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Passion for Tradition

Austria is fascinatingly blessed by coincidences: close to nature and informal, yet simultaneously valuing tradition and etiquette. Once-courtly formalities are lived out with a light touch at elegant events, while the finest labours of hand and head perfect traditional techniques, taking these on creatively into the modern era.

© Österreich Werbung/Trumler

“Fasnacht” and Tirol Mask-Carvers

© Melitta Abber
“Fasnacht” processions in Tirol are such wild celebrations that they are only staged every 3, 4 or even 5 years.
The Major Festival

Yodelling in Styria

© Steirisches Volksliedwerk
As loud as a scream or as melodious as a song – that’s the yodellers from Styria.
Ancient Communication

Wood Architecture in Vorarlberg

© Österreich Werbung/Wiesenhofer
The status of fine stones and hand-made tiles in building traditions of other countries is given to wood in Vorarlberg.
The Elegance of Wood

Wiener Walzer and Ball Season

© Kaffeesiederball
Nowhere are balls so romantically formal as in Vienna. This tradition is intoxicating to both locals and visitors.
Everything Dances

Viticulture in Lower Austria

© Österreich Werbung/Himsl
Lower Austrian wine is prized as cultural heritage and elevated to cult status by committed wine-growers.
Cheers

The “Silent Night” Carol

© stillenachtland.at
The world-famous "Silent Night" carol is an expression of the deepest reflection and spiritual longing for peace.
Silent Night, Holy Night

The Taste of Alpine Pastures

© Käsestraße Bregenzerwald
For centuries, the tradition of three-level pasture management in the Alps has been practised in Vorarlberg.
Bregenzerwald Cheese Road

The Sound of Heiligenkreuz Abbey

© Stift Heiligenkreuz
With 900 years history, Heiligenkreuz Abbey is both tourist attraction and deeply spiritual experience.
Behind Protective Walls

The Melody of Pine Resin

© Ernst Schagl
In Europe's largest and most northerly forest of Austrian black pine, collectors harvest pine resin the traditional way.
Lower Austria's Gold

Spanish Riding School Vienna

© Spanische Hofreitschule
Lipizzaner stallions enchant the public with classical school jumps at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
High School of Horsemanship

Schladming Loden

© Jörg Steiner
Loden has been the high performance product of the Alpine population for centuries.
Winterproof

Reed Roofs in Burgenland

© Österreich Werbung/Diejun
Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland is surrounded by one of the largest contiguous belts of reed beds.
Out of the Water, onto the Roof

Pinzgau's Natural Medicine

© © Birgit Buchart
Over the centuries the mountain dwellers of Pinzgau have created remedies from what is found on the doorstep.
Cures and Remedies

Kaffeehaus Culture Vienna

© Österreich Werbung/Lammerhuber
The Viennese have developed a whole culture around coffee drinking and elevated it to an attitude of life.
A Real Taste for Coffee

Indigo Printing Burgenland

© Koó
Indigo printing revolutionised the 17th century textile industry, but is now only practised by two printers.
A Blue Print for Art

High on the Alpine Pasture

© SalzburgerLand/Edward Groeger
For a short while in summer, the Alpine pastures transport animals and people alike into an intoxicating mood.
Almsommer in SalzburgerLand

Hallein Salt Mines

© Österreich Werbung/Knop
You can visit one of the oldest salt mines in the world at Hallein near the city of Salzburg.
Salt of the Earth

Goiserer Boots

© Leo Himsl
The 140 year old Goiserer is still the epitome of top quality, but it has evolved to be fit for city life as well.
"Engineered" for Mountains

Ferlach's Master Gunsmiths

© Ludwig Borovnik
Weapons made in Ferlach make the collector's heart beat faster and are coveted by hunters across the world.
Renowned for Precision

Falconry in Austria

© Markus Zeiler
For 5,000 years, humans have been benefitting from the hunting instinct of birds of prey.
The Art of Free Flight

Cult of the Dead Vienna

© Österreich Werbung/Muhr
The Viennese quite happily talk about death during their lifetime: they sing about it and build monuments to it.
Cemetries and Tributes

Bregenzerwald Women's Costume

© Bregenzerwald Tourismus/Lingg
The Bregenzerwald women marched bravely towards the attackers who turned and ran: they took them to be angels.
The Beauty of the Juppe

Breadmaking in the Lesachtal Valley

© Lesachtaler Mühlenverein
Home-made bread is an expression of wealth and the joy of living in the Lesachtal valley in Carinthia.
From Corn to Bread

Bleiberg's Mining Culture

© Bad Bleiberg
Visitors to Bad Bleiberg mine can get a fascinating insight into the working practices and living conditions of miners.
„Glück auf!“

"Dudeln" and "Schrammelmusik"

© Wiener Volksliedwerk
Learn more about the Viennese forms of music “Dudeln” (the local name for yodelling) and "Schrammelmusik”.
Viennese Doodlers and Schrammellers
 
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