Often regarded as one of the most beautiful countries for tourists or residents, Austria is also known as one of the safest countries to travel and live in, too.
With picturesque mountains, world-renowned cuisine, and a plethora of outdoor activities available year-round, Austria is not to be missed.
Austria is also an important historical destination for many.
From prehistoric to more modern historical developments, Austria has a lot to offer.
Let’s take a look at 10 of the safest cities in this European attraction.
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10 Safest Cities in Austria
1. Vienna
Located in East Austria on the Danube River, Vienna is Austria’s capital city.
This city of almost two million has a long artistic and intellectual history.
Its stunning beauty and architectural buildings once attracted some of history’s greatest, including Sigmund Freud, Mozart, and Beethoven.
Now, Vienna is known for its diverse culture and unique mix of Imperial palaces and contemporary and historic buildings, many of which display works from history’s greatest artists.
Vienna’s history and beauty, combined with its low crime rate, make it a top destination for ex-pats and travelers from across the globe.
In fact, it often makes “Best 10” lists for livability and travel.
While it’s considered safe to walk around Vienna after dark, locals recommend exercising caution and remaining vigilant at all times.
2. Innsbruck
On the west, we have Austria’s second-safest city, Innsbruck.
Nestled in the Alps, Innsbruck is surrounded by mountains, making it the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts and winter sports lovers.
While Innsbruck is the capital of the state of Tyrol, it’s famous for its mix of modern and Imperial architecture.
It’s also been a top destination for winter sports.
The Nordkette funicular takes you over 2,200 meters above sea level, where visitors and locals can ski or hike back down to the bottom.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at ski jumping.
With its fairytale views and rich history, artists from around the world have been drawn to Innsbruck.
Many elect to stay, which has helped build a strong creative community.
Despite its growth in popularity, Innsbruck is one of the safest cities in the world and is welcoming to all cultures and mindsets.
3. Graz
If architecture is your passion, look no further than the southern city of Graz.
This charming medieval city, home to nearly 285,000 people, serves as the capital of the province of Styria.
It’s also the second-largest city in Austria.
With Roman roots, Graz offers a blend of baroque, Renaissance, and contemporary architecture.
The most famous is Schloss Eggenberg, known by many as Eggenberg Palace, located in the city’s main square of Hauptplatz.
This UNESCO-protected site is like stepping back in time, with its perfectly-preserved art collections and majestic gardens.
With its very low crime rate, Graz is a safe place to visit, regardless of your religion, skin color, religion, or gender.
Locals recommend locking your car doors and using caution when in big crowds.
4. Salzburg
If you enjoy food, history, and nature, you won’t want to miss the Austrian city of Salzburg.
This cultural city of 152,000 people borders Germany and offers stunning views of the Eastern Alps.
With its snow-capped mountain peaks and lush green valleys, it’s clear why the Salzburg region was used in the filming of The Sound of Music.
The Salzach River divides this Austrian city into two parts.
On the right bank, you have the New City. Also known as Neustadt, this part of Salzburg features more 19th-century architecture.
The Old City, called Alstadt, boasts baroque and medieval buildings.
Salzburg is also the birthplace of the famous composer Mozart.
Thousands of travelers visit the Mozart museum, which gives insight into the composer’s childhood and family life.
With a crime rate of 9.83, Salzburg has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Travelers can walk about this pedestrian-friendly city without fear of becoming a victim of crime, regardless of one’s religion, race, or gender.
5. Lienz
Nestled in the Eastern Alps is the medieval city of Lienz.
First settled in 2000 BC, this Austrian city has a long and rich history.
It’s now home to almost 12,000 people, who welcome thousands of tourists from around the world each year.
Like much of Austria, Lienz is a very pedestrian-friendly city.
Locals and tourists mingle as they sip on coffee at one of the local outdoor cafés.
While life in Lienz is slow-paced, there’s much to do in this gorgeous city.
Its medieval town center, Mediterranean climate, and sublime mountainscapes are just a few of the reasons why Lienz is a top destination for travelers from Switzerland, Italy, and even Austria itself.
Summers are a favorite in this region, which delivers warm weather and long hours of sunlight.
6. Alpbach
First settled around 1,000, the earliest recordings of Alpbach are from 1150.
For nearly a century, Alpbach relied on mining and farming.
Tourism is now its primary source of income.
With a population of just over 2,500 people, Alpbach is one of the smallest cities in Austria.
Despite its small size, this historic city has a lot of heart. As a well-known ski resort town, Alpbach welcomes thousands of tourists year-round.
While Alpbach is a history lover’s an outdoorsman’s dream, it’s also been home to the Alpbach European Forum since 1945.
This annual two-week conference attracts thought leaders from across the globe.
Participants, including scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and politicians, gather to discuss science, business, and politics each year.
As a result, Alpbach has been dubbed “The Village of Thinkers.”
Crime in Alpbach is nearly non-existent.
Despite its safety rating, locals do recommend locking your car doors and staying vigilant when in larger crowds.
7. Sankt Pölten
Located in Lower Austria, Sankt Pölten is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Its history dates back to 1159, making it the oldest city in Austria.
Despite its long history, the architecture in Sankt Pölten is very modern.
Its Old Town features well-preserved Baroque buildings.
New Town is a stark contrast, with its modern museums and government buildings, and ultramodern festival hall.
Located north of the Alps along the Traisen River, Sankt Pölten is a quick train ride from some of Austria’s main attractions.
You can hike in the Wachau Valley, visit Melk Abbey in Melk, or even hop on a train to Vienna.
Wherever you explore, you can rest assured you and your family will be safe when visiting the Sankt Pölten region.
8. Bregenz
Like much of Austria, the charming town of Bregenz has a history that dates back over 1,500 years.
First inhabited by the Celts, the Romans seized Bregenz in 15 BC.
The city’s baroque buildings and ancient city walls offer a glimpse of what life was like nearly two thousand years ago.
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, Bregenz is a popular destination for travelers year-round.
As the third-largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, this lake is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy the views.
Bregenz is also the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the great outdoors, particularly the foothills of the German Alps.
Despite this lakeside city’s rich history, Bregenz is firmly planted in the present.
It’s home to multiple modern galleries and hosts multiple world-famous music festivals each year.
Like most of Austria, Bregenz is safe to roam about, both day and night.
The locals are friendly to all tourists, regardless of their religion, culture, or political views.
To ensure your safety, travelers are encouraged to practice common sense when traveling.
9. Klagenfurt
Located on the eastern banks of Lake Wörthersee is the charming town of Klagenfurt.
As the capital city of Carinthia, Klagenfurt is located in Southern Austria.
The lake offers a retreat from the summer heat and is the perfect spot to enjoy Austria’s fresh air year-round.
Despite its small size, Klagenfurt has its roots firmly planted in Austrian history.
In the center of the main square is a fountain of a Lindwurm, the city’s emblem.
Surrounding the square are baroque and Renaissance buildings and a cathedral from the 1500s.
Klagenfurt is a college town and is also home to an international airport.
As a result, the crime rate is slightly higher than in other areas of the country.
That being said, crime is significantly lower than in most parts of the world.
10. Feldkirch
Last on our list is the well-preserved medieval town of Feldkirch.
What’s unique about this charming city is its proximity to Germany and Liechtenstein.
Built in the 1500s, Feldkirch’s city walls, guard towers, and stone buildings are focal points of the city.
Feldkirch is a wonderful place to visit for those looking to get outdoors.
The Feldkirch Wildpark, which is next door to Erholungswald Ardetzenberg, is home to over 140 different species of animals.
The Three Sisters Mountain Range offers a unique hiking experience, with its highest peak reaching over 2,000 meters.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Austria
Austria welcomes millions of travelers annually.
While it’s a relatively safe travel destination, there are some things you can do to help ensure your safety.
- Keep your money safe – Travel is relatively safe in Austria. That being said, the allure of money is hard for criminals to resist. Keep money out of sight, whenever possible, and keep separate cash reserves.
- Keep your valuables locked away – Thieves work primarily on foot, picking pockets and breaking car windows. Keep your valuables close to your body and lock your car doors at night.
- Use the buddy system – Despite Austria’s safety rating, it’s never wise to move about alone, particularly at night.
- Call Ahead- When traveling to a new location, especially if staying at an Air B&B or other smaller accommodation, it’s beneficial to let your next hosts know when you’ll arrive.
- Keep vital information written down- Although internet connectivity usually isn’t a problem, it’s smart to have a written or printed copy of your itinerary and contacts for your reservations.
Austria Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Austria Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best transportation options in Austria?
Austria has an excellent railway system and travelers will be able to reach cities throughout the country by train.
It is also possible to rent a car for travel.
What Customs Should I be Aware of?
Be on time, say hello, and try some desserts.
These are all considered polite gestures by the Austrian people.
Do Austrians Speak English?
Although German is the official language of Austria, most residents speak English, and communication is never too difficult.
It is helpful to learn some basic German words.
The Austrians will appreciate the effort.
