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Planet In1 Destination Europe - Austria

Austria, once the power centre for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is located in southern central Europe and bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Austria is one of Europe's most heavily wooded countries, with forests accounting for 47% of its total area. Because of the variety of its geography from Alpine to lowland the climate and vegetation is very diverse. The population too is diverse, being made up of six ethnic groups with the majority speaking German.

Austria is a paradise for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts who appreciate its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, delicious local cuisine, hospitality and safety, with quality being Austria's top priority! Austrian contemporary architecture is well known and worth seeing, as well as the older churches, monasteries, castles and palaces. Austria's cities are a mix of art and culture and youth and zest.

Vienna, the federal capital, is a city of music and the acknowledged cultural centre of Austria. The Vienna Boys' Choir is one of the oldest boys' choirs existing in the world. For nearly five hundred years they have been a symbol of Austria. The Vienna Philharmonic is the most famous Austrian symphonic orchestra and one of the most well known in the world.

Salzburg, with its Baroque architecture, is the birthplace of the famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Innsbruck, Tirol's capital and Olympic city, is surrounded by the northern mountain range and the winter sports region of Bergisel.

Graz, the Styrian state capital, is the second largest city, and the cultural capital in 2003.

Linz, Upper Austrian state capital and third largest city in Austria, is located on both sides of the Danube and home of the musician, Anton Bruckner.

Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland, was the domain of composer Joseph Haydn.

Klagenfurt, in Carinthia, is located at Lake Werther; and well known for the Minimundus (with miniatures of all the famous constructions around the world), "the small world at Lake Werther".

Apart from downhill and cross-country skiing, there are thousands of kilometres of well-signposted hiking trails to explore in the Alps. Paragliding and hang-gliding are both popular, and you can hire gear and get tuition at most ski resorts. Water-skiing, sailing and windsurfing are on offer on the lakes in Carinthia and Salzkammergut. If you are a Strauss fan, (or even if you are not) then a river cruise on the romantic Danube is a 'must do'.