Like most European countries, Austria looks back on a very eventful history. Yet there are some elements of the Austrian character that haven’t changed much over the centuries: the partiality for indulgence, beauty, and cultivation have always been driving forces in the country’s past and present.

Austria is located in Central Europe. Austria is a predominantly mountainous country with a total area of 83,855 km2. Its border is formed by eight other European countries, namely Italy, Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia. Vienna is the capital of Austria and lies on the Danube River and is partly surrounded by the hills of the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald).

Austria’s provinces boast landscapes to perfection at almost every turn. Landscapes as backdrop for a culture which has developed over thousands of years. Culture which you can experience in old cities as well as in historic villages, culture which is maintained by charming and hospitable people who love to share their love for arts and their liking for indulgence with you. Welcome to Austria.

Burgenland - Every year Burgenland, Austria’s eastern-most and youngest province, enchants thousands of visitors with its wonderful and unique blend of culture, nature, wine, health, sports and activities of all kinds.

Carinthia - With its southern flair, some 200 beautiful lakes and one of the most fascinating mountain landscapes of the eastern Alps, Carinthia attracts thousands and thousands of visitors each year. Carinthia’s top sights and attractions are well worth a visit.

Lower Austria - Lower Austria offers its guests a wealth of cultural sights and treasures as well as wonderful landscapes of great diversity.

SalzburgerLand - is not only famous for its sublime landscape of mountains and lakes, but also for its fascinating cultural heritage on display in the region's towns and within the entire Province of Salzburg.

Styria - known as the “Green Heart of Austria”, offers a myriad of possibilities for everyone: culture treasures, nature and sports highlights, genuine traditions, and plenty of culinary delights. Discover Styria's most scenic excursion sites!

Tirol - is famous for its spectacular Alpine scenery and dramatic landscapes amid unspoilt nature. But the province also has great cultural attractions to offer, including the wonderful Swarovski Crystal Worlds and Innsbruck's picturesque old town

Upper Austria - Splendid castles and magnificent monasteries testify to Upper Austria’s eventful history and rich cultural heritage. The province also boasts great natural attractions such as the fascinating Dachstein Ice Caves which make for a truly unique experience.

Vienna - is a city rich in history. Austria’s capital is brimming with architectural buildings from several centuries and epochs ranging from the gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Imperial Palace, from the art-nouveau style of the Secession to the baroque splendor of Schönbrunn Palace, from the Museum of Art

Vorarlberg - offers great natural beauty and cultural wealth. Austria's western-most province always merits a visit and makes a great base for nature and culture explorations.

The Cuisine of Austria, which is often incorrectly equated with Viennese cuisine, is derived from the cuisine of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In addition to native regional traditions it has been influenced above all by Hungarian, Czech, Italian, and Bavarian cuisines, from which both dishes and methods of food preparation have often been borrowed.

The Austrian Cuisine is therefore one of, if not the most, multi- and transcultural one in Europe. Goulash is one example of this. Austrian cuisine is known primarily in the rest of the world for its pastries and sweets. In recent times a new regional cuisine has also developed which is centered on regional produce and employs modern and easy methods of preparation.

Vienna boasts one of the world's most famous culinary traditions. A diverse yet delectably harmonious range of dishes reflects the city's mix of nationalities and food cultures through the centuries, and inspires visitors from all over the globe. Below you will find recipes for some of the most famous Viennese specialities. Why not try out a few for yourself? And, maybe you will soon be eating the originals at a traditional inn or cosy coffee house in Vienna!

Austria enjoys a temperate Central European climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot with cool nights. In Vienna and other low-lying cities temperatures during the day can get uncomfortably hot over July and August. Winters are cold, below freezing in January and February. The ski season in the Alps runs from December to April but the mountains are also popular with hikers and climbers over the summer when the weather is usually warm and bright.

Vienna has a temperate continental climate, with warm, sunny summers and cold winters. The average temperature range in January is between 23°F and 34°F (-4°C to 1°C), while in July temperatures range between 60°F and 76°F (15°C and 25°C). Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer and snowfall is common in winter. Spring, autumn and the beginning of summer are perhaps the best times to travel to Vienna.