Cheap Vacations to Austria
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Nature and Culture Meet in the Alps
Two-thirds of the territory of Austria, a member state of the European Union, is covered by the Alps. The country's eventful history has seen its territory conquered by the Romans, the Huns, the Lombards, the Ostrogoths, the Bavarians and the Franks. On a more positive note, Austria has also nurtured such remarkable artists as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss (father and son), Gustav Mahler and Gustav Klimt. Its priceless architectural, natural and cultural riches have made it a favoured destination with music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Attractions
The alpine province of Vorarlberg is located in the western part of the country and is a favoured destination of mountain hikers. It encompasses the Montafon Valley, which includes 11 mountain villages that attract their fair share of hikers in summer, and the Bregenzerwald region, with its green expanses, wooded gorges and mountains traversed by the mighty Bregenzer Ach river. Wintertime is when skiers head to the popular slopes of Lech and Zürs, while the sumptuous villas found between magnificent Lake Constance and the Rhine River, once the property of the country's textile barons, attract visitors all year long.
The Tyrol is one of Europe's most famous mountain regions. Hikers, climbers, mountain bikers and skiers all flock here to enjoy this splendid area's mountains, glaciers and crystal-clear lakes. One of the most popular resort areas can be found in Innsbruck, which receives visitors all year-round, while the high Seefeld plateau played host to the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. Those who wish to discover Austria's cultural treasures can head to the Hall region, where castles, fortresses and churches dating back to the Middle Ages await.
The province of Salzburg is home to Austria's largest national park, Hohe Tauern; in fact, one-tenth of the entire province is located within the park's territory. Popular cultural attractions here include Hallein's fascinating salt mines, Hohensalzburg's historic fortresses and Hellbrunn's museums.
The pristine lakes found in the southern Austrian province of Carinthia make it a popular destination with water sports enthusiasts. The best spots can be found on lakes Worth, Faak and Osslach. Austria's highest mountain, Grossglockner (3 798 m) can also be found in this region, and fishers and paragliders usually set their sights on the upper Drave Valley, where splendid lakes and breathtaking mountains provide the perfect setting to enjoy their favourite activities.
Upper Styria is another haven for hikers. They come here to explore the area's various trails, which include the "Water Route," the "Iron Route" and the roads that were once used by the faithful to get to the pilgrimage site of Mariazell. The province also boasts several spa resorts for those who wish to pamper their bodies and spirit in a majestic setting. Wine lovers for their part can head to the vineyard-rich southern Styrian city of Leibnitz and its surrounding area.
Lower Austria, which surrounds the city and region of Vienna, is home to some striking Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural jewels, especially in the splendid Danube and Wachau valleys. South of the Danube is the Mostviertel district, where springtime is a cause for celebration as the air fills with the scents of the area's beautiful blooming white flowers. The wooded areas on the outskirts of Vienna are another paradise for hikers and strollers, with their charming villages and vineyards.
Upper Austria will appeal to cyclists, who can hit the trails that were set up in the bucolic area around the cities of Linz, Wels and Steyr. Hikers and mountain climbers can head north to the Bohemian forest or south to Hoher Dachstein mountain, where magnificent woodlands and mountain ridges await. The province's Inn and Hausruck districts will appeal to culture buffs with their numerous and varied artistic activities and events, while the northern Danube Valley is replete with historical ruins, castles and fortresses which take visitors back in time into the rich history of Austria.
Music lovers will delight in the lively easternmost province of Burgenland, where the sun is said to shine 300 days a year. Among the many musical festivals and events that can be enjoyed here is the Haydn festival, which is held in Eisenstadt, where the famous composer once lived. The province is also home to Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park, a world heritage site which features a diversified fauna and flora.
Majestic Vienna is certainly the capital of Austria, but the case could be made that it is also the world capital of music and the arts. Long the seat of the Habsburg Monarchy, today's Vienna boasts a unique collection of architectural and artistic splendours. Both art aficionados and laypeople will delight in the city's museums, where classic and contemporary art are both well represented. Vienna is also famous for its green spaces, complete with grassy expanses, wooded areas, lakes and ponds. Come nighttime, Vienna reveals its romantic splendours as its streets light up and its revellers come out to play.
Where on earth
The Central European Germanic State of Austria covers 83 859 km2, and Vienna is its capital city. The country shares a border to the west with Switzerland and Lichtenstein, to the east with Hungary, to the south with Italy and Slovenia, and to the north with Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Republic of Austria is home to approximately 8 151 000 inhabitants and encompasses nine länders (provinces): Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia, Styria, Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Burgenland and Vienna, which is considered both a city and a länder.
