Facts

Austria has something for both the art-loving traveler and the outdoorsman alike and is ultimate year-round vacation destination. Skiers and hikers can make ample use of the Austrian Alps. While those who have an eye for architecture will go gaga over what is considered some of the most elaborate and ornate designs in all of Europe. A journey to Innsbruck, with it gorgeous back drop of snow-capped mountain peaks which serve to highlight a town of impressive historic structures. For those who know their music history, Austria is also the homeland of great composer Mozart and birth place of an unparalleled musical tradition, particular in the nation's capital, Vienna.

Best Time To Visit Austria

Austria has something to offer travelers no matter the time of the year, whether it is sightseeing during the summer or enjoying a bit skiing during the winter. The downside to the summer months is obviously the larger crowds and inflated prices for food and accommodations. Those particularly interested in winter sports will want to take advantage of the prime season, which runs from mid-December through late March. In June, the Alps are laden with the riotous colors of spring, attracting visitors who want to do more than hit the slopes.

Facts About Austria

• Full name: Republic of Austria
• Capital City: Vienna
• Area:83,858 sq km/32,378 sq mile
• Population: 8,022,300
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 ()
• Language: German (official) Turkish (other) language spoken by an ethnic minority Slovenian (other) official in Carinthia; Croatian (other) official in Burgenland; English (other); Hungarian (other) official in Burgenland
• Religion:8% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant
• Currency:Euro (€)
• Electricity:230V 50HzHz
• Electric Plug Details: European plug with two circular metal pins
• Country Dialing Code:43
• Money and Costs:
  • Meals
    Budget: US$5-10
    Mid-range:US$10-20
    High: US$20+
  • Lodging
    Budget: US$10-40
    Mid-range: US$40-80
    High: US$80+

Events

Events in Austria

Music festivals seem to be a common fixture in Austria throughout the year. Beginning in January, the city hosts various New Year's Eve concerts that include luxurious balls. Those who enjoy masquerades and dances will find plenty of both during February's Fasching (Carnival) celebrations in honor of spring's return. Corpus Christi celebrations include even more carnival activities, many of which are held in the Salzkammergut. Between mid-May and mid-June, the annual Vienna International Festival is a highlight of the Austrian calendar of events that includes many worthy arts programs and events. Those who like the festive atmosphere of nice summer nights and warm bonfires will enjoy the June 21 Midsummer night celebrations. Come at the tail end of the summer season is the Salzburg International Festival that includes a host of musical productions and features the works of native son, Wolfgang Mozart. In October, there is National Day, a patriotic celebration and St Nicholas Day, held on December 5th, a holiday festival that ushers in the season with a events and colorful parades.

Attractions

Attractions in Austria

Vienna – The city of Vienna is the crown jewel of Austrian cities and historically rich center for the once powerful Habsburg dynasty. Ornate edifices distinguish the city center, while some of the region’s finest museums offer many wonderful exhibitions. Vienna is also known for its spectacular concert halls where the renowned Vienna orchestra performs classical pieces by such composers as Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven and choirs fill the hall with their exultations. Travelers should not the convenient placement of the city’s primary attractions in the inner city or Innere Stadt. Some notable sights include the Stephansdom, the cavernous interior of the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), as well as Vienna’s Judenplatz, or Jewish Quarter.

Eisriesenwelt Caves – The Eisriesenwelt Caves are the largest accessible ice caverns in the world. The impressive caves are made up of more than 40 kilometers of explored passages as well as about 30,000 cubic meters of ices. Visitors to the Eisriesenwelt Caves will be pleasantly surprised to find that there are regular 75-minute tours in and out of the caverns that take groups into some enormous rooms that contain natural ice formations shaped in intricate patterns as well as beautiful frozen waterfalls.

Salzburg – The city of Salzburg is situated among mountains and stretched across the banks of the Salzach River, not too far the German border. The old city is really not much more than a Baroque town nestled below the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress, a medieval complex that also includes a baroque palace and formal gardens. The city is also known for its other Baroque style churches, plazas, courtyards, as well as fountains. Salzburg is also known throughout the world as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the renowned composer and capitalizes on this local fame through the presence of various museums, squares, residences, as well as chocolate bars and liqueurs which are used to honor him.

St Anton – Located in the exclusive Arlberg region of Austria, an area that incorporates various skiing resorts, the St Anton resort is the most extravagant and elite resort. It is not for the budget traveler since it is also the most expensive location with elaborate amenities to make you feel rested and relaxed or if you want some excitement there are plenty of energetic nighttime attractions.

Gurk – The highlight of Gurk is its monumental 12th century cathedral, which is a prime example of Romanesque architecture. Visitors who venture inside will notice the elaborate statuary and carvings, including various statues numbering at 72 while 82 angels’ heads adorn the church altar.

Mauthausen – During World War II, the Nazis established one of many concentration camps in this upper Austrian city, largely because it afforded a ready source of labor in the form of the local granite quarries. Prisoners were forced to work long, grueling hours in the quarries. Many died struggling to make the trek back and forth from the quarry to the camp on the so-called Stairway of Death.

History

History of Austria

Early Austria was a region marked by a continual succession of invading tribes and armies that found the Danube Valley to be a suitable conduit for their other martial activities. Among them were the Celts, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Huns, Avars, and Slavs, yet most were migratory and went on to other areas to settle. Much later during the 9th century, Charlemagne took over the area in and surrounding the Danube Valley and established a territory called Ostmark in 803. This region eventually became a Christian land made up of largely Germanic settlers.

More than four centuries later in 1278, the Habsburgs gained control of the region and established a dynasty that lasted for nearly 700 years, and which ended around the beginning of World War I. The Habsburgs found generally more creative means to expand their territory through the years rather than resorting to violence at every turn. Through a combination of shrewd real estate purchases and politically motivated marriages between noble families, the lands of Austria gradually grew larger. Two significant rulers were the product of these marriages: the brothers Charles I of Spain and Ferdinand. The former became Charles V, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire while the later would become the direct ruler of not only Austria but Hungary and Bohemia as well. Fate shifted the balance in 1556 when Charles abdicated his throne, a move that thrust Ferdinand into the imperial role. What territory Charles possessed was inherited by his son, Phillip II, which effectively severed the Habsburg dynasty into two separate lineages, Austrian and Spanish.

A new degree of religious freedom came to the empire in 1571 through an imperial decree, which led to mass conversions to Protestantism. Five years later, the next emperor, Rudolf II, turned the tide back in favor of Catholicism due to his acceptance Counter-Reformation. This conflict between Catholicism on Protestantism eventually bubbled over into armed conflict when proponents of Romanism attempted to convert forcibly the Protestant controlled areas in Europe. This was called the Thirty Years' War, a conflict that carried on from 1618 to 1648 and left massive devastation in its wake. For the remainder of the 17th century, Austria became preoccupied with the keeping the Turks out of Europe. The climax of this pitched battle came in 1683 when Vienna nearly surrendered to Turkish forces that had surrounded and besieged the city. This capitulation was avoided by the intervention of Christian soldiers from Poland and Germany. The Turks were pushed back to the southeastern edge of Europe by combined forces. After the threat was removed, Austria enjoyed a period of architectural expansion and the introduction of the Baroque style to many cities. Vienna, in particular, began one of its prolific periods of cultural prominence and becoming a musical center in Europe to which famed composer and musicians flocked.

The reign of Maria Theresa, which began in 1740, has been noted as the age of Austria's growth into a modern state. During the forty-year reign of Maria Theresa, the ruler instituted many reforms to the country's army and economy, a civil service was created, a public education system was established, and control of government became centralized. Subsequent Austrian progress was hindered by the defeat of the military at Austerlitz in 1805 by the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte's army. Further European conflict resulted and continued until the 1814-15 Congress of Vienna was established. Yet, this was not a decisive remedy for Austria's internal civil woes. The country was incorporated into the so-called German Confederation where it remained until the 1860s. A series of social upheavals in 1848 and a final defeat during the Austro-Prussian War in 1866 led to a new kingdom. The Dual-monarchy of Austria-Hungary was formed by Emperor Franz Josef in 1867. This separated it from the newly constituted German Empire inaugurated by Bismarck.

Austria entered the 20th century on a bright note of strong national prosperity. Yet it was the country's expansionist programs that included the inclusion of Balkan territories as well as the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 that set off a chain of events that embroiled the world in its first worldwide war. The catalyst for this global conflict was the assassination of the emperor's nephew, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo 1914. A month later, Austria-Hungary had declared war on Serbia, which compelled the Russians to aid Serbians. Eventually, the players in this massive conflict included the Entente Powers (made up of Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, and the United States) and the Central Powers (including the Austro-Hungarian, German, and Ottoman empires).

By war's end, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was reduced to a much smaller territory named the Republic of Austria. Former territories Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Yugoslavia, as well as Romania and Bulgaria were declared independent states. Thus, the rule of the Habsburgs came to an end. The republic did not fare well economically after the war and in time, the politics of Fascism and the Nazis were embraced by the Austrian people. This made the 1938 invasion virtually free from opposition and the country was made part of Hitler's new Third Reich. Austria suffered heavily from repeated bombing during World War II and subsequently restored to its proper boundaries. From 1945 to 1955, the country was cordoned off by British, American, French, and Russia soldiers who remained there to keep the peace and oversee reconstruction. In 1955, troops were withdrawn and Austria was left to govern its own affairs.

Post World War II Austria was characterized by a national determination to its overcome economic difficulties. In 1972, the country established a free trade treaty with the European Union (then known as the EEC). Austrian politics was transformed from a bed of conflict and internal strife into a peaceable body of consensus. The 1980s were filled with anti-immigration sentiments brought on by an influx of Eastern European emigrants following the collapse of the Eastern Bloc. Right-wing elements in government established a new political faction called the Freedom Party in order to legitimize its anti-immigration message.

A 1994 national referendum that paved the way for Austria's 1995 entry into the European Union was initially praised by the people but since that time, the attitude has shifted and no one cares too much about EU membership or its supposed benefits. 2000 marked an advance in the Freedom party's growing influence. The right-wing party actually fared well in the elections, coming in behind the Social Democrats. This has helped them form a ruling coalition with the moderate right People's Party.

Culture

Culture in Austria

Austria may be best known for its musical heritage. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries a host of composers and musicians were drawn to the country's inviting cultural climate and also by the generous patronage of the Habsburgs, who themselves were gifted with musical talents. The center of this musical revolution was the city of Vienna. Names like Beethoven, Brahms, Gluck, Hayden, Mahler, Mozart, Schubert, Schönberg, and the Strausses all became synonymous with the grand Baroque city. The modern legacy is seen in the activities of such institutes as the Vienna Philharmonic, the Staatsoper (State Opera), the Musikverein, The Vienna Boys' Choir, and the Konzerthaus.

Art and architecture also play a role in shaping Austria's culture. Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art are all given ample representation in the country's cathedrals, churches, fortresses, and public structures. The Biedermeier furniture style finds its origin in Austria, as well as the art style that influenced it. Iconic artist Moritz Michael Daffinger was the quintessential Biedermeier master, and known for his presence on Austrian currency. Famed artists Gustav Klimt and Oskar Kokoschka are Austrian-born masters, and representatives of two powerful movements in art, Art Nouveau and Viennese Expressionism.

Austrian cuisine is traditionally made up of hearty meat and dumpling dishes of all varieties. The Austrian diet contains some rather exotic meat choices that may not be so well known in other countries. For example, beuschel, a meal often translated as "calf's lights," is made of very thinly sliced pieces of a calf's lungs and heart. Locals say that is really quite good. Yet, many visitors are curious about the Wiener Schnitzel. This savory dish originates in Vienna, but it has become known the world over as breaded veal tenderloin. Like many other countries, Austria also has plenty of fattening pastries and cakes to delight your taste buds. None is better known than the strudel, a dough shell filled with a different types of fruit, cinnamon, and raisins that is baked. With all of this rich food, sitting back and drinking some fine Austrian beer or Austrian wine can be just the cap on a great dining experience.

Environment

Environment in Austria

Located in central Europe, Austria is a landlocked nation that resembles a vaguely pipe shape. The size of the country east to west is 560 kilometers (347 miles) and 280 kilometer (173 miles) north to south. It is surrounded by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, and Switzerland. The western and southern areas of Austria are taken up by the Alps, with the highest point being the summit at Grossglockner, a peak rising 3,797meters (12,455 feet). The Bohemian Mastif is a region of northern forestlands that run all the way to the Czech border. The Danube Valley, with its verdant lowlands in the east, represents Austria's major farming districts. Those interested in lakes should visit the Carinthia and the Salzkammergut region. Finally, the regions of Styria, Burgenland, and Lower Austria are the wine producing regions of the country.

Almost half of the country is taken up by forested lands, made up of a generous mix of oak, beech, and conifers. The latter is actually more concentrated at higher altitudes. As one ascends into the Alpine regions, trees give way to meadows filled with orchids, edelweiss, and poppies. The mountains also include an assortment of wildlife that making for interesting animal watching. There are ibex (a type of mountain goat that has large curved horns), the chamois (horned antelope) as well as the marmot (a relative of the squirrel). Butterflies can be found in abundance, flittering about the meadows.

Austria's climate is moderate and reflective of common central European standards. In the east, the land has what is called a Continental Pannonian climate, which provides reasonable summer-time temperatures. Travelers should be prepared for a wide range of temperatures that are dependent up the altitude. Yet, average temperatures range between 20 and 25ºC; (68 and 77ºF) in summer, 1 and 4ºC (34 and 39ºC) in winter, and 8 and 15ºC (46 and 59ºC) in spring and autumn.

Travel in and to Austria

There And Back Again

Austria's rail lines cover a wide selection of major European destinations and provide the most comfortable and efficient means of transportation in the country. Those who cannot accord the train can make use of the various bus services. While they are slower and less comfortable than trains, they are also less expensive and they provide comparable coverage to other European destinations. Austria's highway system includes the Autobahnen, which provides a well-maintained and fast travel route to the surrounding countries. The major border crossings are open 24 hours a day.

For those traveling between Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, in summer or spring, hydrofoil services can be useful for quick passage up and down the Danube River for those who have the funds. There are also steamers that run between Vienna and the German border town of Passau in the months of May through late September. Boat services are typically used by those who want to take scenic excursions, rather than getting from point A to point B.

Local Transportation

Tyrolean Airways is Austria's primary domestic airport and provides numerous flights per day between major cities like Vienna. Austrian train services are comfortable, clean, and on fairly consistent schedules. There is also the federal bus network known as the Bundesbus that supplements the train system. It is used for local trips and journey to destinations off the beaten path. In fact, the Bundesbus is the exclusive service for several ski resorts, like those in Vorarlberg and Tirol.

Visitors can take advantage of rental car services that have reasonable coverage throughout the country, particularly in the cities. Many Austrian cities also have local tram services. Of course, for those who want to get more exercise while traveling, there are many outlets for either purchasing or even renting bicycles. Among them are the over 160 railway stations that are spread across the various cities. Cyclist conscious planners have made sure that those who bike will have great and safe places to ride both inside and outside the city. In the Alpine regions, there are actually five categories of local transportation. They include the funicular, cable car, gondola, cable chair, and ski lift.