Upper Austria

Upper Austria

This is a land of deep blue lakes and mysterious forests that stretch toward the northern border. You find yourself in the **Salzkammergut** where the lake **Hallstätter** See reflects the steep mountains and the famous salt mine village. The water is clear and cold and the shorelines are dotted with old wooden boathouses. The roads wind through narrow tunnels and over high ridges that offer a new view around every corner. The north offers a different world in the rolling hills of the **Mühlviertel**. Here the landscape is a combination of granite boulders and dark pine woods that hide quiet farmsteads. You can visit the historic town of **Steyr** where two rivers meet or explore the massive **St. Florian Monastery**. The local breweries are world famous and provide a great reason to stop in the small market towns along the way. Upper Austria is perfect for a road trip that combines water and wood. You can find quiet spots to park your van by the **Attersee** or hike the trails in the **Kalkalpen National Park**. The light on the water in the evening creates a peace that is hard to find anywhere else. It is a region that rewards the curious traveler with hidden swimming spots and ancient forest paths that lead to the heart of nature.

Upper Austria highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route
The Heritage Drive
Is this a good destination for road trips?

We're curating expert road-trip insights for this destination — check back soon.

When is the best time to visit?

Detailed seasonal travel advice is coming soon.

How long should I spend here?

Our itinerary team is building personalised duration guides — coming soon.

What are the top attractions nearby?

A curated list of must-see nearby highlights is on its way.

History of Upper Austria

Upper Austria is a land of lakes and salt that has been inhabited since the dawn of time. The village of **Hallstatt** is so old that it gave its name to an entire era of human history. For thousands of years, people have been mining salt from these mountains, carrying the "white gold" down to the lakes to be shipped across Europe. This ancient trade created a landscape of wealthy market towns and stunning lakeside estates that look like they were pulled from a dream. The northern part of the region tells a different story of granite and grit. The **Mühlviertel** highlands were a land of stone-cutters and brewers, where the rugged terrain forced the people to become masters of the earth. Grand monasteries like St. Florian were built as centers of art and music, housing the world-famous Bruckner organ. The history here is a blend of industrial power along the Danube and quiet, mystical forests where the old traditions of linen weaving and beer brewing are still practiced with pride. Modern Upper Austria is a powerhouse of innovation, but it keeps its secrets well-hidden in the mountain gorges and the deep blue lakes. The **Schlögener Schlinge**, where the Danube performs a perfect U-turn, served as a natural trap for sailors and a scenic masterpiece for travelers for centuries. Whether you are exploring the salt mines of the **Salzkammergut** or the granite farmsteads of the north, you are following a trail of ancient wealth and natural beauty that has remained unchanged for generations.
Monk's Travel Secrets

Insider road trip tips,
straight to your inbox.

New routes, hidden stops, and seasonal guides —
written for people who travel by car, not by flight.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click. Read by 12,000+ road trippers.