Austria is an Alpine country, associated primarily with excellent ski resorts and historic towns. Among the most visited places are Vienna, Salzburg and the tiny town of Hallstatt.
Austria's capital, Vienna is the city that has set the tone for Central Europe for centuries. This is where the trends in architecture, art, music and culture originated. To this day, the city impresses with magnificent palace and garden complexes such as Schonbrunn, Hofburg and Belvedere, the majestic St. Stephen and the surrounding eclectic buildings. The Vienna opera house is famous for its excellent performances, and the New Year's concert of the Vienna Philharmonic, containing mainly works by Strausses, is broadcast all over the world.
Tourists also visit the border in Salzburg, which is associated with the figure of Mozart. Also very popular are Graz with its well-preserved old town, small and intimate Innsbruck and in recent years becoming one of the main cultural centers of Linz.
Austria is also a destination for enthusiasts of active recreation. A large part of the country is occupied by the Alps, which in summer are very popular among hikers and climbers, and in winter they are a true ski paradise. The ski resorts in Tyrol and the Zell am See-Kaprun region near Salzburg are at the forefront here. They provide the opportunity to ski on glaciers until late spring.
In the Alps is also one of the most visited and photographed places in Austria, tiny Hallstatt, picturesquely situated on Lake Hallstättersee. The area is also famous for its historic salt mines and numerous hiking trails.
