14 Picture-Perfect Spots in Austria for Travel and Landscape Photographers

Austria features stunning landscapes and a rich history, offering countless opportunities for travel photographers. From charming villages to majestic mountains, each destination provides unique possibilities.

Here you’ll find 14 of Austria’s most beautiful and magical places perfect for capturing remarkable travel photos.

1. Vienna

Old cathedral building in Vienna — Photo: Millenn/Unlimphotos

Vienna, the heart of Austria, is an alluring blend of imperial history and contemporary creativity. Its baroque architecture, grandiose palaces, and bustling cultural scene provide a wealth of photographic opportunities.

The city’s vibrant streets are lined with historic buildings and iconic sites like the Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Capturing Vienna’s architectural elegance alongside its modern urban life can result in striking photographs.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Schönbrunn Palace: Capture the opulence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its grand gardens and elaborate Baroque architecture.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Photograph the Gothic spires and intricate details of this iconic symbol of Vienna.
Belvedere Palace: Perfect for capturing the grand Baroque architecture and beautifully manicured gardens.
Naschmarkt: Vibrant market offering bustling scenes and colorful produce displays.
Danube River: Offers serene shots of the river with the cityscape backdrop.

2. Hallstatt

Iconic view of Hallstatt and the lake — Photo: vunavgallery/Envato Elements

Between the serene Hallstätter See and the towering Dachstein mountains, Hallstatt appears to be taken straight out of a fairy tale. This picturesque village is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and charming 16th-century architecture. The reflection of the town on the lake’s still waters, framed by dramatic mountain peaks, is simply picture-perfect.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Hallstätter See: Still reflections of the village and mountains in the lake’s waters.
Skywalk Hallstatt: Panoramic views of the Alps and the town from high above.
Old Town: Cobblestone streets and pastel-colored homes offer quaint photo opportunities.
Salt Mines: Capture the historical significance and expansive views from the mines.
Market Square: Picturesque square surrounded by traditional alpine buildings.

3. Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Grossglockner High Alpine Road winding through the snow-capped mountains — Photo: merc67/Unlimphotos

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a breathtaking drive through the Hohe Tauern National Park, offering some of the most awe-inspiring views in Austria. This scenic route takes you through a diverse landscape of majestic peaks and lush meadows.

Photographers will find countless vantage points along the way to capture the dramatic vistas, especially at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, dominates the scene.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe: Panoramic views of the Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier.
Alpine Meadows: Stunning landscapes dotted with wildflowers and grazing wildlife.
Hairpin Bends: Dramatic shots of the winding road with mountains in the background.
Hochtor Pass: Capture the highest point on the road with sweeping views.

4. Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria — Photo: Daxenbichler/Unlimphotos

Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, is a city where baroque splendor meets alpine beauty. With its historic old town, the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the majestic backdrop of the Eastern Alps, Salzburg offers an abundance of photogenic charm. The Mirabell Gardens and the Salzach River provide additional opportunities for capturing the city’s timeless elegance.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Hohensalzburg Fortress: Panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Mirabell Gardens: Capture the meticulously designed gardens and palace.
Old Town: Baroque architecture and narrow lanes offer intriguing photo opportunities.
Getreidegasse: Charming street with wrought-iron signs and historic buildings.
Salzach River: Serene shots of the river with the cityscape and fortress backdrop.

5. Zell am See

Night view of Zell am See and the lake — Photo: Jakob Radlgruber/Depositphotos

Situated by the crystal-clear Lake Zell and surrounded by the majestic Alps, Zell am See is a paradise for landscape photographers. The town offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks mirrored in the tranquil lake. nature’s beauty.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Lake Zell: Mirror-like reflections of the mountains in the lake.
Schmittenhöhe: Panoramic views of the Alps from this nearby mountain.
Summer Bloom: Fields of wildflowers with alpine backdrops.
Winter Wonderland: Capture the snowy landscapes and frozen lake in winter.

6. Krimml Waterfalls

Krimml Waterfalls with a rainbow at the base of the falls — Photo: jstuij/Unlimphotos

Europe’s highest waterfalls offer a spectacular display of nature’s power. Cascading down 380 meters in three tiers, the falls are surrounded by lush forests and rugged cliffs. Photographers will love capturing the dynamic motion and force of the water, with the mist creating beautiful rainbows on sunny days.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Waterfall Tiers: Capture the three cascading tiers of the waterfalls.
Surrounding Forests: Lush greenery frames the powerful falls.
Viewing Platforms: Multiple vantage points for diverse compositions.

7. Innsbruck

Elevated night view of Innsbruck, Austria — Photo: Image-Source/Envato Elements

In the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and alpine adventure. The city is famous for its colorful houses along the Inn River and the golden-roofed building in the old town. Photographers can capture the contrast between the city’s vibrant architecture and the dramatic mountain backdrop.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Golden Roof: Iconic landmark in the heart of the old town.
Nordkette Mountain Range: Stunning views from the top of the cable car.
Inn River: Capture the colorful row houses along the riverbank.
Ambras Castle: Renaissance architecture set against the alpine landscape.

8. Graz

Graz, Austria cityscape at night — Photo: benkrut/Unlimphotos

Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its harmonious blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and modern architecture. The city’s vibrant culture and artistic flair provide endless possibilities for photographers. The Schlossberg hill offers panoramic city views, while the Murinsel and Kunsthaus Graz showcase contemporary design.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Schlossberg: Panoramic views of Graz from the iconic clock tower.
Murinsel: Futuristic island design in the Mur River.
Kunsthaus Graz: Capture the unique architecture of the modern art museum.
Old Town: Renaissance and Baroque architecture in historic streets.
Eggenberg Palace: UNESCO-listed palace with beautifully landscaped gardens.

9. Linz

Street view of Linz, Austria at dusk — Photo: Rudolf Balasko/Depositphotos

Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, is a dynamic fusion of industry, art, and nature. Photographers can capture the contrast between modern structures and historic buildings, with the panoramic views from the Pöstlingberg offering a breathtaking perspective.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Ars Electronica Center: Illuminated facade reflecting in the Danube.
Pöstlingberg: Panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Lentos Art Museum: Capture the museum’s modern architecture and night lighting.
Old Cathedral: Baroque architecture with ornate interiors.
Main Square: Vibrant city life with historic buildings and statues.

10. Dürnstein

The blue church tower of Dürnstein with the castle in the background — Photo: Leonid Muhli/Depositphotos

Perched on the banks of the Danube, Dürnstein is a charming village known for its striking blue church tower and medieval castle ruins. Photographers will find inspiration in the quaint streets, terraced vineyards, and stunning river views. The hilltop ruins offer a commanding view over the Wachau Valley, perfect for wide landscape shots.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Blue Church Tower: Iconic landmark with vibrant colors.
Castle Ruins: Panoramic views of the Wachau Valley from the ruins.
Vineyards: Terraced vineyards with picturesque river views.
Medieval Streets: Charming cobblestone streets with historic buildings.
Danube River: Serene river scenes with reflections of the village.

11. Semmering Railway

Aerial view of Semmering Railway with train going over a bridge — Photo: Fritz Hiersche/Depositphotos

The Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a marvel of engineering set against a backdrop of spectacular alpine landscapes. This historic railway offers photographers the opportunity to capture trains winding through tunnels and across viaducts, all framed by mountain vistas. The diverse scenery along the route provides numerous opportunities for stunning shots.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Viaducts: Trains crossing impressive stone bridges.
Alpine Landscapes: Mountains and valleys viewed from the railway.
Seasonal Changes: Autumn foliage and winter snow add variety to photos.
Tunnels: Dramatic shots of trains emerging from tunnels.

12. Lake Neusiedl

Sunset view of Lake Neusiedl and lighthouse — Photo: Tomáš Šereda/Depositphotos

Lake Neusiedl, the largest endorheic lake (collected water in a basin with no outlet) in Central Europe, is a haven for nature and wildlife photographers. The lake’s reed beds and shallow waters create a unique habitat for diverse bird species. It’s also home to a picturesque lighthouse.

Photographers can capture the serene waters, colorful sunsets, and vibrant birdlife, all set against the backdrop of the Pannonian Plain.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Birds: Capture diverse species in their natural habitat.
Sunsets: Stunning reflections and vibrant colors in the evening sky.
Reed Beds: Unique foregrounds for landscape shots.
Sailing Boats: Traditional boats with lake and horizon views.

13. Krems an der Donau

Krems an der Donau, at the gateway to the Wachau, is a picturesque town known for its wine culture and historic old town. Photographers will find inspiration in the medieval architecture, terraced vineyards, and the Danube’s scenic beauty. The town offers a perfect blend of cultural charm and natural landscapes.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Steiner Tor: Capture this iconic medieval city gate.
Vineyards: Terraced vineyards with sweeping views of the Danube.
Old Town Streets: Charming streets lined with historic buildings.
Danube Views: Serene river scenes with reflections and sunsets.

14. Schafberg Mountain

The incredible view from Schafberg Mountain — Photo: DaLiu/Unlimphotos

The Schafberg Mountain offers one of the most dramatic panoramic views in Austria. Accessible by a cogwheel railway, the summit presents photographers with breathtaking vistas of alpine peaks and crystal-clear lakes.

🌟 Photo Highlights

Cogwheel Railway: Capture the picturesque train ascending the mountain.
Lake Views: Panoramic shots of Wolfgangsee and Mondsee.
Mountain Peaks: Dramatic landscapes with distant peaks.
Sunrise/Sunset: Stunning colors and light effects at the summit.

Discover Austria through Your Lens

Austria’s magical landscapes and rich cultural heritage offer endless opportunities for travel photographers. Whether you’re capturing the grandeur of Vienna or the serene beauty of Lake Neusiedl, each location presents a unique perspective on this enchanting country.