Austria

AUSTRIA

The Land of Time less Beauty

• Austria is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, attracting tourists not only in summer but also in winter. • Visitors are drawn particularly from neighboring Germany, as for them there is no language problem. • It is the scenic beauty that is to be found in all of the republic's provinces which is the main reason that induces large numbers of tourists to spend their holidays in Austria year after year.

• Austria is situated in the south-east of Central Europe. It is predominantly a country of upland areas and high mountains . • Austria is bordered by Germany and Czech Republic in the north , Slovakia and Hungary in the East , Slovenia and Italy in The South and by Switzerland in the West • With an area of just around 84 Thousand sq.kms , Austria is one of the smallest countries in Europe.

• The Eastern Alps occupying a good 60 per cent of the country's territory. • The River Danube flows for about 350 kms from west to east through the northern part of Austria. • Currency : Euro • Capital : Vienna • Other Major Cities : Graz , Innsbruck , Linz , Salsburg and Klagenfurt • Climate : Pleasant in Summer ,Very Cold in Winter

National Flag of The Republic of Austria

The National Emblem ( Coat of Arms ) Of Austria

TOURISM ~~ Tourism forms an important part of Austria's economy, accounting for almost 9% of the Austrian GDP. In 2007, Austria ranked 9th worldwide in international tourism receipts, with 18.9 billion US$. In international tourist arrivals, Austria ranked 12th with 20.8 million tourists. ~~ Of great tourist importance are the Austrian skiing, hiking and mountaineering resorts in the Alps as well as family-friendly recreation areas . The same applies to the numerous Austrian lakes

PEOPLE ~~ People of Austria are known to be simple and hospitable but tend to be a little suspicious of Strangers especially if they’re wearing sunglasses ~~ They are very fond of and like to talk about Art, Music and Politics ~~ The Cost of Living in Austria is

 Austria is well connected to rest of the world by Air . It has major Airports in the Cities of Vienna , Innsbruck , Klagenfurt , Graz and Salsburg .  Vienna International Airport (Code : VIE), located 18 kilometers southeast of Vienna, is the busiest and biggest airport in Austria. It is often referred to as Schwechat, the name of the nearby town.  The airport is capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340.  The airport is the hub of the flag carrier airline of Austria Austrian Airlines , as well as budget

MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Krimml Falls  Situated at the north-western margin of the Salzach valley in Salzburg .. Krimml is the longest water fall in Europe.Huge number of tourists come to Krimml Falls every year to enjoy the summers.  Nearby village of Krimml is a popular holiday resort, and in winter season the place presents excellent skiing. Considered one of the best tourist places to explore the winter pleasure of Europe.

 Krimml Falls is a tourist spot which is best

Hohe Tauern National Park  Located in the central Alps, this park covers over 1786 sq km (690 sq mi), making it Europe's biggest. At the extreme interior of this park lies the highest mountain of Austria, Grossglockner, which is 11,145 feet tall.  Its lush vegetation makes it one of the most scenic places all over the world. This fostered oasis of flora and fauna, also stands as one of the best tourist attraction all over Europe.  Variety of outdoor activities like mountain

 Several ski resorts are located just outside the park grounds.  Different species of deer, chamois, ibex, mountain goats and other animals reside here. Ancient forests, lush green alpine pastures, rugged mountainsides and spectacular waterfalls are the breathtaking features of the park.  The park is open year round and no entry fee is charged.

Hoher Market Square  The oldest square in Vienna, the Hoher Market, is found on the edge of the textile district . It is rich with memories that go back to the very start of the city's history.  The Romans called it the "old forum"; here stood the palace of the Commander of the Roman fortress of Vindobona, and it is here that Emperor Marcus Aurelius died.  In the Middle Ages executions were carried out here.  After the destruction resulting from the events of 1945 nearly all the houses in the Hoher Markt had to be rebuilt.

Scheonbrunn Palace  The Former summer residence of the imperial family ( The Habsburgs ), this palace is part of UNESCO's cultural heritage since 1996 . The sculptures in the Scheönbrunn garden were generally made between 1773 and 1780.  Its splendid architecture and furnishing make it Vienna's most important cultural monument. Plants stemming from rain forests from all continents is the primary attraction of the palace.  In the days of the Turkish sieges Katterburg was nearly destroyed and it appeared to be impossible to restore the castle.  In 20th century the palace was used several times for important events such as the historical

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Imperial Palace (Hofburg)

Once Imperial Palace served as residence of powerful Hapsburg emperors. It now owes the honor of being the office of Austrian president, an international convention center and home to several museums.

¤ Schloss Belvedere (Belvedere Palace) Schloss Belvedere is one of the best examples of glorious past of Vienna consisting of two separate buildings. One is at the foot of a hill called museum of medieval Austrian art and other is on top known as Austrian gallery, overlooking the city. It is famous as the former residency of the prince of Savoy.

¤ Naturhistorisches Museum (The Natural History Museum) The Natural History Museum of Vienna is one of the world's great museums. Early stone Age exhibits is the specialty of the Natural History Museum .Coin and medal collections of early Stone Age exhibits are other cardinal features of the museum. A Stone-Age body called "Venus of Willendorf," is the striking feature of the museum. ¤ The Imperial Furniture Collection (Vienna Furniture Museum) The museum is famous for largest collection of furniture worldwide. It provides the opportunity to shop and visit the museum simultaneously. It has a wide variety of traditional furniture used by many famous Austrian emperors. Time to time, special exhibitions on

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Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine

Arts)  The Austrian Museum of Fine Arts has one the world’s most remarkable collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman art .  Priceless objects collected for the Habsburg emperors over the centuries are now open for the visitors. 

The visitors find it difficult to see this huge

¤ Alpine Gardens Build in 1803, it bears the honor of being Europe's first alpine garden consisting a rich and diverse flora more than 40,000 in number

¤ Burggarten One can enjoy the variety of tropical butterflies flourishing in the park's butterflies house which was built in 1901. Other interesting features are monuments of Mozart, Goethe and Emperor Franz Joseph.

Hohensalzburg  One of the largest castles of Europe, Hohensalzburg was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard von Helffenstein. Presents an awesome view of the city as it is 400 feet over the river.  Till the 19th century , It was used as barracks, storage house and cell . The castle was refurbished in late 20th century.  Today it is crowned as the best preserved castles

Mozart-Wohnhaus (Mozart’s House) This house which is the famous composer’s birthplace ,is now a famous museum. Attributed to Mozart and his family,The museum conserves their memorabilia and letters. Mozart's childhood violin, his concert violin, his clavichord, the pianoforte, portraits are some worth seeing assets of the museum.

The St. Peter Cemetery St. Peters’ Abbey is one of the most charming cemeteries of the world. Completely overhauled in 17th - 18th century with an elegant embellished architecture. Church is known for its art treasures. The Church is often considered as one of Salzburg's most impressive Buildings. Catacombs here are famous worldwide.

» Bell Tower Bell Tower is known for its 4200 kg bell, biggest in Graz. The 34m high tower was built in 1588 and is known for its renaissance style double windows.

» Clock Tower The Clock tower, considered the symbol of Graz, was erected in 1550. For several years since its construction, it had only one long hand which indicated hours. The smaller hand which

» Lock Mountain Lock Mountain, most prominent among Graz monuments is located on western outskirts of Graz. This building is based on elaborate and intricate allegorical planning. The design is profoundly influenced by cosmic harmonies. Lock Mountain tells a lot about archaeological heritage of the country

» Mausoleum

This imperial mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Ferdinand II. It was built by Italian architect Pietro de Pomis between 1614 and 1653.

» New

Cathedral (Neuer Dom)

Built in Neo gothic style the church is the largest church of Austria. It is able to accommodate 20000 worshippers at a time. Paintings on the stained glass windows in the church are very captivating.

» Old Cathedral (Alter Dom) Built in 1669. The Church is embellished with chapels and galleries. It is built with amazing architecture, closed choir and stucco work . Outstanding pink marble columns, a  beautifully carved pulpit, a great deal of statues and a beautifully decorated altar with marble images

» Ars Electronica Center  Opened in 1996, the building is also known as the "Museum of the Future" and is one of the most important sights in Linz.  Media art, new technologies and social developments characterize the Center’s innovative exhibitions. The most modern techniques from the technology sector are presented in the museum so that a normal person can get familiar with that.  The museum has six floors filled with creative work from hi-tech laboratories all over the world. Main objective is to provide an interface to the general public to the modern techniques

Linz Zoo Linzer zoo presents an ideal spot for excitement for children as well as grown ups. A wide range of mammals (llamas, pygmy cows, sheep, goats,...), a variety of birds (parrots, ostriches, ...) and reptiles (crocodiles, iguanas, snakes,...) flourishe here. Fresh and sea water aquariums can also be enjoyed here.

Grotto Railway "Dragon Express", a mini train in the shape of a the famous mythological beast, Visitors can enjoy a ride to fairy tale scenes while passing through the beautiful landscapes. Children can enjoy famous fairy tales which are depicted in the side passages.

» Lake Wörthersee  Located to the west of the Kalgenfurt , This alpine lake is a must-see tourist spot. The lake attracts visitors mostly during the short summer season. The lake is of elongated shape, about 20 km long and 1-2 km wide, stretching from Klagenfurt towards the east in Velden. Greenish blue water of the lake is unique in it self.

» Klagenfurt Cathedral This is a spectacular building decorated in great style. Highly visible landmark of the city is Central Parish church. The cathedral of Klagenfurt is the church of the Roman-Catholic bishop of the diocese of Gurk

» Landhaus Built as an arsenal and later Carinthian state headquarters, this structure now houses the offices of the provincial government. Building was begun in 1574 and completed in 1590. A set of staircase towers with bulbous caps and a two story arcade is the special attraction of the building.

» Goldenes Dachl Golden Dachl or Golden Roof is the most attractive building in Innsbruck and one of the city's landmark. Sturdy medieval houses, attractively painted in pastel colors and supported by sloping earthquake buttresses, flourish in Innsbruck Old Town. Golden Roof is a three-story balcony on a house in the Old Town. Its Gothic oriels are

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Swarovski Kristallwelten

Glittering world of crystals dedicated to Daniel Swarovski, founder of the world's leading crystal manufacturers. Wonderful collection of crystals and all Swarovski pieces (jewelry, collectibles, eye glasses etc) can be seen. A man-made hill welcomes you with a giant face spouting a waterfall. It presents a tremendous view to the visitors.

» Hofburg

Hofburg was the residence of Emperor Maximilian I during 15th century. The imperial palace was later rebuilt in The 18th century. The palace, flanked by a set of domed towers, is a fine example of baroque secular architecture.

EASTER FESTIVAL The beautiful Baroque palace and gardens of Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace are host to this colourful Easter Market. Stalls are laden with mini-masterpieces of architecture made from chocolate, marzipan, fondant and praline, tempting visitors to indulge. The Market is open from 28 March to 12 Apr every year from 10 am-6.30pm . Its free and open for everyone

HAY FESTIVAL Celebrating the end of harvest, the village of Lungötz in Annaberg hosts the world's biggest Hay Parade, highlight of the HayArt Festival. Larger-than-life hay figures are paraded through the village on decorated floats pulled by Norican horses and vintage tractors.

Pflasterspektake Street artists from around Europe come together for the spectacular Pflasterspektakel festival of magic, mime, juggling and acrobatics. Every year from the 23rd – 25th July in The city of Linz For three days , around 40 performance areas are laid out in 14 zones covering the streets of Linz city centre. From informal beginnings in 1986, the festival has grown to attract around 170,000 visitors and become a fixture in the European street-art scene.

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