Vacation is just around the corner, and all we can think about is escaping to a tranquil lake or the mountains in a stunning setting! Austria stands out as an exceptional destination. With postcard-worthy landscapes, abundant nature, and unmatched cultural richness... Austria is THE place in Europe where you can enjoy a getaway that combines city trips and fresh air. We've handpicked the 6 must-see cities to discover this summer!
Vienna
Few European capitals are as green as this one! Indeed, Vienna is one of those great cities that allows you to be close to nature. Here, you'll find plenty of gardens and parks. The Stadtpark is a must-visit for a leisurely stroll or even a run. You can also enjoy the Prater Park, this expansive area...
and lawns topped with its famous big wheel, Burggarten where you can find an orangery and a butterfly house, or the gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace that surround the imperial palace, designed in the French baroque style. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, they house a maze, a zoo, a palm house, and numerous fountains. On the cultural side, there’s no shortage of events once summer arrives! From June 28 to August 31, 2025, the Film Festival takes place in the square of the City Hall. It's a treat for food and music lovers since the event celebrates world cuisine, along with great moments from musical films projected on the big screen.
City Park, Vienna ©Christian Kremser/Österreich Werbung
Salzburg
Those who have been enchanted by the movie The Sound of Music will be especially touched by Salzburg and especially by its Mirabell Garden, as this is where the film was shot. With its stunning flower beds and impressive fountain, it feels like you are living a moment out of time and you might even start humming a few lines from “My Favourite Things.” To extend this magnificent experience, head to the Hellbrunn Palace and its marvelous water games that put on a breathtaking show in the gardens. For a little refreshment, you can't think of a better place than Augustiner Bräu.l;u, the largest beer garden in Austria where you can enjoy the shade under the chestnut trees. The more adventurous can try swimming in the 15°C water of the Almkanal, or treat themselves to a surfing session on the Almwelle, the artificial wave accessible to surfers of all levels. A city where the musical heritage reigns supreme, once summer arrives, the Festspiele transform Salzburg into a massive stage that shines on an international scale.
Mirabell Garden © Günter Breitegger/Salzburg Tourism GmbH
Graz
In addition to its City Park, which is home to about 2000 trees, including some rare species, the city of Graz, the capital of Styria, is full of surprises that leave anyone discovering it speechless. For example, head to Schlossberg, a hill standing at an altitude of 473 meters, to gain some elevation and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire old town, as well as the distant Alps. Schloss Eggenberg, a baroque residence built in the 17th century, along with its gardens, is also open for visits. Here, art and nature come together, ensuring you a rich and peaceful experience. This summer, the castle park is hosting musical picnics as part of the Styriarte festival.. Concerts and musical strolls also take place throughout the city. Even more unusual, you can take a raft ride along the Mur River. It's the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the local environment !
Eggenberg Palace, Graz ©Sebastian Burziwal/Austria Advertising
Linz
In Linz, nature is everywhere, evident in numerous green spaces and through exhibitions. With Nature Upper Austria, the Schlossmuseum allows both locals and tourists to learn more about biodiversity and regional history. After visiting the museum, there are plenty of sightseeing options. The Botanical Garden is definitely a beloved spot. It showcases plant varieties from around the globe, as well as Austrian sculptures, creating a beautiful symbiosis of nature and culture. The Pöstlingberg hill also offers a chance to gain some elevation, at 540 meters, providing a stunning view. ```e; 360° around the Alps. The bravest can venture there on foot, but an historic train provides access. On the side of Donaupark, you’ll find a charming atmosphere. Nestled alongside the Danube, it’s perfect for a stroll or a well-deserved moment of relaxation. To soak up art, there's no need to visit museums. Here, the artworks are on display in the open air thanks to the Mural Harbor Gallery.
Cyclists enjoying a ride by the Danube © CMVisuals/WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH
Innsbruck
It's quite simple, Innsbruck is the quintessential historic city. Every street corner seems to tell a story, and that’s why you’ll never tire of it. By the way, in July and August, the Festwochen der Alten Musik fills the air with baroque music in iconic squares. Our favorites? Hofgarten, this 600-year-old imperial garden that shines as a greenery haven where all is calm and gentle. Concerts are held in the summer in the courtyard of the imperial Hofburg. To step away from the city a bit, the Hungerburgbahn, a modern funicular designed with a futuristic touch by Zaha Hadid, takes you up to the district of Hungerburg.By continuing higher with the Nordkette cable car, you can reach Seegrube – the highest relaxation area in the city, located at 1900 meters above sea level – or Hafelekar, which peaks at 2334 meters. Once up there, the mountain activities and plenty of hiking options await you in a truly unique setting. If you want to enjoy a drink while never leaving the beauty of this city behind, head to the 360° Bar, which, as its name suggests, offers a panoramic view of Innsbruck.
Hofgarten © Sebastian Burziwal/Österreich Werbung
Bregenz
In Bregenz, the magic word is relaxation. In this charming little town on the right bank of Lake Constance, you can enjoy lovely walks or bike rides along the various paths lined with meadows and flowers, or even on the water with the cruises offered on the lake. Always close to the water, the Bregenzer Festspiele invites everyone to (re)discover great opera productions on a floating stage. You can also enjoy a swim at the public beach or in the historic wooden baths known as "Mili". And since mountains have a central place in Austria, thanks to Mount Pfänder, you get a spectacular view!
unbeatable view of 200 alpine peaks.
Stroll by Lake Constance © Lisa Eiersebner/Österreich Werbung
