Austrian and Slovenian Escapade: Cities, Nature, and History

Get to know Mozart in his former apartment, where he spent his happiest years.

Despite his modern-day association with Salzburg, Mozart's time in Vienna was his most productive and happy. Here you can learn about Mozart and what life was like for him and others in the city at the time. You can listen to musical selections and see original scores and other materials.

Step into this heavenly 18th-century church featuring incredibly ornate baroque art & architecture.

This church from the early 1700's is Vienna’s first domed baroque building. Amazing architectural details are crammed into the small interior, and glass crypts contain the human remains of martyred saints. There are daily organ recitals in the church.

Discover Vienna's rich history of Jewish life.

The museum is located in two separate buildings within the Inner City (one ticket covers both). The branch on the Judenplatz showcases medieval Jewish life, including a virtual tour of life in the 14th century. It is fronted by a monumental Holocaust Memorial. The main branch is located on the street Dorotheergasse.

Inner City

When the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talking about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds to Vienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defensive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. A warren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space between the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets that remains to this day.

Visit this awe-inspiring cathedral which is one of the most important and renowned Gothic buildings in Central Europe.

The cathedral is Vienna’s most famous landmark and dominates the Inner City. Founded in 1147 A.D. and built over hundreds of years, it has elements of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. You can also climb the (many) steps of the tower for a view.

Walk the most famous street in Vienna and see stunning monuments and beautiful architecture.

Vienna’s main street since the Middle Ages, this wide pedestrian boulevard abounds in cafes, smart shops, and atmosphere. There are two fountains and a column (built as thanks for the end of the plague), which are beautiful examples of Baroque architecture. Also hidden on the street is the world's most beautiful public restroom.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Stop to taste the wine in a postcard-pretty town surrounded by vineyards.

Spitz is a favorite stop due to its bucolic atmosphere and abundance of wine taverns and restaurants. It is also home to the Tausendeimerberg or "House of a Thousand Buckets" (so named for the abundance of wine fields) and the castle ruins of Hinterhaus, which make for a nice (if steep) hike from the village.

Explore the twisting narrow lanes of this delightful monastery town.

Named for the castle that overlooks it, Dürnstein is probably the most-visited stop in the Wachau valley. Reached by an ancient tunnel leading from the boat docks,  it is well-known for its wine as well as the beautiful blue church tower of its Augustinian monastery.

Hike to the dramatic ruins of a medieval castle built in 1100's.

The hike leading to the castle is steep, but the amazing view you are rewarded with makes it all worth while. The fascinating ruins are extensive and can be freely explored. The castle was made famous by its most illustrious prisoner, King Richard the Lionhearted of England, who was held there for ransom.

Wachau Valley

A one-and-a-half-hour train ride from Vienna brings you to the town of Melk, where you can tour the vast Melk Abbey. From there you can begin a 22-mile cruise through the Wachau Valley, considered the most beautiful stretch of the entire Danube River. You'll pass medieval castle ruins, hills covered in vineyards, and several charming villages, where you can debark to try some wine or take a hike up to a castle. The valley is also a perfect destination for cyclers and winery tours.

Tour a huge and splendid Baroque monastery.

Founded in 1089 when the Austrian duke gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks, Melk Abbey is now both a place of pilgrimage and a major tourist attraction. Visitors come for the museum of religious artifacts, the jaw-dropping library, and the sublime church. The town square below the abbey is also a great place for a meal or wine.

Stop to taste the wine in a postcard-pretty town surrounded by vineyards.

Spitz is a favorite stop due to its bucolic atmosphere and abundance of wine taverns and restaurants. It is also home to the Tausendeimerberg or "House of a Thousand Buckets" (so named for the abundance of wine fields) and the castle ruins of Hinterhaus, which make for a nice (if steep) hike from the village.

Taxi Transfer to Rail Station

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

Taxi Transfer to Rail Station

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

Taxi Transfer to Rail Station

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

Taxi Transfer to Rail Station

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg. In the Mozartplatz you can find a statue of the famous composer.

Visit Salzburg's largest and most impressive church.

The current cathedral was built between 1614-1628 and is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. The cathedral was largely destroyed by an Allied bomb in WWII but was restored by 1959. One of the most significant treasures in the cathedral is the Baptismal Font, which was cast in 1321 and rests on copper lions dating back to the 1100s.

Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg

Salzburg is simply overwhelming in all the best ways. It is alive with fascinating history, grandiose and sublime architecture fills every street and square, culture and music permeate the atmosphere, and it is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery. This guided tour with a local will provide the context needed to bring all of this beauty into perspective, and to connect the physical city to its history, culture, and environment.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg. In the Mozartplatz you can find a statue of the famous composer.

Take a short hike to this stunning lake nestled within the mountains.

You can take a quick jaunt to the Obersee, or better yet, you can take a 5 miles hike to a waterfall above the lake. The trail is well-maintained and well-traveled, although rocky and steep at times. The hike begins with a fairly flat and easy walk from the boat docks to the Obersee lake. You will then follow a trail along the right shore of the lake. The trail becomes rocky and steep, and you must ascend about 250 feet. At the high points of the trail, you will have a beautiful view of the lake below and surrounding mountains. You will then descend and reach the far end of the lake, where you will enjoy another beautiful view. You will then continue hiking towards the end of the valley, climbing another approximately 350 feet to reach the end of the valley, where you will see the waterfalls. Keep in mind that at the end of summer or in fall the waterfall may not be very impressive.

Hop off the boat for a pleasant and easy walk along the lake shore near this onion-domed church.

To take this easy, flat, but very beautiful hike, from the boat docks, follow the orange signs for the "St. Bartholomä-Rundweg". You will make a circle on a well-maintained trail, first walking along the lakeshore for about half a mile, and then turn left into the forest. Continue following the signs for the Rundweg, taking another left after about 350 yards, and returning to the docks in a little less than half a mile.

Relax on an unforgettable cruise across the lake, hopping on an off when you please.

The cruises are made all the more enjoyable as the electric boats are almost completely quiet. Nothing will distract you for the atmosphere and scenery. Cruises occur all year long unless the lake is iced over. Tickets are sold directly at the docks, although getting there early is highly recommended to avoid long lines.

Königssee Lake

The breathtakingly beautiful Königssee (King's Lake) is the deepest lake in the Alps and is surrounded by steep mountains. Taking a cruise on the lake is an unforgettable experience. The boat will take you to the red-onion domed Kloster St. Bartolomä, where you then take a relaxing and enchanting walk along the forested lakeshore. For serious hikers, you can also continue on the boat to the far end of the lake, and then take a hike to a dramatic waterfall.

Venture a little further to find a perfect view of the lake.

The Malerwinkl (i.e. the Painters Angle) is less than a mile walk from the boat docks and offers a picture-frame view of the lake. You can walk down to the water and soak your feet. After enjoying the view, you can head back, or take a strenuous, approximately hour-long hike to the Jennerbahn cable car station. Just follow the signs for the Malerwinkl-Rundweg and the Jennerbahn-Talstation. This is a trail for experienced hikers with proper footwear, which includes a climb of about 400 feet.

Take an exhilarating ride into the Alpine peaks above the lake.

You will enjoy amazing views of the lake and the surrounding Bavarian Alps. If you are up for it, you can even hike in the mountains as well, or ski in the winter. You can board the Jennerbahn cable car near the same parking area and bus stop which services the lake. It costs approx. 27.50 EUR for an adult roundtrip ticket to the top. You can save money by hiking back down, but this is only recommended for experienced hikers with good footwear.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Guided Cycling Tour of Ljubljana

On this guided cycling tour you will pedal along the enchanting embankments on the river Ljubljanica all the way to the Ljubljana Botanic Garden, take a garden tour, and continue through the famous vegetable gardens of Krakovo towards Tivoli Park to enjoy a rest and a picnic snack there. On the last leg of the tour, you will visit the Metelkova mesto alternative culture center.

Guided Cycling Tour of Ljubljana

On this guided cycling tour you will pedal along the enchanting embankments on the river Ljubljanica all the way to the Ljubljana Botanic Garden, take a garden tour, and continue through the famous vegetable gardens of Krakovo towards Tivoli Park to enjoy a rest and a picnic snack there. On the last leg of the tour, you will visit the Metelkova mesto alternative culture center.

Guided Cycling Tour of Ljubljana

On this guided cycling tour you will pedal along the enchanting embankments on the river Ljubljanica all the way to the Ljubljana Botanic Garden, take a garden tour, and continue through the famous vegetable gardens of Krakovo towards Tivoli Park to enjoy a rest and a picnic snack there. On the last leg of the tour, you will visit the Metelkova mesto alternative culture center.

Guided Cycling Tour of Ljubljana

On this guided cycling tour you will pedal along the enchanting embankments on the river Ljubljanica all the way to the Ljubljana Botanic Garden, take a garden tour, and continue through the famous vegetable gardens of Krakovo towards Tivoli Park to enjoy a rest and a picnic snack there. On the last leg of the tour, you will visit the Metelkova mesto alternative culture center.

Stare down at the lake from this dramatic castle precariously perched on a cliff.

Perched up high on a precipitous craggy bluff near the town center is Bled Castle, enclosed by a Romanesque wall and studded with stout parapets, towers and ramparts, just as any medieval castle should be. Originally constructed in the 11th century, the castle's present appearance dates from the 17th century, and is characterized by a lower and upper courtyard. Probably its best feature is the beautiful chapel. There are outstanding views from the castle terrace of the lake and island below, while the castle restaurant has a reputation as one of the best in Lake Bled. Close by at the start of one of the tracks leading up to the castle you'll also find the photogenic Parish Church of St Martin.

Follow along the cliffsides deep into this incredibly scenic gorge.

Another outstanding sight near Lake Bled is Vintgar Gorge, an impressively deep one mile (1.6km) ravine about 2.5 miles (4km) north of town. It was not officially discovered until 1891, but now it's easily accessible via a continuous chain of wooden gantries and bridges, suspended from the precipitous rock face, and running the entire length of the gorge. There are a number of ways to get there, including on foot, by bike, train (take one from Jezero Bled station one stop to Podhom and follow the signs to the gorge), bus (they run frequently during the summer months from Bled bus station), or taxi. Also, ask for a map from the information center so you don't get lost. You should take into consideration, however, that the gorge is rather wet and a little bit slippery, and bottlenecks form on the narrow gantries during the height of the tourist season as people stop to take photos.

If you like honey, chocolate, and gingerbread, make time for the small but exquisitely preserved medieval town of Radovljica, just 4 miles (6km) south-east of Bled.

Built on an outcrop above the River Sava and the beautiful Sava Valley, everything of interest in the town is centered around the wonderfully quiet Linhartov trg (Linhart Square), which is framed by Gothic and Renaissance buildings. The highlight is Thurn Mansion, clearly recognizable by its thickly stuccoed facade and vast spread of coats of arms. Inside, a magnificent double stairway leads up to the truly splendid Beekeeping Museum. Don't be fooled into thinking that it must invariably be a dull topic, as beekeeping is one of Slovenia's oldest and most celebrated traditions. After going over the history of beekeeping and examples of pioneering apiculture the undoubted high point of the museum is its collection of over 200 beehive panels - wooden end panels painted with religious, satirical or humorous motifs and scenes.  Otherwise check out the Parish Church of St Peter just to the east of the museum, and the best-preserved houses on the square: no.3 Vidic House and no.22, the muralled Šiveč House. Radovljica also has a long chocolate and gingerbread-making tradition, so don't miss the live gingerbread workshop and museum at no.2 Pension Lectar.

Excursion to Lake Bled

With its mountain setting, dark turquoise waters, boats rowing passengers out to the island church, and dramatic cliff-top castle, Lake Bled is picture-postcard perfect, making it the most popular destination in Slovenia for both international and domestic tourists alike. You can take a walk or ride a tourist train around the lake, row out to the island, and dine alongside the enchanting shoreline. With enough time to spare, you can also take in the dramatic Vintgar Gorge and the beautiful medieval village of Radovljica. Lake Bled is about an hour-and-a-half trip from Ljubljana. You have two options for getting to there by public transport - bus or train. Buses depart Ljubljana more frequently and arrive at a very convenient location near the lakeshore in Bled, but they can get very crowded during the summer, especially at the weekends when seemingly every young backpacker in the country wants to get there, while the train departs more infrequently and doesn't arrive directly in Bled, but it isn't as crowded. Of course you can also just take a guided excursion if you want to keep it simple.

Row (or be rowed) to this beautiful island in the center of Lake Bled.

The most recognizable symbol of Bled Island  is the Church of the Assumption, although there are a handful of other buildings on the islet. The church dates from 1689 and its most outstanding features are the well-preserved frescoes. A wishing bell, which keeps many visitors amused, was installed in 1534, though a larger bell hangs in the enormous free-standing belfry. Weddings are held regularly in the church and traditionally it is considered good luck for a groom to carry his bride up the 99 stone steps on the day of their wedding before ringing the bell and making a wish inside the church.  Numerous pletna boats take passengers to the island. A pletna looks sort of like a Venetian gondola, but wider. You'll pay about 15 EUR for a return journey, which includes 25min there, 40min on the island itself, and another 25min back, i.e. an hour-and-a-half altogether. The pletna oarsmen will be happy to answer your questions as you make your way across the lake. Only locals are permitted to operate a pletna. The tradition has been passed from generation to generation for the past few centuries. The pletna operate all year round depending on the weather. If you want to expend your own energy to get across the lake, then there a number of places around the lakeshore where you can rent a rowboat and get to the island under your own steam. There's also a motorized ferry that runs regularly from the main tourist information office for around 12 EUR.

Stare down at the lake from this dramatic castle precariously perched on a cliff.

Perched up high on a precipitous craggy bluff near the town center is Bled Castle, enclosed by a Romanesque wall and studded with stout parapets, towers and ramparts, just as any medieval castle should be. Originally constructed in the 11th century, the castle's present appearance dates from the 17th century, and is characterized by a lower and upper courtyard. Probably its best feature is the beautiful chapel. There are outstanding views from the castle terrace of the lake and island below, while the castle restaurant has a reputation as one of the best in Lake Bled. Close by at the start of one of the tracks leading up to the castle you'll also find the photogenic Parish Church of St Martin.

Excursion to Šmarna Gora

Šmarna Gora, or Mount Saint Mary, is the go-to short hiking destination for Ljubljana residents on the northern periphery of the Slovene capital. It's only a 20-minute bus trip from the city center followed by a 30-45-minute hike up through woods to the top of the hill for wonderful views of Ljubljana and the surrounding countryside. There are a beautiful old church and a cafe at the summit serving an assortment of traditional Slovene meals and the usual delicious cakes and desserts.

Excursion to Šmarna Gora

Šmarna Gora, or Mount Saint Mary, is the go-to short hiking destination for Ljubljana residents on the northern periphery of the Slovene capital. It's only a 20-minute bus trip from the city center followed by a 30-45-minute hike up through woods to the top of the hill for wonderful views of Ljubljana and the surrounding countryside. There are a beautiful old church and a cafe at the summit serving an assortment of traditional Slovene meals and the usual delicious cakes and desserts.

Excursion to Šmarna Gora

Šmarna Gora, or Mount Saint Mary, is the go-to short hiking destination for Ljubljana residents on the northern periphery of the Slovene capital. It's only a 20-minute bus trip from the city center followed by a 30-45-minute hike up through woods to the top of the hill for wonderful views of Ljubljana and the surrounding countryside. There are a beautiful old church and a cafe at the summit serving an assortment of traditional Slovene meals and the usual delicious cakes and desserts.

Excursion to Šmarna Gora

Šmarna Gora, or Mount Saint Mary, is the go-to short hiking destination for Ljubljana residents on the northern periphery of the Slovene capital. It's only a 20-minute bus trip from the city center followed by a 30-45-minute hike up through woods to the top of the hill for wonderful views of Ljubljana and the surrounding countryside. There are a beautiful old church and a cafe at the summit serving an assortment of traditional Slovene meals and the usual delicious cakes and desserts.