Known for its glorious mountains, myriad lakes, and cultural treasures, Austria is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in not only Europe but the world. However, there is more to this beautiful country than just the popular cities and tourist destinations. The small towns and villages in Austria are some of the most beautiful yet less travelled destinations. But it’s in these same villages that you will find the true culture and authenticity of Austria that has become so hard to find in its bustling cities. So let’s embark on a journey to the small villages in Austria and explore 10 villages in Austria that are sure to leave you amazed.
Top 10 Villages In Austria That Are Worth Exploring
From the Imperial Habsburg Emperors to the world’s most elegant dance, the Vienna Waltz, Austria has something to offer for all kinds of travellers. But for travellers who want to escape from the hectic cities, Austria is home to some of the most beautiful villages in Europe. So here is a list of 10 villages in Austria that are worth exploring.
1. Erhenhausen, South Styria
Image Credit: Wolfgang Glock for Wikimedia Commons
A small town with a population of just a few thousand, Erhenhausen is a charming village located in South Styria. Erhenhausen is largely popular among Austrians and Europeans for its wine. However, this small village has plenty more to offer. One of its popular attractions is the Ehrenhausen Castle which dates as far back as the 12th century. With a rich history, the castle is worth a visit. You can also visit a beautiful little parish church that is reminiscent of typical Austrian style as well. If you are visiting during harvest time or the Christmas holidays, stop at one of the village’s street vendors and get a cone of freshly roasted chestnuts!
Things To Do In Erhenhausen: Explore the Erhenhausen Castle, Take a relaxing stroll through the Erhenhausen forest, Visit the Erhenhausen History Museum, Enjoy some outdoor activities, Check out some of the most famous wines in Erhenhausen
Places To Stay: Georgi Schloss – Boutique Hotel, Gasthof zum Goldenen Lowen, Erzherzog Johann Relax Appartements, Steira-Studios
Must Read: Places To Visit In Austria
2. Durnstein, Lower Austria
Image Credit: C.Stadler/Bwag for Wikimedia Commons
Clinging on the bank of the Danube River, Durnstein is a beautiful village in Lower Austria that is taken straight out of a medieval novel. This small village has a population of about 800 inhabitants and derives its name from the Durnstein Castle that occupies the cliffs above. With the narrow, cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and several shops, this picturesque village makes for a perfect destination for tourists to relax. However, if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, take a hike to the ruins of Castle Durnstein where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. The castle overlooks the Danube and offers a stunning panoramic view of Durnstein village.
Things To Do In Durnstein: Explore the Durnstein abbey, Take a hike to the Durnstein Castle, Enjoy wine-tasting and one of the local cellars, Take a boat ride on the Danube River, Visit the St. Nicholas Parish Church
Places To Stay: Smile Apartments zum Goldenen Strauss, Hotel Schloss Durnstein, Hotel Richard Lowenherz, Heritage Durnstein, Bioweingut Schmidl
3. Brand, Vorarlberg
Image Credit: C.Stadler/Bwag for Wikimedia Commons
Brand is Austria’s second smallest village and only has a small population of about 700 inhabitants. The village is located in Brandnertal and is fairly close to the border of Switzerland. One of the main attractions of this village is the picturesque glacial lake Lunersee. It is just a short ride out of Brand and here you can get a taste of trout caught in the lake. Some other activities you can engage in Brand include hiking, golfing, swimming, climbing, and horse riding. The area is fairly popular among Austrians. So the best time of year to visit Brand would be September.
Things To Do In Brand: Visit the beautiful Lunersee Lake, Take a stroll through the village, Go on a hike in the picturesque mountains, Take a scenic drive through the surrounding mountains
Places To Stay: Familienhotel Lagant, Walliserhof, Hotel Garni Tannleger B&B, Haus Schonblick, Valavier Aktivresort
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Austria
4. Piber, Styria
Image Credit: Dennis Jarvis for Wikimedia Commons
Located west of Graz, the village of Piber is one of the most beautiful villages in Austria. If you know your horses, you would know that Piber is home to the world-famous Lipizzaner stallion stud farm. But if you don’t know your horses, worry not for Piber is also home to many attractions. One of the village’s main attractions is the Piber Castle, a marvellous stronghold that was built by Benedictine monks between 1696 and 1716. It is also advised to visit the colourful and unconventional Church of St. Barbara in the town of Barnbach. Tired of all the exploring? End your adventurous day with a relaxing bath at the Terme Nova Spa!
Things To Do In Piber: Visit the world-famous Piber Federal Stud, Explore the Piber Castle, Take a scenic walk or bike ride through the countryside, Experience traditional Austrian cuisines, Explore the Church of St. Barbara
Places To Stay: Gastehaus Cafe Andrea, Ferienhaus Erika, Appartmenthaus Koflach, Cafe Vielharmonie Apart-Pension, Glashutte Bed & Breakfast
5. Gotzens, Tyrol
Image Credit: Simon Legner for Wikimedia Commons
Sitting comfortably on a high plateau over the Inntal Valley and just seven kilometres from Innsbruck, Gotzens is one of the most stunning villages in Austria. Gotzens is surrounded by lush alpine meadows and high-reaching mountains, Gotzens is home to around 4000 people. However, the snowy landscape of this village can pull you out of reality. If you are a winter sports enthusiast, Gotzens has a ski lift that can take you higher up the mountain for skiing, snowboarding or snowshoe walking. Looking down on the village, you can also spot the ruins of Burg Vellenburg, a once mighty fortress built in the 12th century.
Things To Do In Gotzens: Go skiing or snowboarding in one of Gotzens’ ski resorts, Explore the surrounding area with biking trails, Go on a hike in the surrounding mountains
Places To Stay: Alp Art Hotel, Hotelangale Edelweiss, Gotznerhof, Gruberwirt Apartments, Ferienwohnung Mair
Suggested Read: Villas In Salzburg
6. Hallstatt, Upper Austria
Image Credit: Julius_Silver for Wikimedia Commons
The almost fairytale village of Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful villages in Austria. The village is located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria and was originally built as a small town for salt miners. In modern times, however, the village has more tourists than miners. During the warmer months, you can partake in lakeside activities and take a stroll through the streets of the amazing village. Also, make sure to visit the Altaussee Salt Mine for a tour through the village’s history, and take a peek inside the eerie Bone House at St. Micheal’s Church.
Things To Do In Hallstatt: Enjoy a stunning view of Hallstatt from the Hallstatt Skyview, Explore the Hallstatt salt mine, Take a boat tour on Lake Hallstatt, Take a stroll through this amazing village
Places To Stay: Appartement Emilia, Fenix Hall Boutique Hotel, W&S Executive Apartments, Pension Cafe zum Muhlbach
7. St. Wolfgang, Upper Austria
Image Credit: Nick Stenning for Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the shore of Lake Wolfgangsee in Salzkammergut, St. Wolfgang is one of the most charming villages in Austria. The village is surrounded by amazing mountain scenery and green nature. The best time to visit St. Wolfgang is in the summer. But you can also put this gem on your bucket list for places to visit in winter! From beautiful old alleys to decorated houses, St. Wolfgang has much to offer to visitors. Along with its cafes, a major highlight of St. Wolfgang is a boat trip on the Wolfgangsee. During the trip, you can enjoy an insane view of the village and have a relaxing time.
Things To Do In St. Wolfgang: Take a ride to Mount Schafberg, Visit the Pilgrimage Church of St. Wolfgang, Enjoy some water activities on the Lake Wolfgangsee, Hike or bike around St. Wolfgang
Places To Stay: Hotel Burglstein, Gulewicz Apartments, Strandhotel Margeretha, Landhaus zu Appesbach
Suggested Read: Waterfalls in Austria
8. Maria Woerth, Carinthia
Image Credit: Joadl for Wikimedia Commons
On the southern shore of Lake Woerthersee, the small and picturesque village of Maria Woerth is something straight out of a fairytale. This village is situated in Southern Austria and is fairly close to the borders of Slovenia and Italy. Maria Woerth is most popular for its two historic churches that appear to hover near the water. The main church, St. Primus and Felician Parish Church dates as far back as 875 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Lit up at night, it casts a beautiful glow all around the lake. Maria Woerth also provides numerous hiking routes that offer a fantastic panoramic view of Lake Woethersee.
Things To Do In Maria Woerth: Visit the picturesque Marie Woerth Peninsula, Explore the Maria Woerth Church, Relax by Lake Woerthersee, Take a stroll around the beautiful village of Maria Woerth
Places To Stay: Hotel Linde, Linde Villas, Villa Komposch, Barry Memle, Strandhotel Sille
9. St. Gilgen, Salzburg
Image Credit: Arne Müseler for Wikimedia Commons
St. Gilgen is one of the most beautiful villages in Austria. The village sits on the shore of Lake Wolfgangsee and at the foot of Mt. Zwoelferhorn. St. Gilgen has several attractions. However, the most popular one is the cable car going up to the mountain. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a scenic view of Lake Wolfgangsee and St. Gilgen. The top of the mountain is also a popular paragliding spot, so you will likely see many people jumping off the cliffs from next to the cable car station. Alongside, you can take a stroll through the village and enjoy its cute architecture or rent a boat and sail on Lake Wolfgangsee.
Things To Do In St. Gilgen: Take a stroll along St. Gilgen’s streets, Take a cable car to the top of Mt. Zwoelferhorn, Go for a hike in the Alps, Go Paragliding
Places To Stay: Hotel Hollweger, Hotel Schernthaner, Seehotel Billroth, Hotel Furberg, Gasthof zur Post
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Salzburg
10. Seefeld, Tyrol
Image Credit: Paolo da Reggio~commonswiki for Wikimedia Commons
Seefeld is a small mountain village that is situated on a high plateau north of Innsbruck in the Austrian Tyrol. Seefeld has long been the ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts and winter tourism. But if you have no interest in winter sports, there is no need to worry. Seefeld does not just rely on winter tourism. The village has various hiking and biking trails that go through the woods and mountain meadows. There are plenty of traditional huts and restaurants dotted around the village as well. So if you get tired of all the exploration, make sure to grab a quick snack!
Things To Do In Seefeld: Visit Rosschute and Kaltwassersee, Go for a hike in Gaistal Valley, Participate in winter sports, Take a stroll through the village of Seefeld
Places To Stay: Princess Bergfrieden, Hotel Residenz Hochland, Mountains Hotel, Hotel Seefelderhof
Further Read: Things To Do In Hallstatt
Austria is one of the most beautiful countries in not only Europe but also the world. However, much of the beauty and charm of this amazing country gets overshadowed by its cities and famous destinations. And while these tourist destinations deserve their recognition, they often fall short of capturing the true essence and soul of Austria. So on your next trip to Austria, keep this list of villages in Austria handy and experience Austria away from all the crowds.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Villages In Austria
What is the best village near Vienna?
Grinzing is a village located on the outskirts of Vienna that is best known for its charming houses, winding streets, and wine. So if you are in Vienna, visiting the village of Grinzing is definitely worth it.
What is the prettiest village in Austria?
With its fairytale-like charm, the village of Hallstatt is often considered to be the prettiest village in Austria. The village sits on the shore of Hallstatt Lake. This small village is also regarded as one of the most beautiful lakeside villages in the world.
What is the best time to visit Austria?
Generally, the months from April to May or September to October are considered to be best for visiting Austria. The mild weather in spring and fall brings fewer crowds. This also allows visitors to enjoy the warm, sunny weather of Austria.
Are 3 days enough for Austria?
Depending on the length of your trip and geographic proximity to Austria, the ideal length of your visit to Austria will likely vary. However, 3 days are considered enough for visiting the most popular spots in the country.
What food is Austria famous for?
Some of the most popular dishes in Austria that you must check out include:
- Marillenknodel
- Wiener Schnitzel
- Linzer Torte
- Sacher Torte
- Vorarlberg Mountain Cheese
People Also Read:
Small Towns In Switzerland Small Towns In Belgium Small Towns in California
