From the verdant swathes of the River Danube Valley, to the Soaring Alps mountain range, Austria is noted for its startling contrasts. This is a country that beholds a legendary natural beauty, known for its spectacular countryside, world class skiing and breathtaking mountains as much as its elegant architecture and inspirational galleries and museums.
Austria also has a rich history, peppered with groundbreaking historical figures, from great psychological minds like Sigmund Freud to the composer legends of Mozart and Schubert. Indeed, so rich is Austria’s heritage that it eagerly flaunts it at every turn. The baroque splendor of Salzburg and the luxurious Hapsburg palaces in Vienna are real treats, serving as powerful reminders that this was the seat of power that ruled Europe for more than 700 years...
Through the Ages
Digging a little deeper reveals even older treasures, including historic spa towns such as Bad Ischl, mystical cities like Linz, Roman archaeological sites and Stone Age settlements to name just a few.
Vienna may be the highlight of any visit to Austria, with its jewel-like palaces, its opera houses and the sparkling Alps in the distance, but venturing outside of what is one of Europe’s most romantic capitals defies even the most optimistic of expectations. From hiking across the lunar-esque landscapes of the Tennengebirge to sampling homemade cider in the orchards of Mostviertel, exploring Austria opens up a world of new experiences.
White Powder Too
And of course, no visit to Austria is complete without hitting the pistes for some of the best skiing action in Europe. Innsbruck, Austria’s Alpine capital, is one of the favorite bases for snow and thrill-seekers; Lech is a world-class resort and comes with all the expense one would imagine such luxury costs; while less visited slopes at resorts such as Bad Gastein and Ellmau are just as much of a treat at a fraction of the cost.
So, Great skiing, architectural treasures, rich history, fabulous music and plenty of style – that just about sums Austria up for the first time traveler. The good news is, once you’ve been once, you’ll want to return again, and again.
Budget for one week: More than 800 Euro
Taxes and gratuities: Gratuity is recommended
Local currency: Euro
Spoken language and/or official language: German
Area: 83,855 km2 (32,377 sq mi)
Population: 8,414,638
Sanitary requirements: You can drink tap water everywhere in Austria
Major cities: Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Klagenfurt.
Main images, courtesy Wikipedia.
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