Regional Capitals

Vienna - Austria's Capital City -  www.wien.info
Vienna has been honoured as a World Heritage Site twice, for its historic town centre and for the Baroque palace and park of Schönbrunn. The Vienna of today owes its abundance of opulent buildings and countless cultural treasures to its former role as the official imperial residence. In Vienna a unique blend of architectural styles coalesce, from the striking Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral at the heart of the city, to the exquisite Baroque architecture of the Hofburg. Then there is the monumental architecture of the Ringstrasse which includes the Parliament Building and the State Opera House, icons of the Historicism that characterised late 19th century architecture. Vienna gains its distinctive flair from a lively art and cultural scene, the Viennese coffeehouse tradition, its rustic 'Heurigen' (wine taverns), the abundance of beautiful churches, not to mention its vibrant markets and shopping areas, and plenty of green spaces.

Salzburg - Capital of the province of Salzburg - www.salzburg.info
In 1997 the Baroque old town of Salzburg was declared a World Heritage Site. An architectural treasuretrove, the old town's quaint, narrow streets unite the many magnificent churches and palaces into a single historical work of art. Architectural delights include the splendid Baroque palaces of Mirabell and Hellbrunn, the Salzburg Cathedral, and the medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress, situated high above the town. A must for all visitors is Getreidegasse, a vibrant, bustling, narrow medieval style street where you will find the birthplace of classical music composer Mozart. Salzburg is famous amongst music and cultural enthusiasts alike due to its rich cultural and musical programme. First and foremost is the annual summer programme, which includes the fabulous Salzburg Festival.

Graz - Capital of the province of Styria - www.graztourismus.at
It was the fascinating combination of architecture that prompted UNESCO to declare Graz and its historic town centre a World Heritage Site. From Gothic and Renaissance, through Baroque and Historicism, to more modern forms. The town, characterized by a Mediterranean flair, boasts a wonderful medieval square. The Schlossberg, a hill that juts out from the heart of the city, houses the town's landmark, the Graz Clock Tower. Further places worth visiting are the Gothic Cathedral, Emperor Ferdinand II's Mausoleum and the Landhaus. Graz also offers a great number of festivals that have become famous well outside of the region's borders, such as the Steirischer Herbst.

Innsbruck - Capital of Tirol - www.innsbruck.info
Even as you draw near to Innsbruck, its picturesque beauty and the majestic mountains have already begun to work their magic. You will gaze in amazement at the treasures of the Renaissance Ambras Palace and Golden Roof. You will stand in silent contemplation in the Hofkirche or simply enjoy the town's charming streets and passageways. Sports enthusiasts will marvel at the Bergisel Ski Jump with its 47 metre high café and fantastic view over the town.

Linz - Capital of Upper Austria - www.linz.at
The Landstrasse runs through the heart of Linz, past narrow, idyllic lanes and through the attractive Baroque main square. It's an outstanding shopping street with international flavour. Just a few steps away is the Neue Dom, Austria's largest and second tallest church. The banks of the Danube, however, are quite different, scoring points for their modern architecture. On one bank the Ars Electronica invites you to explore the world of multi-media experiments, and on the other you will find the Lentos Museum, dedicated to 19th and 20th century art. Linz's local peak is the Pöstlingberg boasting the steepest adhesion railway in Europe.

Klagenfurt - Capital of Carinthia - www.info.klagenfurt.at
Klagenfurt is nestled on the scenic banks of the Wörthersee, and has been honoured many times for its historic town centre and cultural sights. The arcaded walkways, historic passages and courtyards are now home to boutiques, bars and beer gardens, which couple with the Mediterranean climate and give the city its unique feel. Klagenfurt's emblem, the stone figure of the Lindwurm on Neuen Platz, acts as a reminder of the legend surrounding the city's beginnings. Also worth seeing are the 16th century cathedral, the Diocese Museum and Minimundus, miniature models of 150 of the most beautiful buildings in the world, all built true-to-scale.

Bregenz -  Capital of Vorarlberg - www.bodensee-vorarlberg.com
The ancient Romans settled in Bregenz more than 2000 years ago. Today the townscape is fashioned around its medieval town centre and the Baroque St. Martins Tower, with its imposing onion dome. Nevertheless, Bregenz is also a mecca for modern architecture with the Kunsthaus (Art Gallery) on the shores of the lake being possibly the most impressive example. To the west of the town are the splendid shores of Lake Constance, host to the Bregenz Festival which has established itself as a cherished cultural attraction amongst music lovers throughout the world.

Eisenstadt - Captial of Burgenland - www.burgenland.info
Those who venture to Eisenstadt, the capital of Austria's easternmost province, will discover that one musician is present at every turn: Joseph Haydn. From 1761 Haydn was bandmaster to the Esterházy court for 40 years. Esterházy Palace, the emblem of Eisenstadt, is a major attraction with its stately halls hosting numerous concerts. Equally renowned is the International Haydn Festival. For wine-lovers there are plenty of vineyards and 'Heurigen' nearby.

St. Pölten - Capital of Lower Austria - www.st-poelten.gv.at
The youngest provincial capital - that of Lower Austria - boasts a long historical tradition. Its municipal charter goes back to the 12th century, but St. Pölten really experienced its heyday in the 17th century. It possesses several delightful old town squares, the Herrenplatz, Rathausplatz, and Riemerplatz, adorned with beautiful Baroque and Jugendstil facades. The town hall, the Romanesque cathedral and the one-time Jugendstil synagogue are also well worth a visit. In contrast, take a look at the modern architecture of the Government Quarter and the Cultural District, the Festival Hall in particular.