Austria - the musical and cultural capital of Central Europe
This small German-speaking country is located in the foothills of the Alps (not to be confused with Australia!). Austria is known primarily as the birthplace of the great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Arriving in Austria, breathing in its atmosphere, you begin to understand what attracts numerous tourists here all year round.
Cruise in Austria
Is it possible to take a cruise in this country? Such a cruise is quite possible. Only it will be land-based: there is no sea here. But on the other hand, in 2-3 days you can go around the whole country. Which cities and federal states deserve special attention from tourists? All the best rental companies in Austria will provide tourists with comfortable and economical cars at low prices.
Vienna - the capital of Austria
The economic, political and cultural center of the country. As in any old European city, century-old castles and fortresses and modern skyscrapers peacefully coexist here. Vienna is the largest city in the country and the ninth most populous city in Europe. This is the seat of the United Nations. The Old Town houses the Mozart House Museum, the Museum of Art History, Folklore and Ethnography, Technology, Natural History, and the Austrian Art Gallery. The pride of Vienna is its parks, glorified by great poets and musicians. The most famous is the Vienna Woods, renowned by maestro Mozart, and later by Strauss. One of the oldest zoos in Europe is also located here.
Graz - a walled city
This Austrian town really was born as a fortress on the border with Slovenia. And its name comes from the Slovenian word meaning "small fortress". Modern Graz is the capital of the Federal State of Styria and the second most populous city after Vienna. Graz is reliably protected from the winds by the Alps, so the climate here is mild, there are many sunny days. There are only more of them in Klagenfurt. The tourist route in Graz should start with a tour of the Old Town (just the same fortress). There are many medieval Renaissance houses, narrow streets and Italian-style courtyards. The city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Register.
Salzburg - city of festivals
It was in this city that the great Mozart was born and lived half of his bright, but short life. And the Austrians are very proud of this. Salzburg is a small town by European standards, but quite modern. It hosts classical music festivals, concerts, exhibitions. If traveling "with a backpack" is already boring, rent a car to explore the historic sites of Salzburg. You can get a car at one of the offices of the rental companies: Airport, City Center, Railway Station. You will immediately understand the difference: seeing the planned sights will be several times faster, and traveling around Salzburg will be much more pleasant. All these rental offices are located on the 1st floor of a large airport parking lot, from the Arrival Hall you can easily walk there following the signs and a special covered walkway, find your company and go from Salzburg airport in a rented car
Klagenfurt - 2000 hours of sunshine a year
Klagenfurt is the capital of the Federal State of Carinthia, or, as the Austrians themselves say, Kernten. Carinthia is called "the land of azure lakes". Here, in the very south of Austria, on the border of Slovenia and Italy, there are more than 1200 mountain lakes. And the water in them is clean and warm, warmer than in the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most visited lakes is Millstättersee. Newlyweds of European countries usually spend their honeymoon here, and more recently - in Russia. Having discovered this paradise for yourself, you no longer want to leave here. Luxurious chalets, hotels and dinner for two on a raft - the experience is enough for a lifetime! An equally romantic adventure is climbing Mount Mittagskogel by Lake Faakersee. At dawn, from a height of 2145 m, a magnificent sight opens up: the lake changes its color every minute, and when the sun rises, the water becomes rich turquoise. The largest of the lakes is the Wörthersee. Its coastline is often called the Austrian Riviera. The beaches here are not quite ordinary: in the form of wooden walkways with sun loungers and umbrellas or green lawns. And entertainment - for all tastes: windsurfing, volleyball, riding a "banana" or sailing on a yacht.
For movie lovers there are special “floating cinemas”. Here masterpieces of world cinema or new films are demonstrated. "Dating Cruise" - especially for those who are looking for a soul mate. But there are also the usual cruises in Austria, with music, various shows, artist performances and food. Next to Wörthersee is the capital of Carinthia - Klagenfurt. Here, in Minimundus Park, you can see the world in miniature. It contains models of all the famous landmarks of the world: the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Moscow Kremlin, the Colosseum, etc. Models are 2-3 times taller than average human height and are made of the same material as the originals! Nearby is the famous Hochsterwitz Castle, the same one where the Walt Disney studio shot the movie "Cinderella".
The most popular excursion for children and parents is Nature Near Us. Here tourists will be shown the monkey nursery where Japanese macaques live, the Landskron fortress with a bird of prey show and the Roseg Wildlife Park.
The alpine meadows of Klagenfurt turn into ski slopes in winter, and the Nature Around Us park is open until Christmas. The hospitable residents of Klagenfurt and the surrounding area will not let tourists go home without letting them taste the famous Carinthian dumplings. They are made here with different fillings: with spinach, with cottage cheese and mint, with dried fruits or mushrooms. By the way, according to local customs, every girl should be able to sculpt dumplings, otherwise she risks not getting married.
Innsbruck
If Salzburg is the musical capital of Austria, then Innsbruck is its ski capital. Moreover, this small alpine town can rightfully be called the world capital of alpine skiing. It hosts training for athletes-skiers, competitions of various levels, championships, Olympiads. In summer, the steep ski slopes turn into alpine meadows. Summer is the best time to get acquainted with the national flavor and cuisine of this wonderful country.
Famous Austrian resorts
Austrian resorts are also widely known. The most famous of them is Baden. It offers tourists water and mud therapy, massage, SPA procedures and, of course, excursions - tourists will visit the park on the mountain, a rose garden, ancient castles and fortresses.
Traditional Austrian cuisine
The Klagenfurt dumplings were described above, but, in addition to them, the Austrians will offer the guests of the country strudel, Sacher cake, Viennese beer, which is in no way inferior in taste to Bavarian, Salzburg dumplings, beef boiled according to a special recipe and peasant bread with bran. Bread in many families, both in cities and in villages, the Austrians bake themselves. The recipes are kept in the strictest confidence and passed down from generation to generation.
