Guide links UK Travel Travel Europe Europe Maps
Extensive travel and tourism guide for Austria, Europe

Austria Tourist Information

Zell am See, AustriaVariety and beauty, both natural and cultural, make Austria a (geographically) small jewel in the heart of Europe. Simply walking along one of the many cobblestone lanes, visiting a small country church, or standing awe-struck before a magnificent country abbey, brings you face to face with history and culture.

During the 640-year reign of the Habsburg Empire, a few vivid symbols were brought into being, symbols that have remained alive and continue to define Austria in the minds of visitors today. Among these are the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Lipizzan stallions of the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys' Choir.

Of course, there's music: In Austria, it seems that music mirrors the almost melodious beauty of the land. For centuries, music has been both an integral part of everyday life and the crowning glory of special occasions. There is no other country that has made such enormous musical contributions to the world or had such an enduring influence on the international musical scene as has Austria over the course of its long and distinctive history.

Austria offers the riches of Europe in the proverbial nutshell: spectacular vistas, Alpine splendor, pulsating nightlife, sophisticated shopping, classical culture and culinary adventure. And don't forget: Austria is the cradle of Alpine skiing--and skiing is a way of life in the country of any skier's dreams.

Austria has been a favored travel destination for more than a thousand years. We would like to introduce you to Austria, its Imperial cities and Alpine splendor, and possibly whet your appetite to get to know more about it all.

What's New in Europe!

Events & Festivals

London events highlights: Japanese crafts, ‘Pop Art’ and gardening all feature in London’s cultural events calendar this summer and beyond.

Royal wedding dress at Buckingham Palace: A special exhibition at Buckingham Palace this summer will recreate the day in 1947 when Princess Elizabeth - now Queen Elizabeth II - married the Duke of Edinburgh in a glittering ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.

Attractions

Shrewsbury recreates its summer season: Performances by Jools Holland, George Melly and Beverly Knight are among the 370 cultural and artistic events over 100 days at the 'Shrewsbury Summer Season' this year (May 19-Sept. 9).

Scotland’s oldest house marks 900 years: The longest continually inhabited house in Scotland is 900 years old. Once a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland (it hosted 27 monarchs over the years), the Stuarts of Traquair House supported Mary, Queen of Scots and the doomed Jacobite cause.

News

Ceramics Festival in The Potteries: Designers, studio potters, experts and collectors will be making their way to The Potteries this autumn for the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramics Festival 2007 (Oct.5-7).

Macdonald Hotels transforms Cheshire golf venue: Three championship golf courses and the largest indoor golf academy in Europe at The Portal Golf Club venue are to be part of the new four star Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa in Cheshire when it opens in July.


Austria Facts

Area: 32,375 square miles (smaller than Maine).
Population: 8,054,000 (Vienna, 1,593,400;
Graz, 219,500; Salzburg, 175,200; Innsbruck, 115,000).
Language: German.

Hotels in Popular Cities