AUSTRIA'S MOST ROMANTIC TOWNS

Crystal clear glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains and rolling Alpine hills, the Austrian countryside is perfect

WORDS BY TOM PATTINSON

Austria has no shortage of fairytale scenery – from the lakes to the mountains to the hills, Austria captivates. Here, we visit the most romantic towns in Austria.

Millstatt

Millstatt is found on the north shore of the Millstatter Lake and is surrounded by lush Alpine forest with stone and timber houses sheltering in a still water bay.

The Benedictine Millstatt was what brought people to this region in the 11th century, but the natural beauty and excellent weather has made it one of the most picturesque towns in the state of Carinthia. In the warm summer months, the lake is teeming with boats and swimmers, as well as music lovers who flock here to take part in the famous annual Millstatt Music Weeks of choral, orchestral and chamber music performances.

The village of Millstatt

St. Gilgen

Just a day trip away from Salzburg is the picturesque town of St. Gilgen (Sankt Gilgen), found on the shores of Lake Wolfgang and surrounded by Salzkammergut mountain range. This is truly The Sound of Music country – and in fact where many of the outdoor shots were filmed. Milka cows, alpine yodeling and every wonderful impression of the Austrian Alps can be found here. It is also where Mozart’s mother was born and where much of his family – including his sister and grandfather – worked and lived.

The colourful old buildings seem to have hardly changed in the last few centuries as this wealthy town became the summer retreat for the rich of Salzburg. The Christmas market at St. Gilgen is stunning and in the summer, a cable car ride to the top of the Zwolferhorn is unmissable.

A symbol of the Wachau Valley, Durnstein Abbey

Zell am See

On the banks of Lake Zell is the famous ski resort Zell am See, just south of the city of Salzburg. It is popular with skiers in winter thanks to the glacial mountains that keep snow on the slopes for longer than most of its lower-lying neighbours. The town itself has been inhabited since Roman times but much of what is found today is from the 19th century, and the Romanesque St Hippolyte’s Church tower dates back to the 15th century. During the summer months, people take boats out on the lake, and paddleboard and cool off in the crystal clear glacial waters. It is certainly worth enjoying a drink at The Grand Hotel with undisturbed panoramic views of the lake and the mountains.

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is a beautiful spa town that looks like it could have been lifted straight from a Wes Anderson film. A huge waterfall cuts through the centre of the town, rushing past magnificent stately buildings that have been used over the years as hotels, residencies and treatment centres. Bad (meaning 'spa') Gastein has been known for its thermal springs and these healing waters have drawn the nobles and royalty since the 19th century – thus, the Belle Epoque style of architecture exists here to ensure the town was fit for a king. Even Marie Curie came here to research the radon in the water that is thought to help with ailments such as arthritis. Today, while still a spa resort town, people also enjoy hiking and biking in the summer and skiing in thenearby mountains in the winter.

The picturesque mountain ski resort of Bad Gastein

Durnstein

On the River Danube, the medieval town of Durnstein sits proudly in the shadow of its stunning medieval castle. Many cruises down the Danube will stop at this walled town to visit many of the historical sites that date back to the 10th century. One of these is the famous Durnstein Abbey – a tall tower, painted blue that has become a symbol of the Wachau Valley region. The town’s buildings show a lovely mishmash of Austrian architecture during the ages and the town is also happily situated in the centre of one of Austria’s most famous white wine regions. So enjoy a glass of Grüner Veltliner while watching the sun go down over the Danube.

Duernstein on the River Danube

The old town of Duernstein

Alpbach

Austria is famous for its beautiful ski resort towns and arguably the most stunning of them all is Alpbach. Nestled in the mountains in the state of Tyrol, Alpbach is regularly voted the most beautiful town in Austria and has even won the accolade of most beautiful town in Europe in the past, thanks to its traditional timber buildings and beautiful mountainous backdrop.

It is law in Alpbach that all new buildings must be constructed in the traditional stone and timber style, with low sloping roofs to keep the heavy winter snow at bay. This has prevented the construction of jarring new concrete and glass buildings, retaining the town’s charm and character.

This small town is not only one of the most impressive ski resorts in winter; in summer, the brightly coloured flower shows that residents put on are complemented beautifully by the verdant hills, attracting not only visitors from around the world, but also an annual European Forum for world leaders.

The village of Inneralpbach in Alpbach Valley

Hallstatt

The ultimate postcard-perfect village, Hallstatt is found in the Salzkammergut Mountains on the banks of the Hallstatter Lake. The village sits right on the clear waters of the lakes, flanked by lush green alpine mountains that turn into a snowy winter wonderland in the darker months.

Many of its gabled buildings date back to the 16th century including the ancient Church of Christ, whose spire is reflected on the lake’s still waters. Up until the 19th century it was only accessible by foot or boat meaning that much of its cobbled streets have remained in pristine condition for centuries. It is said to have been home to prehistoric Austrians who have lived on this site for millennia. It is now the country’s most visited town and the Chinese hold it in such high regard that they have made a billion-dollar copy of the entire village in the Chinese province of Guangdong.

The statue of young Mozart and townhall on Mozartplatz in St. Gilgen

Innsbruck

Located high up in the Alps, Innsbruck is found just south of Germany and just north of Italy and is the capital of the Tyrol region. Any European fond of winter sports knows that Tyrol has some of the best skiing in the world; Innsbruck is the starting point for many a winter holiday. But it certainly isn’t just a jumping-off point for people heading out to the mountains. It is a stunning small town that sits in a broad valley surrounded on both sides by tall, snow-capped mountains that loom over the town.

The medieval town of Durnstein

Wilten Basilica

The old town also houses the beautiful Hofgarten that was also created for the Royal Wedding and the Basilica de Wilten – the most beautiful Rococo church in Austria. While the Sill River flows gently through the town in summer and creeks with ice during the winter months, the colourful buildings that sit at its shore beam brightly all through the year.

Ambras Castle is a rare example of Renaissance architecture in this part of the world, surrounded by an English garden. Built in the 16th century on the site of a 10th-century castle it was the residence of Archduke Ferdinand II, one of the most prolific art collectors of the day. Many of the artworks he collected are still on display for visitors to this very day.

MAIN PHOTO: Zell am See lake on a sunny June day