Upper Austria, Austria Travel Guide

Discover Upper Austria: Where breathtaking landscapes meet rich cultural heritage, offering an idyllic retreat filled with history, adventure, and culinary delights.

Home
Travel Guides
Austria
Upper Austria

Upper Austria, nestled in the heart of Austria, is a haven for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. With its striking landscapes, from the serene lakes of the Salzkammergut to the rugged peaks of the Dachstein Mountains, this region offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. Wander through picturesque villages like Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where charming Alpine houses hug the shores of crystal-clear lakes. History buffs will find plenty to explore in Upper Austria's historic cities. Linz, the vibrant capital, boasts a rich cultural scene with its museums, galleries, and the iconic Ars Electronica Center. Don’t miss the majestic St. Florian Monastery, a baroque masterpiece that stands as a testament to the region's architectural splendor. For a taste of local tradition, visit the small town of Gmunden, renowned for its ceramics and the stunning Schloss Ort castle. Upper Austria is also a culinary delight. Sample hearty Austrian cuisine in cozy mountain huts or enjoy fine dining in the region's acclaimed restaurants. Local specialties like Linzer Torte and freshly caught fish from the lakes are must-tries. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, skiing down snowy slopes, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, Upper Austria promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Upper Austria.

Visit in late spring or early autumn to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy mild weather.
Purchase a Salzkammergut Card for discounts on local attractions and public transport.
Take a boat tour on Lake Hallstatt for an unparalleled view of the village and surrounding mountains.
Explore the less-touristy towns like Gmunden and Bad Ischl for a more authentic experience.
Try to book accommodations early, especially if visiting during peak seasons.

Top City Travel Guides in Upper Austria

The cities of Upper Austria, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Salzburg

Hallstatt

Linz

Zell am See

Bad Gastein

Destinations in Upper Austria

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Eisriesenwelt

Gesäuse National Park

Kalkalpen National Park

Salzkammergut Lakes

Wachau Valley

Explore Upper Austria: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Upper Austria

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Schloss Ort

Experience the historical allure and stunning natural beauty of Schloss Ort, a captivating castle on the shores of Lake Traunsee, Austria.

4.6

Baumwipfelpfad Salzkammergut

Explore the Baumwipfelpfad Salzkammergut, a stunning treetop walkway in Gmunden, Austria, offering breathtaking views and unique nature experiences.

4.8

Dambergwarte

Explore the breathtaking views of Dambergwarte, a stunning observation deck in Austria, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and nature's beauty.

4.8

Panoramaturm Wurbauerkogel National Park

Experience the stunning alpine views and diverse wildlife at Panoramaturm Wurbauerkogel National Park, a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.

4.6

Best landmarks in Upper Austria

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Nationalpark Kalkalpen

Experience the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Nationalpark Kalkalpen, a perfect destination for outdoor adventures and nature exploration in Austria.

4.8

Fortress Hohensalzburg

Explore a 900-year-old fortress with stunning views, museums, and historical insights into Salzburg's rich past. A must-see landmark!

4.6

Hofburg

Explore the Hofburg Palace in Vienna: a historic imperial residence with museums, art, and the world-renowned Spanish Riding School.

4.7

Mauthausen Memorial

A somber memorial at the site of Austria's largest concentration camp, preserving the memory of the Holocaust and promoting tolerance.

4.7

Best restaurants in Upper Austria

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Welterbe-Wirtshaus Steegwirt

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine at Welterbe-Wirtshaus Steegwirt in Bad Goisern, surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes.

4.5

Delphi Restaurant

Savor authentic Greek flavors at Delphi Restaurant in Thalheim – where every meal is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine.

4.5

PAULS steak & veggi Linz

Discover the best of American steakhouse cuisine with vegan delights at PAULS Steak & Veggi Linz - A culinary hotspot in the heart of Austria.

4.4

Restaurant Rauner

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine in Linz at Restaurant Rauner - where tradition meets taste.

4.8

Best bars in Upper Austria

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Lennox - Bar

Discover the vibrant Lennox cocktail bar in Linz, where innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.

4.8

Cocktails • Café Bar Club Catering

Experience the lively atmosphere at Cocktails Café Bar Club in Ybbs an der Donau, where delicious drinks and vibrant nightlife blend seamlessly.

4.6

Die Cocktailbar Linz

Discover the lively charm of Die Cocktailbar Linz, where expertly mixed cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere await your visit in the heart of Linz.

4.7

HEMINGWAY'S MUSIC & JAZZ BAR

Hemingway's Music & Jazz Bar: A vibrant cocktail bar in Linz with live music, exceptional drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

4.7

Best nightclubs in Upper Austria

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Remembar

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Linz at Remembar, where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await every night.

3.4

Nightclub Night Flight

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Nightclub Night Flight in Traun, where unforgettable music and vibrant atmosphere await every weekend.

4.0

Chalet - Laufhaus Linz

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Linz at Chalet - Laufhaus Linz, a premier nightclub with energetic music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

3.8

Nightclub Pegasus

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Wels at Nightclub Pegasus, where vibrant music and stunning performances create unforgettable experiences.

4.3

Best shops in Upper Austria

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Designer Outlet Parndorf

Experience luxury shopping at Designer Outlet Parndorf, where designer brands meet incredible discounts in a stylish setting.

4.5

Westfield Shopping City Süd

Discover the ultimate shopping destination in Austria at Westfield Shopping City Süd, where fashion, food, and fun meet.

4.5

PlusCity

Experience the best of shopping, dining, and entertainment at PlusCity, Pasching's ultimate shopping destination.

4.5

Europark Salzburg

Experience the ultimate shopping and entertainment destination in Salzburg at Europark, featuring over 150 shops, diverse dining options, and fun family activities.

4.5

Explore Upper Austria on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Upper Austria, mapped for you.

Upper Austria Essentials

Upper Austria is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest major international airport is Linz Airport (Blue Danube Airport), located approximately 12 kilometers from Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach your destination. Alternatively, Vienna International Airport is about 200 kilometers away and offers more international flight options. From Vienna, you can take a direct train to Linz, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Upper Austria boasts an efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) operates frequent trains connecting major cities and towns within Upper Austria. Regional buses and local buses cover smaller towns and rural areas. In Linz, the Linz AG Linien operates trams and buses, making it easy to navigate the city. Taxis and car rental services are also widely available. For a scenic and leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle, as Upper Austria offers numerous well-maintained cycling paths.
The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling to smaller towns and rural areas where card payment may not be available. ATMs are readily accessible in cities and towns throughout Upper Austria, allowing you to withdraw cash as needed.
Upper Austria is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation. While Upper Austria does not have specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. In Linz and other major towns, hospitals and medical facilities are well-equipped to handle emergencies. Pharmacies are available in most towns and often have extended hours. It is highly advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and accidents.
Fashion: Do dress neatly and appropriately, especially when visiting churches or formal events. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in religious sites. Cover your head and shoulders when entering churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains or trams. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake and maintain eye contact. A nod or slight bow is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.
To experience Upper Austria like a local, visit the weekly farmers' markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Austrian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the picturesque Salzkammergut region, known for its stunning lakes and mountains. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on the Hallstätter See in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt. Additionally, consider visiting local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the local culture.

When is the best time to visit Upper Austria?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Upper Austria

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Upper Austria. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloGrüß Gott
  [Groos Gott]
- GoodbyeAde
  [Ah-day]
- YesJa
  [Yah]
- NoNein
  [Nyn]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bitta]
- Thank youDanke
  [Dahnkeh]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-goong]
- How are you?Wie geht's?
  [Vee gates?]
- Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Goott. Oond deer?]
- Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Shprekh-en Zee Eng-lish?]
- I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ish fer-shtay-eh nikht]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möcht die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [Ish moikht dee Shpyze-kahr-teh zayn, bitta]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ish ess-eh kyn Fly-sh]
- Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte
  [Ish moikht-eh beh-tsah-len, bitta]
- Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-fe!]
- Go away!Geh weg!
  [Gay vek!]
- Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Ru-fen Zee dee Po-li-tsai!]
- Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Ru-fen Zee eye-nen Artst!]
- I'm lostIch bin verloren
  [Ish bin fer-lo-ren]
- I'm illIch bin krank
  [Ish bin krahng]
- I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [Ish moikht-eh kau-fen...]
- I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Ish shau-eh noor]
- How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [Vee feel kost-et das?]
- That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Das ist tsu toyer]
- Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-en Zee den Price senk-en?]
- What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpayt ist es?]
- It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist ayn Oor]
- Half past (10)Halb (10)
  [Halb (10)]
- MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nahkht-mit-tahg]
- EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
- YesterdayGestern
  [Geh-stern]
- TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- 1Eins
  [Ayns]
- 2Zwei
  [Tsvy]
- 3Drei
  [Dry]
- 4Vier
  [Feer]
- 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [Zex]
- 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [Ahkht]
- 9Neun
  [Noyn]
- 10Zehn
  [Tsayn]
- Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das...?
  [Vo ist ayn/das...?]
- What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?
  [Vee ist dee Ah-dres-se?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?
  [Kern-en Zee meer (owf der Kar-te) tsai-gen?]
- When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn komt der nay-sht-eh (Boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ....)
  [Ayn Ti-ket (nahkh ....)]

History of Upper Austria

Upper Austria traces its origins back to the Celtic tribes that settled in the region around the 4th century BC. The Hallstatt culture, named after the town of Hallstatt in Upper Austria, is one of the earliest and most significant Iron Age cultures in Europe. The Celts left behind remarkable archaeological finds, including sophisticated salt mines and richly adorned graves, which provide a glimpse into their advanced society and craftsmanship.
During the Roman Empire, Upper Austria was part of the province of Noricum. The Romans established several settlements, including the city of Lauriacum (modern-day Enns), which became an important military and administrative center. Roman roads, fortifications, and relics still dot the landscape, showcasing the influence of Roman engineering and culture in the region.
In the Middle Ages, Upper Austria prospered as a part of the Duchy of Bavaria and later the Duchy of Austria. The city of Linz, now the capital of Upper Austria, emerged as a key trade and cultural hub. Magnificent medieval castles, such as Burg Clam and Schloss Ort, and Gothic churches like the Linz Cathedral, bear witness to this era of economic and architectural growth.
The region became firmly integrated into the Habsburg Monarchy in the 15th century. The Habsburgs' rule brought about significant political and cultural changes. Linz flourished under the reign of Emperor Frederick III, who made the city his residence for a time. The 17th and 18th centuries saw the construction of impressive Baroque architecture, including the St. Florian Monastery and the pilgrimage church of Christkindl.
The 19th century Industrial Revolution transformed Upper Austria's economy and society. Linz became an industrial powerhouse with the establishment of steel mills, factories, and railways. The Voestalpine steel plant, founded in 1938, remains a critical element of the region's industrial landscape. The influx of workers and technological advancements propelled the region into modernity.
During World War II, Upper Austria was a significant site for the Nazi regime’s industrial efforts. The Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp was among the largest in Austria, and its memorial now stands as a somber reminder of the atrocities committed. Post-war, the region underwent extensive reconstruction and economic recovery, transforming into a modern and prosperous part of Austria.
The latter half of the 20th century saw Upper Austria experiencing a cultural renaissance. The city of Linz was designated a European Capital of Culture in 2009, leading to a vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals, museums, and art galleries. The Ars Electronica Center, which focuses on the intersection of art, technology, and society, is a testament to the region's innovative spirit.