Freistadt

A mere hop and a skip from the Czech border, Freistadt has the best-preserved fortifications of all the medieval towns in Austria and the beer isn’t bad either – the nectar-loving locals are apparently so passionate about Freistädter brews that they avoid places where it isn’t on tap. Beer aside, much pleasure can be had strolling the town’s narrow streets to admire medieval gate towers and relax in the gardens that have taken root in the original moat.