Art & Culture Hotspots in Austria
Cultural journey across Austria: We reveal the 5 most popular cultural hotspots as well as the favourite hotels of the illustrious art scene!
21 May 2020
Art & Culture in Austria: A never-ending story
Historic buildings, magnificent castles, medieval fortresses and unique works of art: over the centuries, Austria has produced a veritable wealth of cultural treasures. Together with concerts and festivals that are famous far beyond the country's borders, a colorful world of museums and living customs, a truly colorful mix awaits art and culture enthusiasts in the Alpine Republic. No wonder that about a quarter of all guests spend a cultural holiday in Austria! Use the summer for a very special voyage of discovery across your own country. We reveal the 5 most popular cultural hotspots as well as the most beautiful hotels for art & culture lovers.
VIENNA - A visit to the capital
First port of call for art and culture enthusiasts is undoubtedly Vienna. Because Vienna is not only different, but also has something to offer for every taste. The Habsburgs ruled here for 650 years - and have left an impressive mark on the city to this day. Whether their summer residence was the Schönbrunn Palacethe magnificent Imperial Palace or the Belvedere Palace with its beautiful gardens - all this would not exist today in this form without the imperial history.
Art enthusiasts stroll through the Kunsthistorisches Museum and pay tribute to Albrecht Dürer's field hare in the Albertina a visit. Architecture fans look (in vain) for a right angle in the Hundertwasser House. Those interested in music should not miss a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. And last but not least, a visit to the landmark "Steffl", a detour to the more than 400 year old Spanish Riding School and of course the enjoyment of a Viennese Melange should not be missing on any trip to Vienna!
The most beautiful hotels:
Old Town Vienna | Vienna
In the middle of the urban & creative quarter of Vienna
Immerse in the atmosphere of the unique boutique hotel at Spittelberg, the heart of Vienna's artists' district. The rooms and suites are all designed by famous architects, designers and artists, such as star architect Matteo Thun or Austria's fashion star Lena Hoschek. A remarkable collection of contemporary art will stun art lovers.
Top offer: "Honey moon in Vienna" for all those who want to spend time as a couple, 3 nights incl. breakfast and tea time with homemade cake in the afternoon, visit to Schönbrunn Palace, romantic Fiaker tour, dinner in the Durchhaus restaurant and much more from € 875 (for 2 persons).
More info & to book: https://www.altstadt.at/
Hotel Bristol Vienna | Vienna
Noble chamber with spectacular view of the Vienna State Opera House
One of the most exclusive hotels in Vienna - and has been since 1892! Float down the stairs in front of your suite and enjoy the unique view of the State Opera House or discover the precious original paintings and antiques hidden throughout the building. The excellent gourmet restaurant, the legendary Bristol Bar and its unique central location (the most important sights are only a few minutes' walk away) make the Hotel Bristol Vienna the ideal city hideaway. Double room from € 382.- / night.
More info & to book: https://www.marriott.de/hotels/travel/vielc-hotel-bristol-a-luxury-collection-hotel-vienna
HENRI Hotel Vienna | Vienna
New opening with living room atmosphere
Retro and modern at the same time. Like staying with a good friend and yet in a world of its own - that is the unique HENRI concept. Since April 2020, the slightly nostalgic lifestyle hotel brand is finally also represented in Austria. And, of course, has sought out a hip location for it: In the middle of Vienna, just a few minutes away from the hip Museumsquartier and Spittelberg. The living lounge with home kitchen, Lippizaner-Stüberl and the 24-hour "Open Hausbar" definitely have what it takes to become Vienna's new scene meeting place.
Top offer: Opening offer "The Third Man" from 01.04. to 31.12.2020, 2 nights incl. ticket to the film and guided city tour from € 168.- p.p.
More info & to book: https://www.henri-hotels.com/de/wien/
Park Hyatt | Vienna
Elegant luxury hotel in a dream location
This hotel is characterised by luxury and elegance through and through, in a dream location in the 1st district, in the middle of Vienna's old town. The former bank building exudes a very special flair - designer furniture and fine materials such as marble and mother-of-pearl make it a luxury hotel in a class of its own. Double room from € 390.-/ night.
More info & to book: https://www.hyatt.com/de-DE/hotel/austria/park-hyatt-vienna/
MOOONS | Vienna
Urban hotspot, coming soon
If the moon is too far away for you, you'll find a similarly exciting destination in the brand new MOOONS. There you can expect a futuristic exterior façade, exciting panoramic windows, a spectacular rooftop bar and a green garden in the middle of Vienna. Smart luxury is the motto! Due to the location directly at the main station you can reach the Belvedere in only 10 minutes on foot and Stephansplatz in only 3 stops. Double room from € 110.-/ night.
More info & to book: https://www.mooons.com/
The Guesthouse Vienna | Vienna
Your home in the capital
Did you know that you have an apartment in Vienna? The rooms at The Guesthouse Vienna actually feel like your own home. At the same time, they offer every luxury you could wish for and bear the signature of British star designers Sir Terence Conran and Conran & Partners. The location in the heart of Vienna's Old Town, right behind the Opera and the famous Albertina, is perfect for exploring the charming city.
Top offer: "Art in the City", bookable in June, July, August, October & November upon availability and request, 2 nights incl. daily Guesthouse breakfast, sweet surprise from the Bakery, 2 tickets for the Kunsthistorisches Museum and small surprise from the Imperial Shop of KHM from € 630.- for 2 persons.
More info & to book: https://theguesthouse.at/
SALZBURG - Strolling in the City of Mozart
Almost more famous than Vienna, at least outside Europe, is Salzburg. It owes its international fame, of course, to the musical genius who was once born here. But Salzburg has much more to offer than just Mozart: The old town with the Domthe Festival Theatre, the Getreidegasse, Mozart's birthplace and the Mirabell Palace with the "Angels' Staircase" to the Marble Hall including the magnificent garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 900-year-old Hohensalzburg Fortress, a landmark that dominates the cityscape, is the largest completely preserved castle in Central Europe. And with 11 breweries in and around the city, Salzburg is even considered the beer capital of Austria. Reason enough to pay the city a visit this summer.
The most beautiful hotels:
Mönchstein Castle | Salzburg
Charming 5-star superior city hotel with panoramic view of the city of Mozart
This medieval castle, which was first mentioned in a document in 1350, sits enthroned on the Mönchsberg, high above the historic city of Salzburg and surrounded by a 14,000 m2 fairytale park. Today it is a luxury hotel without equal. The panoramic outdoor infinity pool and the gourmet restaurant, which has been awarded four toques, are just two of the many highlights. In just seven minutes you can reach the old town with the Mönchsberg lift or by car.
Top offer: "Pleasure Package" from 01.06. to 17.07. and from 01.09. to 31.10.2020, 2 nights incl. rich breakfast, 1 glass of champagne and canape triology as a welcome gift, 1x 50-minute massage, free tickets for the Mönchsberg lift and much more from € 515.- p.p.
More info & to book: https://www.monchstein.at/
Townhouse Weisses Kreuz | Salzburg
Historic boutique hotel in the middle of the old town
This historic gem is located in the middle of Salzburg's old town: in just a few steps you are at the famous sights such as the Getreidegasse, the fortress railway, the Domplatz or Mozart's birthplace. The lovingly restored historic building from the 16th century, the garden at the foot of the fortress hill, which is a true rarity in this location, and a total of only six rooms make the Townhouse Weisses Kreuz the perfect retreat for guests who appreciate both the special and their privacy. Price on request.
More info & to book: http://www.townhouse-weisses-kreuz.at/
The Mozart | Salzburg
A modern classic
Between Kapuzinerberg and the train station, just a ten-minute walk from the old town, lies The Mozart. The 31 rooms and suite are a refined yet comfortable retreat to put your feet up after a day of art and culture in the city of Mozart. The musical prodigy after whom the boutique hotel was named would certainly have felt at home here! Double room from € 165.-/ night.
More info & to book: https://themozarthotel.com/
Blue Goose | Salzburg
Old town hotel and the oldest inn in town
It doesn't get more central than this! The Blaue Gans is located at the end of Getreidegasse, opposite the Pferdeschwemme and the Festspielhaus. An old town hotel that is a historical witness and an art experience at the same time: The Blaue Gans is the oldest inn in the city and has been catering to the physical well-being of locals and visitors since 1350. Today, the cosy vaults and the historic walls are adorned with 120 works of art, all of them original, of course. Double room from € 137.-/ night.
More info & to book: https://www.blauegans.at/
HALLSTATT - Charming UNESCO World Heritage Site
Not far from the city of Salzburg lies the picturesque village of Hallstatt. The idyllic village with its picture-perfect lake has somehow managed to live in its own time for 7000 years and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with its surroundings. It exudes such a unique charm that it has even been replicated in China. Normally, tourists crowd here to snap a photo. But thanks to international travel restrictions, this summer you have a unique chance to experience the magical Hallstatt flair without any crowds or Chinese tourist groups. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Our hotel recommendation:
Hallstatt Hideaway | Hallstatt, Upper Austria
Summer retreat in the middle of the world cultural heritage with private garden on the lake
With its individually designed private suites, the Hallstatt Hideaway offers the perfect idyllic retreat in the historic centre of the picturesque village of Hallstatt. The beautiful private garden with direct lake access is perfect at times like this to relax all alone in the sun. Even the suites can all be accessed directly from the outside, without intensive contact with third parties. The ideal hideaway for those who care about their privacy and health!
Top offer: "Sicher Gesund Urlaub", bookable in summer (excluding weekends and August), 3 nights for the price of 2 incl. guided tour of the oldest salt mine, champagne breakfast on the first morning in the privacy of your suite, relaxation in the private Zirben sauna with lake view, check in/out digital, the suite is equipped with a Dyson Pure Cool me, which cools with purified air, price on request
More info & to book: https://www.hallstatt-hideaway.com/buchen/
SALZKAMMERGUT - In the footsteps of the emperor
Have you always wanted to follow in the footsteps of Emperor Franz Joseph and his Sisi? Then let's go with you to the Salzkammergut! The emperor and empress appreciated the dreamlike nature there so much, that it Bad Ischl chose as his summer residence. Apart from its outstanding history, the Salzkammergut is today known and loved above all for its lucky places, the breathtakingly beautiful landscape and its cultural and traditional events. Even if some festivals, for example the Lehár FestivalAlthough the Emperor's Palace is unfortunately cancelled this year, there are plenty of art and cultural highlights to discover: take a guided tour of the Kaiservilla and stroll through Empress Sisi's original preserved chambers and the extensive, magnificent Imperial Park. Discover the Photo Museum in the Marmorschlössel, which was once the empress's teahouse. Or pay a visit to the Museum of the city of Bad Ischl which is now located in the building where the imperial couple once got engaged.
OUR TIP: If you are interested in handmade unique pieces, visit the Gmundner ceramicsthe largest ceramic manufactory in Europe.
Our hotel recommendation:
Villa Seilern Vital Resort | Bad Ischl, Upper Austria
Imperial recreation & sightseeing in Salzkammergut
"In the Salzkammergut, it's good to be funny" - who doesn't know this song line? The Austrian nobility and numerous artists already appreciated the beauty and the unique magic of the region, which has been considered a cradle of cultural Europe for thousands of years. The ideal starting point for your cultural holiday in the Salzkammergut is the Villa Seilern Vital Resort in Bad Ischl, which in imperial times was considered the cultural meeting place of the rich and beautiful. To this day, the listed building has lost none of its flair.
Top offer: "Villa Seilern Week", 5 nights in a feel-good room of your choice incl. Villa Seilern pampering board, use of the wellness and sauna area and Salzkammergut Card with numerous reductions from € 479.00 p.p.
Cancellation Policy: In June free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival, in July & August up to 10 days before arrival.
More info & to book: https://www.villaseilern.at/
GRAZ - Not only a cultural highlight
It is not without reason that Graz was named European World Cultural Capital in 2003. The picturesque main square in the city centre forms the core of the medieval old town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stroll through the narrow streets of the city, lined with beautiful Renaissance and Baroque buildings, is a highlight both culturally and gastronomically. Excellent restaurants and bars as well as numerous shopping opportunities invite you to linger. The Schlossberg is considered the local mountain of Graz and can be reached comfortably by cable car. For art fans, the futuristic Kunsthaus Graz offers contemporary art.
Hotel recommendation:
Hotel Weitzer | Graz, Styria
Off to the European Capital of Culture 2003
In the middle of the old town of Graz, which by the way is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will find the Hotel Weitzer. A hotel that has been one of the best addresses in the city of Graz for over 100 years! Directly at the Mur and only a few steps away from the Schloßberg with the clock tower, the Kunsthaus (also called "the friendly alien") and the Murinsel you are here in the best location to explore the European Capital of Culture 2003.
Top offer: For all stays until 06.09.2020 the fixed price is € 89.- per night in the categories Economy, Classic or Classic Superior or € 139.- in the category Weitzer Classic Rubin, "stay flexible" with free cancellation until 18:00 the day before arrival, incl. free underground parking space in the Weitzer City Garage and free minibar.
More info & to book: https://hotelweitzer.com/
Picture credits: Altstadt Vienna; Hotel Bristol Vienna HENRI Hotel Vienna; Park Hyatt; MOOONS; The Guesthouse Vienna; Schloss Mönchstein; Townhouse Weisses Kreuz; The Mozart; Blaue Gans; Hallstatt Hideaway; Villa Seilern Vital Resort; Hotel Weitzer; Bigstock(AronM, twinsterphoto, saiko3p); ElementsEnvato ( tommyandone, Pilat666, antonpetrus), Shutterstock(kovop58); Gmundner Keramik, Bad Ischl
