Austria literally translates as "Eastern Realm" or "Eastern
Empire" and is actually located in central Europe. It is a
landlocked alpine country that speaks German as the main
language. While the area has a rich history as part of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire, it wasn't until after World War I (1918
to be exact) that the modern Austria was born. Since that time,
the area has seen quite a bit. Today, it is a part of the
European Union and is a popular vacation destination in the
Summer and Winter for people all over Europe. As a federation,
there are nine distinct states or regions that each have their
own distinctive culture.
Regions in Austria
Burgenland
Carinthia
Lower Austria
Vorarlberg
Vienna
Salzburg
Styria
Tyrol
Upper Austria
Popular Destinations in Austria
Cities - The major cities
in Austria include Vienna, Bregenz, Eisenstadt, Graz,
Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz, Salzburg, and Villach.
Lakes - Wörthersee and
Bodensee are popular lakes in the country.
Ski Resort - St. Anton is a
very popular destination for those who like to ski and be
outdoors in a mountain setting.
Living History - For those
with a love for history and the past, Pinswang is one of the
oldest towns or settlements in the area. The nearby mountains
were used by the Romans for stone to build roads and other
things as they expanded their empire.
Fun Things to Do in Austria
Winter Sports - As it is a
mountainous country, there are a wide variety of winter
activities from skiing to just enjoying the brisk, mountain
air.
Bicycling - This is
actually very popular in Austria, with many bike paths
following the rivers in Austria, making for beautiful biking.
Hiking and Climbing - The
Austrian Alps are a bit dangerous, but for experienced hikers,
the mountains of Austria can offer breathtaking climbing and
hiking adventures.
Things to Note about Traveling to Austria
Passports - Most traveling
from outside Europe will need a passport or visa for extended
stay. For those from most of the European Union states, no
paperwork other than an ID is needed.
Getting There - With six
airports and several ways to enter the country via rail, car,
bus or other vehicle, Austria is not so isolated that it is
difficult to get there. That said, it is an alpine region, so
dealing with all the things that come with mountain travel
should be expected. Remember to dress appropriately!
Traveling in Country - Once
you arrive, getting from here to there via train or automobile
is easy as could be.
Currency - The Euro is the
main currency used in Austria, so you should try to have that
when you arrive. There are places in the country to exchange
currency, however.
Food and Drink - Bread and
wine are both popular in Austria, with many great places to
try excellent examples of both.
Austria: Adventure Awaits
If you want to experience a part of Europe that is rich in
history and has a distinctive landscape, Austria is a great
destination for many reasons already mentioned. When you get
down to it, however, it is all about the people. Austria is a
country that welcomes outsiders. Those looking to be pampered in
a winter wonderland are going to find quite a few places in
Austria to visit and enjoy. Whichever of the nine regions you
decide to visit, adventure surely awaits.
