Austria Country Guide | Guide to Austria

Landlocked in central Europe, Austria is bordered by the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland. Historically a centre of European power when it was ruled by the mighty Habsburgs, today Austria's role has been relegated to a more minor player in the European Union. Even so, Austria still offers some of the most impressive destinations on the Continent.

The capital, Vienna - once the citadel of the Habsburgs who ruled the country for over 600 years - is an architectural gem and a major centre for music from the medieval era. The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) and the adjoining Augustinian Church are two of the marvels of architecture on display in Vienna. Other must-see sights in the capital include the Museum of Fine Arts, Belvedere Palace, and the Sigmund Freud Museum.

The southern city of Graz with its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town - the largest in central Europe - has a very relaxed and mediterranean feel. It is situated on the sunny side of the Alps and offers an exciting architectural mix between old - winding lanes and the remains of a castle that has never been taken - and new - Kunsthaus gallery with its blue bubble and an artificial island in the river - both recently created for the cultural capital of Europe. With one in six inhabitants being a student, it also offers a lively pub scene. The hilly wine growing region nearby is a great destination for a day trip.

Salzburg, the city that gave Mozart to the world, is a stunning, picturesque spot surrounded by imposing peaks. Any sojourn to Salzburg is incomplete without a visit to the 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle, the Museum of Fine Arts, and St. Peter's Abbey. Four kilometres to the south of Salzburg is the amusing Hellbrunn Palace whose grounds contain trick fountains and water-powered figures.

If destinations off-the-beaten-track are more your thing, Austria has plenty to offer. Wels and Steyr are small cities well worth a visit. Rust, and Gurk are some great places to explore along with the Eisriesenwelt Caves, which, incidentally, are the largest accessible ice caves in the world. Another stimulating spot to pay a visit is Bad Ischl, the famous spa, where many an Austrian Emperor spent their holidays.

Austria is thronged by tourists the year round. Summer is the ideal time for sightseeing while in winter the slopes of the Alps offer some fantastic opportunities to hit the slopes.

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Austria Facts

Capital: Vienna

Population: 8,189,000

Currency: euro (EUR)

Religions: Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 2%, none 12% (2001 census)

Government: federal republic

Languages: German (official nationwide), Slovene (official in Carinthia), Croatian (official in Burgenland), Hungarian (official in Burgenland)

Climate: temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers

Phone Code: 43