4 Best Sights in Vienna Woods, Lake Neusiedler, and the Danube River, Austria

Known locally and affectionately as Beethoven's Haus der Neunten, or Ninth House, since he composed his Ninth Symphony while living at this address, the house was fully restored after workers discovered artwork within that dated back to the time Beethoven lived there. The art, which hung on the walls of Beethoven's summer apartment, has been fully restored as well.

Just a five-minute drive south of Petronell, the tiny village of Rohrau was the birthplace of Joseph Haydn—and the quaint, reed-thatched cottage where the composer, son of the local blacksmith, was born in 1732 is now a small museum. You'll see a pianoforte he is supposed to have played, as well as letters and other memorabilia. The furnishings are homey, if a bit spartan. After Haydn had gained worldwide renown, he is said to have returned to his native Rohrau and knelt to kiss the steps of his humble home. Concerts are occasionally held on the grounds.

The composer Joseph Haydn lived in the simple house on a street that now bears his name from 1766 until 1778. Now a house museum—the house itself, and especially its flower-filled courtyard with the small back rooms, is quite delightful— it contains several first editions of his music and other memorabilia. A guided costumed tour involves tales about love and music in the real Haydn's life.