Austria lies in central Europe and shares borders with Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovenia and Italy to the south, Hungary and Slovakia to the east and Liechtenstein with Switzerland to the west. It is a landlocked mountainous country, surrounded by the Alps. Only about, a quarter of the country can be considered low lying. Characteristically, the central eastern Alps, the northern Limestone Alps and the southern Limestone Alps belong to Austria. The capital of the country is Vienna, one of the most dominant and beautiful cities of Europe. Austria is a superb winter destination, offering the opportunity to its visitors to reserve a hotel in Alps and enjoy unique winter sport activities. Of course, those that reserve a hotel in Vienna will never regret it as well, as the capital of Austria is an outstandingly beautiful city.

History

The first name of Austria was Ostarrîchi, referring to the territory of the Babenberg, in 996. The centuries that followed, Austria settled as a country. Particularly, in 1156 the country was elevated to the status of a duchy, acquiring in 1192 the duchy of Styria as well. Austria continued to expand by incorporating in its territories Bohemia and part of Hungary, after the historic Battle of Mohács, in 1526. The invasion of Ottomans into Hungary at that period led to the so-called Long War between Austria and the Ottoman Empire that lasted 13 years (1593 – 1606). The culminated conflict with the Turks ended with the Treaty of Carlowitz in 1699, enacting the return of all Hungary under Austrian control. The next century and particularly in 1804, the foundation of the Austrian Empire became reality. The expansion of Austria and its increasing power culminated in 1867, when it transformed into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. For many decades, the Austro-Hungarian Empire comprised major power of Europe and dominated a great number of its parts. Its fall came during World War I. In 1938, Germany occupied the country and Hitler annexed it to the Third Reich. Austria’s secession from the Third Reich was tacitly approved in 1945. In 1955, the country regained its independence by concluding the Austrian State Treaty. Today, Austria is a developed country and member of the European Union since 1995.

Art and Culture

Austria has also a rich artistic life stemming from its abundant historical heritage. Its wealth of artistic accomplishments varies from the Austrian monuments to the vast diversity of modern cultural events. Today, the illustrious Austrian orchestras such as the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra, named after the great Amadeus Mozart, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra adorn the Austrian concert halls and attract thousands of visitors all year long. Nevertheless, while music and especially classic music comprise Austria’s major artistic idiom, Austria is also famous for its Palaces, museums and art galleries. The Liechtenstein Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna for instance, are famous for their exhibitions, including a significant variety of paintings and sculptures. Major masterpieces of the Viennese Secessionist Movement, the Viennese Modernist Movement and the Austrian Expressionist Movement are been exposed in the Leopold Museum. Finally, both the residential apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth and the rooms of the famous Empress Sisi are been exposed in the Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum, offering you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the world of these great personalities.

Gastronomy

Culture in gastronomy has a long tradition in the heart of the Alps. Austrian cuisine is derived from the Austro-Hungarian Empire but has also been influenced from the foreign conditions in the area. The main influences come from Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy and Bavaria, from where both dishes and cooking methods have often been borrowed. The Austrian cuisine is therefore one of the most multicultural and abundant cuisines in Europe. Some of the most famous dishes include dumplings, served in many different variations and cooked with bacon, spinach, cheese or a number of sweet recipes. Among the most popular dumplings are Knodel, made from grated raw and mashed potatoes or dried bread with milk and egg yolks. Other local specialties are the typical Wiener Schnitzel, a traditional Viennese meat dish and Tafelspitz, a kind of boiled beef usually accompanied with boiled root vegetables. The Austrian mushrooms known as Eierschwammerl are also a local delicacy and they are mainly been served in thick soup. You should also taste some exceptional Austrian desserts and sweets such as the well-known Kaiserschmarrn. Of course, you should not leave Austria without tasting the locally invented (Franz Sacher, 1832) chocolate cake of Sachertorte, a unique Viennese culinary specialty.

Places to visit

Vienna ranks among the most beautiful baroque capitals in Europe and its city centre has been designated as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The city of music, operas and waltz is an alluring romantic place with high culture and style. Besides its rich tradition in fine arts and architecture, Vienna is also the birthplace of modernism. Visit the Hofburg palace and the museum of Moderner Kunst and explore the Palace of Belvedere. Another place you should visit is the unique museum complex of Museumsquartier, which is one of the largest and most impressive museum complexes in the world. Vienna keeps its historic style preserving all the characteristics of its glorious past. It is indicating that even hotels in Vienna lie in perfect harmony with the baroque surroundings. Vienna has also a fantastic lifestyle. Plenty nightclubs and bars infuse a greatly vivid atmosphere to the city, making it highly appealing to all ages and tastes.

With a tourist-per-capita ratio higher than Venice or Florence, Salzburg is a city you have to visit. The city of Mozart is among Europe’s busiest places and its dreaming spires, romantic gardens and green hills are world famous. Reserve a hotel in Salzburg and explore the wonderful sights of this magnificent city. Another exquisite place you should visit is Innsbruck. Located in the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck is a fantastic little city with beautiful surroundings and vivid lifestyle. Many tourists visit Innsbruck for its plenty winter sport facilities. Moreover, for those that like skiing or snowboarding there are many cozy apartments and picturesque hotels in Innsbruck with superb services and unique view.

Graz is another suggested place. It is Austria’s second-largest city with a population of about 285,000 people, 40,000 of which are students. The city has a wonderful old town, which is UNESCO’s World Heritage site. The castle of Schlossberg or Schloßberg is another site worthy visiting. Hotels in Graz have nice architecture and relaxed environment, making your stay easy and comfortable. The cities of Linz and Söll are popular for their wonderful surroundings and cozy atmosphere and they are especially suggested for winter holidays. Last but not least, do not leave Austria without visiting the gorgeous town of Reutte. Situated in the most northwestern part of Tyrol, Reutte is an Idyllic destination for Skiing, hang Gliding, Fishing in its splendid lake and Cycling. It is highly recommended to reserve a hotel in Reutte and spend few days in the fantastic Alps.

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