Queen of the Alps, Baroque and classical music, cradle of psychoanalysis and waltz, culture nest and treasurer of a grandiose history, Austria could be nicknamed the heart of Europe. Zoom on a country too often forgotten from the tourist hits.
A vivid story
Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, cities that evoke Austria's grandiose and refined past, shaped over the centuries by the Habsburg. This imperial past remains anchored in the architecture of its numerous palaces, theaters, buildings and continues to live in the atmosphere of the cities and in the heart of the Austrians. In the face of this monumental art, Austria was at the same time a place of challenge and innovation, as illustrated by works of art Secession or a Friedensreich Hundertwasser… The Austrian past is not just that of the imperial courtyards popularized by the Sissi films. But we will have to go back to history and go on the tracks of the Empress in Vienna. And how can we resist the crazy charm of Vienna? Classic and historical beauty of the center of Europe, an extravagant empress at the door of the Orient, it cannot leave you indifferent. Vienna is in Austria and elsewhere, as lost in a dream of Europe 'end of century' and yet so modern… In the heart of its neoclassical ring, in the cozkones of Josefstadt, on the fanciful facades of Hundertwasser or in its gardens, everything is nothing but elegance. The Austrian capital is one of the few to have kept the charm of the waltz while driving the train of innovation. We will be there constantly in the footsteps of Schubert, Sissi and Freud, and we will be able to blur in a mondain coffee, but we will be immersed simultaneously in a daring postmodern scene. Here, sausages combine the most delicate dishes; the trend bars and design tests marry with the imperial affront and the obsolescence of the tramways, without anyone actually saying how. The style, know-how and charm are probably the constant of this city which unites as by magic the antagonisms that we will grasp at every glance.
Culture and classical music
All over the country, the refinement and art of living in cities, such as Salzburg, Graz or Innsbruck, will seduce lovers of culture, gastronomy and music lovers. In Austria, fans of "great" music will no longer know where to listen. Haydn, Schubert, Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven, Schoenberg, the greatest masters of classical, native or non-native music, saw their genius flourished. Vienna's National Opera, the numerous concert halls and the festivals of the capital and Salzburg offer an exceptional audience with exceptional programming served by internationally renowned musicians. It is an unforgettable experience to play «its» classic in their country of origin. Electro musicians, by their side, are coping with the chronicle, an example among many of the country that always oscillates with a rare know-how between conservatism and avant-garde.
Green Nature
Austria, a great tourist country, is also, and above all, a country of nature, landscape, countryside and especially mountain. From high alpine mountains, glacial lakes to crystalline waters, green meadows to dense forests, Austria cherishes its natural riches and does everything to preserve them. Seven national parks and myriad protected areas; this generous and constantly varied nature houses a protected and abundant flora and fauna. A paradise for lovers of greenery. Like the athletes! They will only have the embarrassment of choice, so there are many possibilities here. Water sports, climbing, hiking, cycling or horse riding, not forgetting the very large ski area of the country. 22,000 km of alpine ski slopes and 16,000 km of cross-country skiing will delight the fans of sliding, all in a truly privileged and lovingly preserved environment. And with about 6,000 natural lakes with crystalline waters and 3,000 artificial basins, Austria is one of the largest European water supplies. Treat yourself to pleasures of bathing and water sports. Or melt your half, in romantic decorations, where Klimt, Mahler and many other artists came to seek inspiration.
Folklore and gastronomy in the program…
Finally, traditionalism and folklore of the villages make Austria a separate, fascinating and mostly family destination. Christmas is celebrated like nowhere else, and in some regions the Austrians still wear traditional costumes, including the famous short trousers. But all year is rhythmic by many festivities. In addition to a delicious and tasty gastronomy, producing delicious wines and beers of quality, Austria, the country of contrasts, mix brilliantly, nature and hedonism, enough to satisfy quite different tastes. A mixture of Germanic, Czech, Hungarian, Italian and Slavic influences, traditional Austrian cuisine is tasty, generous and solidly roborative. The fame of its pastries has crossed the borders and the legendary Sacher tea room fantasies the gourmands around the world. The country also produces numerous white wines from the slopes of the Danube Valley, around Vienna, Burgenland and Styria. Local beers are excellent, and we'd do miles for schnitzel, schweinsbraten, goulasch or even käsekrainer sausage!
In the country of Heidi and Sissi, but also Elfriede Jelinek and Peter Handke, Austria is a land of contrasts, heritage and beauty to discover in all seasons and at all ages. Willkommen!
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