7. Lovely Linz
A pleasant 75-minute drive northeast of Salzburg, the beautiful city of Linz is located on the banks of the mighty Danube River. Linz can trace its roots all the way back to Roman times, when in the 2nd century AD, it served as a camp for the empire’s troops. Today, lovely Linz is famed for its many museums and cultural activities, with numerous attractions and festivals focusing on such luminaries as Mozart and Bruckner, both of whom once called the city home.
8. Historic Villach
About two hours south of Salzburg, near Austria’s mountainous borders with Italy and Slovenia, Villach is surrounded by some of the country’s loveliest alpine scenery. Famous for its many fine thermal springs and spas, Villach is an ideal base from which to explore the country’s spectacular Alpe-Adria area, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most important bioregions.
