Austria offers history and splendour to travellers

5th Dec 2011 by Page & Moy

Austria can be an excellent destination of choice for people looking for a cultural getaway that features a wealth of history and attractions.

Fine art and music are two of the most commonly associated cultural exports of Austria, with famous painters including Gustav Klimt, Hans Makart, Oskar Kokoschka, Egon Schiele and Carl Moll all hailing from here.

A host of famous composers have also come from this European country, including the geniuses that were Mozart and Schubert, with regular performances of their works still taking place across the country - especially in the capital Vienna.

Great cuisine is another highlight of any trip to Austria, with travellers able to enjoy a host of local delicacies such as delicious strudels and schnitzels to tantalise the taste buds and to provide a true flavour of Austrian living.

Immersed in baroque stylings

Visitors to this wonderful country can immerse themselves in the many examples of beautiful architecture that bedeck the streets of Austria's cities, while heading into the many galleries and museums can furnish travellers with a greater understanding of the history of the place.

Vienna was the seat of power for the influential Habsburg dynasty, who ruled over much of central Europe for more than seven centuries. As a result, the city features awe-inspiring architecture and reminders aplenty of the country's former riches as one of Europe's superpowers of yesteryear - and travellers should take the time to bask in the city's continuing grandeur.

Visitors might also like to enjoy the sights of the country while cruising along the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers, taking in the capital's ornate Opera House and the imperial Hofburg in the process.

Salzburg - the birthplace of Mozart - is another destination of note for visitors keen to enjoy the baroque stylings of this fine country, with the city's many stunning churches set before a backdrop of snow-covered peaks.

Get excited about the outdoors in Austria

Skiing is one of the most exciting pastimes that visitors can get up to in this rugged and mountainous country, with the Austrian Alps offering visitors the chance to enjoy pristine snow and world-class resorts.

Some of the greatest alpine skiers of all time have hailed from Austria - including Annemarie Moser-Pröll, Hermann Maier and Toni Sailer - and visitors can attempt to emulate these greats on the Piste during their time on the slopes if they choose.

Other outdoor excitement that is popular in the country includes football, with Austria co-hosting the recent 2008 UEFA European Football Championship alongside Switzerland.