Austria
Austria has a rich history and has managed to maintain many of the old buildings and architecture that go along with it. The country is small and nestled between Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. The largest city is Vienna, which has a rich cultural history, restaurants, and a diverse cultural mix that resulted from different wars and from the immigration of people from nearby countries.
When planning a trip to Vienna, you should consider visiting the city's Museum Quarter, which offers art museums, history museums, and the Sigmund Freud Museum. You can also visit Schonbrunn Palace, which is outside the city, but accessible by the metro system. While most people stay in Vienna, there are many other cities including Salzburg, Gratz, and Innsbruck. Each have their own vibrant history as well.
There have been many famous authors, musicians, and scientists that lived and worked in Austria. You will be able to visit their birthplaces, and places they loved to go when not working. Walking tours are available. If staying in Salzburg, you will be able to take the 'Sound of Music Tour', which is a walking tour that has themes from the movie. The Mirabell Palace and Gardens is another popular tourist attraction for those who visit Salzburg.
With an active winter season, there are many places to ski in the Austrian Alps and enjoy the outdoors. You can stay at a lodge or just go skiing for the day. Other pastimes in Austria include ice skating, soccer, and ice hockey. You will be able to attend matches depending on the time of year that you visit. For those who enjoy sports, especially winter sports, there is much do to in Austria.
Austrian cuisine is considered some of the best food in the world. There are many styles that have melded together to create this cuisine. You should try wiener schnitzel, erdapfel salat, a potato dish, tafelspitz, a beef dish, cheese Danish, and kaiserschmarrn, which is a traditional Austrian dessert during your stay. You will be able to choose between small cafes, fine dining, or larger family style dining. After a long day of sightseeing, having a good, hearty meal is very comforting.
Facts about Austria
Area: 83 857 sq. km
Population: 8 054 000
Capital: Vienna
Other major cities: Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz, Graz, Klagenfurt
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: German
Telephone country code: 00 43
Time Zone: GMT + 1 hour
Austria TOP Destinations
Vienna
Extending along the banks of the Danube River, Austria’s capital served for a long time as the seat of the Holy Roman Empire, and of the Habsburg-Hungarian Monarchy. Rich in historic monuments, Vienna is often also referred to as “The City of Music”. More...
Salzburg
Salzburg stands in a breathtaking setting and contains magnificent architectural treasures. The Baroque spires of the old town, with the fortress rising behind, are an unforgettable sight. The old town is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Salzburg owes its fame to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Sound of Music and the Festival. More...
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is scenically squeezed between two impressive mountain chains in the heart of the Alps. The Imperial Palace, Ambras Palace, Ottoburg and the Wilten Basilica all tell of Innsbruck’s eventful past. An absolute “must” on every visit to Innsbruck is a gondola ride up Seegrube (2000m) from where you enjoy spectacular views of the Inn valley and the surrounding mountains. More...
Hohe Tauern National Park
The Hohe Tauern National Park extends across the provinces of Salzburg, Tirol and Carinthia. With an area of 1,800 km² it is the largest national park in Central Europe and in the entire Alpine region. More...
World Heritage Sites in Austria
Vienna
The historic centre of the city – which has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List - is bounded by the “Ring” Boulevard, which follows course of the original city-walls. More...
Hallstatt
Salzburg
Graz