Let us go on a virtual date with Austria, the land of scenic splendor, rich culture and history, located in southern Central Europe. Over the last decade, it has turned out as one of the most preferential destinations amongst travelers all throughout the world, cheers to the warm hospitality of the natives.
PLACES OF FAME
Vienna, the capital city, has places to amaze you right from natural beauty like Wienerwald to manmade architectural marvels like palaces and churches. If you plan a visit during summer, then throng with locals in its Sand, an artificial beach that is created every year. Otherwise, one can devote a day at Prater amusement park. From its popular Giant Ferris Wheel, relish the flabbergasting view of the city. Not to skip at the Prater, is the lately constructed Madame Tussauds Wax museum. If you are on for orchestra, then head towards the Vienna opera house, an abode to the famous Vienna philharmonic orchestra.
Schönbrunn Palace is the homeland of Emperor Franz Josef as well as the summer residence of Hapsburg family. Of late, it is part of cultural heritage of UNESCO because of its historic importance. This baroque complex has an alluring park, the Palm House, the Gloriette and a zoo.
The Fortress Hohensalzburg, is the brilliant and mighty landmark of Salzburg, the city of Mozart. This castle is a silent illustrator of the Roman-Catholic Archbishops who ruled Salzburg up to the late 18th century.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is the connection between the two states Salzburg and Carinthia, leading to the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner (3,798 m) and its iceberg, the Pasterze. This 48Kms of ride with 36 bends through the amazing hilly roads is an experience of a lifetime.
Climb up the Schlossberg and gaze at the landmark of Graz, the Uhrturm (clocktower), dating back to the 13th century.
Designed by artist André Heller in 1995, Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Kristallwelten) a modern-art museum and its fixtures are motifs of crystals, colors and light. It homes many creations of famous artists. Under its magnificent Crystal Dome, one can witness some incredible performances in the Crystal Theatre.
Situated in Werfen at 40Kms away south from Salzburg, the Eisriesenwelt, is a natural limestone cave. Covering more than 42kms of area as well as representing an astounding underground world of natural ice effigies and creations, this is the largest cave in the world. Entry is permitted from May to October.
The Belvedere, designed by baroque architect Lukas von Hildebrandt, is a must visit. It was originally constructed as summer palace of Prince Eugen von Savoyen. Its museum houses the world’s largest Gustav Klimt collection alongside of the creations of other artists like Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.
Krimml Falls, a three-levelled and 380mtrs high waterfall is Europe’s biggest and a treat for the lenses of photographers.
Gastronomic Gulley
Austria offers an array of lip-smacking indulgence.
• Wiener Schnitzel– is meat covered in breadcrumbs and fried.
• Tafelspitz, or boiled beef served with potatoes and horseradish, is a famous Viennese dish that’s served on Sundays accompanied by herbed dumplings.
• Apfelstrudel is a famous dessert.
• Bauernbrot or Vollkornbrot is bread considered as a rural staple.
• Semmelwhite flour rolls.
• Sachertorte is a chocolate torte, stuffed with apricot jam and wrapped with chocolate icing, sweetened cream, or schlagobers.
• Knödel, another favorite, is about dumplings of either savory or sweet in taste.
Souvenirs from the land
High quality items like glassware and handbags to winter sports kit are available in every shopping corner. Before you take off from Vienna, must have a look at Steffl and Ringstrassen Galerien, two renowned spots for upmarket wears. For the antique lovers, pay a visit to the market at Am Hof Square, held on Fridays and Saturdays. The farmer’s market in Freyung is an attention-grabbing place to bargain for handicrafts, specifically during the Christmas. A flea market at Naschmarkt, takes place on every Saturday can be tried out for various unusual and wonderful decorating items. Local high-quality handicrafts, is the specialty of Innsbruck and Salzburg.
Come and explore the mighty mountain summits, lush green fields, crystal-clear waterways and satiate your taste-buds; at Astonishing Austria!
Source by Aasif Khan
