There are countless charming villages in Austria. We have made a list of our favoured prettiest villages, to give you a small taste of what you can expect.
Looking for a glimpse of Austria’s countryside charm? Get ready to discover the most enchanting villages of this beautiful country. We’ve handpicked the best of the best, where you can soak in the authentic Austrian vibe and marvel at the beauty of rural life. Join us on this journey through Austria’s hidden gems and let’s explore together!
Heiligenbrunn
Heiligenbrunn in Burgenland is known for its so-called “kellerviertel” which you find in the vineyards around the village. Its main attraction is the characteristic small whitewashed houses, many of them with thatched roofs, which create a unique atmosphere. Nonetheless, the atypical architecture makes this one of Austria’s prettiest villages. Strolling among the picturesque houses, constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries, is like travelling back into history. Most of the basement houses are privately owned. Some work as small wine shops where you can taste and buy Uhudler products. Others have been converted to summer cottages to let. A couple function as museums, where you can see wine presses and other items related to wine production.
Read more about Heiligenbrunn – The cradle of the Uhudler wine
Bad Waltersdorf
In 2003, Bad Waltersdorf in Styria was awarded the gold plaque as the “most beautiful village in Europe” by Entente Florale. The village is picturesquely situated among gently rolling hills, covered with vineyards and fruit orchards. Vivid floral decorations on the bridges across the creek Safen, which flows through the village, is adding to the rural idyll. Bad Waltersdorf was inhabited already in Roman times. Most of the historic buildings are found around the church from 1690, such as the rectory of 1774. Just outside the village, there is a thermal spa Heiltherme Bad Waltersdorf.
Read more about Bad Waltersdorf – Spa, culinary treats & scenic hiking
Mauterndorf
Mauterndorf, located in the Lungau region at the southeastern tip of Salzburgerland, is a real gem. It is a picturesque, well-preserved medieval village in the middle of the Alps. Take your time and explore Austria’s prettiest villages to discover medieval architecture, traditional houses, and the odd henhouse. After all, the village centre mainly consists of historic buildings that add great character to the place. An unmissable landmark in Mauterndorf is the medieval castle that towers over the village.
Read more about Nature meets history in Mauterndorf
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Straden
Even in Austria, where pretty villages dot the landscape throughout the country, this tiny hilltop hamlet stands out. This is not only because of the lovely village but also because of its location. Standen’s three church towers dominate its skyline. Enjoy the picturesque countryside views in southeastern Styria from the viewing platform. Browse through the delicatessen shop and relax in the small square with a coffee and cake.
Read more about the Vulkanland region in Styria
St. Gilgen
Charming St. Gilgen in Salzburgerland, which is situated on scenic Lake Wolfgang, is a typical Austrian village. Colourful flowers decorate not only parks but also many houses. The love city hall (Rathaus) is just one of the buildings that has put St. Gilgen on our list of prettiest villages. If you prefer spending time by the water, there is a promenade with cafés and a small beach. Moreover, St. Gilgen’s idyllic setting among the mountains in Salzkammergut makes it popular with hikers. You can take the cable car up to Zwölferhorn at 1522 meters above sea level from the centre of the village. Furthermore, St. Gilgen is also known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s mother.
Read more about Salzkammergut – Austria in miniature
Heiligenblut
Heiligenblut in Carinthia, is rightly called the most beautiful mountain village in the Alpine region because of its unique mountain scenery. Its Gothic church with the Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, in the background, is unquestionably one of the most famous photo motives in the country. Heiligenblut is in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park and is located on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße). Moreover, the village is named after a chapel, first mentioned in 1271, containing a relic of the Blood of Christ.
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