Both before and after I visit a new destination, I always like to watch some relevant movies or read some books on the topics I’m going to come across the most. If you’re the same, and you’ve got a plan to visit some of Austria’s WWII sites, here are some great media to check out.
The books, movies, and documentaries I list here cover the topics, people, and places you’ll learn about the most in Austria. Get a head start on your sightseeing. Enjoy!
WW2 movies to watch for visiting Austria
If you’re short on time or just prefer movies over books, start here. For each entry, I’ve included links for streaming, but don’t forget you can check out DVDs for free from your local library too. I’ll start with a simple list of names, but click on each one (or keep scrolling) to read more about each and see where you can watch.
1. Monuments Men (2014)
Based on the true story of the Allied task force charged with safeguarding and recovering Europe’s priceless art and cultural treasures during the war. Directed by George Clooney with a star-studded cast.
(Personal note: I take issue with this movie because they tried to make it into a comedy of sorts when the real story is anything but. The book on which this movie is based is actually incredible but this movie does it a real injustice. However, it’s still an important story, so if you only have time for the movie, it’s still worth watching.)
2. The Photographer of Mauthausen (2018)
Based on the true story of a prisoner at Mauthausen Concentration Camp who used his job assignment to steal and preserve photo negatives of the atrocities the Nazis committed here.
3. A Hidden Life (2019)
Epic historical drama based on the true story of Austrian farmer Franz Jägerstätter, his decision to refuse fighting for the Nazis, and the brutal aftermath of that decision. Starring August Diehl (from Inglourious Basterds).
4. Woman in Gold (2015)
Biographical drama based on the story of Maria Altmann, an elderly Jewish woman who fled Vienna during the war, who then fought the Austrian government to reclaim family possessions stolen by the Nazis. This included five paintings by Gustav Klimt, one of which was of her aunt. Starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds.
5. A Friendship in Vienna (1988)
Made-for-TV movie about two best friends—a Jewish girl and the daughter of a fascist—whose lives are changed by the Anschluss of Austria and Nazi Germany. Produced by Walt Disney Television and based on a children’s book so probably a decent movie for younger viewers.
WW2 documentaries to watch for visiting Austria
Here are a few great documentaries you can watch on some of Austria’s most significant WWII topics:
6. Action T4: Doctor Under Nazism (2015)
Short documentary about the Nazi’s Aktion T4 “euthanasia” program based around the career of Dr. Julius Hallervorden. This is a wonderful straightforward introduction to this complex topic that would be perfect to watch before your trip.
7. The Rape of Europa (2007)
Documentary covering “the epic story of the systematic theft, deliberate destruction and miraculous survival of Europe’s art treasures during the Third Reich and WWII.” Think of it as an extension of Monuments Men with a focus on the story behind Woman in Gold (mentioned above).
8. Mauthausen (2023)
Unique documentary that combines music and historical memory as a way of “resurrecting the memories of camp survivor and academic Iakovos Kambanellis.”
WW2 books to read for visiting Austria
Here are some of the most highly recommended books to read before visiting the World War II sites in Austria. Take a look at these categories:
Austrian WWII Biographies and Memoirs
Some interesting biographies and memoirs on some of WWII Austria’s most famous names and some others you might not know (but should).
9. Hitler: 1889-1936 Hubris by Ian Kershaw (2000) – Incredibly detailed biography covering much of Hitler’s early upbringing in Austria and how it shaped his political and ideological views. A great read if you plan to visit places like Linz, Braunau am Inn, and Vienna while you’re here. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
10. Young Hitler: The Making of the Führer by Paul Ham (2018) – Another highly rated biography centered on Hitler’s Austrian upbringing. (That’s about a third of the size of Kershaw’s.) Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
11. The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp (2001) – Baroness Maria Augusta Trapp (of The Sound of Music fame) gives her personal account of her romance with the baron, their escape from Nazi-occupied Austria, and their new life in the United States. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
12. The Survivor: How I Survived Six Concentration Camps and Became a Nazi Hunter by Josef Lewkowicz (2023) – I think the title speaks for itself, but among those camps is Mauthausen. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
13. The Eternal Nazi: From Mauthausen to Cairo, the Relentless Pursuit of SS Doctor Aribert Heim by Nicholas Kulish & Souad Mekhennet (2014) – The never-before-told story of one of the most hunted Nazi war criminals in the world (who was living a secret life in Egypt). I do love a good Nazi hunting tale. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
Books about WWII events in Austria and related topics
Some books on the topics you’ll encounter the most while exploring the World War II sites around Austria.
14. The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel (2009) – True story of the men (and women!) tasked with safeguarding and recovering Europe’s priceless art and cultural treasures. A race against time in literal war zones filled with incredible true accounts. (So much better than the movie.) Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
15. The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe’s Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War by Lynn Nicholas (1995) – The book behind the documentary above—suspenseful book covering “the Third Reich’s war on European culture and the Allies’ desperate effort to preserve it.” Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
16. When Hitler Took Austria: A Memoir of Heroic Faith by the Chancellor’s Son by Kurt & Janet Von Schuschnigg (2012) – The Anschluss and Nazification of Austria from the point of view of the Austrian Chancellor’s son who was sent to Sachsenhausen concentration camp for opposing the regime. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
17. Austria in World War II: An Anglo-American Dilemma by Robert Keyserlingk (1990) – An interesting look at how the Western Allies viewed the Anschluss in Austria and the rest of WWII (up until the Cold War). Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
18. The Devil’s Castle: Nazi Eugenics, Euthanasia, and How Psychiatry’s Troubled History Reverberates Today by Susanne Paola Antonetta (2025) – A haunting deep dive into the Eugenics movement of the 1930s, the Aktion T4 program, and the extermination of tens of thousands of people the regime deemed “unworthy of life.” Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
19. In the Shadow of Death: Living Outside the Gates of Mauthausen by Gordon J. Horwitz (1990) – Examines how Austrian citizens who lived near Mauthausen concentration camp found out about, coped with, and failed to react to the evil on their doorstep. (And to what extent their silence helped facilitate Nazi atrocities.) Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
20. St. Georgen – Gusen – Mauthausen: Concentration Camp Mauthausen Reconsidered by Rudolf Haunschmied, Jan-Ruth Mills, & Siegi Witzany-Durda (2008) – Comprehensive study on the former Mauthausen concentration camp complex using previously unpublished documents and research. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
21. Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest by Stephen Ambrose (1992) – Classic tale of the men of Easy Company and their journey from D-Day to, well, Zell am See in Austria where their story actually ended. The Austria parts are brief, but worth reading if you plan to visit Zell am See. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
Historical fiction about Austria during WWII
And for you historical fiction lovers, here are some Austria-related WWII books for you. (I’m not a reader of historical fiction myself, but I know tons of you are! You’ll have to let me know which ones are your favorites.)
22. The Angel of Vienna by Kate Hewitt (2022) – Gripping World War II novel of tragedy, hope, and courage in Nazi-occupied Vienna. A 27-year-old nurse finds herself with the chance to save innocent children. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
23. The Devil in Vienna by Doris Orgel (2004) – The book behind the TV movie A Friendship in Vienna (mentioned earlier). Based on the author’s real experiences during WWII. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
24. The Edelweiss Sisters by Kate Hewitt (2021) – A story of three sisters who risk everything as part of the resistance movement in Nazi-occupied Austria. (Kate Hewitt writes a ton of historical fictions novels. Like, a ton.) Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
25. The Hidden Book by Kirsty Manning (2024) – Based on the true story of Mauthausen concentration camp prisoners who risked their lives to secure evidence of Nazi atrocities (“and how one man concealed it for decades before passing it on to his family who struggle to understand their inherited legacy of trauma”). Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
26. Vienna on Fire: A WWII Story of Survival by Don Gabor (2024) – The story of 18-year-old Greta, her resistance involvement, and her escape from Nazi-occupied Vienna. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
27. The Photographer of Mauthausen by Salva Rubio & Pedro Colombo – Graphic novel version of the true story of Francisco Boix whose story is also featured in the movie of the same name (mentioned above). Boix’s assigned job allowed him the opportunity to steal photo negatives of the Nazi atrocities at Mauthausen, but only at the risk of his own life. Available on Amazon and AbeBooks.
More info for your trip to Austria
- Hotels: Find great places to stay on Booking.com (my go-to). Expedia and Hotels.com are worth checking too. VRBO is best for apartment rentals.
- Rental cars: Check out the best rental car deals here.
- Local tours & activities: Check out all the great local options from Viator and Get Your Guide here.
- Don’t forget an Austria guidebook and this must-have Austria customs and culture guide!
- Want more? See all my Austria posts here.
Like this post? Have questions about any of these Austria WW2 books or movies? Other recommendations? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
Save this info, pin this image:
