9 states, we also have 9 state capitals and each of them features interesting sights to explore.
In our series "12 must-see attractions", we list some of them:

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Not sure how to plan your itinerary in Austria, apart from the state capitals? Check out this list then, even though I need to admit it is quite heavy on Salzburg.