Small Historic Towns
in Austria
Everything at a Glance.
KHS-Schaerding-1
KHS-Bad-Ischl-176
KHS-BruckadMur-53
KHS-Wolfsberg-238
KHS-Radstadt-8

Small Historic Towns

Reawaken your love of life and joy of living by letting your stay in our towns help you rediscover what has been missing: more time to chat, more appreciation of the little things in life and more joy in truly relishing the pleasures life has in store for each and every one of us. Sixteen Small Historic Towns, hidden like little gems throughout Austria, look forward to sharing with you their exciting historical past, beautiful ambience, enticing culinary delights and warm hospitality, far away from the hustle and bustle of big city life.

Kleine Historische Städte - Stadt Motiv

Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Hallein

Barmsteine Rocks Right above Hallein, the Barmsteine Rocks look back on an eventful past. Today they are not only a paradise for climbers, they also have a surprise…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Bad Radkersburg

On the Move The wetlands along the Mur River around Bad Radkersburg are characteristic of our region’s natural paradise. In the immediate vicinity of the old town a…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Hartberg

Clear View of the Hilly Countryside of Styria Hartberg is located at the foot of the Ringkogel Mountain. From far away the “Ringwarte” lookout platform, the town’s landmark,…

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Handicrafts

Bad Ischl

Traditional craftsmanship is very important in Bad Ischl. There are not only numerous craftsmen but also artists who respond individually to your wishes. On a stroll through Bad…

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Culture & Tradition

Bad Ischl

Customs are an expression of tradition. A custom is a regularly recurring social act of people in fixed, strongly ritualized forms that has arisen within a community. „Glöcklerlauf“…

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Culinary Delights

Gmunden

What would a vacation be without a good feast for the palate?! The variety of gastronomy in Gmunden ranges from fish restaurants to sophisticated inns, from wine taverns…

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Culinary Delights

Bruck an der Mur

Riverside culinary delights The city and its inhabitants are truly gourmets. Businesses located directly on the Mur convince with exquisite delicacies and invite their guests to special pleasure…

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Handicrafts

Gmunden

Gmunden Ceramics The World of Gmunden Ceramics The Gmundner Keramikmanufaktur is the oldest of its kind in Austria. Since 1903, the doors of Gmundner Keramik are open to…

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Culture & Tradition

Hallein

The Salzburg Festival in Hallein No summer without the festival. The Salzburg Festival is as much a part of Salzburg as the mountains, Mozart and the castle are.…

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Wolfsberg

Wolfsberg

The Hiking Town of Wolfsberg is full of wonders. With fascinating traces of its past history, countless favourite spots and insider tips. The town has that certain “everything”:…

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Sights

Fürstenfeld

Pfeilburg Museum The Pfeilburg Museum focuses on a variety of topics: the history of the former border town of Fürstenfeld and contemporary history in the “Kruzitürken-Museum”, smoking culture…

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Sights

Freistadt

The medieval brewery town of Freistadt boasts an almost fully intact town wall. 27 inner courtyards, 7 towers, 2 gates and even a crocodile! Every Friday at 7…

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Sights

Steyr

Confluence of the Enns & Steyr Rivers Unique spectacle of nature in the historic old town at the foot of the baroque Lamberg Castle.

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Events

Schärding

Events in Schärding Schärding is famous for its beautiful historic sights such as the “Silberzeile” or the “Wassertor”; however, the city is also well known for being the…

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Holiday Offers

Radstadt

Adventure, Fun & Relaxation in the Pongau Region of Salzburg – a Rendezvous with Radstadt Radstadt is worth a visit any time of the year – spend an…

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Holiday Offers

Bruck an der Mur

Hiking in the Weitental Valley Enjoy a magnificent hiking holiday in Bruck an der Mur. A marked hiking trail leads directly from the JUFA Nature Hotel up to…

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Bruck an der Mur

Bruck an der Mur

Bruck an der Mur: One of Austria’s Oldest Towns The historically important Styrian town beside the Mur and Mürz Rivers is surrounded by lush green mountains. The old…

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Culinary Delights

Bad Radkersburg

The “Genussregion” for Pure Enjoyment The Bad Radkersburg Region entices your palate with tasty delicacies typical of the region made from regional products and with delicious aromas tempting…

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Schärding

Schärding

All spruced up in colourful dress Schärding welcomes its visitors with open arms. Its allure and charm will entice you to stay longer – and will remain a…

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Winter & Advent

Baden bei Wien

Welcome to the sparkling lights, enticing smells and gentle sounds of pre-Christmas time in Baden. Along the Baden Advent Mile, sip our sweet punch, taste the crispy roast…

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Culinary Delights

Braunau

Beer or cider – sometimes a real war of opinions! In the Innviertel Region both specialties have dug deep roots. It then comes as no surprise that beside…

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Bludenz

Bludenz

Cobbled alleys, arcades and always a view of the nearby mountains: the Alpine town of Bludenz combines nature, culture and city in a stimulating way. Shopping enthusiasts will…

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Holiday Offers

Hartberg

Hartberg. Small Town with a Great History Join a cultural walk and explore historical & contemporary Hartberg. In medieval times, the gentry used to meet in Hartberg, Styria‘s…

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Culinary Delights

Schärding

From a former brewery town to a culinary meeting place for gourmets and lovers of good food! In Schärding you can really enjoy life – with great food…

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Culture & Tradition

Gmunden

The Custom of “Liebstatt” Sunday Literally the most heartfelt day of the year in Gmunden. Since the year 2014, the Liebstattsonntag is an intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.…

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Culture & Tradition

Freistadt

In the Mühlviertel “Schlossmuseum” in the old castle keep and spread over 9 floors, a great variety of artefacts ranging from folk art and religious objects to reverse…

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Holiday Offers

Fürstenfeld

Begin an exciting journey through the history of Fürstenfeld, the thermal spa capital of the region. Services included: 2 nights in a Fürstenfeld accommodation incl. breakfast Guided tour…

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Culinary Delights

Wolfsberg

The way to a holidaymaker’s heart is through the stomach! No wonder – the Lavanttal cuisine offers the best of traditional Carinthian cooking using top-quality regional products. The…

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Winter & Advent

Hartberg

Christmas Magic in Hartberg From Friday the 22nd of November until Monday the 23rd of December 2020 Hartberg once again celebrates the traditional Hartberg Christmas Magic in its…

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Culture & Tradition

Steyr

Steyr Kripperl  One of Austria’s last stick puppet theatres still playing, listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Furthermore it is part of the OÖ. Landesausstellung 2021.

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Hallein

Hallein

Hallein, the beauty of a town by the Salzach River, is a place of many faces and facets, a historic salt and Celtic town well worth a visit…

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Culture & Tradition

Fürstenfeld

Guided city tour of Fürstenfeld Immerse yourself in the eventful history of Fürstenfeld, a former border town. Discover the unexpected and listen to some of the anecdotes our…

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Events

Bruck an der Mur

Love of life in Bruck an der Mur From July to September, visitors can look forward to a particulary colorful program under the motto “hip love of life”.…

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Gmunden

Gmunden

WELCOME to the vacation region Traunsee-Almtal and the small historic town of Gmunden! We are pleased to welcome you, virtually in the ceramic city also called seenswert&stilvoll. We…

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Events

Fürstenfeld

The culture of pleasure and festivity at the heart of the thermal spa region The thermal spa capital knows how to celebrate.  The city’s remarkable year round culture…

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Winter & Advent

Bludenz

Winter Vacation in the alpine town Bludenz In the Alpine town of Bludenz, no two winter days are the same. Ten ski areas can be reached within a…

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Events

Baden bei Wien

Ball Royale of the city of Baden “Rhapsody in Blue”on 20 January 2024, Congress Center Baden Spring delicaciesfrom 25 to 28 April 2024, Josefsplatz Winter season at the…

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Radstadt

Radstadt

Pure Alpine Indulgence Known as the “Old Town in the Mountains” this is the perfect place to sit back and relax. Located between the Dachstein Mountain and the…

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Handicrafts

Radstadt

Arts and Crafts Market One of Austria’s most important arts and crafts markets attracts numerous handicrafts lovers to the “Old Town in the Mountains”. About 100 artisans, designers…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Bad Ischl

From golf over cycling and running to snowshoeing, Bad Ischl offers different opportunities to be physically active in every season of the year. The guests with wanderlust can…

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Culture & Tradition

Wolfsberg

Easter in the Lavanttal Valley The Easter festivities in the Lavanttal Valley are deeply rooted in traditional Carinthian customs. The Easter week begins with the blessing of palm…

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Sights

Bad Ischl

Museen – Denkmäler – SehenswürdigkeitenIn und rund um Bad Ischl gibt es eine Vielzahl an interessanten Bauwerken, Aussichtspunkten und Glücksplätzen. Kaiservilla und Kaiserpark Sehen Sie die original bewahrten…

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Winter & Advent

Gmunden

Christmas Magic in Gmunden Far away from the Christmas hustle and bustle, the romantic city center of Gmunden on Lake Traunsee can be discovered in a contemplative way.…

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Culinary Delights

Fürstenfeld

Keen on Fürstenfeld The mixture of a sensuous southern style of life, regional diversity and a mild climate are perfect conditions to reach the heights of culinary enjoyment. …

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Culinary Delights

Baden bei Wien

The Baden coffee bonbon, also called “Badener Zuckerl”, was first mentioned in 1883 in the annals of the Lower Austrian marksmen’s club that was given the honour of…

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Events

Hallein

Brewing Art Fair “Water drops, the noblest elixir when mixed with malt and hops” so the folk saying goes. Immerse yourself in the manifold world of beer during…

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Baden bei Wien

Baden bei Wien

A place where emperors and kings felt at home and the great composers found their inspiration. A laid-back attitude toward life meets historic tradition!radition! Once an imperial summer…

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Holiday Offers

Baden bei Wien

Always worth a trip! Welcome to Baden near Vienna! Once an imperial summer residence, where long before the Romans bathed in sulfur springs, today a modern spa town…

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Events

Gmunden

Gmunden has many exciting events to offer, for young and old, culture lovers, music enthusiasts, etc. Especially for those interested in art and culture from all over the…

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Sights

Braunau

Take some time out and explore the more than 750-year-old historic town of Braunau am Inn. Who dares to venture up higher, should not miss climbing up to…

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Holiday Offers

Braunau

“Entdeckerviertel” Outing Adventure of Discovery Eight lakes, five towns, a picnic and all recreational facilities includedThe young “Entdeckerviertel” holiday region connects Bavaria and Upper Austria. There are numerous…

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Freistadt

Freistadt

FREISTADT, medieval brewery town, charming shopping town, lively trade fair town, vibrant sports town, cosy culinary retreat. Freistadt invites you to explore history Freistadt invites you to be…

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Culinary Delights

Bludenz

Stroll, visit markets & stop for a leisurely meal Whether it’s dinner on the terrace of the Schlosshotel Dörflinger with a view of the city and the surrounding…

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Winter & Advent

Bruck an der Mur

“Waldweihnacht”: Advent as in Former Times The Christmas Village on the main square of Bruck an der Mur, with its quaint wooden stalls and real Styrian Christmas trees,…

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Sights

Hartberg

A Castle Right in the Middle of Town From the Depths of History The Hartberg Castle was the town’s secular nucleus. The history of the castle dates back…

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Culture & Tradition

Bad Radkersburg

Big Band Festival The Big Band Workshop has become a fixed point in the cultural summer of Bad Radkersburg in recent years. The workshop is suitable for musicians…

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Sights

Bad Radkersburg

Museum in the Old Armoury The museum is located in the old “Zeughaus” armoury, built in 1588. Formerly, the building was connected to the provisions storehouse in the…

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Winter & Advent

Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl is a city in the middle of the unique natural landscape of the Salzkammergut, which knows how to inspire all the guests with its special charm…

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Handicrafts

Freistadt

The Mühlviertel “MÜK Kreativ Haus” in the heart of Freistadt’s old town unites art, culinary delicacies, creativity and handicrafts under one roof! Opened in 2016 and founded on…

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Culinary Delights

Radstadt

Dumpling Festival Do you know how many kinds of dumplings exist? We certainly don’t! At the annual Dumpling Festival in Radstadt you can taste more than 20 different…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Baden bei Wien

In Baden, taking a walk is real fun – as was well-known by our former imperial highnesses and other noble guests as they could frequently be seen strolling…

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Handicrafts

Baden bei Wien

Viticulture The sunlit hills around Baden bordering on the Pannonian Basin are known for their exquisite grapes which are transformed into high-quality wine by winemakers with centuries of…

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Events

Bad Ischl

Around the 18th of August, Bad Ischl commemorates Emperor Franz Joseph I’s birthday

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Sights

Wolfsberg

Wolfsberg Castle Wolfberg’s landmark is the magnificent building of the Wolfsberg Castle built in the neo-Gothic Tudor style. The Wolfsberg Castle was first mentioned in a document in…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Freistadt

Forest Bathing Experience nature with all your senses: explore the Mühlviertel hills and forests on foot, by bike or on horseback. Join in the new trend of forest…

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Sights

Baden bei Wien

Traditional spa town? Far from true! Today, the historic imperial town of Baden is an oasis of rejuvenating energy boasting a vibrant cultural life! We celebrate ‘slow living’…

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Winter & Advent

Radstadt

Radstadt Toboggan Run A toboggan ride makes a winter day in Radstadt complete! Whether on a sunny day or moonlit night, speedy or leisurely, with your family, loved…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Schärding

Cycle Paths around Schärding The Danube, Inn and Tauern Cycle Paths as well as the Roman Cycle Path pass through the peaceful town of Schärding on the bank…

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Holiday Offers

Bad Ischl

The quality of life in Bad Ischl was valued as early as the imperial era.

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Culture & Tradition

Hartberg

Garden Culture through the Ages Since the mid-19th century, the interaction of untamed nature and cultivated gardens has played an important role in Hartberg’s townscape. The medieval town…

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Bad Radkersburg

Bad Radkersburg

The historic old town of Bad Radkersburg was awarded with the European gold medal for the preservation of historic monuments – its Renaissance town wall, romantic alleyways and…

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Culinary Delights

Steyr

Night Watchman Dine-around Culinary town walk to surprise destinations up to the highest spire and down into the deepest cellar.

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Steyr

Kalkalpen National Park South of the city of Steyr stretches the Kalkalpen National Park, which was founded 25 years ago, with a unique forest wilderness. A near-natural forest…

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Sights

Bludenz

St. Laurentius Church and Gayenhofen Castle Visible from afar, the St. Laurentius Church and Gayenhofen Castle tower high above the old town of Bludenz. Together they form the…

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Handicrafts

Hartberg

The story about a pioneer  From a courageous idealist to a successful organic wine grower It was in 1988 that a young Sali (AKA Wolfgang Schmallegger) began to…

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Sights

Bruck an der Mur

The Town’s Landmark: “Kornmesser” House The town’s landmark still reflects the former wealth of its burghers at the time of Maximilian I. The house is one of the…

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Handicrafts

Schärding

Beer Brewing Traditional beer brewing is still practiced in Schärding by the Baumgartner Brewery, which looks back on centuries of experience. Founded within the town walls in 1609,…

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Culinary Delights

Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl awakens the desire to enjoy! Whether sweet or spicy, the cuisine of the Salzkammergut offers something special for every taste. A variety of restaurants and inns…

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Holiday Offers

Gmunden

Dolce Vita at the Traunsee Lake Immerse yourself in the sweet life at the intoxicating Trau(m)nsee.Enjoy a romantic castle cruise in a cozy atmosphere on a ship of…

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Braunau

Braunau

Variety, contrast and opposites characterize the “Entdeckerviertel” Region of discovery – nature’s unspoilt biodiversity in the Ibmer Moor and the focus on innovation, design and power in the…

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Culture & Tradition

Braunau

The Gugg Arts Centre is home to a vibrant cultural scene and offers a varied programme featuring national and international artists.

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Culture & Tradition

Bludenz

The unicorn in Bludenz In Bludenz, a unicorn can be found in many places in the town, for example in the Bludenz town coat of arms, in the…

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Culture & Tradition

Baden bei Wien

About four million litres of “yellow gold” bubble forth daily from 14 natural sulphur springs, fostering health and well-being. The water, with its distinctive “scent” discreetly wafting through…

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Fürstenfeld

Fürstenfeld

Come and get to know our city Fürstenfeld, also known as the thermal spa capital of the area, is a city of great variety and perfect for exciting…

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Hartberg

Hartberg

How It All Began… A journey through time: from the Celtic hilltop settlement on the Ringkogel Mountain to the first Styrian Cittàslow. The first settlers already arrived on…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Braunau

For passionate leisure cyclists and motivated amateur athletes, the region around Braunau is a true paradise with its extensive network of cycle paths. Whether along the Salzach and…

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Events

Braunau

Horse Shows From April to October, numerous national and international horse shows are held.Drop by – it’s worth it!

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Sights

Hallein

Maria Dürrnberg Pilgrimage Church Located high above the saline town of Hallein (770 m), with a breathtaking view as far as the provincial capital of Salzburg and beyond,…

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Winter & Advent

Fürstenfeld

Christmas Market The Fürstenfeld Christmas market in the centre of the Hauptplatz Square is considered the largest market in the thermal and volcanic region. Here visitors and residents…

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Holiday Offers

Bad Radkersburg

Relax day for 2 persons Relax day for 2 persons in the Parktherme Bad Radkersburg Whoever wants to actively explore the country, meet its people and enjoy regional…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Fürstenfeld

Outdoor swimming pool 123,000 square metres of water fun, lots of activities and room to relax. The Fürstenfeld outdoor pool – Europe’s largest – offers plenty of room…

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Events

Radstadt

Paul Hofhaimer Days Art and culture are not the prerogative of large towns – for more than three decades the “Festival of Old Music and New Sounds” has…

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Winter & Advent

Hallein

Advent Market Year and again, the festive Advent markets in the Bayrhamerplatz Square, Alte Saline and the Meditative Advent in the forester’s house enchant visitors and locals alike.…

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Culinary Delights

Freistadt

The “Braucommune” brewery union in Freistadt is the last of its kind in the whole of Europe. Here, beer is still being brewed in the age-old traditional way.…

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Handicrafts

Hallein

Harter Blacksmiths When sparks fly, then the iron is hot enough to work with. Stirring the fire and working the iron is what Karl Harter and his son…

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Sights

Gmunden

The town of Gmunden offers stories to touch and exciting sights. It is also the starting point of a comfortable lake cruise with the Traunsee Schifffahrt, incidentally the…

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Winter & Advent

Bad Radkersburg

Advent Magic Enjoy a romantic and tranquil Advent season in the Bad Radkersburg Region! The Hauptplatz Square in Bad Radkersburg, one of Austria’s Small Historic Towns, comes alive…

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Judenburg

Judenburg

As the most important trade station between Venice and Vienna, the former merchant town has succeeded in preserving its Mediterranean charm inspired by the Venetian traders who visited…

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Events

Freistadt

In its jubilee year, Freistadt’s events calendar includes numerous highlights: for a whole month Freistadt becomes “Fraustadt” dedicating itself to women, in May Freistadt hosts a great folk…

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Culinary Delights

Hartberg

Historic Flair & Vibrant Hospitality Our town’s most beautiful and Styria’s oldest square was built in 1147. In 1756 master builder Thomas Reiff transformed the town’s no longer…

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Holiday Offers

Wolfsberg

Tracing History Strike out in a new direction. What an exciting contrast! Along the “Historic Path” urban flair meets countryside idyll. Hidden places, a labyrinth of alleyways and…

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Handicrafts

Fürstenfeld

Markets At the Easter Market on the Hauptplatz, Furstenfeld’s main square, 30 artists, manufacturers and artisans have their works on display for sale. Handicrafts Market  on the Hauptplatz Square…

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Winter & Advent

Braunau

In the midst of the historic old town beats Braunau’s heart, the Palm Park – a natural oasis in the middle of the town and home to the…

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Events

Steyr

Steyr Music Festival In the summer months of July and August, the moat of Lamberg Castle, which is populated by ibexes throughout the year, is  transformed into  a…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Bruck an der Mur

Active Holidays: Cycling, Hiking and Nature Centre Bruck an der Mur in the lush green heart of Styria offers all you need for an active holiday. The town…

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Events

Bad Radkersburg

Late Night Shopping Stroll When the sun goes down, the day in the Bad Radkersburg Region is far from over. With the mild Southern Styrian climate, sunny summer…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Gmunden

Grünberg Recreational Area The local recreation area and hiker’s paradise on Gmundner Hausberg offers a leisurely variant to enjoy the magnificent view over Lake Traunsee from the summit!…

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Sights

Radstadt

Audio Guide Your smartphone as a town guide! All you have to do is download the free Hearonymus App and then set out on your own self-guided walk…

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Winter & Advent

Steyr

Christkindl City of Steyr The romantic city of Steyr at the confluence becomes a Christkindlstadt every year in Advent. The small district of Christkindl has always been the…

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Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl

A little “Kaiser” slumbers in a lot of places in Austria, but nowhere else can this special piece of Austrian history be felt more deeply than here in…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Wolfsberg

Hiking Wolfsberg with its Kor and Saualpe Mountains is a veritable hiker’s paradise. Green alpine pastures, rustic mountain huts and stunning views – the ideal setting for an…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Bludenz

The Muttersberg – local mountain of Bludenz The Muttersberg proves that nature is always close and easy to reach in the Alpine town of Bludenz. With the cable…

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Winter & Advent

Freistadt

The festively decorated alleyways in the old town conjure up the spirit of magical yuletides of yore. The Freistadt nativity scene path is a must-see for all nativity…

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Sights

Schärding

The upper Stadtplatz Square, known as the “Silberzeile”, is lined by impressive burgher houses with baroque façades painted in the late medieval guild colours of the town. Bakers…

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Culture & Tradition

Bruck an der Mur

Cultural-historical jewels: castle houses and monuments In the year 860, the city Bruck an der Mur was first mentioned as “ad pruccum”, although the origins certainly go back…

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Winter & Advent

Schärding

The baroque city Schärding and the neighbouring German town Neuhaus came up with a perfect idea for the wintery cold season: Schärding is ablaze with colourful lights and…

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Holiday Offers

Steyr

Steyr Moments Experience history at first hand. The Steyr night watchman dressed in old traditional costume with helebarde, horn and lantern takes you on an exclusive tour through…

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Steyr

Steyr

Steyr with its 38,000 inhabitants is situated in the middle of Austria’s Romantic Road between Salzburg and Vienna. The town is a veritable architectural jewel: in the historic…

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Events

Wolfsberg

Singing in the Mountains Music fills the air! Choirs from Italy, Germany and Austria present typical songs from their regions – get to know different musical cultures and…

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Out & About in the Great Outdoors

Radstadt

Rossbrand Mountain The summit of the local Rossbrand Mountain is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Radstadt with its exhilarating view of more than 150 alpine summits.From the…

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Culinary Delights

Hallein

Farmers’ Market on Saturday Every SATURDAY from 6 am – 12 noon farmers of the region offer their specialties for sale at the weekly farmers’ market in the…

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Events

Bludenz

Events in Bludenz During the summer months, a varied event program is offered in the alpine town: On 10 dates in the summer, you can enjoy the perfect…

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Culture & Tradition

Radstadt

Night Watchman Way back in the Middle Ages, due to its strategically favourable location in the Salzburg Ennstal Valley – beside the pass road across the Radstädter Tauern…

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Kleine Historische Städte - Stadt Motiv