All articles related to Culture

Graz, Salzburg and Innsbruck

Austrian city breaks offer more than just guidebook sights. Gourmet Graz, romantic Salzburg and invigorating Innsbruck provide new experiences at just the right pace.

Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg enjoys a supreme location in Austria’s most western part. Pleasantly small in size, it offers a mix of high-carat culture and dazzling natural scenery.

Summer Holiday Deals

A day of fresh air in the mountains, an afternoon lost in modern art and architecture, a moment of wonder at opera in the most surprising of settings. And, with plenty of time for unexpected discoveries, Austria is one summer holiday destination that you'd return to in a second.

Easter Markets in Austria

Easter in Austria brings out more colours than you could imagine in culture, cuisine and customs, practiced by young and old. The various Easter Markets invite you to experience regional traditions under the blanket of the delightful spring sunshine, with a grand selection of concerts to fill the evenings with music.

Vienna's Glorious Ball Season

Ever dreamed about dancing the waltz at one of Vienna's many famous balls? With hundreds to choose from, here are the highlights of the Viennese Ball Season 2012/2013.

Architectural Highlights Carinthia

No Austrian province has more water than Carinthia. So it comes as no surprise that any architectural tour of the region invariably leads to the pictureque shores of a lake.

Architectural Highlights Lower Austria

Lower Austria’s architectural highlights are not just limited to a few areas. They are to be found throughout the entire region, from the Wachau Valley and the city of Krems to the provincial capital of St. Pölten.

Architectural Highlights Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost province, is striking for its many structures with timber construction. The architecture is simple, natural and sustainable, traditional and cosmopolitan all at once – like the people who live here. Join us on a tour of Vorarlberg’s building culture and mentality.

Architectural Highlights Salzburg

If cities had a taste, Salzburg would certainly be sweet. This is not only because Salzburg’s most famous delicacy, the Mozartkugel, is made of the finest nougat and marzipan. It is above all because of the fairytale charm of the Baroque city and its modern architectural counterpoints.

Architectural Highlights Vienna

Whether in the historic city centre, at a traditional wine tavern or on the other side of the Danube: Vienna is full of architectural highlights. Here, contemporary and historic buildings coexist in a strikingly innovative way.

Architectural Highlights Tirol

Visitors to Innsbruck in the summer months may be amazed to encounter a glacier-like, futuristic ice formation in the middle of the city, but they are looking at just one of many examples of innovative architecture that create a stimulating contrast to the numerous historic buildings here in Tirol.

Architectural Highlights Burgenland

You can't avoid the topic of wine when visiting Burgenland. But then again, who would want to? Especially since a growing number of modern wine estates boast exquisite architecture on top of exceptional wines.

Architectural Highlights Styria

While the architecture of a region obviously shapes its surroundings, the opposite is just as true. It is thus little wonder that Styria, which boasts such a varied landscape, is incredibly diverse in terms of its buildings too.

Famous Austrians

Who doesn't know them, Austria's 'great' sons and daughters? They have left their mark all across the centuries in politics, art, science and sport. Find out which famous personalities originated from the country at the heart of Europe, or chose it as the center of their life and creative work.

Wolf, Hugo (1860 - 1903)

Hugo Wolf was an Austrian composer of Slovene origin, particularly noted for his art songs. He brought to this form a concentrated expressive intensity which was unique in late Romantic music, somewhat related to that of the Second Viennese School in concision but utterly unrelated in technique.

Webern, Anton von (1883 - 1945)

Anton Webern was an Austrian composer and conductor. As a student and follower of Arnold Schoenberg, he became one of the best-known exponents of the twelve-tone technique. In addition, his innovations regarding schematic organization of pitch, rhythm and dynamics were formative in the musical technique later known as total serialism.

Wagner, Otto (1841-1918)

Otto Koloman Wagner was an Austrian architect and urban planner. He is known for his lasting impact on the appearance of his home town Vienna, to which he contributed many landmarks.

Turrini, Peter (born 1944)

Peter Turrini is an Austrian leftist playwright and was born in Carinthia. He has been writing since 1971, when his play Rozznjogd premiered at the Volkstheater, Vienna. Turrini has written plays, screenplays, poems, and essays.

Suppé, Franz von (1819 - 1895)

Franz von Suppé or Francesco Suppé Demelli was an Austrian composer of light operas. He was composer and conductor of the Romantic period and is notable for his four dozen operettas.

Strauß, Johann (1825 - 1899)

Johann Strauss II was an Austrian composer of light music, particularly dance music and operettas. He composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas and a ballet. In his lifetime, he was known as "The Waltz King.

Strauß, Johann - Father (1804 - 1849)

Johann Strauss I was born in Vienna, was an Austrian Romantic composer and was famous for his waltzes. His most famous piece is the Radetzky March (named after Joseph Radetzky von Radetz), while his most famous waltz is probably the Lorelei Rheinklänge, Op. 154.

Stolz, Robert (1880 - 1975)

Robert Elisabeth Stolz was an Austrian conductor and songwriter as well as a composer of operettas and film music.

Schubert, Franz (1797 - 1828)

Franz Schubert was an vienniese composer, who composed his first pieces in his childhood.

Schönberg, Arnold (1874 - 1951)

Arnold Schoenberg was an Austrian composer and painter, associated with the expressionist movement in German poetry and art, and leader of the Second Viennese School.

Musil, Robert (1880 - 1942)

Robert Musil was an Austrian writer. His unfinished long novel The Man Without Qualities is one of the most important modernist novels.

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756 - 1791)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- one of the greatest composer of all times. He created his own distinctive style with blending traditional and contemporary together.

Mahler, Gustav (1860 - 1911)

Gustav Mahler was born into a poor Jewish family in the town of Kalište in Bohemia on 7th July 1860. Mahler's considerable musical talents, which he employed both as composer and conductor, were surpassed only by his ambition.

Lehár, Franz (1870 - 1948)

Franz Lehár was an Austro-Hungarian composer. He is known for his operettas of which the most successful and best known is The Merry Widow (Die lustige Witwe).

Lavant, Christine (1915 - 1973)

Christine Lavant was born in Carinthia and was an Austrian poet and novelist. Lavant made her breakthrough with her collection of poems "The Beggar's Bowl" in 1956.

Kolig, Anton (1886 - 1950)

Anton Kolig was born in Nötsch im Gailtal and was an Austrian expressionist painter. He painted drawins which spread full of power and tenderness.

Kogelnik, Kiki (1935 - 1997)

Kiki Kogelnik was an Austrian painter, sculptor and printmaker. She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, moved to New York in 1961 and is considered as Austria's most important Pop-related artist.

Government & People

Austria is a federal republic state with a parliamentary democracy. Find out more about its government and people.

History

Like most European countries, Austria looks back on a very eventful history. Yet there are some elements of the Austrian character that haven’t changed much over the centuries: the partiality for indulgence, beauty, and cultivation have always been driving forces in the country’s past and present.

Austrian Beer - Cheers!

A good beer has only four ingredients: water, grain, a little hops and yeast. The rest depends on the brewer’s skill, but in Austria, thankfully, they have got plenty!

Vienna

As one of the most liveable cities in the world, Vienna is culturally on the cutting edge. Discover here the fascination of a vivacious, young and thrilling city.

Graz

Courageous contrasts, individual ideas and a highly interesting culture and architecture scene. The World Cultural Heritage Graz, brings together a colourful smorgasbord of all the different styles under its roof landscape.

Salzburg

Salzburg is an idyllic city on the Salzach, the home of Mozart and the famous nougat-marzipan-chocolates - "Mozartkugeln". Get to know the Salzburg beyond the powdered wigs and spectacular high culture.

Linz

Linz was the cultural capital of Europe in 2009 and remains one of Austria's most happening cities. The city moved purposefully in the direction of a modern, urban, liveable and culturally interesting centre. Get to know the colourful and exciting cultural scene.

Vorarlberg

The inhabitants of Vorarlberg themselves call their beautiful country “Ländle”. Voralberg, the “Ländle” is where tradition and innovation, old handcraft and new design, and traditional wood structures and modern architecture meet.

Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is the only riding academy in the world which has been cultivating the art of equitation in its purest form for over 400 years, and which trains both horses (the famous white Lipizzaners) and riders according to methods which have been used for centuries, passed down over the years by word of mouth alone.

Sopron: Haydn as Regular Guest

On Joseph's Haydn way from Eisenstadt to Eszterháza, Count Estherházy’s Hungarian version of Versailles palace, Count Nikolaus often stopped over in Sopron. Traveling with him was his Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn.

From Choirboy to Conductor

Joseph Haydn was born on March 31st, 1732, in Rohrau (Lower Austria), the second of twelve children of a coach-builder and a cook. His musical talent already became clear at a very early age.

Modern Design in Tirol

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

Move to Vienna and World Renown

Haydn was laid to rest in Vienna where his last public appearance in March 1808 took place. One of the guests: Ludwig van Beethoven. With the age of 77, he died peacefully in the Haydn House.

Modern Architecture in the Alps

At first it 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.

In the Services of Esterházy

In 1761 Haydn made a lucky career move: he entered the services of the rich Esterházy family in Eisenstadt. The Esterházy family was one of the richest and most influential within the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Vienna: Haydn for Experts

Attentive Vienna visitors will find traces of the great composer Joseph Haydn across the city: from the Esterházy Palace to the memorial of Empress Maria Theresia.

Burgenland: The Stations of his Life

The Burgenland region offers visitors a true trail of stations of Haydn's life. Not to be missed are the Haydn House and herb garden, the famous Bergkirche, and Haydn's final resting place.

The Prügeltorte Cake

Still a must at festive events, Queen Elisabeth was served this "royal" cake when she visited Tirol!

Design Hotels in Vorarlberg

The guest also must not do without modern and attractive design during the holidays : In Vorarlberg, there are many design hotels, designed by renowned architects, according to all rules of architecture and implemented. Discover the diversity of Vorarlberg in style at one of our recommended design hotels.

Design Hotels in Vienna

As the centre of power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna was one of Europe's most important 19th century cities. During its heyday, Vienna was home to many of Europe's great musicians and also to some of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture. With a fantastic range of modern accommodation, Vienna offers its visitors an insight into its cultural heritage with a true cosmopolitan touch.

Burgenland: The Stations of his Work

Joseph Haydn had strong connections with Eisenstadt. The famous master composer lived and worked in this city as Hofkapellmeister under Esterházy patronage. One of the most important Haydn memorial sites is the Bergkirche in Eisenstadt.

Haydn's Travels Through Austria

To Mozart he was a fatherly friend, and Beethoven was his most famous student. Numerous sites in Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland and Sopron attest to the life of the then and now so popular Austrian composer Joseph Haydn.

Vienna: Haydn at every Step

Haydn House, Mozart House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are some of the original venues in Vienna. Visit Haydn’s memorial in Mariahilfer Straße and see – or even hear! – Haydn at the historic Anker Clock!

A Star in Great Britain

In 1790 Prince Nikolaus I. died. His successor showed no interest in music and within a few days disbanded the orchestra and choir and granted Haydn an annual pension. Mozart expressed reservations that Haydn did not even speak English, he said: “My music is understood in all the world!”

Architecture in Austria

To visit Austria is to experience brilliant architecture in dramatic landscapes. Whether you travel through Austria's picture perfect countryside or stay in its imperial cities - architectural masterpieces are to be found everywhere.

Vienna: Exhibitions

There are several exhibitions in Vienna spotlighting the life and works of one of the most prominent composers of the classical period. Some of these exhibitions are staged at original Haydn venues. The Haydn House is a "must-see" for all Joseph Haydn fans which contains Haydn’s original rooms.

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.

Albertina - Vienna

The Albertina 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.

Museum of Fine Arts - Vienna

Thanks to the acquisitions by and the patronage of the House of Habsburg, the Museum of fine Arts in Vienna has an unrivalled collection of old masters, including a vast selection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

The Secession - Vienna

Today, it is one of Austria’s most photographed structures and a leading centre for contemporary art. But when it opened in 1898, the Secession - Vienna touched off a scandal.

Gallery Belvedere - Vienna

This Baroque masterpiece houses is one of Europe's most important museums, the Gallery Belvedere Vienna. In the Upper Belvedere the world's largest collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt is on display, alongside works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.

MUMOK Museum of Modern Art - Vienna

Located in the gigantic black basalt cube, the MUMOK Museum of Modern Art, in the courtyard of the Viennese MuseumsQuartier, view a vast collection of major 20th century artists - from Picasso to Pollock - as well as changing contempoary exhibitions.

Haus der Musik - Vienna

Haus der Musik - Vienna is a modern interactive experimental museum in the historic city center of Vienna, where the Vienna Philharmonic was founded. Infotainment, Edutainment and Entertainment – these are the three catchwords characterizing the Haus der Musik - Vienna, offering the visitor a lively introduction to the history of Austria’s great composers.

Kunsthaus Graz

The building Kunsthaus Graz, 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. It has become an attraction for art lovers and the culturally minded from all over the world.

Art in Salzburg

Salzburg is not only devoted to the traditional. A lively art and culture scene with a plethora of galleries and event venues embraces the avant-garde, the unconventional and the future-oriented.

Museum of Modern Art - Salzburg

Salzburg's dramatic museum of modern and contemporary art, the Museum der Moderne, sits atop the sheer cliff face of the Mönchsberg, 60 meters above Salzburg’s historic old town.

Essl Collection - Klosterneuburg

Take a trip a few miles north of Vienna to visit the Essl Collection in Klosterneuburg, the important collection of Austrian painting dating back to 1945. It is one of Austria's most comprehensive collections of post-war art works.

Vienna: The Wine Capital

No other country can lay claim to so much viticulture and wine-culture in its capital city. Grapes were cultivated here as early as 1132 AD.

Austria's Eastern Edge

Burgenland is unlike anywhere else in Austria. Whereas Austria is known for rugged Alps, pirouette-inducing meadows or the excitement of Vienna, Burgenland sits on the edge of Central Europe’s vast Pannonian plain.

Kaffeehaus Coffee Culture

Every Kaffeehaus is different, but certain rules and regulations are honoured everywhere. Especially Vienna is known for its traditional coffee.

Guten Appetit! Eating with Austrians

Austrians take their food seriously and this dedication shows in their gastronomic rituals.There are rituals to wish one another 'Guten Appetit' or 'Mahlzeit'

Austria's Ball Season

Every winter, Austria hosts hundreds of swish ball nights. Learn about the traditions of a typical evening at the ball.

Prost! Drinking with Austrians

Drinking has its own ceremonial protocol in Austria, in which eye-contact plays a central role. Austria's favourite digestive is a shot of Schnaps. You are likely to be offered a shot, after a meal.

A late-night institution: the Würstelstand

After a long night of revelry, there is nothing like a hearty snack to avoid a rude awakening the next day. These food stalls are specialized in serving a wide range of sausages and staying open until dawn.

Lord of the Kaffeehaus

Almost as iconic as the Austrian Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) themselves, are their waiters. If you have achieved a certain standing at a Kaffeehaus because of generous tips or repeat visits you may be awarded a title like doctor.

Yes. No. Maybe? The meanings of 'Na'

'Na' (pronounced 'nah') is one of the most versatile Austrian expressions. Austrians use 'Na' in many different meanings like in an affirmative sense or can be used as an all-round question.

Queueing, Austrian style

When it comes to queueing, Austrians are an unpredictable bunch. At queues there are a variety of things like the urgency of the matter at ticket offices or ski lifts.

The Oeuvre of the Master

Haydn is traditionally considered the “Father" of the classical symphony and string quartet, and an innovator in the composition of piano sonatas and piano trios.

26.05.2013 - 05.10.2013 - Erl

Passion Plays Erl

Passion plays have been an essential part of Tirolean culture since the Middle Ages. In 2013 the Passion Plays Erl celebrate 400 years with an outstanding programme.

Vienna Austria

Austria’s capital is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cosy wine taverns, and the very special Viennese charm.

Natural Quality Package Alpbach

Hectic city life is a distant memory in Tirol's Alpbachtal. 7 nights in a 3-star hotel with Alpbachtal Seenland Card, giving access to mountain lifts, guided walks and more.

29.06.2013 - 27.07.2013 - Krems

Glatt & Verkehrt

This very unique festival takes place in different venues: Winzer Krems, Spitz Castle, Zoehrer Wineyard, Goettweig Abbey, as well as Krems. Since 1997 it has provided an environment for artists from around the world to deal with their musical roots in original, funny and surprising ways.

12.09.2013 - 28.09.2013 - Schwaz

Klangspuren

Klangspuren is a festival of contemporary music, held annually in the town of Schwaz in Tirol.

09.08.2013 - 15.09.2013 - Lower Austria

Allegro Vivo

International chamber music festival at various Lower Austria venues. 2013 focuses on the cultural diversity of the British Isles, highlighting how great composers of the European continent as well as native composers derived inspiration for their monumental works.

01.08.2013 - 18.08.2013 - Seeboden

Medieval Tournaments at Sommeregg Castle

Enjoy a close-up experience of the Middle Ages at Sommeregg Castle, with tournaments, performances and even a Medieval Market to entertain visitors of all ages.

03.08.2013 - 17.08.2013 - Altenmarkt-Zauchensee

Cultural Summer in the Mountains

Be carried away into the inspirational world of the arts on nature's stage when Altenmarkt-Zauchensee hosts its unique cultural festival in August.

Yodelling in Styria

As loud as a scream or as melodious as a song – that’s the yodellers from Styria. Sung as a modulated “jo” syllable, the power of the voice is something which fascinates the world over and invites people to try it for themselves.

"Dudeln" and "Schrammelmusik"

The best things about Vienna seem to come from somewhere else. For instance, the ‘Wiener Schnitzel’ actually comes from Milan, and the same goes for such authentically Viennese forms of music as “Dudeln” (the local name for yodelling) and "Schrammelmusik”, which have also “migrated” here.

High on the Alpine Pasture

For a short while in summer, the Alpine pastures transport animals and people alike into an intoxicating mood.

The “Silent Night” Carol

It touches people from all nations and cultures: the carol “Silent Night, Holy Night!” is an expression of the deepest reflection and spiritual longing for peace.

Breadmaking in the Lesachtal Valley

Home-made bread is an expression of wealth and the joy of living in the Lesachtal valley in Carinthia.

Falconry in Austria

From the falconer’s fist, the falcon launches itself and climbs high into the air, until it spots its prey: for 5,000 years, humans have been benefitting from the hunting instinct of birds of prey.

“Fasnacht” and Tirol Mask-Carvers

In Tirol, the processions marking “Fasnacht” (the Shrovetide carnival) are such wild celebrations that these traditional events are only staged every 3, 4 or even 5 years.

Viticulture in Lower Austria

In Lower Austria, the vines were planted on fruitful soil: from the time when the Romans planted vines on the favoured sites in this northern province of their Empire, wine has been prized here as a pleasurable cultural heritage and elevated to cult status by committed wine-growers.

Wiener Walzer and Ball Season

Nowhere are balls so romantically formal as in Vienna. This tradition is intoxicating to locals and visitors for far more than a single night.

Wood Architecture in Vorarlberg

In the building traditions of other countries it may be fine stones and hand-made tiles - in Vorarlberg, that status is given to wood. In the Bregenzerwald region, the knowledge about this age-old building material is being preserved and applied with a contemporary twist.

The Taste of Alpine Pastures

For centuries, the tradition of three-level pasture management in the Alps has been practised in Vorarlberg. This results in some unusual and rare types of cheese. The “Käsestrasse Bregenzerwald” (“Bregenzerwald Cheese Road”) is an invitation to experience this cultural heritage, the people, their hospitality and, of course, the cheese, in all its rich variety.

Reed Roofs in Burgenland

Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland is surrounded by one of the largest contiguous belts of reed beds. And it is the reason for a special winter sport: reed-cutting.

Bregenzerwald Women's Costume

The women of the Bregenzerwald marched bravely towards the attackers. When the attackers saw the women approaching in their white clothes, they turned and ran: they took the women to be angels. Since then, legend has it, the women wear dark skirts – to avoid being mistaken for otherworldly beings.

Kaffeehaus Culture Vienna

The Viennese say they looted sacks of coffee beans after the Turks withdrew following a failed siege in 1683. But it was a spy on the payroll of the Royal Court who gave the city its real taste for coffee: born in Istanbul, he founded Vienna’s first Kaffeehaus in 1685.

Cult of the Dead Vienna

The Viennese concern themselves with death quite happily during their lifetime: they sing about it, play with it and build monuments to it. The cult of the dead is a slightly macabre yet gleeful manifestation and a strategically clever move against the finiteness of life.

Ferlach's Master Gunsmiths

They are as beautiful as museum pieces when they leave the workshop, but destined for practical use. Renowned for their precision, weapons made in Ferlach make the heart of every collector beat faster and are coveted by hunters all over the world.

Spanish Riding School Vienna

Levade, courbette and capriole are classical school jumps performed by the Lipizzaner stallions, who enchant their public at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. The traditions of this haute école of classic equestrianism have been passed down by word of mouth for more than 400 years. Once these intelligent white stallions have completed their training, they are known as professors.

Schladming Loden

Loden has been the high performance product of the Alpine population for centuries. And a fabric that is synonymous with the national identity. Nothing protects so naturally against cold, rain and wind. The “Schladminger Rock” is particularly famous, a robust men’s jacket. The cloth for this garment is produced in Austria’s oldest Lodenwalke (Loden fulling mill).

Hallein Salt Mines

You can visit one of the oldest salt mines in the world at Hallein near Salzburg: its salt provided a livelihood for local people, brought riches to the archbishops and built the magnificent city of Salzburg we admire today.

The Melody of Pine Resin

A botanical rarity extends south of Vienna, from the Wienerwald as far as Rax and Schneeberg: the largest and most northerly forest of Austrian black pine in Europe. It conceals more than one secret – and trees with faces!

Bleiberg's Mining Culture

„Glück auf!“ is the greeting of miners to wish each other a productive day at the face and a safe journey back to daylight. Despite closure of the mine in 1993, this traditional miners’ greeting is still on everyone’s lips in Bad Bleiberg near Villach in Carinthia.

The Sound of Heiligenkreuz Abbey

Heiligenkreuz Abbey, Europe’s largest Cistercian Monastery, lies behind protective walls, less than half an hour’s drive from Vienna. With an uninterrupted 900 years history of monasticism, Heiligenkreuz is both tourist attraction and deeply spiritual experience.

Pinzgau's Natural Medicine

The Pinzgau region, tucked between Tirol and Bavaria, is a quintessential Alpine environment, with its forests, meadows and magnificent farms. Over the centuries the mountain dwellers of Pinzgau, often living isolated from the rest of the world, have found novel ways to survive, existing on what they could find on their doorstep.

Indigo Printing Burgenland

Indigo printing revolutionised Europe’s textile industry in the 17th century, when thousands of printing works sprang up. Nowadays this handcraft is only practised by two printers, in Burgenland in a workshop where everything is old except the designs. This heartens traditionalists as much as young creative talent.

Goiserer Boots

It began 140 years ago in Bad Goisern with the invention of the first “engineered” mountain boot. Today the Goiserer is still the epitome of top quality, but it has evolved to be fit for city life.

Bregenz Festival Package

See Mozart's ‘The Magic Flute’ on the floating stage of Lake Constance. Includes 2 nights in a 3* or 4* hotel, welcome drink, festival ticket and local discount card.

Cultural Highlights

There are countless highlights that await culture lovers visiting Vorarlberg. Lake Constance provides a perfect backdrop for the arts whilst the region of the Bregenzerwald is famous for its contemporary architecture.

Natural Delights

Experience the living museum of the Alpbach Valley Tirol where life has remained the same for centuries. Or visit the foodie's veritable promised land of Zillertal, renowned for its cuisine and natural ingredients.

City Special

Austria is your desination for city breaks with a twist: Salzburg presents its Baroque face, Graz is a real paradise for foodies and Innsbruck couples sightseeing with outdoor adventure.

28.07.2013 - 04.08.2013 - Villach

Villacher Kirchtag

Austria’s largest traditional folk festival is a melting pot of traditions and ancient customs. During the one-week celebrations you can also enjoy the fun park and watch presentations and shows on several stages all over the centre of Villach.

02.08.2013 - 01.08.2013 - Kufstein

OperettenSommer Kufstein

"Der Vogelhändler" with music by Carl Zeller will be headlining the 2013 operetta summer season at Kufstein Fortress.

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.

Gustav Klimt - His Life

As one of the leading figures of fin-de-siècle Vienna, Gustav Klimt created a body of works that made him what he is today: the most famous Austrian painter in the entire world.

Gustav Klimt - His Work

Equally controversial and successful in his day, Gustav Klimt was one of the central figures of fin-de-siècle Vienna, the epoch that marked the beginning of Modernism.

Gustav Klimt - The Kiss

In 1907 Gustav Klimt began work on The Kiss, the most famous work of his entire oeuvre, as well as the culmination of the European Jugendstil movement.

Gustav Klimt - Anecdotes

There are stories about most artists that move or amuse generation upon generation of followers. Have fun reading our selection of Gustav Klimt anecdotes.

Gustav Klimt and Landscape Painting

The landscapes he painted during the many summer holidays he spent on Attersee show that Gustav Klimt was in equal measure receptive to contemporary trends and deeply rooted in the tradition of Austrian landscape painting.

Gustav Klimt and Women

With the exception of his early works, Gustav Klimt painted portraits only of women. These paintings, along with his drawings, show him to be one of the greatest masters of eroticism in the history of art.

Gustav Klimt and Jugendstil

Jugendstil was one of the greatest international phenomena in the history of art and culture, which at the beginning of Modernism was aimed at the renewal of the entrenched, paralyzed art of the time.

The Sound of Music as Tracht Ambassador

Each year over 300,000 Sound of Music fans visit Salzburg. The story, songs and traditional attire worn by the von Trapp Family are responsible for the tireless hype, now brought together in a unique exhibition.

Regional Capitals

Three of Austria's regional capitals are UNESCO listed, and all are worth a visit. From Vienna via Salzburg to Bregenz, explore Austria's vibrant cities.

Castles and Palaces

Austria is filled with magnificent castles and palaces, grandiose witnesses of a bygone era. Follow the footsteps of emperors and knights and let history come alive.

Pure Indulgence

In Austria a number of regions have got together to create themed routes that invite you to explore rural history with gastronomic delights all along the way.

Weddings in Salzburgerland

The region of Salzburgerland is dominated by churches, castles and palaces, as is the city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. No doubt that magnificent castle celebrations and festive arrivals are on the agenda for any wedding here.

Easter Markets in Carinthia

Artistically designed decorations and traditional crafts at Carinthia's wonderful Easter markets, alongside delicious local food and colouful Easter gifts for the whole family.

Apps for your Holidays in Austria

With these Austria apps you will be up to date on the latest weather reports, local maps and more for your trip.

Auffach

Steeped in tradition, the small and friendly Weissbacher dates back over 200 years and was the very first Gasthof in the village of Auffach in Tirol.

Alpbach

Built in Alpbach's classic chalet style, the homely Berghof is a favourite with Inghams guests. Close to the village centre, it has a popular terrace and easy access to walks.

Kitzbühel

In a quiet position overlooking Kitzbühel, Hotel Schloss Lebenberg combines the style of a former aristocratic hunting castle with first class modern comforts.

Danube Cycle Path Linz - Vienna

Experience the perfect combination of culture and nature on a 6-night bicycle tour from Linz through the magnificent Danube valley and Wachau region to Vienna.

Film Festival St. Anton

Every August since 1995, the famous town St. Anton am Arlberg is characterized by mountain and adventure films. The Film Festival St. Anton presents a wide variety of international documentaries and films about extreme climbing, skiing and snowboarding, paragliding, expeditions to the highest and most difficult mountains on earth, and spectacular films about living in the mountains.

Linz in Upper Austria

2013 is all about music in Upper Austria and its capital Linz as it opens the doors to Europe's most modern opera house, the new Musiktheater am Volksgarten.

Schubertiade Schwarzenberg / Hohenems

For over 25 years the Schubertiade Festival has been mastering the seemingly impossible: To maintain intimacy, yet become the most important Schubert festival in the world.

Salzburg's Small Treasures

Treat yourself to a 2-night stay at a 4* hotel in Salzburg with brewery visit, beer and dinner, plus a city tour and 24-hour Salzburg Card.

One Night Free in Graz

Make it an extra long weekend in Graz and stay 3 nights but pay for 2. Your package includes a 24-hour pass to the Universal Museum Joanneum.

Weekend in Linz

Let Linz entice you to a weekend away with 2 nights' accommodation and breakfast, plus a 3-day Linz-Card for free public transport and entrance to all museums.

Franz Liszt - the European

Franz Liszt’s musical career took him to various European countries that were to influence his work. His open-mindedness and cosmopolitan outlook made him a “true” European. It is thus no wonder that today he remains a prominent figure in numerous countries in different ways.

The Life of a Composer

Of all classical composers, Franz Liszt was the most colourful: an eccentric and heartthrob, a virtuoso pianist, an intellectual, cosmopolitan and globetrotter. And above all, he composed incessantly. His musical oeuvre comprises 123 piano works, 77 lieder, 25 orchestral works, 65 sacred and 28 secular choral pieces, plus numerous arrangements and compositions for organ and other instruments.

Musical Visionary

As a pianist and composer, Franz Liszt broke all conventions of the time, often drawing on one or more themes from familiar operas and using them as the basis for brilliant piano fantasies.

Festivals 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.

Gustav Klimt Year 2012

He was the speaker and organizer of the Jugendstil art movement and promoter of young, up-and-coming talent. He created some of the most famous Art Nouveau paintings worldwide and gave Vienna plenty of reasons to celebrate his 150th Birthday in 2012.

Joseph Haydn: Life and Works

Austrian composer Joseph Haydn was a much loved person, esteemed by his contemporaries, diligent, humorous, affable, and a straight shooter who was not spoiled by his steep climb from humble conditions into the highest social circles.

200 Years of Franz Liszt

More than 200 years ago, Franz Liszt created an entirely new genre of piano music and a groundbreaking compositional style. Guided by his vision of transporting his ideas out into the world, Liszt soon became a cosmopolitan due to his extensive concert tours throughout all of Europe, dazzling audiences with his unique performance style and virtuosity.

04.07.2013 - 14.07.2013 - Lockenhaus

Kammermusikfest Lockenhaus

This chamber music festival, which was named one of the world's two best festivals by the New York Times and classified as European cultural heritage, transforms the small town in central Burgenland into the hub of chamber music for two weeks every year.

A Vibrant Cultural Scene

Celebrate Gustav Klimt's 150th Birthday in Vienna, choose from over 200 festivals, or visit one of the world's most important museum collections. Experience the diversity of Austria's art and culture.

Cityscape

Fall for Vienna's Imperial palaces, opulent Jugendstil cafés and the MuseumQuartier's cultural riches. Mozart runs through Salzburg's baroque veins. Peer above red-tiled rooftops and gables in Graz's Old Town, up to pointy alpine peaks from Innsbruck's maze of narrow streets, and seek out Roman-rooted Linz on the Danube's banks.

Round Trips Austria

Immerse yourself into the pulsating lifestyle of Austria's cities. Discover the mighty mountain summits, the far ranging fields, the crystal-clear waters. Enjoy the delicious specialities of each region. Compile your personal round trip of Austria here.

Austria's Top Events

Austria and culture are an inseparable unit, and the cultural programme is accordingly packed to the brim. Here is a selection of this year's top events that should undoubtedly not be missed when visiting Austria.

05.07.2013 - 07.07.2013 - Litschau

Schrammel.Klang.Festival

Festival in Litschau on Lake Herrensee. Music and theatre at the very heart of nature!

01.08.2013 - 11.08.2013 - Jennersdorf

J:Opera

Festival summer in Jennersdorf, Burgenland, with opera, children's performances and exhibitions.

11.07.2013 - 11.08.2013 - Vienna

ImPuls Tanz Festival

Thousands of professional dancers, choreographers, teachers and students from around the world transform Vienna into the global dance capital for five weeks every year.

Discover Bregenzerwald

Book Sunday - Thursday in Bregenzerwald and receive one night free! Look forward to leisurely walks, foodie treats and eye-catching architecture.

20.06.2013 - 06.07.2013 - Salzburg

SommerSzene

For more than forty years, Szene Salzburg has been bringing contemporary dance, performance and film from all over the globe to the Austrian city. The SommerSzene festival puts Salzburg into focus and merges the international with the local.

11.07.2013 - 04.08.2013 - Erl

Tyrolean Festival Erl

Since 1998, a festival with international standards, mainly with visitors from German-speaking areas, but also from other parts of Europe or even the USA and Japan. The Tyrolean Festival Erl is not just any music festival.

Musikfestival Grafenegg

A classical music festival in a romantic setting. Grafenegg offers the historical backdrop for musical masterpieces from past centuries.

Steirischer Herbst

Probably one of the most avantgard festivals in Austria. The "Steirischer Herbst" offers great international theatre performances, readings, screenings and parties.

Jazzfestival Saalfelden

The mountain range of the Steinernes Meer, lush green meadows and a lake form the picturesque backdrop of Europe's most important festival of contemporary jazz.

Salzburger Festspiele

First held in 1920, the Salzburg Festival is one of the cultural highlights of the year. Alongside the regular residency of the Vienna Philharmonic, musicians and ensembles of the highest calibre fill the alpine city with music and drama.

Carinthian Summer

A highly attractive combination of culture and nature is offered by the Carintian Summer music festival in the area surrounding Carinthia's Lake Ossiach each year.

Wiener Festwochen

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

Bregenzer Festspiele

Bregenz is different. An opera festival with two stages: a traditional opera house, home to less-known operas, and an open-air lakeside stage, where productions are held in the most spectacular fashion.

ImPuls Tanz Festival

Thousands of professional dancers, choreographers, teachers and students from around the world transform Vienna into the global dance capital for five weeks every year.

La Strada Street Theatre Festival

Pedestrians dancing furiously, city hikers on urban discovery tours, energy-laden popular productions, phenomenal theatre of masks beyond all physical limits, puppet shows that make us marvel, thrilling productions for kids, and unusual encounters in streetcars and on trains.

01.03.2013 - 24.05.2013 - Bregenz

Bregenz Spring International Dance Festival

The Bregenz Spring International Dance Festival is one of the most innovative festivals in its category. International dance companies are invited to showcase their art.

21.06.2013 - 21.07.2013 - Graz

Styriarte 2012

The Styriarte Festival encourages a rediscovery of long-lost variations of our musical heritage, and mirrors today’s wealth of exciting approaches to Early Music and music between the Middle Ages and Romanticism.

05.09.2013 - 22.09.2013 - Eisenstadt

International Haydn Festival

In 2013 the Haydn Festival Eisenstadt celebrates 25 years of International Haydn Days. The 25th anniversary season will take place at Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria, from 5th to 22nd of September 2013.

Schmäh: A Lesson in Austrian humour

From the polished society of the ball room to the jovial crowd of the alpine hut, Austrians are proud of their Schmäh. This word has many meanings like a sense of a humour and wit.

25.01.2013 - 22.10.2013 - Raiding

Liszt Festival Raiding

Franz Liszt was one of the most dazzling musical personalities of the Romantic era and the composer of a gigantic oeuvre. Every year his birthplace of Raiding in Burgenland celebrates Liszt's immense talent with a number of tributes.

11.07.2013 - 24.08.2013 - Mörbisch

Seefestspiele Mörbisch 2013

The centre of the operetta world is located only sixty kilometres southeast of Vienna in the picturesque town of Mörbisch, on the shores of Lake Neusiedl. This year's performance at the Seefestspiele Mörbisch is "Der Bettelstudent" by Carl Millöcker.

Art in Austria - Plan a Museum Visit

Austria today offers some of the world's most important and stunning collections. To tour the countless museums and galleries is to pass from Old Masters to contemporary art.

Austria in London

The Austrian Cultural Forum in London promotes cultural contacts between the UK and Austria, organising events and supporting artists and projects in the fields of music, performing arts, literature, film and visual arts. It provides an unrivalled venue in central London for recitals, lectures, conferences and much more.

Design Hotels in Upper Austria

Hotel and culture, experience and vision, design and interior all meet here. Discover the spirit of Austria in the heart of Upper Austria's Linz.

Design Hotels in Tirol

Make one of Tirol's many design hotels your base to discover the stunning surroundings they have to offer.

Design Hotels in Styria

Enjoy designer accommodation within the centre of Austria in beautiful Styria. Choose the resort to suit your stay, be it a top-end spa hotel or a quirky hub for young travellers.

Design Hotels in SalzburgerLand

Let yourself be spoilt for choice on modern day accommodation when visiting SalzburgerLand. Enjoy Austrian hospitality within the most happening resorts.

Design Hotels in Lower Austria

Whether you are looking for a contemporary spa retreat, an inspiring architectural masterpiece, or a fresh approach to business travel, you will be sure to find your ideal resort in Lower Austria.

Design Hotels in Carinthia

Carinthia is the ideal place to combine Austrian tradtition with upbeat modern lifestyle.

Design Hotels in Burgenland

Take a look at some of the fantastic design hotels that Burgenland has to offer and make the most of your Austrian experience.

Design Hotels

Designed by celebrity architects and furnished by star interior designers, Austria’s design hotels satisfy the mind and tempt the senses.

Austria's Most Popular Markets

Farmers’ market, flea market or potters’ market: Markets are a feast for all senses and a celebration of colours, scents and voices.

Bregenz

Vorarlberg’s capital is located at Lake Constance, Central Europe’s third largest lake, offering a dense cultural programme and wide range of outdoor activities.

Innsbruck

Past and future meet seamlessly in the heart of the Alps as Innsbruck’s world-famous sights stand alongside post-modern international architecture.

Linz

The city of Linz is home to a vibrant music and arts scene that is well-funded by the city itself and also by the state of Upper Austria.

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.

Take a Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

Salzburg may be home to Mozart and all things baroque, but for an astounding 70% of overseas visitors The Sound of Music remains the primary reason for travel to the city.

Musical Tours the UK

Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End London production of The Sound of Music has earned impressive reviews from both theater goers and critics right from its opening night on 15th November 2006 at London's Palladium. Now fans outside of London have their chance to see this beloved musical as the production continues its UK tour.

Stay Overnight at the 'Von Trapps'

A must-stay for all Sound of Music fans! The former Salzburg home of the real von Trapp family has opened its doors for overnight stays.

The Sound of Music

Who can't hum at least a few bars of 'Edelweiss' or 'The Hills Are Alive'? The story of the von Trapp family continues to resonate with fans all over the world as the popular 1965 musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer remains a beloved favourite, inspiring plenty of visits to the 'The Sound of Music' city.

Bachmann, Ingeborg (1926 - 1973)

Berg, Werner (1904 - 1981)

Bruckner, Anton (1824 - 1896)

Einem, Gottfried von (1918 - 1996)

Freud, Sigmund (1856 - 1939)

Handke, Peter (born 1942)

Haydn, Joseph (1732 - 1809)

Kálmán, Emmerich (1882 - 1953)

Kauffmann, Angelika (1741 - 1807)

Klimt, Gustav (1862 - 1918)

Vienna Boys' Choir

The Vienna Boys' Choir is one of the oldest boys' choirs in the world. For nearly five hundred years it has been one of the enduring symbols of Austria and Vienna.