Austria things to see and do

Listen to classical music in the city that produced Mozart. World renowned, the Salzburg Festival provides a varied programme, from singers, actors, orchestras and opera. Enjoy a concert at the House for Mozart or outside in Cathedral Square with its breath-taking baroque backdrop.

Witness the magical Eisriesenwelt in Werfen: ice caves, featuring wonderful ice sculptures all year round. These natural caverns are buried deep beneath the mountain wall that flanks the valley south of Salzburg and are accessible by cable car. As well as shimmering walls and impressive icicle displays, the caves offer uninterrupted vistas over the mountains.

Once the snow has melted, hike through the Alps' varied landscapes, ranging from forests and green slopes to glaciers and rocks. The Vorarlberg's alpine pastures provide gentle walks, while the Hohe Tauern National Park has more demanding trekking. For a long distance adventure, sweat the length of the Lech River – Holzgau suspension bridge has unforgettable views.

Admire traditional Austrian attire at the annual Lederhosen Festival in Windischgarsten. With wood-chopping races, ceremonial dancing and accordion playing, the festival is a celebration of Austrian custom. Although the wearing of the aforementioned costume is optional, drinking good beer and cheering at the election of “Miss (or Mr) Lederhosen” is compulsory.

Play golf at more than 150 courses in what is one of Europe's fastest-growing golf destinations. Settings to test your swings sway from the grounds of historic castles to alpine valleys and terraces. Check your putting in standout settings such as Schloss Schonborn, known for its manor house 19th hole, and Golf Eichenheim in Kitzbuehel for views across the Kaiser Mountains.

Take a tasting tour through one of Austria's wine-growing regions, such as Lower Austria or Southern Styria for their elegant Sauvignon blanc and the Burgenland. Most wines, such as the well-known Riesling wine, are white, but there also some good reds from Baden and Burgenland worthy of attention.

Attend the Opera in style: besides the many opera performances in Austria's major towns and cities, journey to Bregenz for a show with a difference. The Upper City is home to St Martinsturm (St Martin's Tower) and the world's largest floating stage for summer opera productions.

Pay homage to Salzburg's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His birthplace (Mozart Geburtshaus) is in the Getreidegasse, also the city's main shopping street and is now a dedicated museum. So too is his family home (Mozart Wohnhaus) on the market square, where concerts and lectures are held alongside a permanent exhibition.