Lush Meadows, snow-covered alps, glittering lakes and dainty mountain villages. Sounds much like the background of a dreamy song sequence? Well that’s Austria for you. The magical landlocked country of Austria is a classic combination of nature and a rich history and culture. Austria is famous for its winter activities, classic wine tours, rich heritage, nature parks, wonderful lakes and the mighty Danube River.
There is so much to explore in Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Linz and Innsbruck. Be it shopping in the longest shopping streets of Vienna, strolling amidst the beautiful baroque city architecture of Salzburg, enjoying a local Viennese dessert in street cafes and bells or indulging in thrilling water sports in Innsbruck, Austria has so much to offer for both nature enthusiasts and lovers of art and food. Famous for its cafes and bistros, Austria offers some excellent desserts to satiate your sweet tooth.
Traces of settlers in what today is called Innsbruck, date back to the early Stone Age. During Roman times the city was called Veldidena, and became an important supply base for the Romans, after they built a road across the Brenner Pass in the 15th century BC. The name Innsbruck came up during 1187, when the Inn Bridge was constructed. In 1429, Innsbruck became the capital of Tirol under Maximilian I. The city hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, and so became the famous (winter) sport destination it is today.
Dreaming spires, green hills and romantic gardens - the city′s attractions are loved by millions of visitors from all over the World hungry for Salzburg sightseeing. With a tourist-per-capita ratio higher than Venice or Florence, the city is among the busiest places of Europe all year round.
Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart, whose house, No. 9 Getreidegasse, is preserved as a museum. It is also the site of the internationally renowned annual Salzburg Festival.
Hallstatt, an Alpine town with a population of 780, is not only famed for its historic saltmines and fairytale scenery, but it is also said to be the inspiration for the setting of Disney's 'Frozen' movies
Hallstatt is gorgeous in a fresh blanket of snow. Just note that the salt mines and the funicular are closed during the winter months. The months of March, April, May, October, and November are the best time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds
