All articles related to Culture

Austria. Dirndl Temptation - dare to flirt back!

Our Dirndl Ambassadors, men and women dressed in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen, charmed Sydney in summer 2013 - they appeared at various public places, interacted and "flirted" with Sydneysiders, spread the word about Austria and had fun along the way. Join in the Dirndl fun, watch videos from the group outings, find out about the Dirndl in Austria today, thriving traditions and outstanding regions in Austria.

Lena Hoschek: Dirndl goes High Fashion

With her fresh, flirtatious interpretation of retro looks, young Austrian designer Lena Hoschek has ruled the Fashion Week runways in recent years. With her devotion to flattering the female form, Lena is a huge fan of the dirndl and includes her dazzling take on the traditional dress in her cutting-edge collections.

Lake District: Dirndl and Lederhosen Country

The Salzkammergut, or Lake District, is famous for its unparalleled natural beauty. Seven thousand years of cultural history add to the mystical aura exuded by the region’s pristine lakes and majestic mountains. It is also a region where traditions are held high and the Dirndl still represents a unique way of life.

Dirndl Basics

What is a Dirndl? If you have seen the movie “The Sound of Music,” you already know the basic elements that make up a Dirndl: skirt, bodice, apron and blouse. Simple, right? Far from it! There is a veritable science to Dirndl cuts, fabric patterns, colors and embroidery.

What's new in Vienna 2013

2013 brings a lot of exciting and new attractions to Vienna. Here are just a few ideas what to do and see.

Upper Austria: Architectural Highlights

Linz is a cosmopolitan city of culture and arts. The many small historic cities like Bad Ischl and Hallstatt are treasure troves of splendid buildings. Countless tremendous abbeys and monasteries can be found throughout the province. A day in Upper Austria can turn out to be very short if one wants to experience all of its architectural gems.

28.06.2013 - Spanish Riding School

Fete Imperiale

Annually around 3,000 people waltz in the beautiful setting of the Spanish Riding School.

30.05.2013 - 02.06.2013 - Ausseerland

Narcissus Festival

The beautiful Narcissus flower that grows in abundance in the lovely Ausseerland area is commonly called "Poet's Narcissus". The colourful pageantry that has come to symbolize the annual Narcissus Festival draws thousands of visitors to the region each year.

Where to buy a Dirndl?

With so many different styles to choose from, where do you start your own quest for the perfect Dirndl? Where to find authentic, traditional styles, and which Dirndl designers are known for fun and tasteful modern versions? Here is a list of our favorite Dirndl stores in Salzburg, the nearby Lake District and Vienna:

Where to wear your Dirndl

Whether you want to know where you can wear your newly acquired Dirndl, or just want to experience this unique Austrian tradition first-hand, we have put together a list of events where Dirndl and Lederhosen are practically required attire.

11.07.2012 - 26.08.2012 - St. Margarethen

Opera Festival St. Margarethen

An old Roman quarry is the setting for this exciting summer festival. The main opera of 2012 will be Carmen by Georges Bizet.

01.07.2013 - 06.08.2013 - Reichenau

Reichenau Festival

A top-ranking theatre festival among the Austrian summer cultural events. Only 70 miles south of Vienna, situated in a scenic mountainous setting, Reichenau has been a traditional summer resort for the Viennese high society since the late 19th century.

10.05.2013 - 16.06.2013 - Vienna

Wiener Festwochen

This festival is a firmly-established high-point of the cultural calender in Vienna, offering exciting theatre productions as well as a great number of orchestra concerts, recitals and chamber music performances.

Austria. Moments of Bliss

Nothing is as inspiring and invigorating as new discoveries. Our selection of extraordinary travel experiences throughout Austria will make your trip even more special. Find "off the beaten path" wine taverns, attend world class concerts or explore the best scenic hiking trails...

Gustav Klimt

He was the speaker and organizer of the Jugendstil art movement. He was a promoter of young, up-and-coming talent. He created some of the most famous Art nouveau paintings worldwide.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is dominated by churches, castles and palaces. Its picturesque old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Innsbruck

Past and future meet in the heart of the Alps, where Innsbruck’s world-famous sights, which testify to the Tirol province’s great past, stand alongside post-modern international architecture to create a fascinating blend.

Klagenfurt

For summer vacations Klagenfurt is ideally located near Lake Wörthersee, one of Europe’s largest and warmest Alpine lakes. The city is enjoyable throughout the year with its Mediterranean climate, sunny winter days, colorful autumn and a mild spring.

Vienna

Austria’s capital offers a unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. It is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cozy wine taverns, and the very special Viennese charm.

Linz

No other Austrian city has changed as dramatically as Linz has in recent decades. What's emerged is a modern urban centre with a flourishing economy, a city where the quality of life is exceptional.

Festival for all Senses

Austria's diverse cultural offerings include over 200 festivals, stretching from world scale events to small regional gatherings. Many of them make use of Austria's beautiful surroundings and most of them offer an outstanding culinary menu to accompany the cultural experience.

Innsbruck Card & Club Innsbruck Card

experience - Destination Austria Holiday Journal

Order your free personal copy of the popular "Destination Austria" Holiday Journal now! This compact travel manual includes all Australian tour operators with a detailed description of their Austrian products - everything from city breaks and cultural packages, to activity programs and country stays.

Vienna Card

City discount cards

When you visit Austria’s major cities, there's an easy way to save money on sightseeing and public transportation.

Musil, Robert (1880 - 1942)

Leopold Museum - Vienna

The Leopold Museum in the Viennese MuseumsQuartier presents Austrian paintings of the 19th and 20th century, including the world’s biggest Schiele collection in its spacious, light-flooded rooms.

Museums in Austria – a world of astonishments

Austria today offers some of the world's most important and stunning collections of modern and contemporary art.

Haus der Musik - The Sound Museum

Haus der Musik is a modern interactive experimental museum in the historic city center of Vienna as well as the location where the Vienna Philharmonic was founded. Six floors are dedicated to the presentation of the fascinating world of music and sound. Send your ears on a discovery trip!

Museum of Fine Arts - Vienna

Thanks to the acquisitions by and the patronage of the House of Habsburg, the gallery has an unrivaled collection of old masters. Check out room X, which contains a vast collection of works by Peter Breughel the Elder...

Vienna's Glorious Ball Season

Ever dreamed about dancing the waltz at one of Vienna's many famous balls? There are hundreds of balls to choose from - the highlights of this year's Viennese ball season you will find here.

Strauss, Johann - Father (1804 - 1849)

Suppé, Franz von (1819 - 1895)

Strauss, Johann (1825 - 1899)

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756 - 1791)

Kogelnik, Kiki (1935 - 1997)

Mahler, Gustav (1860 - 1911)

Berg, Alban (1885 - 1935)

Kokoschka, Oskar (1886 - 1980)

Kolig, Anton (1886 - 1950)

Lavant, Christine (1915-1973)

Handke, Peter (born 1942)

Klimt, Gustav (1862 - 1918)

Kálmán, Emmerich (1882 - 1953)

Turrini, Peter (born 1944)

Berg, Werner (1904 - 1981)

Kauffmann, Angelika (1741 - 1807)

Wolf, Hugo (1860 - 1903)

Haydn, Joseph (1732 - 1809)

Webern, Anton von (1883 - 1945)

Hundertwasser, Friedensreich (1928 - 2000)

Famous Austrians

Austria's 'great' sons and daughters have left their mark all across the centuries in politics, art, science and sport: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gustav Mahler, Gustav Klimt, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Christoph Waltz to name just a few...

Schönberg, Arnold (1874 - 1951)

Plan your trip to the Austrian Wine Country

Austria’s wine regions are both beautiful and easy to visit. In fact, once you step off the plane in Vienna, you have already arrived in one of the world’s most unique wine region. Vienna. Then about one hour south east of Vienna lies the Burgenland, and one hour west of Vienna is the region of Lower Austria with many beautiful valleys. Many of them along the Danube.

Bachmann, Ingeborg (1926 - 1973)

Experiences "off the beaten path"

Looking for great authentic travel experiences? Just move the "slider" to your travel preference and we'll show where we think you should go. You most likely will encounter unexpected like the "Poppy village ".

Swarovski Crystal Worlds

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds, created by Andre Heller, is a pure invitation to dream. Only a 20 minutes drive away from Innsbruck this sparkling fantasy world is definitely worth a visit.

Schloss Grafenegg

With the Grafenegg International Music Festival Austria has gained a very special new event.

Essential listing on Austrian and European tours including Austria

Tour throughout Austria and download a listing on Austrian and European packages offered by Australian and New Zealand tour operators.

Essential listing on music, art and cultural tours

Experience the magical atmosphere of Austria's culture and music performances and download a listing on classical music and cultural tours offered by Australian and New Zealand tour operators.

Vienna - for gay travellers

You know Vienna for it's music and culture, for the coffee houses (yes, we did have coffee houses 300 years before Starbucks, or at least that’s what tradition tells us), for the Opera and for the Imperial history that the city still showcases everywhere.

The easiest way to get tickets

A trip to Austria would not be the same without a visit to the opera or a concert. Get tickets ahead of time to ensure entry to the concert or festival of your dreams

Christmas season in Austria

The time from late November to the end of the year hold a very special meaning in Austria. Visit Austria's Christmas markets, try some Glühwein and enjoy the spirit of Christmas...

New Year Celebrations

Whether you start the New Year in style at the New Years ball at the Imperial Palace or celebrate it on the streets of Vienna – the choice is all yours.

Winter in Austrian Cities

Soak up a bit of urban atmosphere during a winter holiday in Austrians cities. Spend a day in one of the numerous museums, ice skate in front of Vienna’s town hall or indulge in the “sweet things of life” in one of the famous coffee houses.

Time-Honored yet Trendy: Austria's Cities

Austria’s cities fascinate with their monumental buildings spanning all major epochs from Gothic to Renaissance, from Baroque to Jugendstil, and Post Modernism. Historic settings for modern events, leisurely shopping tours and wonderful culinary experiences. Let yourself be charmed!

Music in Austria

In Austria you can expect a first-class musical experience, whether it's a concert in the rooms of a Baroque palace, at the Opera House or at one of the many festivals.

The Sound of Music

The hills are still alive when you travel through Austria's countryside. Follow the footsteps of the van Trapp family and experience "The Sound of Music". We suggest taking a tour and see the movie locations.

Art, Architecture & Design

Austrian artists, architects and designers have long moved beyond the traditional boundaries of their genres. They are and always have been world travelers, connoisseurs - and at times, provocateurs.

Modern Architecture in the Alps

At first is sounds improbable: Vorarlberg - a small, mostly rural state in the middle of the Alps - has become one of Europe's leading regions for modern art and architecture.

Modern Architecture in Tirol

The amorphous, glowing glass structure is one of the stations on the Nordkettenbahn, designed by architect Zaha Hadid. The 100-year-old mountain railway, which now has four uniquely designed stops...

Upscale - yet affordable dining experiences

Looking for an upscale dining experience? We have compiled a list of restaurants, that will enhance you travel experience. This list is in no way complete since there are so many of them throughout Austria.

Albertina - Vienna

Accommodates one of the largest and most precious graphic art collections in the world. Today, it comprises nearly 50,000 drawings and one million prints dating from all major epochs: from Late Gothic to contemporary art.

Kunsthaus Graz

The building, designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, has an organic shape with a skin made of iridescent blue acrylic panels. One of the most unusual museums you'll ever visit...