A country of mountains and music

Located in central Europe, Austria is a land locked country with over 300 idyllic lakes. Numerous resorts can be found in Carinthia and in the mountainous regions of The Alps; tourists can ski and snowboard during the winter and sunbathe by the lakeside in the summer. Austria has a renowned musical history with several of the cities noted as the birthplace of composers such as Mozart, Strauss and Schubert. The appreciation of classical music is alive in the opera houses and theatres to this day as many annual events pay homage to the great musicians. The capital city of Vienna is a popular Austrian destination; tour the Imperial Court Theatre, the Vienna Clock Museum and the grand Kunsthistorisches Museum. Explore the cities of Innsbruck, Salzburg, Graz and Linz to see striking examples of Baroque architecture. Wander through the festive markets and sample the Austro-Hungarian cuisine including Wiener schnitzel, Schweinsbraten and Tafelspitz.

Why Go?

Travel to Austria to marvel over the historical architecture in Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque styles. Enjoy a classical concert or opera and attend one of over 200 balls held annually. The formal approach to culture is offset by the adrenaline-induced activities on the slopes of the neighbouring Alps.

When To Go?

Austria has a temperate climate affected by humid winds from the west. Its position in the Alps lends the country cool atmospheric conditions with snow during the winter months, and ski resorts are popular. On the eastern side of the country the climate is more continental with less rainfall. Summer temperatures draw holidaymakers in July and August with temperatures reaching as high as 40°C.

How To Get There?

Direct flights are available from the UK to Austria. British Airways, Austrian Airlines and easyJet fly from London Heathrow and Gatwick; the journey takes approximately two hours to Vienna. Ryanair offers direct flights to Salzburg, Linz and Graz from London Stansted. Vienna International Airport is a hub for domestic flights reaching Innsbruck and Klagenfurt. Travel around the country and to outlying European destinations is made easy by an efficient rail and road network.
 
Must See

Austria is home to a number of grand cities, boasting impressive architecture, cultural events and quaint boutique shopping districts. Visit Vienna and ride the tram through the old town area, relax with a strudel in one of the canopied cafes or tour the Museumsquartier for the best exhibitions. At night book tickets for a performance at The Burgtheater or enjoy a Viennesse operetta at Volksoper. Visit Innsbruck’s Altstadt, located in a picturesque valley region, and browse the small antique stores. Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg is a must-see attraction on a trip to Austria.