A short guide about Austria
Austria was the centre of power in Europe when ruled by the mighty Habsburgs for over 600 years, and offers some of the most impressive destinations in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland.
The capital Vienna is an architectural gem and a centre of music from the medieval times, and with every sixth inhabitant being a student; it also offers a lively pub scene. The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) and the adjoining Augustinian Church are two of the marvels from these times. Other notable tourist sites include the Museum of Fine Arts, Belvedere Palace, and the Sigmund Freud Museum.
The southern city of Graz with its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town has a very relaxed and Mediterranean flair. Situated on the sunny side of the Alps, it offers an exciting architectural mix between old - winding lanes and castles, as well as the new Kunsthaus gallery with its blue bubble and an artificial island in the river. Salzburg is picturesque with its 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle, Museum of Fine Arts, and St Peter's Abbey, all surrounded by tall mountains. To the south is Hellbrunn Palace, whose grounds contain trick fountains and water-powered figures.
Austria has plenty of destinations off-the-beaten-track worth visiting, such as the two small cities of Wels and Steyr. Rust and Gurk are places to explore with the Eisriesenwelt Caves being the largest accessible ice caves in the world. Another interesting place to visit is Bad Ischl where the Austrian Emperors spent their holidays. Tourabout has tours to Austria year round with summer being the ideal time for sightseeing, and the Arlberg region for some of the best skiing resorts in winter.