It takes a village: Stanz in Tirol is Austria’s top producer of high-quality Schnapps.
What is it about a landscape that inspires a painter to recreate it on his canvas? Follow in the footsteps of the famous symbolist painter Gustav Klimt and at 24 different viewpoints, observe the artist’s muse: Lake Attersee.
Visit Attersee and step into the footsteps of a great master...One of the most beautiful baroque buildings in the world, Prince Eugene’s summer palace, Schloss Hof, has recently been brought back to life.
Visit Schloss Hof...Back in 1865, a fire nearly destroyed one of Austria’s most beautiful and inspiring art treasures. Luckily, the splendid Library at Admont Abbey survived and will awe you with its majestic interior and impressive collection of restored books. Often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, this Baroque gesamtkunstwerk is complemented by a modern art museum that can hold its own.
Learn more about Admont Monastery...The most important collection of its kind, the Kunstkammer Vienna – newly renovated and enhanced – is returning to the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna after 10 years. Be enchanted by this realm of fantasy’s overwhelming gold, bronze, ivory, and wooden beauty, as well as exotic elements such as ostrich eggs, the horn of the legendary unicorn, and Benvenuto Cellini’s Saliera.
Learn more about the Kunstkammer...Austria is the only place in the world that produces award winning sweet wines in a national park! Participate in a bird-watching tour of Seewinkel National Park by foot, canoe, or solar boat and then rejuvenate in the Presshaus restaurant in Illmitz with a glass of lusciously sweet “Trockenbeerenauslese” with Kaiserschmarrn (Imperial Pancake) or with a selection of local cheeses.
The Genusshotel Riegersburg is camouflaged in a vineyard on the Styrian Castle Route just 40 miles east of Graz. The views from the gourmet bistro, the delightful spa and spacious rooms invite exploration of the surrounding orchards of rare, fruits and the mighty Riegersburg Castle. The wild, romantic landscape is home to numerous innovative culinary artisans like the Gölles Schnapps & Vinegar Distillery among others.
Perched on the edge of the loess precipice called the Wagram, seemingly suspended in the blue sky is a cool green shimmering glass structure. From the inside, the new regional wine event center called Weritas hovers directly into the surrounding vineyards. Dark walnut, pale creamy leather, and plenty of sunlight comprise a warm and friendly greeting in the restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.
Foodies will tell you that the town’s most important attraction lies just a little off the historic city center of Graz, tucked away behind the Neoclassicist Opera House. The local farmers market is both a testament to local culture and a paradise for gourmets foraging for new ingredients and fresh local produce.
Learn more about the farmers market in Graz...Innsbruck’s futuristic new landmark is the Bergisel ski jump, known particularly as one of the venues for the international Four Hills ski jump competition.
Learn more about the Ski Jump TowerThe World of Ice Giants brings you into the largest ice caves in the world. One of the true wonders on earth, the caves are a wondrous underground world of natural ice sculptures and formations. Discover a world of natural beauty.
Located in downtown Salzburg, near the cathedral and on your way up to the Hohenfestung Salzburg, the Café Tomaselli is the perfect spot to indulge and relax
Innsbruck’s Imperial history is a story all by itself. A glorious city deep in the alpine mountains, the Habsburgs loved Innsbruck, the rougher surroundings, and the distinct Tyrolean culture. Visit Innsbruck’s shining example of this fascinating stretch of time and discover how the Habsburgs made Innsbruck their home.
A luxurious weekend of relaxation and enjoyment is found at the small boutique hotel Wein-Genuss Pössnitzberg. This romantic getaway enjoys a stunning view of the surrounding vineyards in Leutschach, Styria on the southern border of Austria. The award-winning chef of the house will pamper you after a relaxing day with exquisite dishes based on local products paired with rare Styrian wine specialties.
The combination of a historic castle, culinary pleasures, modern architecture, and world-class performances makes the Grafenegg Music Festival a delight for all senses.
Burgenland, the “Land of Castles,” is Austria’s youngest state, which joined the republic after the monarchy’s collapse following WWI. What to name the new territory became the first item of business.
Learn more...Hidden deep underground, the Salzwelten salt mines in Hallein near Salzburg, one of the oldest in the world, offers a tour that is adventurous, fun and interesting all at the same time! It includes a train ride, boat ride and cross border trek—all underground! Great fun, especially if you are with a small group of friends or family. As long as you’re not claustrophobic!
More InformationWalking through endless rows of heavy halberds, needle sharp spears and iron armor plates in the world’s largest original armory, you can’t help but picture the mighty warriors of old sitting on their heavy war-horses in ornate armor, riding to defend their borders.
Learn more about the armory...Magnificent white storks nesting on special nests built above the chimneys are a great attraction in the beautiful wine town of Rust. Catch these graceful birds with your camera in flight, or in their nests atop various buildings in town. And, while at it, discover the great food and local wines in this charming lakeside village.
Visit Rust...