The most beautiful viewing platforms

The architecture is captivating – and the view even more so. Standing 100 metres tall, Carinthia’s Pyramidenkogel is the world’s tallest wooden observation tower. Its design impresses with flowing forms and natural materials that blend seamlessly into the landscape. This is the place to be for those seeking panoramic views of Carinthia’s lakes and mountains.

For the adventurous, there’s more than just the traditional way down. Alongside a spectacular 120-metre slide, a Flying Fox zipline offers a thrilling descent straight into the valley. This adrenaline rush and the stunning views create unforgettable moments – a holiday experience to remember.

The Skywalk in Hohe Wand Nature Park, Lower Austria, opens up an expansive panorama. The platform seems to float over the cliff edge, offering views of the surrounding peaks – from the impressive Schneeberg to the vast Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland.

For those seeking more adventure, Hohe Wand has even more to offer: Enjoy the view from above on a tandem paragliding flight with the Hohe Wand flight school. Glide silently over the landscape, feel the wind, and experience an unmatched sense of freedom in harmony with nature. For nature lovers and adventurers alike, Hohe Wand leaves a lasting impression, offering a unique way to experience Austria’s beauty.

The observation tower on the Salzkammergut Treetop Trail in Gmunden offers a truly unique nature experience. The accessible path allows all visitors to move effortlessly at treetop level, taking in sweeping views of the stunning lake and mountain landscape. At the top, a panoramic view of the Salzkammergut unfolds, captivating in every season and evoking a sense of freedom and vastness. And the way down? For those looking to add a bit of adventure, there’s a 75-metre slide back to the starting point – a thrill for young and young-at-heart alike.

Top of Salzburg invites visitors year-round to experience the alpine world from an unparalleled perspective. To the north and west, the Kalkalpen and Pinzgauer Grasberge stretch out, while the striking peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park rise in the south – a scene that perfectly blends nature and vast open spaces. The crisp air, majestic silence, and sweeping glacier landscape create a retreat that both inspires and impresses.

Inside the summit building, visitors can explore the 'Gipfelwelt 3000' exhibition, offering fascinating insights into the nature and geology of the Hohe Tauern. It’s a journey of discovery through the history of the Alps and their unique habitats – right in the heart of this high-mountain world.

Located in the heart of Austria on the border of Upper Austria and Styria, the Dachstein Mountain is 2,995 metres (9,826 ft) high. And yet, reaching its summit is not as difficult as you might think:

Take a cable car up to 2,700 metres (2,296 ft) from the town of Ramsau am Dachstein, and watch the green pastures below turn into rugged rocks, while the lift takes you over craggy cliffs.

Up there, four spectacular viewpoints await:

Skywalk on the Dachstein

Sitting at 2,700 metres (2,296 ft), the Dachstein Sky Walk offers breathtaking 360-degree views. On the horizon, you’ll see stunning mountain ranges that include Großglockner – Austria’s highest mountain at 3,789 metres (12,431 ft) –, Hochkönig, and Großvenediger.

5fingers on the Dachstein

The 5 different metal platforms resemble a hand (hence the name) and are built over a precipice of 400 metre (1,312 ft). 5fingers boasts fantastic views over the region’s lakes and valleys. One of the “fingers” is made of glass – not for the faint-hearted!

Suspension bridge

Austria's highest suspension bridge is 100 metres (328 ft) long, weighs 63 tonnes, and was built from 30,000 parts. The 400-metre (1,312 ft) drop right below your feet might make you a bit queasy.

Stairway to Nothingness

At times, there will be a bit of a queue to climb down the Stairway to Nothingnesses' 14 steps. From there, you’ll reach a glass platform providing a clear view of your surroundings: Pure nature.

The Adlerhorst in Achensee

Situated along the Eagle Walk, Tirol’s award-winning long-distance hiking trail, Adlerhorst viewing platform is modelled on an eagle’s nest and made from wrought-iron metal. Here, on top of Gschöllkopf mountain, a 360-degree view awaits. It makes a great destination for hiking trips!

Panoramic terrace on the Hintertux Glacier

Take in the Zillertal mountains from an altitude of 3,250 metres. The panoramic terrace – one of Austria’s highest viewing platforms – offers this remarkable view. Surrounded by towering peaks and expansive high-mountain scenery, a visit to the Hintertux Glacier is a captivating experience in every season.

BIG3 in the Ötztal

Sölden in Tirol's Ötztal valley is home to three mountains over 3,000 metres (9,843 ft) – the “Big 3”. Cable cars take you to viewpoints on each of them, where you’ll be able to see as far as the Italian Dolomites in the south and the Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain) in the north.

Austria boasts numerous vantage points that reveal its cities from fresh and impressive perspectives. Each spot offers a unique glimpse into urban life, historic architecture, and the surrounding landscapes. From ancient castles and modern towers to platforms amidst nature, these viewpoints showcase the distinct character and charm of each city. Here are some of the top ways to enjoy Austria’s urban panoramas.