Austria, a country synonymous with majestic mountains, serene lakes, and rich cultural heritage, hides within its heart small towns that seem to be plucked straight out of a fairytale.
During our road trip around this picturesque country, we stumbled upon several cute Austrian villages that oozed charm and beauty.
Join us as we take you through these idyllic settings where time stands still, and fairytales come alive.
Please keep reading to uncover our selection of the 10 Small Fairytale Villages in Austria that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook adventure.
10 Small Fairytale Villages in Austria
These villages are known for their picturesque settings, traditional architecture, and charming atmospheres that seem straight from a storybook.
You must see these small fairytale villages in Austria.
1. Hallstatt
Hallstatt is often called the “most photographed village in Austria” due to its stunning location on Lake Hallstatt, surrounded by the Dachstein mountains.
Its picturesque wooden houses, narrow alleys, and 16th-century market square make it a fairytale come to life.
What to do in Hallstatt:
- Visit the Hallstatt Skywalk for breathtaking views
- Explore the world’s oldest salt mine
- Take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt
- Visit the Bone House in Michael’s Chapel
How to get to Hallstatt:
The easiest way is by car from Salzburg (75 minutes).
You can also take a train to Hallstatt station (50 minutes from Salzburg and 135 minutes from Vienna) and then a ferry across the lake.
2. St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut
This charming village on the shores of Wolfgangsee offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm.
Its colorful houses, lakeside promenade, and surrounding mountains create a magical atmosphere.
What to do in Wolfgangsee:
- Ride the historic Schafbergbahn cog railway for panoramic views
- Visit the 15th-century pilgrimage church
- Enjoy water sports on Wolfgangsee
- Take a lake cruise to nearby villages
How to get to Wolfgangsee:
Drive from Salzburg (50 minutes) or take a train to Bad Ischl, then a bus to St. Wolfgang.
Further Reading: Best Day Trips from Salzburg
3. Dürnstein
Dürnstein is a tiny village in the Wachau Valley, famous for its blue baroque church tower and the ruins of a castle where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.
Vineyards surround it and offer a glimpse into Austria’s wine country.
What to do Dürnstein:
- Hike up to Dürnstein Castle ruins
- Visit the Augustinian Abbey
- Go wine tasting at local vineyards
- Take a bike ride along the Danube
How to get to Dürnstein:
Take a train from Vienna to Krems, then a bus or taxi to Dürnstein. You can also drive (1 hour from Vienna) or join a Danube River cruise.
4. Alpbach
Voted the “most beautiful village in Austria,” Alpbach Valley, with its little villages, is known for its traditional Tyrolean architecture, which includes wooden chalets adorned with colorful flowers.
It’s a peaceful mountain retreat in both summer and winter.
What to do in Alpbach:
- Hike in the surrounding Alps
- Ski or snowboard in winter
- Enjoy traditional Tyrolean cuisine
How to get to Alpbach:
Drive from Innsbruck (about 1 hour) or take a train to Brixlegg, then a bus to Alpbach.
5. Heiligenblut
Nestled at the foot of Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner, Heiligenblut is known for its gothic pilgrimage church and as a gateway to Hohe Tauern National Park.
What to do in Heiligenblut:
- Drive the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Visit the St. Vincent pilgrimage church
- Hike in Hohe Tauern National Park
- Ski at the Grossglockner Resort in winter
How to get to Heiligenblut:
The scenic drive from Salzburg to Heiligenblut will take around 2.5 hours.
6. Gosau
Gosau is a picturesque village in the Dachstein region, known for its stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and traditional Alpine farmhouses.
While it is one of the prettiest places in Austria to visit, it offers a peaceful retreat away from more touristy areas.
What to do Gosau:
- Hike to the Gosau Lakes for breathtaking views of the Dachstein glacier
- Visit the Gosau Museum to learn about local history and culture
- Go cross-country skiing in winter
- Take the cable car up to Zwieselalm for panoramic views
How to get to Gosau:
Drive from Salzburg (about 1 hour) or take a train to Bad Ischl, then a bus to Gosau.
7. Weißenkirchen in der Wachau
Weißenkirchen, which means “White Church” in German, is a beautiful village in the heart of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It’s known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, surrounding vineyards, and as one of the most important wine-growing communities in the region.
What to do in Weißenkirchen:
- Visit the fortified Gothic church, Wehrkirche, which gives the village its name
- Explore the Teisenhoferhof, a Renaissance building housing a local museum and wine-tasting venue
- Take a stroll through the vineyards and enjoy the scenic landscape
- Go wine tasting at local Heurigen (wine taverns) to sample the famous Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines
- Hike the World Heritage Trail for panoramic views of the Danube and surrounding valley
How to get to Weißenkirchen:
You can drive from Vienna (about 70 minutes) or take a train to Krems an der Donau and then a bus to Weißenkirchen.
You can also reach it via a Danube River cruise.
8. Rattenberg
Rattenberg is known as Austria’s smallest town by population and area. Located in Tyrol, it’s famous for its medieval architecture and long tradition of glassmaking.
The town is nestled between the Inn River and a small mountain, creating a picturesque setting.
What to do in Rattenberg:
- Explore the well-preserved medieval old town with its colorful houses and narrow alleys
- Visit the Augustinian Museum to learn about the town’s history
- Watch glassblowers at work in one of the many glass shops and studios
- Climb up to Rattenberg Castle ruins for panoramic views of the town and Inn Valley
How to get to Rattenberg:
Drive from Innsbruck (about 45 minutes) or take a train to Rattenberg-Kramsach station, just a short walk from the town center.
9. Bad Aussee
Known as the geographical center of Austria, Bad Aussee is a charming spa town surrounded by lakes and mountains.
It’s famous for its therapeutic salt baths and nearby gorgeous Lake Altaussee.
What to do in Bad Aussee:
- Relax in the thermal spas
- Visit the Kammerhof Museum to learn about local salt mining history
- Explore nearby Lake Altaussee and Lake Grundlsee
How to get to Bad Aussee:
You can drive from Salzburg (75 minutes) or take a train to Stainach-Irdning and then a bus to Bad Aussee.
10. St. Gilgen
St. Gilgen is located on Lake Wolfgang’s shores, known as “Mozart Village” due to its connection to the composer’s family.
It offers beautiful lake views, charming architecture, and a rich cultural heritage.
What to do in St. Gilgen:
- Take the cable car up Zwölferhorn Mountain for panoramic views
- Visit Mozart’s mother’s birthplace
- Enjoy water activities on Lake Wolfgang
- Explore the historic town center with its colorful houses and baroque church
How to get to St. Gilgen:
Drive from Salzburg (30 minutes) or take a bus from Salzburg’s main bus station.
Final Thoughts On The Best Small Villages in Austria
As you’ve seen, Austria’s countryside is dotted with adorable villages that seem plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale.
From the lakeside charm of Hallstatt to the medieval allure of Dürnstein, these small towns offer a magical escape from Austria’s crowded tourist destinations.
Explore our Austria travel blog for more insider tips, detailed itineraries, and hidden gems to help you plan the perfect Austrian adventure.
