The old-world charm of Austria
Experience the artistic and cultural heart of Europe in Austria. This storied country is made up of nine distinctive states, each home to intriguing landmarks—from opulent palaces and grand theaters to riverside castles and alpine villages. Read on to explore Austria’s rich culinary traditions, including the cherished pursuit of gemütlichkeit—a sense of warmth and well-being inspired by delicious food and good company. Then, in Austria’s historic capital, explore the legacy of Viennese coffeehouses, where locals and visitors alike can be found enjoying coffee served in a variety of styles alongside a pastry or slice of cake.
Austria
Austria is a landlocked country located in Central Europe. Known for its stunning scenery, the country occupies an area of approximately 32,386 sq mi. (83,879 sq km) and is bordered by Germany to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.
Officially known as the Republic of Austria, the country is largely mountainous, with the Eastern Alps covering a significant portion of its territory. Austria is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and historical significance. The capital and largest city, Vienna, is often referred to as the “City of Waltzes” and boasts grand facades, graceful architecture and a vibrant cultural scene.
The country is divided into nine states, each with its unique charm and attractions. Notable landmarks and cultural highlights in Austria include:
- Schönbrunn Palace—Located in Vienna, this former imperial summer residence of the Hapsburg dynasty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime example of baroque architecture.
- Hofburg Palace—Also in Vienna, this former imperial palace served as the winter residence of the Hapsburgs and now houses several museums and the official residence of the President of Austria.
- Salzburg's Historic Center—The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and, famously, the filming location of The Sound of Music, Salzburg's historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved baroque architecture and the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress.
- Wachau Valley—This picturesque region along the Danube River is famous for its vineyards, charming villages and historic castles. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Göttweig Abbey—Perched on a hilltop overlooking the fertile Wachau region, this magnificent Benedictine monastery dates from the 11th century and is renowned for its baroque architecture, extensive library and impressive graphic art collection.
Austria's cultural contributions extend beyond its architectural marvels. The country has a rich musical heritage, as it was the birthplace of famous composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss II, and was home to Ludwig van Beethoven for most of his life. Visitors can enjoy classical music performances in Vienna's renowned concert halls and opera houses.
In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Austria offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Austrian Alps provide excellent opportunities for skiing, hiking and mountaineering, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Austria's blend of cultural richness, historical landmarks and natural beauty makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to explore the heart of Europe.
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Cuisine—Austria’s food traditions
In Austria, food signifies much more than mere sustenance. In this corner of the world, meals are meant to be savored and celebrated. The country’s many taverns, restaurants and cafés are known for fostering a sense of gemütlichkeit—the feeling of well-being that comes with good food and good company.
You are most likely to experience gemütlichkeit at a typical Heuriger wine tavern. The Heuriger has been a part of Austrian culture since 1784, when Emperor Joseph II decreed that anyone who produced their own wine could legally serve and sell it. Thus, local taverns and residents began selling the year’s new batch of wine from their establishments or houses. The traditional bundle of twigs positioned over the entrance is still used today to signal that the wine made from that year’s grape harvest is ready for public consumption. Musicians playing traditional Austrian songs are often found at Heurigen, adding to the overall gemütlichkeit atmosphere. Common menu items found at a Heuriger include brettljause—a plate of cheese, breads, spreads and sausages.
Sausages also take center stage at the Wiener Würstelstand, a traditional street food stand in Austria akin to fast food. This is the place to go for quick and inexpensive snacks such as bosna, a bratwurst sausage with onions and a blend of mustard or ketchup and curry powder; sacher würstel, sausage with mustard and horseradish, served on a kaiser roll; and käsekrainer, a sausage filled with cheese.
Austria’s most famous dish is wiener schnitzel, a traditional favorite that can be traced back to the 18th century. Traditionally prepared with veal, this Viennese cutlet is hammered thin, then dipped in flour, egg and breadcrumbs and fried in oil. It is often served with boiled, buttered potatoes and garnished with parsley and a lemon wedge.
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Culture—Embracing Vienna’s café society
A visit to a Viennese coffeehouse is more than just a quick caffeine fix—it is a complete sensory experience. For more than 300 years, people in Vienna have flocked to the city’s elegant cafés and restaurants, which feature large, well-appointed rooms and, often, string quartets. These venerable institutions have long served as vital hubs of communication considered essential to society’s cultural well-being. They are the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry or slice of cake, such as the rich chocolate Sachertorte.
The first Viennese coffeehouse opened in 1683, ushering in an era of new traditions in this classical city. Each cup of coffee was served with a glass of cold water, and the cafés featured amenities like billiard tables. Soon, no coffeehouse would be considered complete without red velvet seating and magnificent chandeliers.
Today, Vienna’s Café Landtmann, Café Sperl, Café Hawelka and Café Bräunerhof are frequented by locals and visitors alike. Now, as then, coffee is served in a variety of ways. Here are just a few:
- Schwarzer—Strong black coffee, equivalent to an espresso. For a double shot, ask for a grosser Schwarzer.
- Brauner—Coffee with a dash of milk or cream
- Melange—Frothy, with equal amounts of milk and coffee
- Kaffee Crème—Coffee with a small jug of milk on the side
- Kapuziner—Cappuccino
- Fiaker—Espresso with sugar and cherry brandy, topped with whipped cream and a cherry
No matter which option you choose, your coffee is sure to be delivered in the traditional manner—on a silver tray accompanied by a glass of cold water.
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History—Linz Castle, a historic gem
Austria’s impressive Linz Castle, located on the Danube River, dates to approximately 799 during the reign of Charlemagne. However, the building is inextricably tied to Emperor Friedrich III, who rebuilt the castle during his reign as a residential palace. While Friedrich lived in the castle, he elevated the city’s stature in Austria, making Linz the center of the Hapsburg Empire.
Guests to the castle will see a prominent gate bearing the text “A.E.I.O.U.”—an acronym for a Latin phrase meaning that Austria was “the greatest power on Earth.” Today, visitors are not seeing the castle as Friedrich did. While pieces of the original facade remain, guests are actually touring a redesigned expansion undertaken by Rudolf II in the 17th century.
The castle also served as a military hospital during the conquests of Napoleon, a prison and military barracks. Thanks to a decade-long restoration beginning in 1953, the grounds now house the Upper Austrian provincial museum, which displays relics and information about the region’s history. Museum holdings include musical instruments, paintings and historic weapons. Another highlight is a sprawling model of the city of Linz.
Austria Highlights
Austria’s scenic vineyards, spectacular palaces and grand monasteries have inspired its visitors for centuries. From the graceful architecture of Vienna’s Ringstrasse to the awe-inspiring Alps, here are few of the highlights you can experience on a journey through Austria:
- Explore Schönbrunn Palace, home of the Hapsburg dynasty
- Tour Melk Abbey, a former monastery on the Danube River
- Observe Vienna’s baroque, neo-Renaissance and Gothic architecture
- Go behind the scenes to meet the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions
- Enjoy coffee and pastries at a Viennese café
- Visit Belvedere Palace, home to one of the world’s oldest museums
- Attend a live performance by the Vienna Residence Orchestra
Destination Insight Videos
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Explore Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum with art historian Daniel Uchtmann (30:36)
Peer into one of Europe’s most impressive art collections during a tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum with art historian Daniel Uchtmann, who serves as the museum’s research associate in the field of education. Located in Vienna, the museum features a wide range of magnificent treasures accumulated by Austria’s ruling Hapsburg dynasty, including famous paintings, exquisite decorative art pieces and important works of sculpture. Deepen your understanding of the museum’s significant works while following Daniel through its richly ornate interiors.
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Austria’s Göttweig Abbey (8:21)
Journey to a working baroque abbey where Benedictine monks have worked and worshipped for more than 900 years on a hilltop overlooking the Wachau Valley, following The Rule of St. Benedict.
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At home in Salzburg with Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger (20:10)
Discover one of Austria’s most picturesque cities, Salzburg, the birthplace and childhood home of Mozart and setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music. During an informative tour led by Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger, follow along as they show us some of their favorite places and delve into the history of this elegant Alpine destination. Should your curiosity be piqued, you will be delighted to know that you, too, could stroll the old-world streets of Salzburg when you join us there as part of an optional excursion on our Grand European Tour or European Sojourn river voyages.
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Vienna Coffeehouses (1:03)
Relax and enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee with an exquisite pastry at Café Demel, one of Vienna’s oldest coffeehouses. Established in 1786, it has satisfied the cravings of Austrians for more than 220 years.
Austria Travel FAQ
All-Inclusive Itineraries—Austria
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Grand European Tour
Romantic Danube
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