Sightseeing in Austria

Austria sightseeing: Alpine charm & storybook towns

Sightseeing in Austria is all about the wow moments. From mirror-like lakes and mountain panoramas to medieval castles and story book towns that feel like something out of a fairy tale.

It’s a country made for exploring, with every footpath, cable car and lakeside bench offering up something beautiful.

And with our walking holidays, you’re perfectly placed to see it all. 

Whether you’re wandering through fortress-topped towns, admiring waterfalls or cruising alone one of Austria’s sparkling lakes, sightseeing in Austria is full of unforgettable moments.

In Zell am See, you can cruise across the lake then take the cable car to panoramic peaks. Over in Saalbach Hinterglemm, forest wellness trails weave through the trees, and mountaintop art installations turn walks into open-air galleries. While Ellmau offers easy access to the scenic Wilder Kaiser valleys.

You could head to Salzburg for grand baroque buildings and Mozart museums, or to Krimml to see Europe’s highest waterfull.

With our walking holidays, you’re never far from a new view, and with our pre-bookable excursions, you can fit even more discover into every day.

Sightseeing in Filzmoos

Get your camera ready as you walk down the Liechtenstein Gorge, where wooden paths twist through rocky cliffs, rushing streams and waterfalls all around you.

If you’re more into history than hiking, head to Hohenwerfen Castle, a medieval fortress high above the Salzach Valley near Filzmoos. Or take a trip to the Dachstein Glacier to see the incredible ice caves.

Step into the Medieval ages at Hohenwerfen Castle

History lovers will appreciate this sightseeing treasure, perched high above the Salzach Valley.

Hohenwerfen Castle is over 900 years old and full of tales from the past. Within its ancient stone walls, you’ll uncover tales of witches, valiant knights, and even film crews, as parts of the fortress have had their moment on the big screen.

You’ll also find the Austrian Falconry Museum, which dives into the fascinating world of birds of prey. The castle’s falconers and their majestic birds put on a real show 

Sightseeing in Alpach

In Alpbach, time seems to stand still. Many of the buildings look much as they did centuries ago, their charm preserved through a unique woodcarving style that still shapes everything from doorways to dining chairs.

The village is just as rich in flavour as it is in history. A traditional Hüttenjause platter is a must-try, piled high with smoked sausages, hay-milk cheese and fresh mountain bread. It’s authentic Tyrolean fare, with many of the ingredients sourced from farms that have been passed down through the same families for more than 300 years.

To dive even deeper into the past, take a short trip to the open-air Museum of Tyrolean Farms, where original buildings and rural traditions bring history to life. Back in town, step inside St. Oswald’s Church to admire its beautiful architecture. And if you have a little more time, head to Rattenberg, Austria’s smallest town, where cobbled streets and medieval charm make you feel as though you’ve walked into a storybook.

Sightseeing in Ellmau

Ellmau might be a laid-back mountain village these days, but its old post office hints at a busier past, when it was an important stop between Innsbruck and Salzburg.

Today, life here is all about exploring, with easy links to nearby spots such as Söll, where the Hohe Salve mountain is criss-crossed with walking trails, and St. Johann in Tirol, a baroque gem just to the east.

From Ellmau you can also hop on a bus to Kufstein and ride the Kaiserlift, a single-person chairlift that glides up the back of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. It is one of the area’s best-kept secrets, offering sweeping views over the Inn Valley and peaceful alpine meadows at the top.

If you want to see even more, join one of our pre-bookable excursions to places like Salzburg, Grossglockner or Berchtesgaden. And for a true taste of local life, the Taste of Tyrol trip (bookable locally) takes you to some of the region’s culinary highlights.

Sightseeing in Seefeld

Experience the charm of sightseeing in Seefeld, a vibrant mountain town with plenty to discover. In summer, the streets fill with life as markets, festivals and open-air concerts take over the centre.

Tuesdays are market day, when stalls selling local food and crafts line the streets, accompanied by music and lively chatter. Stay a little longer for a Tyrolean evening or a bandstand performance to soak up the region’s traditions.

If you visit at the right time, you could catch one of Seefeld’s famous festivals, such as the deliciously named Strudelfest or the Annual Village Festival. For a step back in history, visit the parish church of St. Oswald, an important pilgrimage site, then wander next door to the 500-year-old monastery, where monks once brewed beer on the high plateau.

Today, the Klosterbräu Grill still serves home-brewed pints in honour of that tradition. No trip would be complete without seeing the Seekirchl Chapel, Seefeld’s most iconic landmark. It took nearly 40 years to build and has stood proudly since 1666, a striking sight that feels as much a part of the landscape as the surrounding mountains.

Sightseeing in Söll

Söll is a village full of surprises. The parish church is a perfect example. From the outside it looks like a classic alpine sanctuary, but inside you will find a beautiful rococo interior with painted ceilings and sacred sculptures.

The village has a great mix of cafés, shops and restaurants, many of them showcasing local produce. Meats, cheeses, ice cream and breads are all sourced from the farms scattered across the valley. Music is at the heart of village life.

The town band often fills the air with Tyrolean tunes during weekly summer concerts. Village evenings add to the atmosphere, with arts and crafts stalls, local food and drink, and live music bringing the centre to life. For a small fee, you can also join the weekly Tyrolean evenings.

If you visit in mid-August, you might be lucky enough to experience the annual Dorf-Fest, a lively festival and carnival.

There is plenty to see and do beyond the village too. With the free valley bus, you can set off to explore more of the Wilder Kaiser region.

Sightseeing in Westendorf

Tucked into the Kitzbüheler Alps, Westendorf is perfectly placed for exploring, with plenty of activities and day trips close at hand. Trains run like clockwork from the station, just a 10-minute walk from the village centre.

You can visit a schnapps distillery in St. Johann, stop by local cheesemaking farms or step inside a 100-year-old farmhouse.

The famous resort of Kitzbühel is only a 15-minute ride along the valley, and if you fancy a change of scenery, Munich is just two hours away. The Bavarian capital is known worldwide for Oktoberfest, but its old town with a turreted city hall looks as though it belongs in a Brothers Grimm story.

If you would like to discover even more, our excursion programme includes trips to Berchtesgaden, Salzburg and Grossglockner. For something closer to home, you can also join the Taste of Tyrol trip to sample some of the region’s culinary treasures.

Sightseeing in Pertisau

Pertisau is a compact and tranquil village with a handful of shops, cafés and restaurants. In summer, hotels and local alms often host live music and folklore evenings that bring the traditions of the region to life.

The village also has a fascinating history. It was once the retreat of Emperor Maximilian, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, and it is famous for its dark, rich stone oils, which have been extracted for centuries.

You can learn more about this tradition at the Tiroler Steinöl Vitalberg visitor centre. You can stay and enjoy Pertisau itself, or head along the lake to explore Maurach. Valleys stretching out from both villages lead deep into the surrounding mountains, with countless trails and diversions to discover on foot or by bike.

Sightseeing in Oberau

Nestled between wildflower meadows and green pastures, Oberau is a peaceful village where life moves at a gentler pace. With just one main road and a few side lanes leading to cosy bakeries and cafés, it feels like a true retreat.

History lovers can stop by the z’Bach Mountain Farm Museum, located just off the scenic St. Frances Path. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into life in the Wildschönau Valley, with traditional farmhouses and tools that bring alpine history to life. Watching over the village is St. Margaretha’s Church, often called the Wildschönau Cathedral.

Its 52-metre steeple and striking baroque design make it one of Tirol’s most impressive parish churches. The original was first mentioned in 1394, but after a fire in 1719 it was rebuilt in grand baroque style. Step inside to enjoy a moment of calm and take in one of the Wildschönau Valley’s most treasured landmarks.