Routes through the small historic towns in Austria

There are many towns in Austria, but the small towns are something special. No wonder, after all, these centuries-old towns are carefully maintained.

If you're in the mood for a slower pace, go in search of Austria's Small Historic Towns. They are scattered throughout the country like precious gems. Towns such as Bludenz in Vorarlberg, Bad Ischl in Upper Austria and Hallein in SalzburgerLand allow visitors to share in their history, hospitality and romantic flair.

Secret paths in the small historic towns

A total of five selected routes lead along the 16 Small Historic Towns through Austria: either to the cozy alleyways of the town of Schärding or to the over thousand-year-old town of Steyr in Upper Austria - where the historic appearance of the town square is one of the best-preserved urban locations in the German-speaking world. Or the spa town of Baden, which is famous for its 19th century Biedermeier buildings.

The small historic towns combine romantic flair with a lively and diverse cultural scene. From traditional festivals to modern art projects, the past is linked with the present here. These charming places invite you to pause, admire the details and enjoy the uniqueness of every moment - everything you can do, nothing you have to.

Quick Info Small Historic Towns
Number of cities:16
Federal states:6
Routes:5
Criteria:Listed buildings, town charter and max. 45,000 inhabitants
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Spring, Summer 과 Autumn
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Solo Traveler、Couples 과 Friends

The small historic towns from all perspectives

5 itineraries along the Small Historic Towns

16 Small historic old towns in Austria

16 small historic towns at a glance

Small towns, big experiences

FAQs

Only towns in Austria with listed and historic buildings or districts, a town charter and up to 45,000 inhabitants may become members of the "Small Historic Towns". The aim of the association of towns is to increase their popularity with tourists.

There are a total of 16 old towns in Austria with the "Small Historic Town" designation. They are spread across six federal states:

Carinthia

  • Wolfsberg

Lower Austria

  • Baden

Upper Austria

  • Bad Ischl

  • Braunau

  • Freistadt

  • Gmunden

  • Schärding

  • Steyr

SalzburgerLand

  • Hallein

  • Radstadt

Styria

  • Bruck an der Mur

  • Bad Radkersburg

  • Fürstenfeld

  • Hartberg

  • Judenburg

Vorarlberg

  • Bludenz

Gmunden is located on Lake Traunsee.
These 15 towns are located on rivers:

Carinthia

  • Wolfsberg (Lavant)

Lower Austria

  • Baden (Schwechat)

Upper Austria

  • Bad Ischl (Traun)

  • Braunau (Inn)

  • Freistadt (Feldaist, Jaunitz)

  • Schärding (Inn)

  • Steyr (Enns and Steyr)

SalzburgerLand

  • Hallein (Salzach)

  • Radstadt (Enns)

Styria

  • Bruck an der Mur (Mur)

  • Bad Radkersburg (Mur)

  • Fürstenfeld (Feistritz)

  • Hartberg (Hartberger Safen)

  • Judenburg (Mur)

Vorarlberg

  • Bludenz (Ill, Alfenz, Alvierbach and Schesa)

Climate protection tips

Sustainability in the city

Monument protection - i.e. the long-term preservation and use of historic buildings - conserves resources and contributes to climate protection: By maintaining them, building materials are saved and soil sealing due to new buildings is avoided. In this way, the Small Historic Towns also make a valuable contribution to climate protection by paying particular attention to the maintenance of historic buildings and monuments.

In addition, the preservation of historic buildings contributes to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.

Social sustainability, on the other hand, focuses on considerate coexistence - as well as accessibility. The inclusive museum guide provides a good overview of Austria's museums with offers on the topic of Inclusion.

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