Introducing Austria
Vienna’s jewel-box palaces and Mozart melodies, sparkling Alps and problems like Maria naturally still have their place in Austria’s heart. But venture further for experiences that defy expectations: from slinging on a backpack to stride through the Tennengebirge’s lunar landscape to slurping cider with grizzled farmers in Mostviertel orchards, from catapulting down the jaw-dropping Harakiri in Mayrhofen to bathing in Salzkammergut’s tingly lakes. Visit historic spa towns like Bad Ischl or discover cities such as Linz, where a newfound street cred is adding a twist to Austria’s tale. So cast aside the well-thumbed picture-book, as the real story is even more enchanting…
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Austria flaunts its heritage in exuberant fashion. Vienna’s bombastic Habsburg palaces and Salzburg’s baroque splendour are worthy, but dig deeper and you’ll unearth Stone Age settlements, Roman archaeological sites at Carnuntum and medieval festivals. In the country where Mozart composed and Strauss taught the world to twirl, you won’t need to search hard for culture – it waltzes right up to you.
Make it happen
Ready to go? These recommended partners make it easy:
- Cycle from Salzburg to Vienna
- Take a walk in the Austrian lakes
- Enjoy a royal package at the Schonbrunn Palace
- Revel in the beauty of the Wachau Valley on a Danube boat ride
- Travel from Vienna to Greece across 11 European countries
Last updated: Jan 19, 2012
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Tatras trip report
by WaterhazardJack 26 May 2012
+today I was at Werfen, Austria for the ice caves and fortress. Highly recommend both as a long day trip from Salzburg, no tour necessary.…
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RE: Tatras trip report
by JonMW 25 May 2012
Thanks, Jack. Yeah, I don't really get art. But Spis was cool and today I was at Werfen, Austria for the ice caves and fortress. Highly…
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RE: Affordable catered ski chalet and good ski areas?
by richiavo 25 May 2012
Which dates in January, as long as its the second week onwards you should be able to finds loads of bargains, especially with the big…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Austria
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Austria
Things to do
- All things to do (1,548)
- Activities (220)
- Entertainment (284)
- Restaurants (363)
- Shopping (172)
- Sights (479)
- Tours (30)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Austria
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1 Innsbruck
The Austrian Alps capital with cobbled-stone lanes and the shimmering Goldenes Dachl
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2 Bregenzerwald
Idyllic villages, clinking cow bells and delicious cheeses from alpine dairies
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3 Salzburg
Birthplace of Mozart and baroque to the back teeth
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4 Grossglockner Road
Winding road through epic countryside, climbing to Austria's highest peak
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5 Tyrol's Valleys
Steep, narrow, awe-inspiring alpine valleys once carved by unstoppable glaciers
Fast Facts about Austria
- Growth rate
2.7%
- Median net income per year
€16, 626
- GDP
€257.9 billion
- Percentage overweight or obese
43.3% women & 57.7% men
- Number of dogs in Austria
560, 000
- Unemployment rate
6.3%
- Population
8, 281, 950
- Inflation rate
1.8%
Our favourite Austria Blogs (beta)
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How to Experience Wiener Schnitzel
Blog: Ottsworld - 24 May 2012
Did you ever have a meal you didn’t want to end? I find myself cutting my schnitzel in smaller and smaller pieces, chewing slower, savoring every bite. It isn’t just the food I am trying to slow down – it is the atmosphere. After all, it is as if time stood still in Cafe Pruckel. [...]
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Schoenbrunn Palace Vienna
Blog: Ottsworld - 18 May 2012
Schoenbrunn Palace and Gardens in Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most popular tourist attraction in the city. Easy to access, you are able to take the subway directly to Schoenbrunn and once you step out of the subway, the palace is hard to miss. In the world of the Habsburgs monarchy, size [...]
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Waltzing in Vienna
Blog: Ottsworld - 17 May 2012
I sat in the waiting room fidgeting, trying to smooth out my sweater, making sure I sat up straight, and looked as lady-like as possible in my skinny jeans and worn out travel shoes. The young kids working at the reception wore suits and dresses and they politely offered me a seat. I had tried [...]
