From the crystal-clear waters of Hallstätter See in the Salzkammergut to the wild trails of the Kalkalpen National Park, Upper Austria is a playground for nature lovers. In Linz, the region's capital, modern art mingles with historic architecture – making it a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty.
- Location: Nestled in northern Austria, Upper Austria shares borders with Germany and the Czech Republic. Its landscapes are a dreamy mix of mountains, lakes, and dense forests.
- Capital: Linz, Austria's third-largest city, is both the region's cultural heart and economic hub.
Top Highlights of Upper Austria
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Panoramic Viewpoint Hallstatt
Hallstatt, Upper Austria, Austria
The world’s oldest salt mine
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Salzwelten Hallstatt
Hallstatt, Upper Austria, Austria
Some places are older than you can imagine. Perched high above Lake Hallstatt, the cool, dark tunnels of the world’s oldest salt mine transport you back more than 7,000 years. Here, prehistoric miners used rudimentary tools to extract the "white gold" that brought prosperity to Hallstatt during the early Iron Age. This fascinating excursion appeals to visitors of all ages. It’s no surprise that the salt mine is one of the most popular attractions in Upper Austria.
Marvelous panoramas from the edge of the sky
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5 Fingers
Obertraun, Upper Austria, Austria
The 5fingers viewing platform on the Krippenstein is one of the nicest vantage points in the Alps. Like the five fingers of a hand, the platforms extend 400 meters above a sheer drop, offering stunning panoramic views of Hallstättersee, the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt-Dachstein, and the surrounding Salzkammergut.
Largest church in Austria
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St. Mary's Cathedral Linz (New Cathedral)
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Linz, often simply called The Cathedral or Mariendom, is the largest church in Austria and a stunning masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture. Since its foundation stone was laid in 1862, the cathedral has dominated the cityscape with its immense size and its elegant tower, which stands just shy of the height of Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The vibrant stained-glass windows, including the famous Linz Window, depict stories from the city’s history, while the viewing platform at 112 meters offers breathtaking views of Linz and the surrounding area.
Turquoise waves, endless horizons – simply a place to breathe
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Lake Atter
Sankt Gilgen, Upper Austria, Austria
With its 169-meter depth, Attersee is not only Austria's second-deepest lake but also, alongside Lake Constance, its largest. Nestled picturesquely in the Salzkammergut region, it is surrounded by idyllic towns like Seewalchen, Schörfling, and Unterach. The lake's stunning palette of colors, shimmering from turquoise to silver, makes it one of the most beloved destinations in the area. Here, you can swim, dive, and sail to your heart’s content.
Experiment with the Future
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Ars Electronica Center
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The interactive Museum of the Future brings the future into the present. It explores the intersection of art, technology, and society, inviting visitors to engage with cutting-edge innovations. You can, for example, test artificial intelligence, train self-driving cars, program robots, or experiment with 3D printing. The motto is: Try it out and join in!
A Jewel of the Salzkammergut
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Hallstätter Lake
Hallstatt, Upper Austria, Austria
Nestled between the towering peaks of the Dachstein massif and the idyllic landscape of the Salzkammergut lies Hallstätter See, a place of extraordinary significance. Salt has been mined here since the Neolithic era, earning the region worldwide fame as the cradle of the Hallstatt Culture of the Early Iron Age. Today, the lake, part of the Hallstatt–Dachstein/Salzkammergut cultural landscape, is a popular tourist destination.
Memorial against the Horrors
Mauthausen Memorial (concentration camp)
Upper Austria, Austria
The memorial site stands today as a place of remembrance. As the largest concentration camp on Austrian soil, it was the site of unimaginable atrocities from 1938 to 1945. More than half of the approximately 200,000 prisoners from over 30 nations lost their lives.
Visit the largest free-flight aviary in the world.
Schmiding Zoo
Upper Austria, Austria
At Zoo Schmiding, visitors can explore a fascinating world of animals spread across 14 hectares. Originally established as the Schmiding Bird Park, the zoo now features highlights such as Austria’s only gorillas, giraffes, red pandas, and Siberian tigers. The walk-through free-flight aviary, the largest in the world, offers a close-up experience with eagles and vultures.
A World Heritage Site Like No Other
Hallstatt Old Town
Hallstatt, Upper Austria, Austria
Nestled between the shimmering Hallstätter See and the steep cliffs of the Dachstein Massif lies Hallstatt, a small town of extraordinary significance. For over 7,000 years, salt has been mined here, earning Hallstatt the title of the world's oldest salt mine. The prehistoric Hallstatt Culture of the Early Iron Age even takes its name from this town. Today, Hallstatt attracts thousands of visitors from around the world with its historic houses, the market square, and the Skywalk observation platform, while the Bone House in the Michael's Chapel—featuring over 1,200 skulls (many beautifully painted)—offers a glimpse into ancient burial customs.
Travel Ideas
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
Each season in Upper Austria has something to offer:
- Spring (March to May): Ideal for hiking and cycling as the weather warms up and nature bursts into life. The Salzkammergut and Mühlviertel are particularly beautiful at this time.
- Summer (June to August): Perfect for outdoor adventures like swimming, hiking, or cycling. Temperatures range between 20–30°C, making it the best season to enjoy the lakes or cycle along the Danube.
- Autumn (September to October): Autumn brings vibrant colors and cool, pleasant days. It's a great time for hiking and exploring wine regions or the Mühlviertel’s rolling hills.
- Winter (December to February): Ski season! Hit the slopes in Hinterstoder or go snowshoeing through the serene Kalkalpen National Park.
How to Get There
By Train
The Westbahn route, running between Salzburg, Linz, and Vienna, is Austria’s busiest. Frequent services from ÖBB and WESTbahn make traveling smooth and easy.
By Car
Upper Austria is well-connected via the A1 (Westautobahn) and A8 (Innkreis Autobahn). For scenic drives to Salzkammergut, Mühlviertel, or southern ski areas, take the national roads. Remember to get your vignette for Austrian highways.
Public Transport
With a well-developed bus and regional train network, Upper Austria is perfect for eco-conscious travelers. Check schedules with OÖVV for seamless connections.
By Plane
The Blue Danube Airport Linz offers both national and international flights and is conveniently located just 20 km from the city center.
Fancy a roadtrip?
Be inspired by our hand-picked road trips.
