Escape the elegance of Vienna for a day and discover a completely different side of eastern Austria — one filled with Baroque palaces, ancient Roman cities, lakeside landscapes, vineyards, and even alpacas.
Begin your journey at Schloss Hof, one of Austria’s most beautiful yet underrated palaces. Once the countryside residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, Schloss Hof combines imperial grandeur with the calm atmosphere of a rural estate.
Stroll through magnificent terraced gardens, elegant fountains, flower-lined pathways, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the March River plains near the Slovak border. Unlike Vienna’s busier palaces, Schloss Hof feels relaxed and spacious, offering visitors the chance to enjoy imperial architecture at a slower pace. The estate also includes orchards, traditional farm areas, and seasonal markets that make the palace feel alive rather than purely ceremonial.
From there, continue to Carnuntum Archaeological Park, where Austria suddenly transforms into the Roman Empire. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Carnuntum was one of the most important Roman settlements along the Danube frontier, home to soldiers, merchants, and thousands of inhabitants. Today, it is one of Europe’s most fascinating archaeological parks.
Instead of simply viewing ruins, walk through carefully reconstructed Roman streets, villas, bathhouses, and public buildings that recreate everyday life in remarkable detail. Ancient mosaics, amphitheaters, and gladiator history bring the site vividly to life, creating the feeling of stepping directly into antiquity.
Continue south into Burgenland toward Lake Neusiedl, Austria’s famous steppe lake and UNESCO cultural landscape. This region feels entirely different from the imperial atmosphere of Vienna: open skies, reed-covered shorelines, vineyards, sailboats, cycling trails, and charming lakeside villages create a Mediterranean-like mood in the heart of Central Europe.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch or a glass of local wine in picturesque towns such as Rust or Podersdorf while taking in the peaceful scenery. During the afternoon, the light over the lake becomes especially beautiful, turning the landscape golden and serene.
To finish the day, experience something completely unexpected and unforgettable with a visit to a countryside alpaca farm. Farms in the region offer alpaca walks, feeding sessions, and cuddling experiences that provide a calm and joyful ending to the journey.
Surrounded by quiet meadows and rolling countryside, spending time with these gentle animals creates a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the day’s historical sites and grand architecture.
