While I was at university studying for my Masters degree in Celtic Archaeology, I had the distinct pleasure of spending a summer in Austria, digging at two different archaeological sites with my supervisor, and some of his students from Vienna. I’ll confess, at the time I knew very little about Austria beyond knowing Ray (my supervisor) and his lovely wife pretty well, and enjoying the fact that a girl I worked with in the university library, named Claudia, liked to yodel.

The acoustics in the library were phenomenal and I shall never forget the sound.

Claudia may not have been Austrian, but I’d seen The Sound of Music and knew yodelling was an Austrian thing.

And there ended my knowledge of one of Europe’s most beautiful countries and friendliest peoples.

Reasons To Visit Austria

I will confess, I was deeply disappointed that in all my time there I never once heard anyone yodel. But there were a great many things about the country I loved, and I’m hoping to go back very soon and discover more. 

For those who, like me, know literally nothing about Austria and Austrian culture beyond some basic pop culture stereotypes, here’s a roundup of all the best reasons to visit Austria and everything I loved about my time there.

Hallstatt, Schnitzel, Yodelling & Other Reasons To Visit Austria - Hallstatt

Hallstatt

Nestled between the towering Dachstein mountains and the serene Hallstätter See, Hallstatt is a picture-perfect village that looks like it’s been lifted straight out of a fairy tale. I wish I’d got to spend more time here, alas we were only there for a day. Known for its production of salt, dating back to prehistoric times, Hallstatt is not just scenic but also rich in history and culture. 

As descriptions go, however, that really doesn’t do this place justice. You wander around through streets peppered with beautiful wooden shops and brightly painted homes. Many have stalls out front stuffed with the kind of things you just don’t find in England unless you’ve purposefully gone looking for the fairy shops in wales.

Which, okay, I do that a lot.

But even then, the depth of feeling created by the landscape and architecture and wares on display and available to purchase in Hallstatt is just on a whole other level. Locals range from people who would be perfectly at home in a modern metropolis to those dressed in traditional Austrian garb like Lederhosen and Dirndls, because this is how they genuinely dress each day. 

The charm of its traditional wooden houses and the stunning views they offer are simply breathtaking. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time, yet you don’t get the feeling of being out of place or out of step with the modern world.

The Dürrnberg

The Dürrnberg, near Hallein, is famously known for its salt mines and a rich Celtic heritage. My special tour of the underground salt mines revealed incredible prehistoric findings that highlight the area’s historical significance. Beyond its archaeological importance, the Dürrnberg offers spectacular alpine scenery and a palpable sense of ancient traditions that have shaped the local culture for millennia.

The tour of the mines and the museum is well worth it if you’re a history buff!

Schnitzel And Radler 

Austrian cuisine is hearty and satisfying, and schnitzel is its crown jewel. Hear me out on this one. It may sound super basic, but honestly, I was obsessed with this dish when I was over there. Digging is hard work. It’s tiring. Particularly when you’re doing it in the heat of an Austrian summer and you’re an English wallflower with the complexion of a milk bottle.

This simple breaded and fried meat cutlet has found its way into the hearts of many. Eating a perfectly crispy schnitzel, especially at a cosy local Gasthaus with a side of Erdäpfelsalat (potato salad), was a frequent and delightful indulgence that I looked forward to after long days at the dig sites.

My other addiction while over there was a beverage called Radler, which I frequently enjoyed alongside my schnitzel. Similar to a lager shandy, Radler is a very refreshing and extremely tasty Austrian beverage. Traditionally made by mixing beer with sparkling lemonade, I particularly cherished a unique twist on this drink—a Radler made with Almdudler. Made from natural ingredients, including herbal extracts from the Alps, Almdudler  is known for its slightly sweet and herbal flavour profile, somewhat reminiscent of elderflower and ginger. 

Mixing this distinctively Austrian drink with lager creates a Radler that is uniquely refreshing, perfectly complementing the rich, savoury schnitzel (or just, ya know, to drink!). I suspect my obsession with this was largely due to an existing love of elderflower, but even if you don’t like shandy or elderflower, I encourage you to try this at least once.

I still have cravings!

Beautiful Lakes

Austria’s lakes are jewels of natural beauty, their crystal-clear waters reflecting the vast, pristine skies and the lush green of the surrounding landscapes. From the tranquillity of Hallstätter See to the vibrant activity around Wolfgangsee, where locals and tourists alike bask in the sun and enjoy various water sports, these lakes offer a refreshing escape into nature.

I can’t actually remember the name of the place we were saying for the first dig now, but it was a smaller location, not one of the better known lakes (at least as far as I remember). Still, each day after a long days digging, we’d all go down to the lake and schwimmen mit fishies (my language skills are not great, but I picked that much up! The only other phrase I recall is”Du trinkst wie ein Loch”, which I believe literally translates to “you drink like a hole” but is essentially the Austrian equivalent of “you drink like a fish”).

The lakes are stuffed with fish. Little ones, big ones, pretty ones, ugly ones. They won’t bother you if you don’t bother them, but they’re great fun to swim with!

Incredibly Relaxed Culture

What struck me most about Austria was its incredibly relaxed culture. People here are open and friendly, exuding a warmth that makes you feel welcome. The liberating experience of sunbathing topless at public lakes, without any social stigma, reflects a society that embraces freedom and body positivity, contributing to the country’s open-minded ethos.

An unexpectedly delightful aspect of Austrian life was the popularity of scooters. There’s a certain casual ease with which locals zip around on their scooters, adding a vibrant energy to the streets. This efficient and fun mode of transport stuck in my mind as emblematic of the Austrian lifestyle—active, eco-friendly, and incredibly practical for navigating both city streets and country roads.

Hallstatt, Schnitzel, Yodelling & Other Reasons To Visit Austria - Hallstatt Architecture

The Elegance And Charm Of Austrian Architecture

The architecture of Austria is a visual feast. I mentioned how much I loved the buildings in Hallstatt, but there’s so much more on offer depending on where you are in Austria. From the quaint, colourfully painted houses of small Alpine villages to the grand imperial palaces of Vienna, each structure tells a story of Austria’s layered history.

Rural areas, particularly regions like Tyrol and Salzkammergut, buildings are the traditional wooden chalets and lodges, a lot of them sporting intricate carvings and balconies overrun with flowers. They get a lot of snow, so the roofs have a distinctive slope designed to withstand heavy snowfalls, and it’s a curious blend of high function and a beautiful aesthetic.

The urban architecture in Austria is just as captivating. I didn’t get to visit Vienna while I was there but Salzburg boasts an incredible array of styles. Gothic cathedrals with soaring spires are interspersed with Baroque palaces sporting ornate details, nestled in expansive, elaborate and beautiful gardens. 

Rich Cultural History

Austria’s heritage is a tapestry woven from various cultural threads, with its deep Celtic roots playing a fundamental role in the nation’s historical narrative. During my time in Austria, especially while digging at archaeological sites, I was immersed in the evidence of these ancient peoples. The Celts, known for their artistry and complex societal structures, have left an indelible mark on the regions they inhabited.

In places like Hallstatt and the Dürrnberg, you can still sense the echo of the Celtic presence through artefacts and salt mine excavations that reveal sophisticated trade systems and social hierarchies. These sites provide a unique window into the Iron Age cultures that thrived in what is now modern Austria. It was actually while I was away that I finished my first paper, which was published shortly after.

Beyond the Celtic influence, Austria’s history is enriched by Roman conquests, mediaeval power struggles, and the grandeur of the Habsburg monarchy, which shaped much of Central Europe’s destiny. From majestic castles and fortresses dotting the landscape to the opulent palaces in Vienna, the architectural legacy of Austria offers a vivid narrative of its past empires and cultural influxes.

The preservation of this history, coupled with a commitment to celebrating its diverse cultural origins, makes Austria a fascinating country where the past is always part of the present. This deep respect for heritage is not only seen in museums and archaeological sites but also in the traditional festivals and everyday life, where historical awareness and pride are clearly displayed.

Exploring Austria’s rich cultural history, you gain a deeper appreciation for how the country has been shaped by various epochs and peoples, creating a vibrant mosaic of traditions and stories that continue to enchant and educate.

Despite spending a summer there I feel like I barely scratched the surface of what Austria has to offer, and I will have to return soon to explore more of this beautiful and historically fascinating country.