Where To Go On Holiday In Austria
Austria's enviable wealth and power during the 17th and 18th centuries allowed art in all its forms to flourish. Whilst the country may be most highly regarded for its musical output (including none other than Mozart) Austria has also been home to some of the world's most famous and highly regarded architects, authors, artists and filmmakers.
All this of course, makes visiting Austria a culture buff's dream. The capital Vienna is the obvious place to start your education. Whether it's visiting the apartment of Sigmund Freud, staring in awe at Gustav Klimt's most famous painting, The Kiss, or watching the world-renowned Lipizzan horses practice in their Spanish Riding School, you could spend a month here and still only scratch the surface. The city exudes wealth and class, whether it be the palaces, museums or world-renowned cafes. If you're not adverse of a bit of cold, visit in the winter and spend an hour on the city's famous outdoor ice rink for which the illuminated façade of Vienna’s City Hall acts as a most impressive backdrop.
Away from Vienna is where the fun really starts because there are so many hidden treasures in Austria that for some reason just aren't that well known in the UK. If you travel in Easter-time you can visit any of Austria’s famous Easter markets that are full of wonderful colours, smells and traditional music and dance. Travel in the summer and you'll have the pick of exhibitions, festivals and outdoor music events such as those that take place at the incredible Finkenstein Castle in Carinthia.
Another great time to visit Austria is over October when the Vienna International Film Festival takes over the city. At all other times of the year you won't struggle for entertainment though. Our top picks would have to be the Bregenz Spring International Dance Festival, Snowbombing in April and the Vienna City Marathon that attracts runners from all over the world.