All articles related to Culture

Fairytale Castle Tour

Discover the true beauty of winter in Tirol and its surroundings on this 9-day tour. Excursions include the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, the medieval town of Fussen and Linderhof Castle and the picturesque village of Oberammergau.

Klimt & Secessionist Vienna

5 days Vienna, visiting several Klimt exhibitions, buildings, designs and artworks of the Vienna Secession, Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts and the roots of Modernism. Flights, accommodation and admission charges included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lake Constance in Vorarlberg

The region of Bodensee-Vorarlberg hosts dozens of music and art festivals, including the renowned Bregenz Festival on Lake Constance with its floating stage.

Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg

Famous for its contemporary architecture, throughout Vorarlberg's Bregenzerwald classic wooden buildings are preserved, yet also enhanced, in bold modern form.

Alpbach Valley Tirol

For centuries, residents have preserved traditional farming practices and observed strict building controls in the Alpbachtal, surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks.

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.

29.07.2012 - 05.08.2012

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.

03.08.2012 - 18.08.2012

OperettenSommer Kufstein

"Gräfin Mariza" by Emmerich Kálmán will be headlining the 2012 operetta summer season at Kufstein Fortress.

21.07.2012 - 14.08.2012

Music Festival Steyr

An annual highlight on the cultural agenda of Steyr and on the Austrian cultural scene, with open air opera and fantastic musical productions.

29.06.2012 - 04.08.2012

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.

25.10.2011 - 04.03.2012

Klimt & Hoffmann - Pioneers of Modernism

This exhibition focuses on the collaboration between Gustav Klimt and Josef Hoffmann, the architect and co-founder of the Wiener Werkstätte. It takes place at the Austrian Gallery in Belvedere Palace, where the famous painting "The Kiss" is displayed.

24.02.2012 - 11.06.2012

Gustav Klimt - Journeys

This exhibition will present items from Emilie Flöge’s estate, including her correspondence with Gustav Klimt. The museum’s holdings contain major paintings by Klimt, as well as works by other Secession artists, including one of the world’s most important Egon Schiele collections.

13.03.2012 - 17.06.2012

Klimt - Drawings

The Albertina celebrates the Klimt Year with the exhibition “Klimt – Drawings”, displaying the majority of the 170 Klimt drawings from its own collection, as well as numerous items on loan, providing a comprehensive overview of the unique drawing talent of Gustav Klimt.

06.07.2012 - 02.09.2012

Klimt and the Künstlerhaus

This show documents the works Gustav Klimt created in association with the Künstlerhaus, of which he was a member from 1891 to 1897.

14.02.2012 - 06.05.2012

Klimt at the Kunsthistorisches Museum

On display will be the thirteen paintings and their preliminary sketches for Klimt’s 1890 decoration of the grand staircase of the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), providing visitors with insights into the creation of these works.

10.05.2012 - 29.10.2012

Against Klimt Exhibition

Before coming into possession of the Austrian Theatre Museum, Gustav Klimt’s Nuda Veritas painting was owned by the writer Hermann Bahr, who in his book “Against Klimt” defended the artist against hostile critics. This exhibition also examines the creative output of Bahr.

16.05.2012 - 16.09.2012

Klimt - The Wien Museum Collection

The Historical Museum of the City of Vienna presents numerous Klimt objects, including his Portrait of Emilie Flöge, posters, publications, painting smock, death mask and Egon Schiele’s drawing of the dead Gustav Klimt. Plus 400 Klimt drawings - the largest collection in the world.

Klimt Exhibitions Vienna 2012

Gustav Klimt would have celebrated his 150th Birthday in 2012. Vienna marks the year by honouring the painter with several special exhibitions on his life, work and the Jugendstil movement.

Regional Capitals

No less than three of the nine Austrian regional capitals have been celebrated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and absolutely all are well worth a visit. From Vienna via Salzburg to Bregenz, use your time in Austria to explore its 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 in Austria's nine regions.

Pure Indulgence

What would a country be without its rural traditions? In Austria a number of regions have got together to create themed routes that invite you to explore its 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.

Vienna

Visit Austria’s Imperial capital city on the banks of the Danube. Explore the grandeur of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Ride on a tram around the Ringstrasse, circling the city centre. Discover the majesty of Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Wander around the bustling Naschmarkt for a keepsake or souvenir.

Salzburger Land

Whether at the world-famous festival in the City of Salzburg, or during country Harvest Festival celebrations - there are always festivals that will appeal to all your senses and sensibilities. And our extraordinarily beautiful landscapes form a backdrop that couldn't be more perfect.

Carinthian summer

Discover a Mediterranean climate on the shores of Lake Wörthersee warmed by natural springs to a balmy 21°C

Innsbruck Festival of Early Music

The Innsbruck Festival of Early Music is a must for all music lovers visiting Innsbruck in August.

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.

Cattle Drive & Village Fair

The farmer´s market with cattle procession and parish fair is the most important festival of the year in Reith. With live music and entertainment, you can admire original wood carving, basket weaving and schnapps distilling, plus get a taste of local products such as bacon, fresh dark bread and homemade butter.

Summer in Austria

Welcome to our virtual photo exhibition of Summer in Austria: Fresh Sights and Enchanting Surprises. With audio podcasts and story cards for each picture, prepare to be enchanted by Austria's Hidden Treasures.

Feldkirch Festival

The annual Feldkirch Festival, headed by Phillipe Arnaud, takes place 06. - 17.06., playing early and modern music, and focusing on a different country each year. In 2012, the spotlight is on Finland and Norway.

Bregenz Festival

The Bregenz Festival brings together the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, performers, and directors to produce the finest in modern entertainment. A hi-tech floating stage on Lake Constance has become a platform for some of the world’s most distinguished operas, such as the 2012 production of ‘André Chénier’.

Bregenz Spring 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.

Styriarte 2012

The Styriarte Festival in Graz 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. The 2012 festival will be held from 24th June - 25th July.

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.

Austria's City Life

From Vienna's coffee house culture to music festivals with the latest line-up, Austria's cities have plenty to offer.

Meet the City Folk

Combining the old, the new and the culinary. World-famous cities, sights and sounds for all. Thrilling Imperial crossroads in a deep valley. Meet the people who are lucky enough to live in Austria's top cities.

Meet the Zillertal Locals

The Zillertal is renowned for its cuisine and especially its haymilk products, thanks to the Zillertal Tuxer cattle. We speak to two local haymilk workers to find out about life in this beautiful region.

Austria's Cultural Highlights

In cities, towns, and mountain villages across Austria, summer brings with it a sense of renewal, not only with nature in its fullest bloom, but also in collective spirit. Austrians themselves celebrate the season with a kaleidoscope of activities, exhibitions and festivals.

Meet the Lake Constance Locals

Lake Constance, Vorarlberg, is a hotbed of art, architecture and culture. Here we meet two of the region's major players, the Director of the Kunsthaus Bregenz, and the MD of the Rolls Royce Museum.

Artistic Highlights

Take a look at our selection of some of the artistic highlights that Austria has to offer, from up-and-coming fashion designer Lena Hoschek to more traditional craftsmanship such as that of the Ferlach gunsmiths.

Meet the Bregenzerwald Locals

There is a fantastic qualiy of life to be found in Vorarlberg's Bregenzerwald region. Walks at over 2,000 metres, wonderful wood architecture and fantastically fresh local produce are some of the perks that locals can enjoy all year round.

Austria's Passion for Tradition and Nature

From yodelling in Vienna to birdwatching at the national park Neusiedlersee.

Meet the Alpbachtal Locals

Get to know Georg, the feather quill embroiderer from Tirol, and Ander who runs the Unterberghof farm. Meet the locals that make the Austrian region of Alpbachtal so special.

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 & 28 secular choral pieces, and numerous arrangements and compositions for organ and other instruments.

Musical visionary

Franz Liszt is regarded as the creator of an entirely new genre of piano music and a groundbreaking compositional style. As a pianist, as well, he broke with all the conventions of the time, often drawing on one or more themes from familiar operas and using them as the basis for brilliant piano fantasies.

Franz Liszt: © lisztomania

The province of Burgenland celebrates the 200th birthday of Franz Liszt in 2011 with outstanding concerts, exhibitions, and special projects focusing on the enormous oeuvre of the composer and conductor.

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 Easter concerts to fill the evenings with musical delight.

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.

Franz Liszt - 200th Anniversary in 2011

Franz Liszt is regarded as the creator of 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.

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 2011/2012.

06.06.2012 - 17.06.2012

Feldkirch Festival

Any music-lover's delight, the Feldkirch Festival has been running since 2007. Emphasizing contemporary music of the 20th and 21st Century and geared to contact the young audiences of tomorrow, the 2012 focus will be on Scandinavian music.

05.07.2012 - 11.07.2012

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.

22.03.2012 - 25.03.2012

Loisiarte

Loisiarte is the annual cultural spring festival in Langenlois. After a successful as ever 2011 event, the 2012 festival will be held from 22nd until 25th March

20.04.2012 - 22.04.2012

Literature & Wine

This international festival is an annual encounter of readings, music and locally grown fine wines. The evening events at Goettweig Abbey are accompanied by modern Viennese music.

09.09.2012 - 03.10.2012

Bruckner Festival

The festival features international musicians performing works by and from the time of Anton Bruckner. The festival opens with a "classical cloud of sound".

27.07.2012 - 15.08.2012

Danube Festival

Ancient music in historic venues along the beautiful banks of the Danube.

30.08.2012 - 04.09.2012

Ars Electronica Festival

What began as a pilot project has evolved throughout the past 30 years into one of the major avant-garde media art festivals in the world, putting the city of Linz into the spotlight each September.

24.02.2012 - 27.02.2012

ART Innsbruck 2012

This event in Innsbruck features international exhibitors who present everything from paintings to prints, from sculptures to installations, and lots more in between.

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.

A Vibrant Cultural Scene

Be inspired by Antony Gormley's unique landscape installation in the mountains of Vorarlberg, take your pick of over 200 international and regional festivals, or visit one of the world's most important and stunning museum collections. Experience the diversity of Austria's art and culture.

Round Trips Austria

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

Graz, Salzburg and Innsbruck

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

06.07.2012 - 08.07.2012

Schrammel.Klang.Festival

Festival in Litschau on Lake Herrensee. Music and theatre combined with nature!

12.07.2012 - 12.08.2012

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.

02.08.2012 - 12.08.2012

J:Opera

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

28.04.2012 - 05.05.2012

Donau Festival

An avant-garde pop festival in Krems - inmidst Austria's wine country - featuring music, performance and installations.

19.04.2012 - 23.05.2012

Wean Hean Song Festival

An annual festival of Viennese song and music with the aim of positioning it in novel contexts, performing in unexpected venues and inviting representatives of other styles - jazz and contemporary music, for example - to risk a fresh look at the Viennese "trad".

23.10.2012 - 04.11.2012

Salzburg Jazz-Herbst

This is the 17th edition of this musical delight that brings international and Austrian jazz stars to the Salzburg stages.

05.07.2012 - 29.07.2012

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.

15.06.2012 - 10.07.2012

Innsbruck Summer of Dance

International dance performances from classical ballet to various modern dance forms, jazz and modern expressive dance.

16.06.2012 - 03.09.2012

Finkenstein Castle Arena

Varied programme in front of the magnificent backdrop of Finkenstein Castle in Carinthia

Carinthian Summer

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

Musikfestival Grafenegg

A Classical Music Festival in a romantic setting. Grafenegg offers the historical backdrop for musical masterpieces from past centuries.

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 beautiful Alpine city with music and drama.

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.

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.

Steirischer Herbst

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

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.

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. The Wiener Festwochen 2011 are set to be even more successful than the 2010 event, which saw an incredible attendance of 201.242 guests.

30.03.2012 - 25.05.2012

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.

24.06.2012 - 25.07.2012

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.

06.09.2012 - 16.09.2012

International Haydn Festival

Most of Haydn's career was intertwined with the Esterhazy family and he spent nearly 50 years in their employment. The country seat of the family, Esterhazy Palace, is now home to the annual International Haydn Days. Motto of the 24th festival is "Haydn & Italy".

25.05.2012 - 28.05.2012

Salzburg Whitsun Festival

Prefacing Salzburg's main summer festival, the Salzburg Whitsun Festival concentrates on baroque music.

31.03.2012 - 09.04.2012

Salzburg Easter Festival

Every year the Salzburg Easter Festival offers an international audience the unique opportunity of experiencing the world-class Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, as part of one of the most renowned classical music festivals in the world.

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.

27.01.2012 - 22.10.2012

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.

19.07.2012 - 26.08.2012

Salzkammergut Festival

Choose between a wide range of concerts, readings and recitals, and discover a new cultural delight every day throughout this fantastic festival.

12.07.2012 - 26.08.2012

Seefestspiele Mörbisch 2012

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 Johann Strauss' classic "Die Fledermaus".

25.10.2012 - 07.11.2012

Viennale

Every year in October, Vienna is the set of the Vienna International Film Festival, presenting a range of movies from all over the world.

Cityscape

Fall for Vienna's whirl of 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.

Antony Gormley: Horizon Field

Antony Gormley's Horizon Field consists of 100 life-size, solid cast iron figures of the human body spread over an area of 150km² in the High Alps of Vorarlberg. Horizon Field is the first art project of its kind in the mountains, and the largest landscape intervention in Austria to date, forming a horizontal line at 2,039m above sea level.

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 Vorarlberg

Discover the diversity of Vorarlberg in style at one of our recommended Design Hotels.

Design Hotels in Vienna

With a fantastic range of modern accommodation, Vienna offers its visitors an insight into its cultural heritage with a true cosmopolitan touch.

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 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.

Farmstay Holidays

For many city-dwellers, farmstay holidays are a great way to escape the hectic pace of city life for a while and for many children a great opportunity to come into close contact with animals they have only seen on TV.

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 delightfully located at Lake Constance, Central Europe’s third largest lake, and offers a dense cultural programme coupled with a wide range of outdoor activities.

Innsbruck

Past and future meet seamlessly in the heart of the Alps as 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.

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, cosy wine taverns, and the very special Viennese charm.

Linz

The city of Linz home to a vibrant music and arts scene that is well-funded by the city and 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 Sight.

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)

Kogelnik, Kiki (1935 - 1997)

Kolig, Anton (1886 - 1950)

Lavant, Christine (1915 - 1973)

Lehár, Franz (1870 - 1948)

Mahler, Gustav (1860 - 1911)

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756 - 1791)

Musil, Robert (1880 - 1942)

Schönberg, Arnold (1874 - 1951)

Schubert, Franz (1797 - 1828)

Stolz, Robert (1880 - 1975)

Strauß, Johann - Father (1804 - 1849)

Strauß, Johann (1825 - 1899)

Suppé, Franz von (1819 - 1895)

Turrini, Peter (born 1944)

Wagner, Otto (1841-1918)

Webern, Anton von (1883 - 1945)

Wolf, Hugo (1860 - 1903)

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.

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.

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.

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

Discover the fascination of a vivacious, young and thrilling city.

Graz

Courageous contrasts, individual ideas and a highly interesting culture and architecture scene.

Salzburg

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. Get to know the colourful and exciting cultural scene.

Vorarlberg

This is where tradition and innovation, old handcraft and new design, and traditional wood structures and modern architecture meet.

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.

Modern Design in Tirol

The amorphous, glowing glass structure is one of the stations on the Nordkettenbahn, designed by architect Zaha Hadid.

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.

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.

In the Services of Esterházy

In 1761 Haydn made a lucky career move: he entered the services of the rich Esterházy family in Eisenstadt.

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.

Move to Vienna and World Renown

Haydn was laid to rest in Vienna where his last public appearance took place. One of the guests: Ludwig van Beethoven.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Sopron: Haydn as Regular Guest

On his 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Essl Collection - Klosterneuburg

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

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 Vienna Secession touched off a scandal.

Museum of Fine Arts - Vienna

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

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.

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.

Gallery Belvedere - Vienna

This Baroque masterpiece houses one of Europe's most important museums. 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.

Haus der Musik - Vienna

Haus der Musik 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, offering the visitor a lively introduction to the history of Austria’s great composers.

MUMOK Museum of Modern Art - Vienna

Located in the gigantic black basalt cube 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.

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.

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.

Prost! Drinking with Austrians

Drinking has its own ceremonial protocol in Austria, in which eye-contact plays a central role.

Guten Appetit! Eating with Austrians

Austrians take their food seriously and this dedication shows in their gastronomic rituals.

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.

Kaffeehaus Coffee Culture

Every Kaffeehaus is different, but certain rules and regulations are honoured everywhere.

Lord of the Kaffeehaus

Almost as iconic as the Austrian Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) themselves, are their waiters.

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

'Na' (pronounced 'nah') is one of the most versatile Austrian expressions.

Queueing, Austrian style

When it comes to queueing, Austrians are an unpredictable bunch.

Austria's Ball Season

Every winter, Austria hosts hundreds of swish ball nights.

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.