Attractions and Places To See in Upper Austria - Top 20

Upper Austria is rich in natural beauty. You can experience the unique meander of the Danube River at the Schlögen Loop, or enjoy panoramic views of the Salzkammergut lakes from the 5fingers viewing platform on the Dachstein Krippenstein plateau. The Großer Schoberstein summit also offers breathtaking vistas of Lake Attersee and Lake Mondsee.

Yes, Upper Austria boasts several significant historical sites. You can visit the romantic Ort Castle (Seeschloss Ort) on Lake Traunsee, or explore the medieval atmosphere of Clam Castle. Near Linz, the Augustinian Canons' Abbey of St. Florian is a renowned pilgrimage site with impressive Baroque architecture. Frauenstein Castle is another notable historical site.

Linz offers a vibrant cultural scene. The Ars Electronica Center is an interactive museum focused on media art and new technologies. You can also visit the Lentos Art Museum for contemporary Austrian art, or enjoy performances at the Music Theatre at the Volksgarten. The New Cathedral (Mariendom) is Austria's largest church and an impressive Neo-Gothic structure dominating the city skyline.

Many attractions in Upper Austria are suitable for families. The Lake Mondsee area offers cycling routes and bathing opportunities. The Pöstlingbergbahn tram in Linz provides a scenic ride up Pöstlingberg, where families can visit the Pilgrimage Basilica. The Dachstein Caves, including the Giant Ice Cave, are also a popular family destination.

For a truly unique historical experience, visit the Tripoint Monument (Germany–Austria–Czech Republic). Here, you can literally step between three countries. Another significant historical site is the Mauthausen Memorial, commemorating one of the largest concentration camps of WWII.

Upper Austria is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Wanderung zum Hinteren Gosausee' or the '7-lake view hike and 3-summit tour'. For cyclists, routes like the 'Mondsee (near Oberburgau) – South Shore of Lake Attersee loop' are popular. Explore more options for hiking at Hiking in Upper Austria and cycling at Cycling in Upper Austria.

The Historic Town of Steyr is considered one of Austria's most beautiful towns, featuring a well-preserved medieval center and landmarks like the Bummerlhaus. The Silberzeile in Schärding and the Obernberg am Inn Market Square also showcase charming historical architecture.

The Salzkammergut Lakes region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers crystal-clear lakes like Wolfgangsee and Hallstätter See, perfect for scenic photography. The Lake Mondsee area is particularly magical in the morning or late afternoon light. For a pure mountain idyll, visit Lake Laudach, overlooked by the Katzenstein peak.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views and the tranquility. For instance, the Großer Schoberstein summit is loved for its fantastic reward after a climb, offering views of Lake Attersee and Lake Mondsee. The Lake Mondsee is appreciated for its beautiful location surrounded by an imposing mountain landscape, with many bathing possibilities.

Yes, you can explore the Gmundner Keramikmanufaktur in Gmunden, a traditional pottery manufactory. Additionally, Schlierbach Abbey is known for its organic cheese production, where visitors can observe the process in a modern show dairy.

For a more serene experience, explore the Waldbach-Mur River Valley, known for its secluded hiking and biking trails. Hidden waterfalls like Nixenfall & Waldbachstrub near Hallstatt and Rinnende Mauer near Ebensee offer tranquil natural escapes away from the main tourist paths.

The warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, are generally best for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the lakes. However, some attractions like the Tripoint Monument can offer wonderfully quiet and scenic views in winter. The Dachstein Caves are also a year-round attraction.