Though not the biggest of Austrian lakes, Wörthersee ('Lake Wörther') is probably the prettiest. Known as the Austrian Monte Carlo, it was once an exclusive summer retreat for Vienna's nobility and is now a Mecca for water-sports enthusiasts, where summer water temperatures reaching a balmy 25C. Really keen visitors can cycle the scenic 40km circuit of the lake, stopping off in pretty Velden for a waterside radler (that’s shandy to you and me) and a refreshing halftime dip.
AUSTRIA
TRAVEL IN AUSTRIA
It may be small but when it comes to attractions, Austria is a proper heavy-hitter, a land of picture postcard landscapes, stunning lakes, vibrant cities, incredible architecture, awe-inspiring mountains and world-class resorts.
Like to take it easy? Take a relaxing stroll through Salzburg old town or a Vienna river cruise. Sports enthusiast? Hit the slopes at Seefeld or St Anton am Arlberg, or grab a bike and tackle the punishing Grossglockner Alpine Road. Culture vulture? Have a night at the Vienna State Opera, or marvel at magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral.
There's a huge amount to see and do here – so start planning your Austria travel 2016 and get ready to get stuck in.
FAST FACTS
Language: German
Currency: EURO
Electricity: 230v
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Austria.
Dialing Code: +43
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
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THINGS TO DO IN AUSTRIA
CHILL OUT AT WÖRTHERSEE
GET CLASSICAL AT SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
Schönbrunn is undoubtedly one of the major attractions in Vienna. Once the Imperial summer residence, this stunning 1400-room Baroque palace is set amidst beautiful sprawling gardens, which are also home to Vienna zoo, the world's oldest. Don't miss the opportunity to take in a classical music concert in the palace Orangery - if there's a better location to enjoy a performance featuring the works of local geniuses Mozart and Strauss, we've yet to hear of it.
EISRIESENWELT
The world's largest ice cave, Eisriesenwelt was discovered in 1879 and has been taking visitors' breath away ever since. Located near the small village of Werfen, a short distance from Salzburg, this labyrinthine 42km network of ice caves is home to a bizarre and otherworldly landscape of towering ice formations, stalactites and glittering caverns. You'll need to wrap up warm for a visit here - even at the height of summer, it gets chilly.
TAKE THE SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR
Much to the bemusement of locals, the city that gave the world Mozart is most famous among international visitors for The Sound of Music. One of the highest grossing films of all time, it was shot on location in and around Salzburg and the tour covers its key outdoor scenes as well as many Salzburg landmarks. Altogether now: ‘Doh. A deer. A female deer…’
HOHENSALZBURG CASTLE
Salzburg castle overlooks the city from an impressive hilltop vantage point and is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval castles. Whether you come here to explore its various wings and courtyards, see the giant pipe organ or just to snap the definitive Salzburg selfie, you'll be glad you made the trek up. It's undoubtedly one of the top Salzburg attractions, so be sure not to miss it.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN AUSTRIA
Austria is a country that likes to party, with festival scene that is alive and kicking. This is our top 5 pick of the country's best.
NOVA ROCK, NICKELSDORF
Known for it's all-star lineup, Nova Rock is a powerhouse amongst music festivals in Austria, with rock and heavy metal firmly on the agenda. Previous headliners include giants like The Prodigy, Kiss and Metallica, though we're betting it was David Hasselhoff's set that really kicked off.
WORLD BODYPAINTING FESTIVAL, PÖRTSCHACH
This weeklong festival on the shores of lake Wörther transforms the idyllic town of Pörtschach into a buzzing, colorful playground for creativity. Take a body painting class, dance in the sunshine to the many DJs and soak in the beautifully funky world of body art.
SALZBURGER FESTSPIELE, SALZBURG
Established in 1919 as a celebration of Mozart’s enduring legacy, the Salzburger Festspiele has expanded over the decades into an internationally renowned festival of opera and drama.
MUMOK, VIENNA
One of the undisputed Kings of the Art Nouveau movement, no trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting the Gaudi Museum. Located in Park Güell, the museum was Gaudi’s residence for almost 20 years and displays many examples of furniture and other objects he designed.
ELECTRIC LOVE FESTIVAL, SALZBURG
When his distillery opened for business in 1875, little could Friedrich Fischer have imagined that six generations later his family would still be producing schnapps according to his original recipe. A tour of the factory buildings offers a fascinating insight into the distillery business, as well as an opportunity to sample some of the Austrian national spirit. It's by appointment only, so be sure to book tickets in advance, and a taxi to get you home afterwards.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES IN AUSTRIA
With over 100 museums in Vienna alone, planning the cultural side of your Austria travel itinerary can be daunting. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and picked the best Austrian culture vulture experiences. And amazingly, none of them involve Mozart.
BELVEDERE MUSEUM, VIENNA
Housed in a complex of magnificent Baroque palaces, the Belvedere museum is worth the trip for its setting alone. Its extensive permanent collection - ranging from medieval and Baroque periods right through to impressionism and contemporary art - includes the world's largest collection of works Gustav Klimt, making this one of the most essential places to visit in Austria.
LEOPOLD MUSEUM, VIENNA
The Leopold Museum is located in Vienna's beautiful MuseumsQuartier, and houses one of the world's largest collections of Austrian modern art. Highlights are its huge Egon Schiele Collection as well as works by the likes of Oskar Kokoschka and Gustav Klimt.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, SALZBURG
This strikingly modern building houses a spectacular collection of modern art, from such masters as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee and Andy Warhol. It's located in the MuseumsQuartier, meaning easy access to other major Vienna museums.
MUMOK, VIENNA
One of the undisputed Kings of the Art Nouveau movement, no trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting the Gaudi Museum. Located in Park Güell, the museum was Gaudi’s residence for almost 20 years and displays many examples of furniture and other objects he designed.
OLD VIENNESE SCHNAPS MUSEUM
When his distillery opened for business in 1875, little could Friedrich Fischer have imagined that six generations later his family would still be producing schnapps according to his original recipe. A tour of the factory buildings offers a fascinating insight into the distillery business, as well as an opportunity to sample some of the Austrian national spirit. It's by appointment only, so be sure to book tickets in advance, and a taxi to get you home afterwards.
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AUSTRIAN FOOD
With produce to rival the world's finest and a host of incredible regional and traditional delicacies waiting to tempt the taste buds of visitors, it's a mystery why Austrian cuisine isn't on the podium rubbing shoulders with its French and Italian counterparts.
Lovers of meat, cheese and bread will find themselves at home here, while Austrian vineyards produce some exceptionally quaffable vino. Beer lover? Try an unpasteurised 'zwickelbier' from Salzburg's Stiegl brewery.
Typical Austrian food has something to delight even the most discerning of palettes. We've compiled a list of Austrian must-try classics.
Lovers of meat, cheese and bread will find themselves at home here, while Austrian vineyards produce some exceptionally quaffable vino. Beer lover? Try an unpasteurised 'zwickelbier' from Salzburg's Stiegl brewery.
Typical Austrian food has something to delight even the most discerning of palettes. We've compiled a list of Austrian must-try classics.
KÄSEKRAINER
No night out in Austria is complete without a visit to the sausage stand, and the käsekrainer is the must-try street food item. It's a sausage containing chunks of cheese that melt as the sausage is cooked, and is served either in a bun or cut into chunks on a plate, with the mustard of your choice. Just don't let its other name 'eitriger' ('puss-sausage') put you off.
TAFELSPITZ
You may have had boiled beef, but never quite like this. Tafelspitz is a well-loved Austrian traditional food, and the secret is in the broth - add root vegetables and spices then simmer slowly until perfection, before serving with roast potatoes, horseradish and apple sauce. Job done!
Best eaten at –Zum fidelen Affen, Priesterhausgasse 8, 5020 Salzburg
Best eaten at –Zum fidelen Affen, Priesterhausgasse 8, 5020 Salzburg
WIENER SCHNITZEL
Not without good reason is the Wiener Schnitzel the most famous Austrian food. Essentially a very thinly hammered veal steak, it's breaded then deep-fried in butter until tantalisingly crisp and golden brown. Served with potato salad and a good squeeze of lemon, it could be one of the culinary highlights of your Austria travel 2015.
Best eaten at –Gasthaus Lendplatzl, Lendplatz 11, Graz 8020
Best eaten at –Gasthaus Lendplatzl, Lendplatz 11, Graz 8020
EIER IM GLAS
Had your fill of apfelstrudel? Check out topfenstrudel, Austria's answer to the cheesecake. A layered desert similar to its more famous sibling, it's filled with delicious sweet cheese then sprinkled with powdered sugar. Try it with a 'Wiener Melange', a cappuccino-like Viennese coffee.
Best eaten at –Ungar Grill, Burggasse 97, 1070 Wien
Best eaten at –Ungar Grill, Burggasse 97, 1070 Wien
TOPFENSTRUDEL
The epitome of sweet street food treats, churros are the equivalent of a Spanish doughnut, sprinkled in cinnamon sugar and served with melted chocolate for dipping.
Best eaten at -Cafe Sacher, Philharmonikerstrasse 4, 1010 Vienna
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WHAT TO PACK
Sunglasses - That Alpine sun can be fierce, especially if you're hitting the slopes in winter. Sunnies are essential.
Sensible walking shoes - With such a wealth of museums, palaces and galleries, you're going to be clocking up some serious miles here. Save the high heels for your night at the opera.
A camera - Vienna and Salzburg are among the world's most beautiful cities, so photo-ops run at an all-time high here.
Swimsuit - Whether it's a summer lake dip or a post-ski hot-tub session, a swimsuit is essential.
An adapter plug - Austria uses the European standard 2-pin plug
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