Austria is also one of the world's most popular sporting grounds; in winter enjoy some of the finest snowfields and facilities in the world; in summer the mountains are alive with climbers and walkers - and those seeking the curative properties of the many thermal baths and spas that bubble up from the ancient earth.

Sampling its rich cuisine is just another of the "musts" of an Austrian vacation.

Austria is a condensed country, containing within its boundaries an astonishing variety of landscapes, activities and attractions. The River Danube cuts a rich and colourful swathe through the land, its banks studded with castles like sentinels from yore. The climate is as varied as the geography - from the icy winters of Vorarlberg and the Tirol to the hot summers of Burgenland.

Seasons to Visit: The summer high season is in July and August, when crowds will be bigger and prices higher. It can be uncomfortably hot in the cities over summer and many famous institutions close down. Consequently, June and September are also busy months. During winter you'll find things less crowded in the cities and the hotel prices lower (except over Christmas and Easter). Winter sports are in full swing from mid-December to late March with the high season over Christmas, New Year and February. Alpine resorts are very quiet from late April to late May and in November. Spring in the Alps is in June, when the Alpine flowers start coating the mountains with colour.

Entry Requirements: EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens do not require visas for stays of up to three months. Other nationalities generally require a visa - also valid for up to three months.
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Dress: Austria is no different than the rest of Western Europe. Business attire, of course, consists of suits for both men and women. Outside business hours, Austrians are generally casual dressers, with young people often wearing shorts and t-shirts. A jacket and tie is usually worn to exclusive restaurants and smart clothing is definitely the norm for a night out to the theatre or opera.

Food/ Restaurants: The Viennese likes to eat well and like to make sure that their visitors do too. There are many ranges of eateries, from snack bars, cozy pubs known as beisel to ethnic specialty restaurants and gourmet restaurants known for their nouvelle cuisine and traditional Austrian cuisine. One of the favourite meals served in Austria is the famous "Wiener schnitzel" - this is veal deep-fried in breadcrumbs. Roast pork with dumplings and fresh fish from the Danube are common dishes. Other traditional Austrian dishes are "tafelspitz" calf's liver with herbs in butter, gerostete leber, goulash, kaiserschmarrn, palatschinken & salzburger nockerln. Viennese cuisine is strongly influenced by the southeast European cuisine. Food in restaurants is usually good quality and cities offer restaurants to suit all budgets. A service charge of 10-15 per cent is sometimes added to the bill, but an additional 5 per cent tip is common. If no service is added to the bill, 10-15 per cent is the normal tip.
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Shopping: All the world appreciates Viennese crafts for their tradition of excellent workmanship, their design, quality and value. The declared favourites range from 'petit point' items, table settings and statuettes and hand painted Viennese agaten porcelain, gold jewellery, handmade dolls, decorative ceramics, enamel fashion jewellery and bowls, all types of leather goods and even wrought-iron work. High quality goods such as cameras, handbags, glassware, chinaware and winter sports equipment represent the cream specialist items found in Austria.

Transportation: The main international airport is Wien-Schwechat in Vienna. Other international airports are in Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz and Salzburg. Vienna's airport is served by approximately 30 international airlines. From Zurich and Munich there are convenient train connections to western and central Austria.

Vienna has very efficient trams, buses, underground and suburban trains. Tickets can be bought on buses and trams and at underground stations. 24 hour tickets, 3 day tickets and period tickets are available. All standard European car hire firms are represented: Herz, Budget, Avis, Europcar, etc.

Health risks: Altitude sickness, hypothermia and sunburn