Top 10 Fairytale Towns to Visit in Austria

Austria is a country in the middle of Europe where fairytales come true. Imposing Alpine mountains, medieval towns, baroque architecture, and idyllic villages that lie on the lakeside, Austria offers its visitors a fairy-tale destination that seems to be taken out of the pages of a book. Austria has towns that are filled with so much photogenic beauty that they can be used by anyone who is a nature lover, history buff or even an escape lover.

Schengen Austria visa information is also important to know before going out to discover these fairytale gems so that one can avoid any hitches in his or her travel. Austria is a member of the Schengen Zone and therefore travelers who are not EU citizens need to get a Schengen visa to enter. To make any scenic visit to Austria, it is advisable to initiate the visa application to Austria well in advance so as to have no last minute rush and enjoy the beautiful trip.

1. Hallstatt - The Jewel of Austria Villages

Hallstatt, or, as it is colloquially known, the most beautiful village in the world, is a lakeside idyll located between the Hallstatter See and the Dachstein Alps. It is a dream destination because of the 16 th -century alpine houses, the serene waters, and the mountain views. A walk in Hallstatt is like entering a fairytale land. See the ancient salt mine, take a boat ride on the lake, or take pictures of the town square with its pastels colored houses and flower-filled balconies.

2. Durnstein - The Romantic Jewel of the Danube

During the Middle Ages it was the seat of the Bishop of Passau, and is now a favorite residence of the Austrian nobility. The town is situated on the Danube, and is noted for its blue church tower and the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was a prisoner. It has vineyards and cobblestone alleys that add to its fairytale atmosphere. Durersstein is not only romantic but also a center of wine culture in Austria; wine tasting tours and lazily floating along the river on a cruise are a favourite pastime here.

3. Alpbach - The Most Beautiful Village of Austria

Alpbach is a very beautiful village that has won the award of the most beautiful village in Austria many times. There are traditional wooden chalets with flower-decorated balconies against a background of green pastures and mountainous scenery. The town is also the home of the European Forum Alpbach which gathers intellectuals and leaders annually. In winter, Alpbach becomes a snowy paradise where people can go skiing and snowboarding.

4. Lakeside Alpine Fairytale at Zell am See

Zell am See is a beautiful town located on the Lake Zell, and beneath the majestic mountains of Hohe Tauern. It has a fairytale beauty with mirror reflections on the lakes, tiny houses, and a Gothic St. Hippolyte Church. Zell am See offers a magical experience throughout the year whether you are having water sports during summer or skiing in the nearby glacier at Kaprun during winter.

5. St. Wolfgang A Lakeside Dream in Salzkammergut

This lovely village that stands on the banks of Lake Wolfgang is characterized by pretty facades, cafes and the famous White Horse Inn (Weisses R ossl). The Schafberg Railway ride to St. Wolfgang is not only scenic but also has a cinematic quality to the view. At Christmas time, St. Wolfgang is the location of one of Austria most atmospheric Christmas markets with floating lanterns and alpine decor.

6. Gmunden - Ceramic Charm and Lakeside Elegance

Gmunden is a town on the lake Traunsee and is characterized by porcelain works and Gmundner Keramik. The Ort Castle, which is located on a small island that is connected with a bridge made of wood, makes the lakeside location look very royal. Tourists can go on boat trips, visit the old town, and visit ceramic shops.

7. Maria Alm - Storybook ski village

Set against the backdrop of the Hochkonig mountain Maria Alm is a peaceful alpine village with a nice church steeple that cuts through the sky. It is a perfect choice of people who want to enjoy peace, clean mountain air, and outdoor activities. The town is well known among families and those who enjoy hiking and has scenic hikes, rustic inns, and magnificent alpine views.

8. Bad Gastein- The Spa Town with a Vintage Flair

Bad Gastein is a blend of the 19 th -century pomp and nature. The town is located in the Gastein Valley and is famous due to its healing hot springs, Belle Epoque architecture, and a spectacular waterfall that runs through the town. It is an absolute place to go when you need to relax and feel elegant as the wellness centers, hiking trails, and ski resorts are within easy reach.

9. Krems an der Donau Cultural Heart of Wachau

Krems is one of the oldest towns of Austria and is located at the entrance to the Wachau Valley. Krems is an old town that has art galleries, wineries, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which makes it a great combination of culture and beauty. Take a tour through the cobbled lanes, taste local wines and enjoy Austrian traditions and culture.

10. Murau The Styrian Treasure

Murau in the area of Styria is not as crowded but still as fascinating. This town is the home of an old castle, a beautiful river and the Murau Brewery, which is a medieval town of charm and coziness. Murau is ideal to an off-the-beaten-path traveler who does not want to get the tourist buzz of Austria. The enchanted atmosphere is complemented by hiking paths, historical places, and Styrian food.

Conclusion

Austria is full of fairytale towns that are mesmerizing travellers with their ancient beauty, history and alpine landscape. Whether it is the legendary Hallstatt, the well-kept secret of Murau, every town has its own story to tell. Fancy the beauty of crystal clear lakes, snow-capped chalets, or the bloom of a summer valley, Austria is a magical place to create memories.

As you are about to pack your bags to have your whimsical escape to these picturesque villages, be sure to have a good grip on the Schengen Austria visa information. You will find it easy to enter Austria by applying to the Austria visa well before you plan to travel there. With your travel documents in order, you can now go out and indulge in the most magical experiences in Austria and make memories, which seem like a fairytale.