Following the Second World War, the country was occupied by the United States, the Soviet Union, France, and Great Britain. In 1995, Austria joined the European Union. If you’d like to explore the country, check out our Austria tour packages.

• The flag of Austria is one of the oldest national flags in the world.
• Vienna has close to a quarter of Austria’s population.
• The Austrian Alps make up 60% of the country.
• The Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna is the oldest zoo in the world that is still in operation.
• The first ever postcard in the world was issued by Austria-Hungary in 1869.
• Austria is the number one organic farming country in the European Union.
• The country is home to one of the oldest restaurants in the world, known as St. Peter Stiftskulinarium.
• Almost two-thirds of Austria is covered by forests and meadows.
• The main river in Austria, the Danube, is the second longest river in Europe.
• Even though The Sound of Music was filmed in Austria, most Austrians have neither seen the movie nor heard of it.
• The snow globe was first invented in Vienna.
• French croissants were inspired by the Austrian kipferl and introduced to France by Marie Antoinette.
• The waltz was born in Austria.

• Indians need a Schengen visa for Austria.
• While credit cards are accepted, most Austrians prefer cash, especially for cabs, street-side stalls, and eateries.
• Austrian cuisine is meat and dairy-based and bland. Although vegetarian/vegan restaurants are available, consider carrying ready-to-eat meals if you like spicy food.
• Carry warm clothes, even if you are travelling in summer.
• Single-use plastic bags are banned in Austria. Carry a reusable tote bag for shopping.
• If you plan to drive on Austrian motorways and expressways, remember to purchase a vignette, which is a toll sticker.
• While the public transportation system in Austria is perfect for travelling within the cities, it’s best to rent a car if you’re travelling to the villages and countryside.
• If you’re travelling by train with your friends and family, buy the Einfach-Raus ticket to save money.
• Tipping is customary in Austria; you can pay 10 – 15% in tips.
• Leaving cash on the table is not the way to tip in Austria. Instead, let them know the total amount you wish to pay, including the tips, and they will give you the change accordingly.
• Most of the shops in Austria are closed on Sundays.
• Even though The Sound of Music was filmed in Austria, most Austrians have neither seen the movie nor heard of it.
• The public transportation system in Austria runs on an honour system. This means you can travel without showing your ticket unless specifically asked to do so during random control checks.
• Don’t click someone’s photograph without their consent.

Austria has numerous attractions and activities that bring tourists to the country. Here are multiple reasons why you should book our Austria tour packages immediately:

Austria has some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes you will ever come across. In the country’s central and southern regions, villages are surrounded by the Central Alps. You will find gorgeous alpine lakes at the bottom of the mountains and around the edges and the foothills of the Alps. Owing to the mountains and lakes the country is home to, you get to explore many outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and snowboarding.

Austria boasts diverse architectural styles through its many structures and buildings. The St. Charles’ Church and Schonbrunn Palace are fabulous examples of Baroque architecture. From the Kunsthaus Graz in Graz to the Mirabell Palace and Salzburg Cathedral, there is plenty of architecture to marvel at in Austria.

Vienna is not only the cultural centre of Austria but is also considered one of the leading cultural centres in the world. In fact, it was the focal point of music, art, and culture throughout the 19th century. Some of the most brilliant artists emerged from Austria back in the day, including Mozart, Gustav Klimt, Franz Schubert, and Johann Strauss II. They are displayed at several art galleries and museums in Austria. To experience the complete charm of Austrian culture, make sure to visit the Vienna State Opera, Museum der Moderne, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

While the cities of Austria have endless activities to offer, the charming villages enable you to experience a different pace of life altogether. Salzkammergut is a resort and holiday region in Austria known for its traditional wooden houses. Here, you will also find meadows, mountains, lakes, and town squares. Make sure to visit the village of Hallstatt, between the Dachstein Alps and Hallstatter See.

Regardless of which season you choose to travel to Austria, there are several activities you can indulge in. There are some mountain climbing experiences and hiking trails that can be availed throughout the year. From kayaking in the summer season to skiing and exploring the Christmas markets during the winter, Austria welcomes visitors all year round.

Not only is the crime rate in Austria relatively low, but the country also has high social security systems, little pollution, and clean air. As per statistics, Austrians rate their general satisfaction with life much higher than the global average. This gives one an idea of how happy they are with the environment and rules of their country, thereby also making it a safe and pleasant country to visit.

Austria has four distinct seasons, with each offering a unique experience to travellers. The country’s topography and geographical location create eclectic climatic conditions. For example, the temperature during the month of July rises to 24 degrees Celsius and falls to as low as -7 degrees Celsius in January and February.

While the summer season in Austria provides ideal weather for sightseeing, the spring season is perfect for exploring the cities and natural landscapes. Winter is the season to go for those looking to indulge in adventure sports. Autumn welcomes vibrant golden, brown, and red hues for tourists to experience the wilderness.

The peak season in Austria lasts from June to August. While the off-season lasts from November to March, the shoulder season is from April to May and September to October. Let’s look at what each season in Austria brings about so you can decide when to book our Austria tour packages accordingly.

The temperature in Austria’s spring season oscillates between 9 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius. Although it’s cold now, it’s not so cold that you can’t explore the country. During this season, the snow begins to melt, and the leaves begin to grow again on the trees.

Since spring is a shoulder season in Austria, finding accommodation on a reasonable budget with our Austrian tour packages is possible. This is the best time to go hiking and witness the forests and meadows of Austria. Be sure to carry some woollen clothes, as March can get pretty chilly. Also, take an umbrella as unexpected rainfall can occur during April. The festivals to witness in Austria during spring include the Styrian Spring Festival, the Genuss Festival Food Fair, and the Salzburg Whitsun Festival.

During the summer, Austria’s temperature remains between 17 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius. With the days being longer and the weather being beautiful, most people consider this the best season to visit Austria. Remember to pack summer clothes such as T-shirts, shorts, and light dresses. If you’re planning to attend a carnival during your vacation with our Austria tour packages, make sure also to pack some party attire.

Since this is the country’s peak season, accommodation can get quite expensive. Therefore, make your bookings in advance. Be sure to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella, and enough water when you go sightseeing. The summer festivals in Austria are the Vienna Festival, the Vienna Pride Parade, the Salzburg Festival, the Vienna Summer Music Festival, the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music, and the Bregenz Festival.

The temperature fluctuates between 10 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius during the autumn season in Austria. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold at this time, with a bit of rainfall in between, especially in November. Since September and October are a part of the shoulder season, the hotels are available at affordable rates. This is when you can explore the landscapes without the country being too crowded.

The weather is pleasant, so outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling are possible. Festivals and events held in Austria during the autumn season include the Vienna Fashion Week, Viennale, and Bonbon Ball.

During the winter season in Austria, you can expect the temperature to remain between -7 degrees Celsius and 5 degrees Celsius. Since Austria is close to the Alps, there is heavy snowfall during this time, and the visibility often drops on certain days because of the fog. There are various adventure sports you can try out during this time, such as snowboarding and skiing.

If you’re visiting the country during January to go skiing, we recommend you get a resort in the mountains so that you can easily access the ski area. Make sure to carry plenty of woollen clothes, as the temperature drops quite significantly during Austrian winters.

Whether you’re looking for cultural spots or adventurous outdoor activities, Austria caters to travellers of all kinds. As you explore the country with our Austria tour packages, here are the spots you can visit and the activities you can try out:

Situated in the Hietzing district of Vienna is Schonbrunn Palace, which was the primary summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. This Baroque palace has 1,441 rooms, 45 of which tourists can visit. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The palace and its gardens date back 300 years, giving visitors a deeper insight into the evolving interests, tastes, and aspirations of the Habsburg monarchs. You can tour the ceremonial and residential rooms of the Imperial Family, the gardens, and the Children’s Museum. The sculpted garden space is known as the Great Parterre.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria’s highest surfaced mountain pass road. Named after the highest mountain in Austria, Grossglockner, it is located 2,500 metres above sea level. The road was inaugurated by the former president of Austria, Wilhelm Miklas, in 1935.

The 48 kilometre long road leads to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Hohe, an observation deck that offers a spectacular view of the Grossglockner. The Edelweißspitze is the highest passable point on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and is open for about six months every year. Travellers explore this road in numerous ways, such as hiking, walking, ski tours, mountaineering, or motorbike rides.

St. Anton am Arlberg is one of the best ski resorts in the Alps. Located in the western Austrian state of Tyrol, the resort has a long history of skiing. Ski instructors from this region are said to have moved to the United States in the 1930s to popularise the sport.

The ski area connects numerous villages on the Arlberg Pass and has over 300 km of pistes, various amusement parks, and a network of cable cars and modern lifts. The Galzigbahn cable car helps tourists travel from the village of St. Anton to the highest points of the ski resort.

Altstadt Innsbruck is the Old Town of Innsbruck, home to several pastel coloured medieval structures. When you’re taking a break from admiring the many attractions in this area, you can indulge in some shopping or unwind at one of its various restaurants and cafes.

The Old Town has many attractions, including the Golden Roof, Folk Art Museum, Imperial Palace, and Imperial Chapel. It is immensely well-maintained, making it perfect for a stroll. During the holiday season, it’s filled with Christmas markets where tourists can shop.

Hofburg was once the principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Built in the 13th century as a medieval fortified castle, it went through expansion in the future. While the Schonbrunn Palace served as the imperial summer residence, the Hofburg served as the winter residence. It has been the official residence and workplace of the country’s president since 1946.

As the palace expanded, it included the imperial chapel, the imperial library, the treasury, the Burgtheater, and the Spanish Riding School. The oldest section of the palace is the 13th century Swiss Courtyard, which was named after the Swiss guards stationed to protect Emperor Franz Stephan.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. It is perched on top of the Festungsberg mountain at a height of 506 metres. Construction of the fortress started in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein. The fortress took on its current form around 1500. The aim of the structure was to protect the archbishops from enemies.

The fortress houses several museums. The Fortress Museum, whose displays provide an insight into the courtly life of the prince archbishops, is on the third floor. The Princes’ Hall, the Golden Chamber, and the Golden Hall are also on the third floor.

The Vienna State Opera is one of the leading opera houses in the world. It’s known for performing the works of renowned artists such as Mozart, Richard Strauss, and Richard Wagner. Built between 1863 and 1869, it was initially called the Vienna Court Opera. The renaming took place in 1920 once the Habsburg Monarchy had been replaced by the First Republic of Austria.

The inauguration of this opera house and opera company happened in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth of Austria. The Vienna Philharmonic recruits its members from the orchestra of the Vienna State Opera.

The Belvedere Palace complex consists of two Baroque palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, which are connected by a magnificent garden. The Upper Belvedere is on the highest part of the garden. It has one of the most valuable art collections in Austria, containing displays from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Lower Belvedere houses Baroque art exhibitions that showcase the works of artists who contributed to Vienna’s Golden Age.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a cathedral in Vienna, is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. During the Second World War, the cathedral survived the bombing raids. However, in April 1945, during the last couple of days of the war, as the Soviet Army troops entered the city, civilian looters lit fires in the shops located nearby. The fire made its way to the cathedral due to the wind, damaging its roof and causing it to collapse. Luckily, most of the cathedral’s interior was saved due to protective brick shells. The reconstruction of the structure started after the war, and the cathedral was reopened in April 1952.

The Mirabell Palace and Gardens are some of Salzburg’s most visited tourist attractions, which is why its position on the UNESCO World Heritage List is not surprising. The Mirabell Palace is home to the offices of the municipal administration and the mayor of Salzburg.

The palace was built at the request of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau so it could be used as a pleasure palace for him and his mistress. It’s a popular wedding venue today. As per the design plans drawn up by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, the Mirabell Garden was reshaped during the reign of Archbishop Johann Ernst Thun around 1690.

The Eisriesenwelt is renowned for being the largest ice cave in the world. Located in the Tennengebirge section of the Alps, it is so popular that close to 200,000 tourists visit it each year. Eisriesenwelt is a German phrase that translates to ‘World of the Ice Giants’. Anton Posselt, a natural scientist, officially discovered the cave in 1879.

The cave remained unexplored for several years until Alexander von Mork explored it in 1912, which eventually led to more people studying it in the future. After conducting geological and scientific testing on rock and ice deposits, scientists say the cave is between 50 and 100 million years old.

The Ambras Castle is a Renaissance castle and palace on a hill high above Innsbruck. Built in the 16th century, it served as the residence of Archduke Ferdinand II and served his family from 1567 to 1595.

The Portrait Gallery has more than 200 paintings on display that are high in artistic value and connected to the rule of the Habsburg Dynasty. Archduke Ferdinand II of the House of Habsburg’s collections are still on display in a museum on the Lower Castle, which was built specifically for this purpose. This makes the museum one of the oldest in the world.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, also known as the Museum of Fine Arts, is an art museum in Vienna. With an octagonal dome, it is the largest art museum in Austria. Franz Joseph I inaugurated the museum sometime around 1891. It was opened at the same time as the Natural History Museum, and the construction of both these structures took place between 1871 and 1891.

The Habsburg rulers were responsible for several of the museum’s acquisitions. The museum’s proud collection of paintings is particularly distinct because it includes Renaissance and Baroque pictures of the Spanish, Flemish, German, and Italian schools.

Schonbrunn Zoo, also known as Vienna Zoo, is the oldest zoo in the world still in operation. Spread over 42 acres, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that welcomes more than two million visitors every year. Founded by Emperor Franz I Stephan of Lorraine, the zoo was officially opened in 1752 and then opened to the public on Sundays in 1778.

Home to over 700 species of animals, the wildlife that you can spot at this zoo includes tigers, lions, polar bears, penguins, giant pandas, giraffes, orangutans, and African elephants. It’s one of the only 27 zoos in the world to house giant pandas, making them a primary attraction for zoo visitors.

The Museum of Natural History is among the world’s oldest, largest, and most renowned natural history museums. The museum’s research departments comprise about 60 scientists who conduct research in various fields, including human, life, and earth sciences. The museum was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph and was designed by the architects Gottfried Semper and Baron Karl von Hasenauer. The museum was opened to the public in 1889 as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Welcoming more than 550,000 visitors every year, it is home to 30 million objects.

• Hiking
• Biking
• Skiing
• Kayaking
• Paragliding
• Mountaineering

Austrian cuisine derives many influences from Italy, Hungary, and Germany. Its dishes represent the traditions of Central Europe, with plenty of wholesome soups, sweet pastries, and nourishing preparations.

As you try out the country’s food through our Austria tour packages, you will get to taste the powerful flavours incorporated into every dish. From an eclectic collection of desserts to a generous utilisation of root vegetables and meats, Austrian cuisine is a culinary delight you cannot miss out on. Let’s take a look at the best Austrian dishes you must taste during your holiday:

Wiener schnitzel is often considered the national dish of Austria. It’s basically a breaded and fried veal cutlet. To make this dish, the veal is thinly sliced, after which the piece is breaded and then fried until it becomes perfectly golden. With the tender meat and the crispy exterior, the dish is the ideal combination of satisfying and simple.

Wiener schnitzel originated in Vienna in the 19th century and is also popular in Hungary, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Certain places make use of pork instead of veal to prepare this dish. It’s often served alongside sauerkraut and a German potato salad.

Does boiled beef in a flavourful broth sound enticing to you? Well, that’s what the Austrian dish named tafelspitz is all about. This comforting and hearty dish is particularly tempting during the winter season. The broth in which the beef is boiled contains spices and root vegetables, adding to the taste and tenderness of the meat.

The dish is usually served with minced apples, horseradish sauce, creamed spinach, and roasted potatoes. Whether you visit a fancy restaurant or a casual eatery in Austria, this dish is omnipresent throughout the country.

Apfelstrudel, also known as apple strudel, is a staple Austrian dessert perfect for travellers with a sweet tooth. It’s a flaky pastry whose interior consists of a tangy and sweet apple filling. The dessert is layered with powdered sugar and served warm with either a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The filling also includes cinnamon, pine nuts, hazelnuts, and rum infused raisins. This dessert can be paired with hot apple cider during the winter season to add to its deliciousness.

When you’re in the mood for some chocolate cake during your trip with our Austria tour packages, try out Sachertorte. The roots of this decadent dessert can be traced back to the 1800s. Sachertorte was created by the Austrian chef Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich in Vienna. You will often find this cake being served at coffeehouses and grand hotels.

Kaiserschmarrn is another popular Austrian dessert, with ‘kaiser’ meaning ‘emperor’ and ‘schmarrn’ meaning ‘shredded’. This caramelised and fluffy pancake is torn into bite sized pieces. The pancakes are topped with icing sugar and served alongside plum or apple compote. The batter of this pancake consists of eggs, flour, sugar, milk, and salt. Once the batter is baked in butter and then divided into pieces using a fork. The dish was named after Kaiser Franz Joseph I, who loved to consume these shredded, fluffy pancakes.

Goulash is a hearty, flavoursome stew famous in Austria and other Central European countries. This comforting and warm dish is particularly good during the winter season. It’s usually made using beef or veal and includes onions, spices, and paprika.

Knodel is the term for the dumplings that are popular in Austria and other parts of Europe. They are created using bread or potato dough and are available in numerous varieties, sweet and savoury. Although they are mainly served as a side dish, they can also be served as desserts, such as plum dumplings. Some of the ingredients in these dumplings include apricot, spinach, cheese, and bacon.

Erdapfelsalat is an Austrian potato salad that can be consumed as a light meal or a side dish. The main components of this salad are boiled potatoes and sliced onions, mixed with a mustard, oil, and vinegar dressing. Some also include ingredients such as parsley, bacon, and pickles in the salad. Erdapfelsalat is particularly popular in Vienna and is often served along with wiener schnitzel.

• Austrians like to talk about regional diversity. Another good topic of conversation could be about the country’s beautiful natural landscapes.
• Respect someone’s personal space, and don’t pry into people’s matters.
• The Second World War is a sensitive topic. If it arises, speak about it neutrally and sensitively, especially with the older generation.
• Don’t assume Austrians and Germans are the same people. They differ a lot in terms of customs, culture, and values. An Austrian could get very offended if they are mistaken as a German person.
• Austrians value punctuality, so arrive on time and avoid cancelling meetings at the last minute.
• Remember to introduce yourself, preferably by your surname, when you call or answer someone’s call.
• Don’t drop by someone’s house unannounced. Make plans in advance.
• Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• If someone invites you to their home, getting a gift for the hostess is customary.
• When you meet someone, make sure to shake their hand, whether they are a man, a woman, or a child.
• Put your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down for a meal.
• Once you are done eating, place your knife and fork side by side on your plate.

Listed below are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Austria and the places you can shop from in the country:

Did you know that Austria is the country where the snow globe was invented? These beautiful souvenirs, available at almost every souvenir store in the country, often depict winter scenes in Vienna or the famous tourist attractions in Austria. You will find snow globes depicting Christmas setups, mountains, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and so on.

Tourists will also find snow globes with famous Viennese landmarks such as the Giant Ferris Wheel or St. Stephen’s Cathedral. We recommend you visit the Snow Globe Museum in Vienna, where you can buy these gorgeous souvenirs and discover how they are made.

If you hope to bring back a sweet treat for yourself and your loved ones, you can buy some Mozart balls. These tiny chocolates are filled with nougat and pistachio marzipan and covered with dark chocolate. The original Mozart balls are available only in Salzburg.

The business of making these chocolates has been run by the Furst family since 1890. You can, however, purchase Mirabell balls that are easier to find. Travellers can buy the Mirabell balls from a supermarket as they go around the country with our Austria tour packages.

Are you looking for another sweet treat from the country while travelling with our Austria tour packages? Zotter chocolates are the ones to go for. It’s an Austrian chocolate manufacturer that produces organic chocolates in numerous varieties. If you have ever wondered what cheese would taste like while being covered in chocolate, you can find out by tasting Zotter chocolates. You can find their complete range at the flagship store in Styria. There are other branches in the country, and they can also be purchased online.

Austria has been producing porcelain for the royal court since 1718. It is a common wedding gift in the country and a traditional Austrian heirloom. These exquisite handmade and hand painted products are available as vases, lamps, sculptures, and tableware.

Manner wafers are one of the must try snacks in Austria. The company that creates these wafers is Josef Manner, founded in Vienna in 1890. They contain five layers of tender wafers, and the filling is hazelnut cocoa cream. Their bestselling products are the Original Neapolitan Wafers, which reflect the lifestyle and culture of Vienna. They were invented in 1898 by Josef Manner, the founder of the company.

If you’re a wine connoisseur, you must grab some Austrian wine. There are numerous varieties to choose from, such as Cabernet, Merlot, Riesling, and Chardonnay. You can also choose to go on a wine tasting tour with our Austria tour packages to see which kind of wine you’d like to buy. The Gruner Veltliner, for instance, is a popular white wine grape that grows in almost every wine region in Austria.

• Europark Mall: For jewellery, cosmetics, handbags, fashion items, shoes, toys, perfumes.
• Mariahilfer Strasse: For cosmetics, jewellery, clothes, souvenirs.
• Designer Outlet Parndorf: For jewellery, watches, toys, clothes, and homeware.
• Naschmarkt: For herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, snacks.
• Landstraße: For fashion stores, shoes, accessories, electronics.
• Graben: For champagne, chocolates, wine, perfumes, jewellery.

• The retail outlets in Austria are usually open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
• The tourist locations are often open for longer hours due to special regulations.
• The grocery stores in Austria are usually open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 6 p.m. on Saturdays.

Vienna is the capital and most populous city of Austria. It is the country’s political, economic, and cultural centre. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, exciting history, and awe-inspiring architecture, the city is located in the northeastern corner of Austria. It’s often referred to as the ‘City of Music’ as it has been the home of numerous popular composers, such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.

The Christmas markets in Vienna are popular worldwide. The streets are lined with festive stalls selling drinks, traditional food, and handmade items. Some of the best tourist attractions in Vienna are the Schonbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg, Belvedere Palace, and Vienna State Opera.

Salzburg is Austria’s fourth largest city. In addition to being Mozart’s birthplace, it’s known for its castles, churches, ice caves, and salt mines. The historic centre of Salzburg was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It’s well known for its Baroque architecture. The city is home to three universities with a huge student population.

Salzburg’s must visit attractions include the Fortress Hohensalzburg, Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Birthplace, and Mirabell Palace.

Innsbruck is Austria’s fifth largest city and the capital of the state of Tyrol. Situated in the heart of the Alps, it embraces you with its thrilling city life and a view of the snow capped mountains.
The city satiates the hunger of culture connoisseurs with its churches, galleries, and museums. It also allows travellers to engage in adventurous activities, such as hiking, snowboarding, and skiing. The places that you cannot miss out on in Innsbruck are the Golden Roof, Schloss Ambras Innsbruck, Alpenzoo, Court Church, and Hofburg.

Bregenz is a town in western Austria and a cultural centre for the performing arts. The Bregenz Festspiele, held in Bregenz, is an annual music festival that attracts people from all over the world. Tourist attractions in Bregenz include the Vorarlberg Museum, Kloster Mehrerau, Martinsturm, and Seebühne Bregenz.

Graz is the second largest city in Austria and is popular for its rich heritage, culture, and architectural brilliance. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2003, it was declared the Cultural Capital of Europe. As you walk through the old town of Graz, you can enjoy its Baroque architecture, quaint cafes, and cobblestone streets.

The most popular tourist attractions in Graz are the Schlossberg, Castle Eggenberg, Main Square of Graz, Uhrturm, and Landeszeughaus.

The music of Austria was influenced by Hungarian and Czech fold forms during the Baroque period. Austria has gifted numerous renowned artists, such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Johann Strauss II. Classical music was omnipresent in Europe during the 18th century, when Vienna displayed its innovations. The Musikverein in Vienna, among the world’s finest concert halls, was inaugurated in 1870. Vienna is also home to one of the world’s best orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic. If you’re a fan of folk music, you can look into Viennese Schrammelmusik, a form of modern Austrian folk music.

Austria produced several silent movies during the silent movie era. After the annexation of Austria in 1938, various Austrian directors, including Erich von Stroheim, Otto Preminger, Billy Wilder, Richard Oswald, and Josef von Sternberg, moved to the USA. Several new directors emerged between the 1970s and the 1990s. This included Axel Corti, Gotz Spielmann, Barbara Albert, and Ulrich Seidl.

Some of Austria’s most popular sports are football, ice hockey, skiing, and tennis. The country has proved its mettle various times in the Alpine Skiing World Cup. The country’s national ice hockey team is known to be among the best in the world. The Austrian Cup, an annual football competition, has been held since 1918. The Austrian national football team has previously qualified for the FIFA World Cup.