Austria’s rich history and stunning landscapes attract those seeking alpine charm and baroque grandeur.
Such popularity has its price. In recent years, many have debated the concept of ‘overtourism’ and there is the sense that some of Austria’s tourist hotspots have suffered and become a little ‘tired’ as a result.
With summer holidays looming, The Local identified five of the country’s most overrated (or over-visited) locales, and suggests five alternatives.
Don’t go to Salzburg, go to Bregenz
It seems almost sacrilege to describe Salzburg in any other terms than glowing.
Combining the medieval and the later baroque, the entire city centre is a testament to Austria’s rich history as a seat of religious and secular power.
That said, all but three or so months of the year, the city is utterly deluged by tourists, seeking their Mozart or ‘Sound of Music’ fix.
During peak periods, the lines can be long, the tourist ‘tat’ everywhere, and it can be harder to discover those hidden gems amidst the noise and thrum.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed by the city government – they’re seeking to limit the number of daytrippers coming to the city.
READ MORE: Salzburg looks to limit daytrippers in new tourism concept
Make sure not to miss Bregenz' old Upper Town when you visit. It's just a few minutes walking from both the lake and the Pfänderbahn but super peaceful. #collab with #feelAustria #visitVorarlberg pic.twitter.com/VzpNZDEAkC
— Wonderful Wanderings (@WondWand) July 20, 2019
Bregenz, on the shores of Lake Constance, offers much the same atmosphere and historical feel, without nearly as many tourists.
You have an extremely well-preserved historical centre in Bregenz’s Oberstadt (Upper City), dotted with churches and important civic buildings from the 15th century onwards.
Bregenz also has a cultural offering that is incredible for its size, with several world-class annual events, such as the Bregenz Festival.
When you consider all the delights that Lake Constance has to offer – and incredible connections to both Germany and Switzerland – it makes sense to consider a trip to Bregenz in the high tourist season.
Don’t go to Hallstatt, go to Mautendorf
Hallstatt is postcard-perfect and that’s a big, big problem.
For over a decade, Hallstatt has been besieged by busloads looking to take photographs of the quaint village that spills down the hillside towards the lake.
Such is the demand, especially among Asian tourists, that a replica of the entire town was built in China, opened in 2012.
The locals have had enough, unsurprisingly. They have demanded curbs on the number of tourists permitted daily, and have called on the government to do more to offset the effects of over-tourism – traffic jams, increased pollution and rubbish left by visitors.
READ MORE: Will Austria’s Hallstatt restrict tourism this season?
Mauterndorf Castle (German: Burg Mauterndorf) is a castle in the municipality of Mauterndorf, in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is situated at an altitude of 1,138 metres.
Mautendorf Castle was probably built on the site of an old Roman fort that dates to AD 326 or earlier pic.twitter.com/IuxcKS3xAr— ERNIE BOND – VARIED SUBJECTS AND CURIOSITIES (@ERNIEBOND6) April 25, 2024
If it’s spectacular landscapes and quaint village charm you’re craving, just under two hours south, Mautendorf ticks many of the same boxes.
Settled since Roman times – and with stones from the Roman settlement reused throughout the village – Mautendorf is equally beautiful as its famous cousin.
For those seeking history, Burg Mautendorf (Mautendorf Castle) looms over the town, where the Middle Ages are often brought to life.
Nature lovers will be fascinated by the glacial potholes found throughout the nearby slopes, and the Taurachbahn (Taurach Railway), which takes visitors along the dramatic Taurach river.
Don’t go to Ischgl, go to Hinterthal
It seems half of Germany descends on Ischgl in winter – something that made international headlines during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
Such a volume of visitors at a ski resort can lead to crowded slopes, soaring prices a less-than-optimal experience.
While the locals are undeniably happy about the flow of traffic, questions have been raised about the effect such visitor volume has on the region.
5 days until we experience some REAL snow, none of this "light dusting"……. #hinterthal #austria #teamknight pic.twitter.com/jHBi92fR
— Claire Knight (@claire_TTATB) January 14, 2013
If you’re willing to drive a few hours east, Hinterthal, located in the Hochkönig mountain range south of Salzburg, is perhaps even more accessible, but far, far less crowded.
Hinterthal’s ski offering is also fairly impressive: there are 120 kilometres of slopes throughout the resort and over 8 kilometres of ski routes, serviced by 37 lifts. It’s safe to say there’s something for skiers of every level.
If it’s after-slopes entertainment you’re after, you won’t be disappointed either, as there’s plenty of nightlife, pubs and bars on offer.
Don’t go to Schönbrunn Palace, go to the Villa Hermes
There’s no denying the beauty and grandeur of Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace): it is Habsburg power made real and solid.
However, it is very near the top of all ‘must visit’ lists in Vienna, and almost 10,000 tourists a day can pass through it at peak times. This places a lot of strain on the building and parts of the already small section open to the public can be closed at sudden notice.
If you’re wanting to feel a little of the atmosphere of Habsburg Austria – and learn more about the legendary Empress ‘Sissi’ – the Hermesvilla (Villa Hermes) five kilometres to the east is just as special.
READ MORE: Austria’s ‘original influencer’: Ten weird facts about the Austrian Royal Family and Empress Sissi
Hermes Villa Vienna❤
Lainzer Tiergarten pic.twitter.com/aZR3jLpPO0— Elfie Neuberger (@ElfieNeuberger) November 3, 2023
This is the ’Villà of Dreams’, the home that Emperor Franz Joseph built for ‘Sissi’ in the 1880s to persuade her not to travel too widely and stay close to him. The ploy worked, mostly, and the Empress spent a lot of time there, riding her horses and exercising compulsively, as shown in many depictions of her life.
Today, in addition to a centre for cultural exhibitions, the villa contains a museum that explores the world of Franz Joseph, ‘Sisi’ and their household.
Don’t go to St Stephan’s Cathedral, go to the Augustinian Church
The Stephansdom (St Stephan’s Cathedral) in Vienna is not only the heart and soul of Austria (we’re not kidding, there are many Hapsburg body parts in the crypt), but it’s a stunning example of a mediaeval cathedral.
The majesty of the place is somewhat disrupted, however, by the fact that visiting has been very much commodified.
Separate entrance fees to the interior, crypt and tower and the resulting queues can make it feel like a visit to a particularly solemn Disney amusement park.
For Gothic beauty without the theme park vibe, the Augustinerkirche (Augustinian Church) 550 metres southeast is just as gorgeous and with as extensive a history.
"The Tomb of Maria Christina of Austria by Canova." ca. 1820. French. Charles Swagers, painter. from @delicious.decadence on Instagram but here too https://t.co/d2M96tLOsR pic.twitter.com/1UR7Clt2uz
— Sarah B Guest Perry (@sarahguestperry) October 12, 2023
The Augustinian Church was built in the 14th century as a monastery and was later integrated into the Imperial Court as their parish church.
Figures such as Maria Theresa, and Empress ‘Sisi’ were both married there, and several Hapsburg monarchs were buried there – in addition to even more Habsburg hearts buried in the Heart Crypt (‘Herzergruft’).
Particularly haunting is the funeral monument to Maria Christina of Austria – an open pyramid outside which hooded mourners stand.
It’s a unique experience – and no waiting!
Have we got these overrated tourist attractions right? What would you add? Let us know in the comments!
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