Austria

With its successful blend of imperial tradition and contemporary elements, the Austrian capital is nowadays a vibrant cultural metropolis in the heart of Europe. Vienna’s showpiece, the Ring Boulevard, is lined with grand buildings and beautiful parks. Austria’s capital enjoys a paramount reputation around the world as the city of music. Very justifiably, no other city has been home to so many composers of international renown. Vienna also boasts world-famous museums and art collections.

Those into culinary art can satisfy their hunger with a traditional Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz or Kaiserschmarren. The Viennese coffeehouse culture offers variety for every generation and invites to linger between sightseeing tours and shopping trips.

Venerable, old, exciting, young – the unique mixture of the K.u.K tradition and present creativity turn Vienna into one of the most popular destinations worldwide.

Rarely is there such a harmonious interplay between landscape and architecture, art and culture, tradition and modernity, as in Salzburg. Salzburg attracts with its charm of past ages – but also with the lively presence of a Baroque Festival city amidst a breath-taking alpine setting.

Salzburg’s old town is rich in historical treasures. For no other reason, the UNESCO designated Salzburg as World Cultural Heritage in 1997. When strolling through the narrow alleys of the old town, one finds buildings of the Middle Ages, Romanticism, Baroque and noble, classicist houses of the monarchy in one small place. A walk through the Getreidegasse, probably the most famous alley of Salzburg, and a visit to one of the impressive Mozart concerts should not be missed during a stay in the old residential city.

City experiences and mountain encounters. Cultural treasures and nature wonders. Innsbruck fascinates as the capital of the Alps with unique experiences to make between 574 and 2.350 meters above sea level. Innsbruck perfectly combines historical past and a spectacular mountain scenery, making a visit to the capital of Tyrol a true experience. Attractions such as the famous “Golden Roof”, the Imperial Palace, the church “Schwarzmanderkirche”, the dome of St. Jacob with the Carillon and the “Helblinghaus” are definitely worth a visit.

Those interested in culture should not miss a performance at the State Theatre, a visit to the various museums or one of the summer concerts taking place at the impressive Ambras palace above the rooftops of Innsbruck. One detail must not be forgotten: Innsbruck is a true metropolis of sports, with the Bergisel Ski Jump or the cable car “Hungerburgbahn” leading to the Nordkette, the centre of sports in Innsbruck.

European Capital of Culture, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Austrian “Capital of Delight”, Human Rights City and winner of the European Prize: this is Graz, former residence of the Habsburgs, today marked by art, culture and futurism. Contrasts dominate the entire city and offer insights into all areas of art and culture: classical and jazz music, tradition and modern spirit, literature and festivals such as the Styriarte and the Styrian Autumn. Numerous art collections and galleries such as the Kunsthaus or the Island on the river Mur demonstrate that museums must be neither outdated nor antiquated.

Simultaneously Graz offers numerous historic sites, which are worth a visit: the Schlossberg, the Clock Tower, the Armoury and many more. The most notable part of Graz however, is the old town, which is considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Europe. Therefore, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the one hand, Graz impresses with its old buildings dating back to past eras – narrow lanes, idyllic courtyards and Mediterranean flair, but at the same time this city presents itself to be young, modern and innovative.

With exciting future-oriented projects, Linz has made itself a name as a place of art, culture and avant-garde. There is interactive art in the virtual worlds of the Ars Electronica Centre, which is now housed in a fabulous new facility. On the opposite bank of the river Danube, architectural masterpieces of the 19th and 20th centuries are on display in the striking glass-and-steel Lentos Museum of Art. In addition, one can enjoy excellent music and drama in the Brucknerhaus and the Landestheatre, leading-edge offerings in the “OÖ Kulturquartier”, and exhibitions in the museums of the province of Upper Austria. Big events highlight the cultural calendar in Linz: the Pflasterspektakel Festival of Street Art, Danube Summer, Ars Electronica Festival, Linzer Klangwolken (Cloud of Sound), Brucknerfest, Linzer Advent and Winter Culture offer regional and international art and culture for every taste.

Linz’s old city is the ideal setting for strolls through charming cobblestone streets and past centuries-old architecture. Its main square is one of the largest in Central Europe. The continent’s steepest traction railway takes visitors on a leisurely ride up to Pöstlingberg for a panoramic view of the city – when visibility is good, one can see all the way to the Alps.

Eisenstadt, the former residence of the rulers of Esterhazy and domain of the famous composer Joseph Haydn. Even though Eisenstadt is a rather small town, it has a lot to offer. Esterházy palace, Haydn house, St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Calvary Mountain are among the top attractions.

The magnificent Esterházy palace located in the heart of Eisenstadt, is one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces of Austria and enchants with its splendid ambience. Even the composer Joseph Haydn appreciated Esterházy palace and was inspired particularly by its grand atmosphere. The Haydn Hall, named after Joseph Haydn, is one of the most beautiful and acoustically best concert halls in the world. The historic old town forms the heart of Eisenstadt and with its numerous cafés, boutiques and shops invites to linger.

Vorarlberg’s provincial capital is located at Lake Constance, Central Europe’s third largest lake, offering a diverse cultural programme and a variety of outdoor activities. Located in the very heart of the medieval town centre, the Baroque St. Martin’s Tower forms the centrepiece of Bregenz. Within the past few years, the cityscape has developed and with the Kunsthaus Bregenz, an architectural gem located opposite the marina, has emerged. Bregenz is also home to the famous Bregenzer Festspiele, a renowned music festival, taking place in summer on an open-air floating stage at Lake Constance.

Bregenz is not only a vibrant cultural town, but also a hot spot for sport-enthusiasts offering a variety of outdoor sports including cycling, mountain biking, trekking, paragliding and all kinds of water sports. Not to forget mount Pfänder, from where fantastic views of the Swiss Alps, Lake Constance, the Allgäu Alp range and the peaks of the Bregenzerwald can be enjoyed.

Culture, art, good food, and nature promise countless moments of wonder, delectation and revitalising outdoor experiences. Klagenfurt, the capital of Austria’s southernmost province Carinthia, is located on Lake Wörthersee, giving the city even more charm and a cheerful southern character. With lovingly restored arcaded Renaissance courtyards and historic buildings, Klagenfurt boasts one of Austria’s most beautiful old towns. Neuer Platz Square is dominated by the Lindwurm, a winged dragon forming the emblem of the city.

Pedal-pushers can choose from a diverse selection of well-maintained cycle paths, and for runners there is an idyllic half-marathon route. For those seeking fun in the crystal-clear water of the Lake Wörthersee, there is a number of water sports activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing, parasailing or diving.

Picturesque vineyards, small hidden villages, gentle hills, impressive monasteries, castle ruins and green forests – the Wachau valley – UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe and has been widely admired and praised already. The numerous castles, monasteries and historical cities along the river Danube offer an insight into the rich past of the region. Among the most important tourist attractions in the Wachau valley is the Benedictine Abbey Melk – an impressive Baroque building with an imposing library. The idyllic village of Dürnstein with its ruin, on which – according to the legend – Richard Löwenherz was imprisoned – is also worth a visit. A boat tour along the river Danube rounds off your visit to this beautiful region.

The Wachau valley is one of the most charming wine-growing regions, featuring steep vineyards and stone terraces. A visit to one of the famous and traditional wineries and wine taverns therefore becomes inevitable.

Crystal clear lakes (76 in total) a breath-taking mountain scenery, nostalgia, sports, nature and cultural highlights. The Lake District has evolved from the traditional summer resort – Emperor Franz Joseph I had already built his summer residence in Bad Ischl – to one of Austria’s most popular destinations. The imperial apartments of the summer residence of Sisi and Franz can admired during a visit to the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl. A boat trip across Lake Wolfgangsee with the nostalgic paddle wheeler “Emperor Franz Joseph I”, but also across the Lake Traunsee or Lake Attersee is a must when visiting the picturesque Lake District region.

Austria’s steepest steam cog railway, the “Schafbergbahn” takes visitors up to the mount Schafberg from where incredible views over the surrounding mountain ranges and lakes can be enjoyed. Unforgettable mountain experiences are waiting at the Dachstein Ice Caves, one of the most significant natural monuments of Austria, or at the world famous Salt Mines in Hallein or Hallstatt. Numerous lakes and green hills invite to recover and relax, for adventure-seekers hiking and biking tracks as well as a great selection of summer and winter sports activities are waiting.