The most beautiful cities in Austria

Welcome to one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. Austria’s landscapes, regions and townscapes provide almost the full range of European variety in the centre of the continent. Austria is often associated, rightly, with winter sports, but there is so much more on offer. Its alpine areas are rugged and picturesque, but that’s far from being the whole story.

Graz

UNESCO world-heritage Graz has a rich architectural legacy, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

A blend of all historical styles is added to by a striking modern art museum and an artificial island. Its Renaissance Landhaus and the  Landeszeughaus, an extraordinary armoury of weapons, belong to the centuries when the threat of the Ottoman empire was alive and the city was in the front line.

Graz's old town is dominated by a medieval clocktower, the most obvious reminder of the fortress that once stood on the prominent cliff. It has been replaced by a public park, heritage zones and entertainment areas connected with the city by funicular railway.

Graz's Baroque inheritance includes the striking palace Schloß Eggenberg not far from the town centre, the mausoleum for the emperor Friedrich II, and the pilgrimage churches of Mariatrost and Mariahilf. Gothic features remain in the cathedral and city palace.