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AUSTRIA INFO Winter 2009

Skiing. Descending on dream slopes. Page 2

Recovering. Active off the slopes. Page 8

Old customs. Special and charming. Page 14

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Explore Austria by train! InterRail/Eurail Austria Pass: Whole Austria with one ticket!

ation Inform tables: e and tim n bb.at/e e o . w ww nter Ca l l C e 7 1 7 1 +43 5

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Editorial Contents Dr. Petra Stolba, Austrian National Tourist Office

I

am often asked whether I ever take my holiday in Austria. My answer is always the same; of course I do! Precisely because I am aware that intensive, cultivated and authentic experiences make Austria an unrivalled holiday destination. Austria’s winter landscapes

offer you the chance to submerge yourself in a fantasyland. With its sunlit glaciers, glittering snow and frozen streams, you can take a deep breath and begin to unwind even on a gentle stroll. In Austria you encounter authentic hospitality at every turn, that real feeling of having arrived, of being welcomed with open arms. Whether in the ski resorts that offer something for every winter sports enthusiast, in the spas and health resorts that unite relaxation with the great outdoors, or whilst discovering the many delights of the regional cuisine on a culinary tour. And last but not least, culture. From elegant balls to the greatest of operas, the palace concerts to the Christmas market, the cultural offers provide an excellent insight into the cultivated Austrian way-of-life. For Austrians it goes without saying that whichever winter holiday experience you decide on you can be sure it’ll be top quality. I cordially invite you to venture forth through the following pages into your truly personal Austrian holiday experience. Wishing you a wonderful winter holiday, Yours, Petra Stolba

02 Skiing Austria’s ski regions have a very special appeal

04 Peak to peak Many ski passes connect several ski regions

06 Board The whole country is one big funpark

08 Nature Recharge your batteries off the slopes

10 Amusement Winter Holidays for every generation

12 Alpine huts Climb a mountain just so you can drop in

14 Traditions Many customs live on in the winter

16 Advent © V O R A R L B E R G T O U R I S M U S / Y O U N G M O U N TA I N M A R K E T I N G G M B H

Countdown to Christmas in Austria

18 Thermal spas Relax and unwind

20 Culture A city-break is always a pleasure

Imprint: Proprietor and Publisher Austrian National Tourist Office, Margaretenstrasse 1, 1040 Vienna, DVR-Nr 0962335 Cover photo Andreas Hofer Editor and Text Michaela Schwarz Picture editor and graphics Karin Trenkler Foreign Language Layouting Claudia Fritzewanker Translation Quality Translations Printed by Holzhausen Druck & Medien GmbH Reprographic Services Reprozwölf Ges.m.b.H. &Co KG.

www.austria.info

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Skiing

1

Pure joy on skis. Austria is regarded as one of the leading skiing nations – it’s hardly surprising.

characterised by lots of places for the kids to play and professional child care personnel to watch over them all day long. For those parents whose skiing skills are

I

t’s easy to explain why a short

groomed pistes and runs, so you’ll really

courses on offer. The most important thing

rendezvous with this country often

be spoilt for choice. And that’s even if

to learn is how to carve a turn correctly right

becomes a lifelong love affair; a good rela-

Mother Nature decides she sees things a

from the start. Many slopes have been

tionship just never becomes routine. And

little differently, thanks to the most up-to-

widened considerably to make practicing

Austria certainly doesn’t hold back when it

date snowmaking facilities.

the long drawn out carving turn even easier.

comes to excitement or exhilaration.

Finding the optimal ski resort for your

The countless destinations on offer range

needs has just been made easier by the

Even the experts can barely catch their

from large, international resorts to tranquil,

introduction of a ‘quality seal’ for beginners.

breath. Would you prefer to check out the

family settings, all of which have perfectly

The ‘Welcome Beginners’ resorts are

mogul slope first or head straight for the

2 www.austria.info

© ÖW / ANDREAS HOFER

still in their infancy there are a variety of

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Endorsed by experts If you’re one of those people whose hearts miss a beat at the mere sight of a black colour-coded downhill run or a glistening deep-snow slope, then read on. We’ve selected a number of special ski resorts where even the experts relish the challenge of their pistes.

*

Sölden www.soelden.com Tel. +43 57200-200

* 2

Lech, Zürs, St. Anton www.arlberg.net Tel. +43 5446 2269-0 (St. Anton) Tel. +43 5583 2161-0 (Lech) Tel. +43 5583 2245 (Zürs)

*

Ischgl www.ischgl.com Tel. +43 50990 100

*

Obertauern www.obertauern.com Tel. +43 6456 7252

*

Salzburger Sportwelt www.salzburgersportwelt.at Tel. +43 6457 2929

*

Schladming www.planai.at Tel. +43 3687 22042

*

Mayrhofen/Zillertal www.mayrhofen.at Tel. +43 5285 6760 www.zillertal.com Tel. +43 288 87187

© STEIERMARK TOURISMUS / IKARUS.CC; VORARLBERG TOURISMUS / HANS WIESENHOFER

3

1 Always exciting: Descending in fresh powder snow

shimmering powder snow? Or perhaps

Real experts naturally want to go that

you want to coast pleasantly down the

little bit higher, up to those pristine deep-

2 Nature’s solarium

piste one more time, or fly down the expert

powder trails where you’ll meet one or

3 Good head for heights? The panorama platform at Lech / Zürs

slope? To make the choice even more diffi-

two like-minded people at most. No less

cult, a generous scattering of ski lifts offers

than eight glaciers offer guaranteed snow

the possibility of moving effortlessly from

and an unparalleled skiing experience

peak to peak. To make the decision even

the whole year through. The panoramic

more tantalising, the ski arenas enable you

scenery at this altitude is even more

to switch from one mountain to another

breath-taking. And even the snowflakes

and so to explore several skiing areas at

are different in glacial regions: finer and

once. This abundant infrastructure has

more delicate.

•

even found its way into the record books: the fastest stand-alone cable railway, for instance, serves Hinterstoder’s Wurzeralm.

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Ski arenas

1

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1 You can’t describe this feeling – you have to have felt it yourself

Peak to peak.

2 State-of-the-art lift technology means that queues are a thing of the past

Ski all day but not on the same slope twice: that’s what ski arenas are about.

C

hoosing one of Austria’s numerous

still relatively secluded Hauser-Kaibling

ski arenas means opting for the great-

skiing area you can switch to the world-

est possible variety. A ski arena is precisely

famous Planai (renowned as the venue of

what the name suggests: an array of su-

a World Cup slalom event) and on via the

perb skiing areas ideally linked by ski lifts

Hochwurzen to the Reiteralm, which was

and cablecars. As you coast from one

awarded the Piste Quality Seal in Gold

peak to the next, you will be exploring ever

in 2007.

© Ö W / H I M S L ; V O R A R L B E R G T O U R I S M U S / T H O M A S S TA N K I E W I C Z ; S T E I E R M A R K T O U R I S M U S / S C H I F F E R

and even skiing regions. The Ischgl-

The further you explore, the more you

Samnaun Ski Arena, for example, extends

will discover, in terms of new slopes and

into Switzerland. Its superb skiing is sup-

runs but also snug mountain huts and

plemented by such curiosities as Europe’s

piste-side bars. This may slow down the

highest-lying customs post. This region

rate of your exploration considerably –

combines some of the Central Alps’ most

don’t underestimate the risks of “getting

dependable snow conditions with excep-

stuck” at a table in one of the inviting

tional standards of comfort and conven-

cabins. It’s a sure sign that you’re making

ience. The modern gondola railways are

the most of a ski arena if you end up in the

notable for their high passenger capacity

evening miles from your starting-point.

and their comfort, but also for their con-

That’s exactly what the arenas are there

venience: they start from Ischgl itself and

for – and the free ski shuttle buses to

can be easily reached on foot from any-

get you back safe and sound to where

where in the resort. Another arena that is

you belong.

skiing it offers is the “Schladming 4 Mountains Arena”, which links up Styria’s four main skiing mountains. Starting at the

3 Skiing’s the main attraction. But the view runs it a close second

Maximum mileage Many ski passes are an Open Sesame not just to a skiing area but to an entire skiing region. The winter sports regions listed below issue regional ski passes.

* * *

Arlberg 276 km www.skiarlberg.at

new slopes and runs, whole skiing areas

memorable for the sheer diversity of the

3

•

Montafon 222 km www.montafon.at 3 Tälerpass – Großes Walsertal Bregenzer Wald, Lechtal, 337 km www.3taeler.at

*

Gletscherpass Tirol covers all five Tyrolean glacier skiing areas www.gletscher.tirol.at

* * * * * *

Skiwelt 250 km www.skiwelt.at Kitzbühler Alpenskipass 704 km www.kitzbuehler-alpen.com Zillertal Superskipass 636 km www.zillertal.at Osttirol Ski-Hit 362 km www.osttirol.com Ski Amadé 860 km www.skiamade.com Salzburgsuperskicard 2.200 km www.salzburgsuperskicard.com www.austria.info

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Board

1

Funpark Austria. Which is more exciting, day or night? We recommend finding out for yourself.

pleasure for many remains free-riding down powder faces, away from the well-groomed runs and the rails. Nothing compares to watching the sun

W

ith the first few turns you’ll find

Mayrhofen to Sajas Nova Park in the Sil-

first tracks in the freshly fallen powder

your pulse is already racing, but the

vretta region. Every year, spine-tingling

snow.

real kick is flying over the wall into the

new obstacles are created to give board-

second halfpipe. Austria’s funparks are

ers the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Before the fun starts, however, checking

renowned far beyond the country’s own

The Kreischberg in Styria has dedicated

the avalanche reports is an absolute must.

borders. From the ‘Memphis Twinpipe’, on

itself to creating a snowboarder’s paradise.

Ask the locals, the experts swear by this

the Nassfeld, Carinthia, featuring two,

The 800m ‘Airypark’ entices thrill-seekers

reliable source. After all, the residents

eighty-metre long parallel halfpipes,

with its countless rails, kickers, jumpboxes

know the local conditions better than

through the legendary Burton funpark in

and much, much more. The ultimate

anyone.

6 www.austria.info

© STEIERMARK TOURISMUS / IKARUS.CC

rise from the summit before drawing the

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Jump A never-ending succession of kickers, rails and obstacles, plus thrilling boarding events and a festive atmosphere wherever you go. Austria’s snowboard resorts provide so much variety that you could spend any number of holidays here without a dull moment. Here is a selection of the finest snowboarding venues.

*

Mayrhofen und Hippach im Zillertal www.mayrhofen.at Tel. +43 5285 67600 2

*

Saalbach-Hinterglemm www.saalbach.at Tel. +43 6541 6800-68

*

Gerlitzen www.gerlitzen.com Tel. +43 4248 2722

*

Krippenstein www.krippenstein.at Tel. +43 6136 8854

*

Sölden www.soelden.com Tel. +43 57200-200

*

Nassfeld www.nassfeld.at Tel. +43 4285 8241

© V O R A R L B E R G T O U R I S M U S / Y O U N G M O U N TA I N M A R K E T I N G G M B H ; B O A R D E R M A N I A

3

1 Even avid snowboarders need a break sometimes

Few are awake at this early hour,

concerned is still the CUBE hotel in the

undoubtedly due to the fact that the

Carinthian Nassfeld region, catering for

2 Ready, steady, go! The pack prepares to go for it

night before never really came to an end.

every wish and fantasy of the young

Quite understandable really, as Austria’s

boarder crowd. Along with a cool interior

3 Chill-out zones, Gaming Lounges, DJ sets… The nights are always too short

ski resorts offer just about everything you

and 24-hour entertainment are the clever

could wish for in the way of entertainment.

extras, like storage spaces in front of

Watch the latest films on massive video-

every room, where you can keep your

walls, enjoy a drink by an open fire or

beloved board safe and dry until the next

recharge your batteries in one of the

day full of adventure dawns.

•

chill-out areas, perhaps with the late night party in mind, with its live bands and DJ sets. … Who would want to go to sleep with all that going on? The trendsetter as far as lifestyle and entertainment is

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Nature

1

Hushed world. An encounter with nature can replenish your energy for a long time.

a layer of deep powdery snow, or over plateaus bathed in the warm winter sunlight. The panorama is breathtaking, especially from the high-altitude trails in

T

housands of ice crystals sparkle

the goal of discovering yourself. More and

taineering offers the opportunity to experi-

like diamonds on the snow-covered

more winter guests look for and discover

ence the beauty of the wilderness in isola-

landscape. Every breath freezes in the air.

satisfaction off-piste. Being close to

tion far from the beaten track. If you are a

Absolute silence, except the wind blowing

Nature is the best way to recharge your

beginner, however, it is best to take a

over the ridges or the occasional snap and

batteries.

guide with you. Due to the increasing popularity of what was in essence a mode

rustle of a tree branch breaking under the weight of the snow. Slow, deep breaths

Whilst cross-country skiing this occurs

of walking in the snow, guided tours are

inhaling the tranquillity and beauty of

in an almost meditative fashion, silently

now offered in practically every mountain

winter, every step taking you closer to

gliding through beautiful forests covered in

region. Those who would prefer something

8 www.austria.info

© S C H L A D M I N G - D A C H S T E I N / H E R B E RT R A F FA LT

Filzmoos or in the Ramsau. Ski-moun-

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Fresh trails. An unforgettable experience: gliding soundlessly and smoothly along the lonely trails. More and more winter visitors are opting for the soft alternative by exploring the beauty of the snow-clad countryside on cross-country skis. This is something you can do wherever you go in Austria. Here are a few special tips.

*

Olympiaregion Seefeld www.seefeld-langlauf.at Tel. +43 5212 2313

*

Ramsau am Dachstein www.ramsau.com Tel. +43 3687 81833-33 2

3

*

Nordisches Zentrum Böhmerwald/Aigen www.tiscover.at Tel. +43 7281 20065

*

Hochpustertal/Osttirol www.hochpustertal.com Tel. +43 4842 6666

*

Ferienregion Lungau www.lungau.at Tel. +43 6477 8988

*

Bad Mitterndorf www.ausseerland.at Tel. +43 3623 2444

*

Abtenau www.lammertal.info Tel. +43 6243 4040-54

4

1 Spring water, well chilled: a perfect pleasure

a little more traditional will feel at home

largest steppe-lake in Europe and you

taking a walk with snowshoes. Walking

can skate endlessly without crossing

2 Many a quick visit turns into an over-night stay

with these giant shoes on your feet is more

somebody’s path. The countless smaller

like a game, and opens up the possibility

lakes that freeze over quickly, such as the

3 Within a couple of minutes the stove is gently crackling

of exploring slopes that are covered hip-

idyllic Lunzer See, offer a more meditative

deep by powdery snow.

ice-skating experience. The simplest way

Ö W / WA L C H ; T I R O L W E R B U N G ( 2 )

4 Ski tourers have the mountainsides to themselves

to experience the quiet, profound magic Ice-skating is, as always, a perennial

of winter hasn’t changed for centuries.

favourite. Childhood memories abound,

A wonderful winter hike demands no more

and modern ice-skates are much more

than warm clothing and an eye for the

comfortable than the first models. Skaters

beauty in nature.

•

who want only the very best hold the Carinthian Lake Weissensee or the Lake Neusiedl dear to their hearts. This is the

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Amusement

1

The first tentative steps on skis are just the beginning of a lifelong of fun. Off the pistes, too, there are thrills galore for young and old.

A

‘Dinowald’ or on the ‘Murmli-Trail’ – always under the watchful eye of trained and caring staff – the grown-ups can enjoy a bit of time to themselves.

s soon as the first snowflakes fall

Austrian hosts guarantees that your holi-

A toboggan ride offers fun for the

there is no stopping the little rascals.

day will be an experience for the whole

whole family. Choose between a natural

Within no time at all they are covered in

family. From practical ideas such as help

toboggan track or something a little more

snow from head to toe. Freshly fallen snow

getting onto the lift for the little-ones, to

adventurous, The toboggan run on the

has a magical effect on children, and

their very own entertainment programme.

‘Zauberberg’ (Magic Mountain) in

during a passionate snowball fight many

In the Tirolean ski resort of Serfaus-Fiss-

Semmering or the ‘Ghost Train’ on the

a grown-up feels like a kid again.

Ladis 140,000 square km are set aside

Türracher Höhe, with its fairytale figures

The imagination and ingenuity of your

just for the kids. Whilst the little ones

and sound-effects, are a spine-tingling

10 www.austria.info

© ÖW / ANREAS HOFER

Beginner’s luck.

are off having their adventures in the

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2

3

We are family What’s special about a family skiing area? It’s simple. Skiers of all sizes are in their element here. That means easy-going slopes that aren’t too steep, child-friendly ski-lifts, and not least well-run children’s ski courses where the young ones are learning the basics while their parents are out making the most of the superb slopes.

*

Wildschönau www.wildschoenau.at Tel. +43 5339 8255

* 4

Filzmoos www.filzmoos.at Tel. +43 6453 8235

* 1 Experienced ski instructors soon turn beginners into professionals

experience for both the young and the

2 Hot-air balloon rides in winter are especially appealing- not just for the clear air

than spine-tingling is a moonlit ramble up

young-at-heart. Something more sublime the mountain under a star-studded sky, a pit stop at an alpine hut and then a torch lit

© ÖW / HIMSL; GETTY IMAGES; TIROL WERBUNG

3 Tobogganing is simply too much fun ever to go out of fashion 4 Can there be anything more fun than rolling in fresh powder snow?

toboggan ride back down to the valley. A great side-effect from all the fun and frolics in the snow – exhaustion. And the little ones will sleep like logs.

•

Bregenzer Wald www.bregenzerwald.at Tel. +43 5512 2365

*

Katschberg www.katschberg.at Tel. +43 4734 630

*

Gosau www.gosau.at Tel. +43 6136 8295

*

Donnersbachwald www.donnersbachwald.at Tel. + 43 3687 23310

*

Großarl www.grossarltal.info Tel. +43 6414 281

*

Turracher Höhe www.turrach-predlitz.at Tel. +43 664 5089172

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Alpine huts

1

Comfort devotees. Apparently there are people who only set off up the mountain to drop into a warm, cosy alpine hut.

schnapserl” (digestif), plum, apricot or pear schnapps, personally brewed by the innkeeper himself. Another traditional drink served in mountain huts is the legendary “Jagatee”; black tea with schnapps, rum and red wine. It thaws out the coldest of

on from generation to generation, and

when you’re sitting in a traditional pine

after you have had a taste it’s clear why.

guests in no time at all…

parlour, a mug of steaming mulled wine

Simple dishes, often served in the pan,

The real secret to the success of

in front of you, enveloped by the scent of

taste so hearty and good that it is difficult

Austrian alpine huts is not their effect on

home-cooked food simmering on the old

to know when to stop. Especially when

the taste buds, but on the disposition. The

stove…you do feel like you’re in seventh

you come in as hungry as most winter

superb laid-back atmosphere means that

heaven. And this is true at all altitudes.

sports enthusiasts. Even for this there is

you will immediately feel right at home.

Most of the recipes have been passed

a traditional remedy, the “Verdauungs-

Here, it is the moment that counts, not

12 www.austria.info

© ÖW / ANREAS HOFER

I

t’s a forgivable offence. For starters

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Partygoers’ paradise. The sophistication of the après ski resorts is a genuine alternative to the rustic charm of the mountain huts. Kitzbühel tops the list, of course, with its host of celebrity guests. But in terms of night life, the other Austrian winter sports resorts also have lots to offer – for celebrity spotters and night owls alike.

*

Kitzbühel www.kitzbuehel.com Tel. +43 5356 777

*

Zell am See www.zellamsee.at Tel. +43 6542 770 2

*

Schladming www.schladming-rohrmoos.com Tel. +43 3687 22777-11

*

Ischgl www.ischgl.com Tel. +43 50990 100

*

Lech – Zürs www.lech-zuers.at Tel. +43 5583 2161-0 (Lech) Tel. +43 5583 2245 (Zürs)

*

Sölden www.soelden.com Tel. +43 57200 200

*

Saalbach Hinterglemm www.saalbach.com Tel. +43 6541 6800-68

© T I R O L W E R B U N G ; S T E I E R M A R K T O U R I S M U S / H A R RY S C H I F F E R , L A N X X

3

1 A tune by the innkeeper makes a rest at a mountain hut even cosier

who you are or what you do. And that’s

discover that you’ll be on first name terms

great. It’s not particularly reserved either: if

with everybody from day one. So, lean

2 A speciality on many Alpine huts: the “Kaiseschmarrrn”

the landlord is in a good mood he’ll sit with

back, raise your glass to your neighbour

the guests and tell an anecdote or two

and enjoy the fact that life really can be so

3 It’s first names only in this relaxed atmosphere

about life on the mountain.

uncomplicated. Well, at least once a year when you’re on holiday in Austria.

•

Chatting with the locals is good for various reasons. They know the area like no one else, and are the best source of advice concerning routes, the weather forecast, avalanche warnings or when you simply need something for a cold. On the mountaintop you become easily friends, but you may be surprised to

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Traditions

1

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2

Old customs.

1 Craftsmanship: a Tyrolean wood carver in his workshop 2 The village band taking time out for a chat

Rural manners are a bit like the people, a little quirky, but endearing nonetheless.

A

3 These costumes owe their gorgeous colours to tiny sequins

t the start of the year the people in

Austrian Fasching is about spirited

the countryside begin to act in a curi-

festivities and soon infects all the guests.

ous manner. They may hang cowbells

Shrove Tuesday very often stretches well

around their necks and gambol around in

into the early hours of Ash Wednesday.

the fields, or you may see them cracking

The preparations often need to be made

their long whips. Or they stuff their shirts

months in advance. Lavish costumes and

with straw until they can hardly move and

caps need to be sewn; an original ‘Flinserl’

then allow others to wrestle them to the

costume alone is covered with thousands

floor, or wear elaborate hats covered in

of tiny sequins (‘Flinserln’). Throughout

bells that jingle with every movement.

the year anecdotes about the locals are

Even if this tomfoolery is nowadays more

collected, which are then recounted from

geared towards entertaining the guests,

the stage for the general amusement of

behind these customs lie centuries of anti-

the gathered crowds.

© T I R O L W E R B U N G ; S T E I E R M A R K T O U R I S M U S ( 2 ) / W O L F, L A N X X

the difficult everyday life of the rural farmer.

Fasching traditions differ from one

Most of the customs are about ‘driving

region to the next, but they all end in the

the winter away’, like the rhythmic whip

same way; around the table in the local

cracking during the ‘Aperschnalzen’ or

tavern. Although even there you shouldn’t

the chiming of the bell-covered hat.

get a false sense of security. It is more

The tradition of dressing up also stems

than possible that one of the carnival

from this time. Through dressing up,

revellers will call upon you to dance…

a year people had the ‘freedom to be a fool’ which meant you could masquerade as someone else. To the present day,

Colourful customs. The next Carnival will climax on Shrove Tuesday, February 24. But long before that the folklore calendar affords ample opportunity to revive the ancient customs.

*

Ausseer Flinserl. These figures with their gorgeously coloured costumes, and the suspiciously masculine-looking “Drummer Women” make the Carnival in Aussee a unique experience. www.ausseerland.at Tel. +43 3622 54040-0

*

quated traditions that find their origins in

societal ranks could be set-aside; once

3

•

Axamer Wampelerreiten. The “riders” try to throw the straw-stuffed “Wampeler” on their backs and dirty their white shirts. www.tirol.at/axams Tel. +43 5234 68178

*

Pongauer Perchtenlauf. Alternately in St.Johann, Bischofshofen, Gastein and Altenmarkt: the many different masks symbolise good and evil. www.altenmarkt-zauchensee.at Tel. +43 6452 5511

*

Ebenseer Glöcklerlauf. On January 5 white-clad “Bell-ringers” wake up the good spirits from the hibernation. www.ebensee.at, Tel. +43 6133 8016

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Advent

1

Christmas markets. Silent night, holy night…shorten the wait and get into the festive spirit in advance.

The ‘Christkindlmarkt’ (Christmas market) held on the square in front of Vienna’s City Hall is quite exquisite. Every year the façade of the City Hall is turned into a giant advent

W

hen Christmas arrives it’s not

churches or village squares that provide

The huge old trees in the park in fromt of

only the children’s eyes that light

the Christmas markets with a spectacular

the City Hall are filled with illuminated hearts

up. In every corner of the country festive

backdrop. Here you can purchase so many

and decorations, transforming them into

Christmas markets appear. The spicy scent

things that aren’t available in everyday

an enchanting sea of light.

of cinnamon, cloves, roasted chestnuts

shops; hand-blown baubles, handmade

and an added sprinkling of nostalgia laces

wax candles, wooden toys, woodcuts,

In Graz in Styria the whole of the historic

the air. Whilst enjoying a fruit ‘punch’ and

aromatic herbs and spices, homemade

old town is awash with the magic of

listening to the sounds of Christmas, take

‘Lebkuchen’ (spicy gingerbread) and

Christmas. And under a blanket of snow,

in the views of the historic palaces,

much, much more.

Salzburg manages to look even more

16 www.austria.info

© INNSBR UCK TOURISMUS

calendar that can be seen from far and wide.

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Worth Seeing.

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Crib carved from ice. In Aguntum in East Tyrol ten ice sculptors fashion the world’s largest nativity crib, covering a surface of 4000 m2. The setting is the excavation site of a 2,000 year old Roman town. On display from Dec. 14, 2008. Admission free. www.tirol.at

*

Innsbruck’s ‘Christkindlmarkt’. The traditional Christmas market takes place directly in front of Innsbruck’s famous ‘Golden Roof’. You just have to have tried such local delicacies as the traditional cakes (“Kiachln”) and spaetzli (“Spatzln”). www.christkindlmarkt.cc 2

3

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The world’s largest Advent wreath. The sheer magnitude is astounding: this enormous Advent wreath measures 25 metres in diameter and is lit by some 80,000 light bulbs as it floats on the lake waters of Wörthersee. www.schlossbartl-velden.com

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Chrismas market at Halbturn palace. In the peaceful and tranquil Burgenland experience Advent as was originally intended. The Halbturn Palace offers its guests over fifty arts and crafts stalls, concerts, theatre shows, and an afternoon programme for the children. www.schlosshalbturn.com

*

4

1 Innsbruck’s Old Town, always a place of tranquillity, is more picturesque still in Advent 2 Advent and home-made biscuits are inseparable

© S TOCK-FOOD; ÖW / MARKOWITSCH; TV LEOBEN

3 The original score of “Silent Night” in Oberndorf 4 Which way to the Advent Market? Just follow the fragrance of cinnamon and cloves

Advent at lake Wolfgangsee. Enjoy a boat trip on the Wolfgangsee by moonlight, passing by the sparkling lights of the advent markets, the giant floating lanterns, the illuminated ‘Ochsenkreuz’ and ‘Hochzeitskreuz’ under the giant ‘Falkensteinwand’. www.wolfgangseer-advent.at

romantic than usual. Those who believe

the parish of Oberndorf (Salzburg State) to

that the Salzburg Advent choral concert is

be performed at the Christmas mass then

a modest affair couldn’t be more wrong.

and forever more. On the site of the old

The performance telling the story of

St. Nikolaus Church now stands a simple

Mary and Joseph entertains over 40,000

chapel, which has become a magnet for

spectators and sells out every year well

thousands of visitors every year. It is hardly

before the opening night. The grand finale

surprising if you consider that the song

is the ‘Andachtsjodler’ where the audience

has already been translated into over 330

are invited to sing along.

languages. In the local history museum you can see the original manuscript by the

On the subject of singing, the most

song’s composers, Joseph Mohr and

famous Christmas carol in the world is

Franz Xaver Gruber.

•

authentically Austrian. ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ was composed as a church song in

www.austria.info

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Thermal spas

1

Rejuvenation. Austria’s abundance of natural springs makes it a land of thermal spas.

Mother Nature has richly blessed Styria with the resources necessary to promote well-being. Whilst the North possesses crystal-clear waters, the cleanest air and

A

fter a day spent in the chilly winter

The many thermal spas in Austria are

South has been blessed with warm springs,

air, what a wonderful feeling to slip into

continually offering innovative ways for you

all to be used for the benefit of its guests.

a pool of soothing warm water, to enjoy a

to treat yourself. Along with rediscovering

relaxing massage by well-trained hands

old favourites like the Roman baths there’s

Where nature slows down a little in

or to let the scents and steam envelop

the chance to uncover a host of newer,

wintertime it just gets a bit of a helping

you in a comforting aroma bath. Once

more innovative complementary therapies.

hand. As enough light is particularly

they have sampled such bliss many guests

Like a relaxing whirlpool bath filled with

important for rejuvenation, the new ‘Spa

decide to swap their ski boots for their

milk and infused with honey or chocolate

Lagoon’ in Bad Loipersdorf features a

sandals for the rest of the holiday.

for its natural exfoliating qualities.

well-thought out concept for ensuring

18 www.austria.info

© T H E R M E A Q U A L U X / H A R RY S C H I F F E R

regenerating moor mud and salts, the

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Breath of fresh air. Favourite items on the programme of a winter holiday in Austria include: a romantic stroll through the snow, a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh, tobogganing in the woods, and skating on the frozen lake … Here is a selection of resorts that specialise in “soft” winter activities.

*

Bregenzer Wald www.bregenzerwald.at Tel. +43 5512 2365

*

Salzkammergut www.salzkammergut.at Tel. +43 6132 26909 2

*

Lieser-Maltatal www.maltatal.com Tel. +43 4733 220-15

*

Nationalpark Hohe Tauern www.hohetauern.at www.nationalpark.at Tel. +43 6562 40939

*

Grünau/Almtal www.oberoesterreich.at/gruenau/ Tel. +43 7616 8268 or 8898

*

Ferienregion Lungau www.lungau.at Tel. +43 6477 8988

© ALPEN THERME GASTEIN; STEIERMARK TORURISMUS / SCHIFFER

3

1 Endless fun for the young ones, perfect relaxation for their parents

that the sun can be ‘brought in’ at any

offers not only an exercise and nutrition

time of the year. And in the Therme Nova

programme, but also aids in reducing

2 In the heart of the Alps: the Alpen Therme in Gastein

in Köflach the natural relationship between

stress levels and tobacco consumption.

water and light has been brought to life.

And for those who simply want to shed

3 Round off a visit to the thermal baths with a stroll through the snow-clad countryside

Throughout Styria relaxation in the truest

a few winter pounds there are various

sense of the word is offered in the form

fasting programmes to help. The agree-

of a truly amazing variety of massages,

able side effect: body and soul are once

whereby the more classical types are

again aligned in complete harmony, and

increasingly complemented by the modern

emotional worries are often automatically

influence of far-eastern teaching methods.

lifted.

•

The feel-good package even goes as far as nutritional advice. The first ‘lifestyle centre’ in Harbach in the Waldviertel

www.austria.info

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Seite 22

Culture

1

A stroll through town. There is only one thing to be said against a city break, and that is that it will probably be too short.

unique acoustics, but also to admire the spectacular décor. It’s not by coincidence that the famous New Year’s Concert is broadcast to the world from here.

E

legendary Viennese Opera Ball will not only

folk music at the 9th Viennese Accordion

‘invented’ the ball tradition – by remov-

need a little spare money, but also the

Festival, which will be held for the tenth

ing masked revellers from the street and

appropriate attire; white tie and tails for the

time in 2009, with a line-up that includes a

relocating them in the ballrooms – thou-

men, full-length ball-gowns for the women.

whole host of local and international stars.

sands of opulent balls have taken place

For those who would rather listen to music

At the very latest with the establishment

every year in the ballrooms and halls of

than move to it, a visit to the Golden Hall

of the Vienna Art Orchestra, it became

Austria’s chateaus, castles and palaces.

of the Wiener Musikverein comes highly

obvious that Jazz had found a home

Those who wish to take part in the

recommended; not only because of the

in Vienna.

20 www.austria.info

© WIENER STAATSOPER / ZEININGER

For something a bit different, there’s ver since Empress Maria Theresia

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Insider Tips.

*

Opera redoute in Graz. Styria’s societal highlight will take place on January 31, 2009. As always the location is the stunning Opera House in Graz. With its Baroque and Rococo décor it can be classed as one of the world’s most exquisite examples.

*

From Jazz to Electronica. Vienna’s ‘Porgy and Bess’ Music and Jazz Club holds over 300 concerts every year. The line-up ranges from Jazz legends, through Ethno-ensembles from far and wide to experimental electronica.

2

*

A day in the museum. The Vienna Albertina houses one of the largest and most valuable collections of graphic art in the world, and alongside offering temporary exhibitions of the great masters it also possesses an architecture collection containing around 25,000 plans, sketches and models. For this alone one day is too short.

*

A whole week of Mozart. The 2009 Mozart Week, from January 24 to February 2, will focus on Mozart and the musical links with Haydn (in the classical era) and with the contemporary composers Pierre Boulez and Matthias Pintscher.

*

Curling in the city. In the Museums’ Quarter in the heart of Vienna curling enthusiasts can indulge their passion- and there’s punch available to keep you warm.

3

1 Vienna sounds great in winter too, be it ballet or opera, concert or musical

© WIENTOURISMUS / R. OSMARK; GÜNTHER EZSÖL

2 So many taverns, pubs and clubs, why not simply stay one night longer? 3 Vienna’s “Eiszauber” turns City Hall Plaza into a giant skating rink

To soak up a bit of culture during a

Where to begin and where to end,

winter holiday in Austria, it is not essential

when nothing was even mentioned about

to be close to Vienna; during the Mozart

the profusion of museums, exhibitions

Week held in Salzburg every year, music

and coffee houses? The time is short and

by Mozart and other composers is

it is easy to overlook these things when

performed. Alternatively, the Opera House

appreciating the irresistible window

in Graz is renowned for its versatile pro-

displays of the classy boutiques, confec-

gramme that ranges from ballet through

tioners and shoe designers. Oh well, you

modern and classical opera to contempo-

are on holiday after all. And for those who

rary musical productions. And from the top

enjoy a little spontaneity, there is a terrific

of the Berg Isel Ski Jumping Stadium in

selection of hotels available.

•

Innsbruck you can enjoy the gastronomy, the architecture and the magnificent view all at the same time.

www.austria.info

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