DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Austria

INSPIRE / PLAN / DISCOVER / EXPERIENCE

Discover Austria

Welcome to Austria

Reasons to Love Austria

Explore Austria

Austria Itineraries

Austria for the Great Outdoors

Austria for Castles and Palaces

Austria for Foodies

Austria for Traditions

Austria for Art Lovers

Austria for Families

Austria for History Buffs

Austria at High Altitude

Austria for Classical Music Lovers

Austria for Film Buffs

Austria for Architecture Enthusiasts

A Year in Austria

A Brief History

Experience Vienna

Inner City

North of Mariahilfer Strasse

South of the Ring

Beyond the Centre

Experience Austria

Lower Austria and Burgenland

Styria

Upper Austria

Salzburger Land

Tyrol and Vorarlberg

Carinthia and East Tyrol

Need to Know

Before You Go

Getting Around

Practical Information

Phrase Book

KEY TO MAIN ICONS

PRICE GUIDE

KEY TO MAPS

Acknowledgments

g

key to main icons

g

price guide

Throughout the guide the following price categories have been applied:

] ]] On a budget
]] ] Mid-range
]]] Splurge

g

key to maps

g

t Red tiled roofs dotting Grazs cityscape

g

t The town of Hallstatt amid lush greenery.

Situated at the very heart of Europe, Austria is a harmonious blend of high culture and pristine nature. Youll never be far from the swell of a Schubert symphony, the swoop of a ski run, rustic wine trails or fairytale palaces in this small but varied country. Whatever your dream trip to Austria includes, this DK Eyewitness travel guide is the perfect companion.

For centuries, Austria was a formidable European power whose influence stretched far beyond todays modest borders. And that cosmopolitan empire still has a palpable presence: just wander the cobblestoned streets of the capital or gaze up at Melk Abbey on the Danube. The Habsburgs penchant for palaces and fortresses, along with collections of old masters to fill them, has also left a swathe of grand buildings to explore, from Viennas Schnbrunn to Innsbrucks Schloss Ambras. Beyond the historic landmarks, the Habsburgs wide-roaming influence is evident in the rich, spiced cuisine here, from fragrant strudel to liquor-laced coffees enjoyed in a Viennese Kaffeehaus. Add to this the musical offerings of Mozart and The Sound of Music and you have a country that offers a cultural experience like no other. Away from its buzzing cities, Austria is a land of the great outdoors. Its no wonder that the lyrical beauty of its Alpine peaks, sparkling lakes and lush pastures has enchanted artists and explorers. Every journey here can be a similarly inspiring adventure, from the daredevil verticals of the Zillertals glacial highs to pram-friendly hiking trails in the Salzkammergut and warm water dips in the pretty Wrthersee.

With so many different things to experience, Austria can seem overwhelming. Weve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for the weekend or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best of the country. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Austria.

Taking in the gorgeous view of the Austrian Alps.

Idyllic vineyard in the Lower Austria region.

Treats at a Christmas market stall in Vienna.

g

A natural wonderland oozing effortless natural charm, the rich culture and history of its cities, and an abundance of intriguing traditions there are endless reasons to love Austria. Here, we pick some of our favourites.

t Be it vertiginous black runs, blistering backcountry or family-friendly snow parks, promises winter fun for all. For the downhill jaded, theres glacier climbs and snowshoe touring.

Discover Reasons to Love Austria

t Though landlocked, Austria is chock-full of serene waters, from the forested clutch of beauties in the .

Discover Reasons to Love Austria

t The is a Viennese institution and ubiquitous across the capital. Savouring coffee and cake in a centuries-old caf is a time-honoured tradition.

Discover Reasons to Love Austria

t Austrias classical lineage is second to none. Whether youre at the opera or enjoying a park performance, the sounds of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven fill every corner of the country.

Discover Reasons to Love Austria