The beauty of Austria
Austria has reopened its borders to its neighboring countries — with the exception of Italy. The easing of the coronavirus restrictions makes a visit from Vienna in the east to the Alps in the west possible once again.
Alpine republic with natural diversity
Between Burgenland and Lake Constance some 8.8 million Austrians live in nine provinces. In terms of landscape, the Republic is above all one thing: mountainous. Almost two thirds of Austria's territory is made up of alpine high mountains such as pictured here the Hochtannbergpass in Vorarlberg, the westernmost of the nine provinces.
Vienna is the capital
No other building is more symbolic for the former size and power of the Austrian Empire than Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Until 1918, it was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage - and with 3.7 million visitors a year it is the most visited sight in Austria.
Lower Austria's answer to the beer garden
In summer, Viennese people traditionally flee to the hilly green countryside outside the city. A popular destination is the Weinviertel, Lower Austria's largest wine-growing region. Its trademark: the picturesque lanes, lined with wine cellars, wineries and gardens like here at the Galgenberg. Every summer they are transformed into "Heurigen", so taverns in which winegrowers serve their wine.
In harmony with nature in Burgenland
Austria's lowest point is in the vast plains of the Burgenland: Lake Neusiedl is only 117 meters (384 ft.) above sea level. Rare birds such as spoonbills and black-winged stilts are at home on the protected shores of the National Park. With around 300 hours of sunshine a year, Lake Neusiedl is a popular holiday destination.
"The Friendly Alien": the futuristic landmark in Styria
The Museum of Contemporary Art looks like an alien in the middle of the baroque old town of Graz. 1500 curved panels form the unmistakable skin of the biomorphic structure. Fitted with light trunks, the museum rooms below are supplied with light. Opened in 2003, the "friendly alien" has been a landmark of Graz ever since.
Photographed millions of times: Hallstatt in Upper Austria
Salt has been mined here for 3000 years, today tourism fills the coffers. The small lakeside village Hallstatt in the foothills of the Alps since becoming an Instagram favorite has suffered from too many day visitors. It's rarely empty even at a height of 360 meters on the Skywalk "World Heritage View" in the Hallstatt-Dachstein cultural landscape — both a natural and cultural heritage site.
Mozart and music city Salzburg
The alpine west of Austria begins in the Salzburger Land region. A visit to the state capital of the same name is a must. A stroll through the old town leads inevitably into Getreidegasse, past Mozart's birthplace. The fortress Hohensalzburg above the city is the best vantage point over the baroque houses in Salzburg.
Austria's Route 66 or beautiful views in Carinthia
Fans of views, tarmac and adrenaline drive further south to the Grossglockner high alpine road. The fortified mountain road, opened in 1935, winds its way up 48 kilometers (30 mi), past an overwhelming abundance of alpine beauty. The mountain slopes are also home to marmots. At the end, the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain at 3798 meters and landmark, is within reach.
Hiking and culinary delights in Vorarlberg
The number one culinary raw material in Vorarlberg is cheese from the Bregenzerwald. In summer you can hike through a landscape full of pastures, flowering meadows and alpine meadows. Those interested can learn a lot about traditional alpine farming and cheese production on the Käsestraße - literally Cheese Route. Either way it' simply a region for connoisseurs.