With its snow-capped peaks, rolling hills and gingerbread-house countryside, Austria possesses an almost fairy-tale like atmosphere, from the Alps to the capital city of Vienna.
Once the crown jewel of the Habsburg Empire, today Austria continues to be a playground for the international jet set, as well as adventurers looking for extraordinary experiences. Austria’s famous Alps, part of a vast mountain range that also extends through Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland, covers ¾ths of the country and provides year-round hiking, as well as world-class skiing from Lech am Arlberg to Ötztal. Snowboarding and oodles of mountain culture is also found at Lake Contance, right across to Bad Gastein and Pongau in Salzburgerland.
But Austria offers more than just nature. The Viennese capital beckons with its stunning Baroque architecture, cool intellect, creative vibe and signature coffee house scene. Vienna, known colloquially as “Freud’s City”, allows visitors the chance to plumb the depths of their artistic psyche with world-class museums, shops and galleries, before a relaxing respite at a local Beisln (bistro pub) or modernist cafe. Second city, Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, boasts a still-thriving classical music culture set against the backdrop of papal splendour, medieval twists and Belle Époque architecture.
Surrounded by the stunning Arlberg mountain range of the Austrian Alps, Lech is one of the most coveted ski destinations in Austria. A short drive from Innsbruck and Zurich, its cobble stone streets and wooden chalets give the area a traditional touch of Habsburg glamor, which is perhaps why it was a favorite of Diana, Princess of Wales.
read moreThe former heart of the Habsburg Empire, Austria’s lavish and sophisticated past set the stage for its role today as the pre-eminent European arts and culture destination.
read moreThe stunningly beautiful Zillertal valley stretches from Hochfügen and Kaltenbach to the northeast, through Zell am Ziller and its linked village of Gerlos, to the Hintertux glacier, open all year, at the far end to the south.
read moreYou may recognize Salzburg as the stunning alpine location from The Sound of Music, but its cultural importance goes well beyond this. Birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, today it hosts the world-famous Salzburg Festival and its cobbled streets are home to many opera, concert and theatre venues.
read moreFamous for its skiing, Obergurgl, often known as the “Diamond in the Alps”, all but guarantees snow from November through May. Set against the glacier villages of the upper Ötztal valley, it is also a year-round dream destination for experienced hikers and casual strollers alike.
read moreAnother jewel in the Habsburg empire, Bregenzerwald’s baroque splendor is perfectly complimented by the natural beauty of Lake Constance, one of the most iconic swimming and boating areas in Austria. Set against the back drop of wooded hills, Bregenzerwald plays home to exquisitely preserved churches, one of the oldest village squares in Europe, and the Angelika Kauffmann Hall, ranked as one of best chamber music halls in the world.
read moreBirthplace to the ‘dollar’, Hall in Tirol (Tyrol) is often referred to as the secret capital of Austria and lies just a 9 km drive from neighbour, Innsbruck. Long considered as the most beautiful of towns, Hall is draped in a rich history of salt trading and as the royal mint.
read moreAffectionately referred to as “The Granite Highlands of Upper Austria”, Mühlviertel lies between the Bohemian Forest (Böhmerwald) and the Danube with borders to the Czech Republic in the north and Germany to the west. The Austrian cultural hub of Linz being the largest city in this region.
read moreLocated in the Hohe Tauern National Park in the heart of the Salzburgerland province, Bad Gastein is a breathe of fresh air at an elevation of 1,000 meters. “Bad," or "spa" in German, hints at the area's importance as a health destination.
read moreCredited with being the first ever ski club way back in 1901, for many St Anton am Arlberg is synonymous with high-octane pleasures, altitudinous adventures and fresh mountain air. And with 210 miles of ski pistes, 120 miles of off -piste, 94 cable cars and lifts, St Anton and the surrounding area of Arlberg really is the place for thrill-seekers.
A mountainous state in western Austria bordered by Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, Vorarlberg is known for its ski resorts and stunning alpine scenery.
read moreThe jewelled natural homeland of Austria’s easternmost Burgenland heralds the gentler side of Austria, one bursting with lush meadows, idyllic orchards, sweeping forests and gently rolling hills.
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