Austria Destinations
Vienna
Vienna lies in the far east of Austria, just one hour away from the border with Slovenia, and sits on the banks of the mighty Danube. Vienna was the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, rulers of the massive Austro-Hungarian Empire, for over 600 years. It is a convenient starting point for exploring the other well-known Central European cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Prague. It’s an elegant city rich in history such as the Hofburg palace, literally hundreds of museums and epitomises the home of the Golden Age (end of 19th century) when Vienna was the home of artistic and intellectual masters like Freud, Schonberg and Klimt. It’s perceived as being a European home of artistic excellence, especially music, where you can experience anything from contemporary opera to techno. The easiest way to arrive is by air, as Flughafen Wien-Schwechat is just 8kms from the city centre.
Salzburg
Although small, Salzburg is a city that can boast many things: breathtaking Baroque style architecture, easy access to lakes and mountains, the birthplace of Mozartand the set of that well-loved film ‘the sound of Music’. There is a laid-back, slow paced feel to the area, and sights are close enough together to walk. For the Sound of Music lovers, there are fun guided tours that take you to see the Castles, buildings and famous gazebo immortalised in the film. Don’t expect a rendition of ‘Edelweiss’ though – it was invented for the film and most Austrians have never heard of it!
Werfen
About an hour and a half from Salzburg in Salzburg province, Werfen is a small town dwarfed by a huge castle that bears its name. You can climb up to the spire for a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley, and take part in a special falconry show.
Hallstatt
This gorgeous quiet village nestled among mountains and lakes is a traveller’s delight. Located in the Salzkammergut region, it is close to Werfen and is definitely worth a visit. Here you can go canoeing in a crystal green lake, its colour the result of glacier water, and visit the church charnel house – viewing a spooky collection of skulls from Hallstatt inhabitants.
The town is famous for its nearby salt mines, and above the town you can visit the pipeline that used to run the salt to the lake. In fact, the word ‘Salz’ means salt, hence the region’s name. It’s also a site for scuba divers, as the lakes were a dumping site for Nazi treasures abandoned at the end of WWII.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the regional capital of Tyrol, and the city is based on attractive medieval architecture. Despite it’s old world feel, it has some of the best nightlife in the country and is a great spot for exploring the many Tyrol peaks.
Graz
The regional capital of Styria and Austria’s second city houses a fantastic collection of fine art and is a good base to explore rural vineyards for wine lovers.
Tux – Vorderlanersbach (The Tux Valley)
This area is near the Italian border, and a mecca for ski resorts and winter sports.
In fact, if you don’t fancy yourself a skier or outdoors person then there is little else to do, such is the focus here. It’s a great place to go canyoning – the latest craze that combines rock climbing with going in water under waterfalls – not for the fainthearted! In the evening the local entertainment is traditional Schluplattlerdancing in lederhosen!
Neustift
Another area that caters to winter sports, particularly skiing and snowshoeing up the Stubai Glacier, where you can be rewarded with fantastic vistas after a gruelling 5 hour trek.
Destination – Austria
By Xanthe Apsotles
