On my first visit to Austria, I was quite impressed with the beautiful capital. Vienna is certainly a city to be explored on foot.
For this reason, it wasn’t a difficult decision to look for filming locations for Before Sunrise. Places where my favourite characters, Celene and Jesse, were passing by in Vienna.
If you are not interested in planning your city tour, why not explore the capital city of Austria on foot with various guided walking tours?
You can start by visiting historic sites like Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Vienna State Opera, of course. Alternatively, join a themed tour that focuses on art, cuisine, or local history.
I can give you lots more reasons to visit Vienna. It boasts a rich history as the former capital of the Habsburg Empire and is filled with historic landmarks, palaces, and museums.
The city is also renowned for its classical music heritage, with famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss having lived and worked here.
However, if you have time to explore the whole of Austria, I recommend you make the most of your visit to this fascinating country, by touring other parts of the country.
What to do and see in Austria?
For our luck, walking tour destinations are quite popular in Austria. The country offers a wealth of beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and charming villages that are perfect for exploring on foot.
Whether you’re interested in city walking tours, hiking in the Alps, or strolls through picturesque towns, Austria has a lot to offer and offers amazing walking tours.
Here is my list of favourite sites to go for walking holidays in Austria:
Salzburg
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is a beautiful city to explore on foot. This picturesque city is placed on the board with Germany.
If you like the history of music, this is the place to be. Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town. I would start exploring the old town (Altstadt) with its Baroque architecture, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, and the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Alzburg is a city with plenty to see on a walking tour. Head to the Domplatz and check out the Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom), an impressive Baroque church with stunning features.
Visit St. Peter’s Abbey and its cemetery, which includes the catacombs featured in “The Sound of Music.”
Time for a relaxing spot or even a picnic break. Take a relaxing walk along the banks of the Salzach River. You can cross the river using one of the city’s many bridges for different views of Salzburg.
Don’t miss the medieval and Baroque architecture, quaint squares, and hidden courtyards. It is a perfect stop for a coffee at a traditional café.
Innsbruck
You probably have seen pictures of the Austrian Alps and felt like someone had exaggerated the Photoshop touches. The truth is this is a real thing. And if you would like to see it with your naked eyes, just head to Innsbruck.
This charming Alpine city is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Start the visit by taking a walk through the historic Old Town, visiting the Imperial Palace, and exploring the Nordkette mountain range with its hiking trails.
Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is a city with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings.
It’s a perfect Austrian spot to explore its charming old town, historic landmarks, and beautiful Alpine scenery.
If you’re interested in plants and nature, consider visiting the Botanical Garden at the University of Innsbruck as well.
A walking tour will give you a comprehensive overview of Innsbruck’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Don’t forget to take in the Alpine scenery, which is one of Innsbruck’s biggest attractions.
All you need to do is take the Nordkette Cable Car from the city centre to Hungerburg. From there, you can ascend to Seegrube or Hafelekar for breathtaking views.
Hallstatt
Here is a stunning spot you shouldn’t miss out on. This picturesque village is often considered one of the most beautiful in Austria. Hallstatt is nestled in the Austrian Alps.
The best way of exploring this beautiful village is strolling around its narrow streets, where you will end up visiting the Hallstatt Museum, and/or enjoy a lakeside walk with breathtaking views.
While it’s a small village, there are several delightful activities and sights to enjoy during a leisurely walk in Hallstatt.
Begin your visit with a relaxing stroll along the shores of Lake Hallstatt. Take in the stunning mountain views reflected in the crystal-clear waters.
The charming market square is in the heart of the village. Admire the pastel-coloured houses, visit the local shops, and maybe stop for a coffee at one of the cafes.
If you are a foodie, Hallstatt can be a great place to try some traditional Austrian cuisine or enjoy a piece of the famous Hallstatt salt cake at one of the local cafes and restaurants.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Hallstatt offers numerous hiking trails in the surrounding Alps. The Echerntal Trail is a popular option for those looking for a moderately challenging hike.
Walking around and taking in the scenery is one of the best ways to experience this peaceful destination.
Wachau Valley
Do you like cycling? This must be your destination In Austria. Located along the Danube River, the Wachau Valley is famous for its vineyards, charming villages, and historic monasteries. Take a walk or a bike ride along the Danube Cycle Path to explore this picturesque region.
Walking in the Wachau Valley is also a fantastic way to experience the stunning landscapes, charming villages, and of course, vineyards of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Begin your walk in the town of Krems, which is often considered the gateway to the Wachau Valley. When visiting its local wineries, don’t forget to sample some excellent wine.
The trail to Dürnstein is a quite popular tourist destination. This picturesque trail takes you through vineyards, forests, and along the Danube River, offering spectacular views of the valley.
If you have more time and energy, you can continue your walk to Melk, where you’ll find the impressive Melk Abbey (Stift Melk). The abbey is an architectural masterpiece and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In return, you can also opt for taking a train from Spitz or Melk or consider taking a boat ride along the Danube River for a different perspective of the valley.
Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, carry plenty of water, and check the weather before starting your walk.
The Wachau Valley is a picturesque and peaceful destination, and a walking tour is an ideal way to immerse yourself in its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Eagle’s Walk (Adlerweg)
For the more professional hikers out there, I would consider taking the Eagle’s Walk in Adlerweg.
This long-distance hiking trail spans across the Austrian Alps, offering a wide range of hiking opportunities for different skill levels.
The Eagle’s Walk, known as the “Adlerweg” in German, is a long-distance hiking trail that traverses the Austrian Alps, primarily through the state of Tyrol.
It is one of the most famous long-distance trails in Austria and is divided into numerous stages, each offering breathtaking alpine scenery and a variety of landscapes.
The Eagle’s Walk covers a vast area. However, one of the traditional starting points is St. Johann in Tyrol, while the endpoint can be in the region of St. Anton am Arlberg.
It is over 400 kilometres trail (about 250 miles) long, divided into several stages.
It is called Eagle’s Walk due to the trail being marked with the silhouette of an eagle to guide hikers.
Completing the entire Eagle’s Walk can take several weeks, depending on your pace and the number of stages you choose to hike.
It’s not for beginners, so, before embarking on the Eagle’s Walk, make sure to check trail conditions, obtain any necessary permits, and have suitable hiking gear.
This trail offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Austrian Alps and experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of Tyrol.
