![\"Beautiful](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Beautiful-city-of-Vienna.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\nI was completely spellbound by this elegant and romantic city \u2014 its mix of imperial grandeur, leafy parks, pastel Baroque palaces, and the irresistible scent of warm Apfelstrudel drifting from cozy coffee houses made it feel like stepping into a painting! <\/p>\n On my five-day trip, I flew from London in just over two hours and I spent it wandering through the lavish Sch\u00f6nbrunn and Hofburg Palaces, craning my neck at the soaring Gothic spires of St. Stephen\u2019s Cathedral, and browsing the colourful stalls of the bustling Naschmarkt, sampling warm rye bread.<\/p>\n I also checked out the quirky Hundertwasserhaus<\/a> and ended my stay listening to the Wiener Symphoniker perform in the glittering Golden Hall! <\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought this UNESCO-listed village<\/a> was an Instagrammer\u2019s dream \u2014 its 16th-century alpine houses reflected in the glassy Hallstatt Lake and framed by towering mountains looked straight out of a children’s storybook!<\/p>\n I took the 2.5-hour train from Salzburg, ferried across the lake, and stayed three nights at the quirky-chic Fenix Hall Boutique Hotel<\/a>. I wandered cobbled lanes lined with caf\u00e9s and artisan shops, rode the funicular to the ancient Salt Mine to see its surreal underground lake, and soaked up the panoramic Skywalk<\/a> views.<\/p>\n I also strolled the dreamy lakefront, glided across the water in a wooden Zille boat, and braved the dramatic Five Fingers Viewing Platform near the Dachstein Ice Caves \u2014 one of the most vertigo-inducing moments of my trip!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This elegant city was a dream for music and culture lovers like me! Its UNESCO-listed old town, with baroque facades, cobbled lanes, and an alpine backdrop, felt both sophisticated and wonderfully cosy.<\/p>\n I flew from London in just over two hours, skimming the snowy Alps before landing to a striking skyline, and spent four romantic days exploring. I wandered galleries, museums, and historic caf\u00e9s, climbed to Hohensalzburg Fortress and saw stunning city views, stepped inside Mozart\u2019s Geburtshaus<\/a>, and strolled the manicured Mirabell Gardens.<\/p>\n I also admired the baroque Salzburg Cathedral, hiked up to Kapuzinerberg Monastery, joined a kitschy-but-fun Sound of Music tour<\/a>, and ended my days sipping freshly brewed Augustiner M\u00e4rzen at the lively Augustiner Br\u00e4ust\u00fcbl Tavern<\/a>.<\/p>\n My favourite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This was a place where dirndls, folk music, and towering peaks ruled! I was awestruck by the endless alpine landscapes, storybook villages, and clever modern timber architecture \u2014 the perfect vibe of both mountain tranquility and outdoor adventure.<\/p>\n I flew into Zurich, took the Railjet to Bregenz in just 90 minutes with Lake Constance glittering beside the tracks, and based myself there for an idyllic week.<\/p>\n I saw the spectacular Bregenz Festival<\/a> staged right on the lake, hiked the picturesque Montafon Valley, admired the innovative wooden architecture of Bezau, rode the Pf\u00e4nderbahn Cable Car, and day-tripped to the charming alpine village of Schwarzenberg (my photo is above!). Locals told me that in winter it transformed into a snowy playground of skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing \u2014 giving me plenty of reasons to return!<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n This picture-perfect Alpine city completely wowed me! Nestled in a breathtaking mountain and riverside setting, with snow-capped peaks framing colourful medieval buildings and cobbled streets, it was a wonderful mix of historic charm and outdoor adventures.<\/p>\n I flew direct in just over two hours on a February break, the plane threading between jagged peaks before landing in the valley, and spent three photogenic days at the trendy 4-star Hotel Innsbruck<\/a> (the infrared sauna was a real treat!).<\/p>\n I admired the Insta-worthy Golden Roof with its 2,657 gilded tiles, toured the grand Hofburg Palace, rode the Nordkette Cable Car<\/a> and was treated to mountain jaw-dropping views, wandered the pretty Old Town\u2019s boutiques and caf\u00e9s, and even fit in some skiing on nearby Patscherkofel Mountain.<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I was in awe of this pure alpine paradise with its 80+ ski resorts, snow-capped peaks, ringing cowbells, and chocolate-box villages \u2014 it felt like a postcard-perfect utopia! <\/p>\n From Innsbruck, I drove 45 minutes through green valleys to Stubai Glacier and based myself there for a wonderful week.<\/p>\n I stood on the dizzying viewing platform at Stubai Glacier, hiked the scenic Zillertal Valley, wandered Innsbruck\u2019s charming Old Town, crossed the vertigo-inducing Highline179 suspension bridge, and treated myself to a Verl\u00e4ngerter espresso and moist Tiroler Cake at Caf\u00e9 3440<\/a> \u2014 one of Austria\u2019s highest caf\u00e9s at 3,440 meters which had breathtaking views!<\/p>\n My favourite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I was instantly smitten with this alpine resort \u2014 a dreamy mix of flower-filled meadows, chalet-dotted slopes, and snow-dusted peaks that perfectly balanced mountain calm with just the right buzz.<\/p>\n In summer, I drove 1.5 hours from Salzburg through winding passes and pretty villages before checking into the gorgeous eco-retreat 4-star Gartenhotel Theresia<\/a> (my photo\u2019s above) for a four blissful days.<\/p>\n I braved the dizzying \u201cGolden Gate Bridge of the Alps\u201d and Europe\u2019s highest Baumzipfelweg treetop trail, hiked Schattberg Mountain and saw beautiful panoramic views, biked epic alpine trails, and ended each day by the zen-like Lake Zell. The staff shared that in winter it becomes a ski paradise with perfect pistes, toboggan runs, snowshoe trails, and lively apr\u00e8s-ski!<\/p>\n My favourite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I instantly fell for this alpine gem \u2014 a postcard-perfect town of chalet-style houses and boutique shops circling a glittering lake, framed by soaring snow-capped peaks. It felt very relaxed but buzzy too!<\/p>\n I took the 1h45 train from Salzburg, passing rivers, tunnels, and valleys before the lake appeared right by the platform, and stayed four days at the Insta-worthy 4-star Elements Resort Zell am See BW Signature Collection<\/a>. <\/p>\n I hiked and biked scenic lakeside trails, rode the cable car up Schmittenh\u00f6he Mountain for sweeping views, paddle-boarded on the glassy Zeller See, and explored nearby Hohe Tauern National Park<\/a>, one of Europe\u2019s largest protected areas. I learned from locals that come winter, it\u2019s all about carving ski slopes, catching snowboard jumps, and skating over the glittering frozen lake!<\/p>\n My favourite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I loved this picture-perfect Alpine town \u2014 home to the legendary Hahnenkamm Race \u2014 where colorful medieval buildings, mountain views, and a chic yet cozy vibe made it feel like a glamorous scene from a Romantic-era painting! <\/p>\n I drove just under 1.5 hours from Salzburg and stayed for a wonderful three days during the summer. I hiked and biked the scenic trails of the Kitzb\u00fcheler Horn, wandered the medieval old town with its pastel fa\u00e7ades and boutique shops, and treated myself to incredible dining that blended hearty Tyrolean flavors with international flair. I just found that the weather changed quickly up in the mountains, so I was glad I packed a light rain jacket!<\/p>\n My friend informed me, when the snow falls it becomes pure magic \u2014 ski trails sparkle, snowboarders carve through fresh powder and the lake becomes a natural ice rink!<\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I adored this orchard-filled region \u2014 a romantic landscape of rolling hills dotted with pear trees in bloom, charming farmhouses, historic abbeys, and ancient forests. It had a relaxed, rustic, and foodie-friendly feel.<\/p>\n I drove 1.5 hours west from Vienna past pear orchards and abbey spires and stayed four days at the super Insta-worthy 4-star Hotel Schachner,<\/a> where the views were incredible.<\/p>\n I hiked the flower-lined Pear Blossom Trail in spring, climbed up to the hilltop Basilica Sonntagberg and gazed at breathtaking panoramas, and spent relaxing days biking and hiking through the peaceful, green Pielach Valley. My favorite adventure was exploring \u00d6tscher-Torm\u00e4uer Nature Park which was filled with waterfalls, rugged gorges, and unspoilt beauty! <\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This award-winning Alpine gem \u2014 once voted Austria\u2019s most beautiful village \u2014 completely won me over! I loved the flower-decked chalets, lush meadows, and snow-capped peaks that gave it a cozy, timeless vibe.<\/p>\n I took the train from Innsbruck to Brixlegg, then a short bus winding past picture-perfect chalets, and spent a long weekend at the chic 4-star Boutiquehotel die Alpbacherin 4 Sterne Superior<\/a>.<\/p>\n I dined on hearty Austrian classics, hiked to tranquil Zireiner See, explored Rattenberg\u2019s glass-blowing workshops just 6 miles away, and wandered the trails of Alpbachtal Wildsch\u00f6nau Nature Park. My Austrian pal was also a big fan of this place and told me the winter skiing and apr\u00e8s-ski scene here was unmissable!<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This is Austria\u2019s most famous road, and driving it was unforgettable! It wound through Hohe Tauern National Park<\/a> past snow-capped peaks, gorgeous valleys, flower-filled meadows, and glacial landscapes before climbing to Austria\u2019s highest mountain, the Grossglockner, and the mighty Pasterze Glacier.<\/p>\n I set off from Zell am See and drove the route in a day \u2014 hairpin bends, marmot-dotted meadows, and glacier lookouts at every turn \u2014 and stayed one night in the area. It felt dramatic, wild, and cinematic!<\/p>\n I stopped at breathtaking viewpoints like Edelwei\u00dfspitze, Fuscher T\u00f6rl, and Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-H\u00f6he where my jaw dropped at the cinematic views of the Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier, then hiked nearby alpine trails to soak up the scenery.<\/p>\n![\"Vienna](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/11\/Vienna-Christmas-market.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Vienna-taken-in-winter-2024.webp)
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2. Hallstatt, Upper Austria <\/h2>\n
![\"Hallstatt](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Hallstatt.jpg?resize=1000%2C664&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Winter](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Winter-in-Hallstatt.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Hallstatt](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Hallstatt-Austria.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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3. Salzburg, Salzburg State<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Salzburg-taken-in-fall-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"Salzburg](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Salzburg-Architecture.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Salzburg](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Salzburg-Austria.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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4. Vorarlberg State<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/My-photo-of-Vorarlberg-Mountains-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/My-photo-of-a-walk-in-Vorarlberg-Mountains-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/My-photo-of-Schwarzenberg-Village-in-Vorarlberg-taken-in-summer-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/My-photo-of-Bregenz-is-in-Vorarlberg-in-summer-2024.webp)
<\/picture>\n
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5. Innsbruck, Tyrol<\/h2>\n
![\"Innsbruck](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Innsbruck.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Innsbruck](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Innsbruck-Austria.jpg?resize=1000%2C687&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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6. Tyrol State<\/h2>\n
![\"Cafe](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Tirol-Austria.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Tirol](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Tyrol.jpg?resize=960%2C638&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
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7. Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Salzburg<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/My-photo-of-my-stay-at-Gartenhotel-Theresia-in-Saalbach-Hinterglemm-taken-summer-2024--scaled.webp "\\"My")
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/My-photo-of-Saalbach-Hinterglemm-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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8. Zell am See, Salzburg<\/h2>\n
![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Zell-am-See-Winter.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Zell](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Zell-am-See-Austria.webp)
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9. Kitzbuhel, Tyrol<\/h2>\n
![\"Kitzbuehel](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Kitzbuehel.jpg?resize=1000%2C655&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Kitzbuhel](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Kitzbuhel-Austria.webp)
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10. Mostviertel Region<\/h2>\n
![\"Mostviertel](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Mostviertel-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Pretty](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Mostviertel-Austria.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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11. Alpbach, Tyrol<\/h2>\n
![\"Alpbach](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Alpbach-Austria.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/My-photo-of-Alpbach-taking-summer-2024.webp "\\"My")
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12. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Salzburg and Carinthia<\/h2>\n
![\"Beautiful](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Grossglockner-Road-Austria.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Grossglockner](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Grossglockner-Road-Austria.webp)
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