According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Austria or actually the RepublicAustria is located in the central part of Europe. It is one of the few countries in Europe that does not have any kind of coastline. Austria in its current form originated after the Second World War, but the history of Austria goes back much further than that. Already at the time of the Romans, large parts of present-day Austria were permanently inhabited. But the name Austria is only mentioned in the fifteenth century. At the time, the Duchy of Austria was one of the most important duchies of the Holy Roman Empire and the Duchy of Austria formed the core of the later Habsburg Monarchy. At that time, the Duchy of Austria consisted of two parts. The part above the Enns and the part below the Enns. It was during this period that Austria grew into one of the most powerful duchies in Europe. Almost every emperor of the Holy Roman Empire came from Austria and later they also became kings of Hungary and Bohemia. Austria became a superpower. Later, Mary of Burgundy married Maximilian of Austria, so that the Netherlands also came into Austrian hands. This remained so until the death of Charles V, after which the Netherlands fell into Spanish hands. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, however, parts of the Netherlands came back into Austrian hands, after which they were called Austrian Netherlands. This remained so until the death of Charles V, after which the Netherlands fell into Spanish hands. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, however, parts of the Netherlands came back into Austrian hands, after which they were called Austrian Netherlands. This remained so until the death of Charles V, after which the Netherlands fell into Spanish hands. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, however, parts of the Netherlands came back into Austrian hands, after which they were called Austrian Netherlands.

From the beginning of the nineteenth century with the arrival of the Emperor Francis II, the Austrian Empire was created. This empire consisted of present-day Austria, parts of Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Italy and other surrounding countries. This empire was doomed to fail from the start. Quite a few wars were fought and some revolutions took place. It was also one of the main reasons for the First World War. The assassination attempt on Franz-Ferdinand of Austria can be seen as the straw that broke the camel’s back. In this period there was no longer talk about the Austrian Empire but about Austria-Hungary. After the First World War, this dual monarchy would disappear and make way for the First Republic. Before the Second World War, Austria joined Germany via an Anschluss. After the war, Austria was led by the Allies until 1955 and was divided into four zones. After this period, the Second Republic was established and Austria has enjoyed a stable political climate ever since. Since then, Austria has been one of the richest and most prosperous countries in Europe.

Tourism is still one of the country’s main sources of income. In the winter months the western part of Austria becomes one of Europe’s most popular ski areas and in the summer months the eastern part of Austria is a popular holiday destination for the more active holiday maker.

Sights

There are quite a few special places of interest in Austria. You will probably find the most beautiful in the capital Vienna. In this city you will come across Schloss Schönbrunne, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna State Opera and the MuseumsQuartier. You should not miss all these sights when you visit Vienna. There are also more than enough places of interest in the rest of Austria. For example, the historic center of Salzburg, the Benedictine monastery of St. Paul, the Kufsteiner fortress, Esterhazy Castle and the Stift Melk. Fans of the movie “The Sound of Music” should definitely not miss a visit to the house of the von Trap family. All these beautiful sights are related to Austria’s long, fascinating but turbulent history.

In the country, however, there are also more than enough sights of natural origin. Think for example of the Krimmlet Wasserfälle. At 380 metres, this is the highest waterfall in Europe. The waterfall can be found in Hohe Tauren Park. That in itself is worth a visit. Another noteworthy natural attraction are the ice caves of Werfen. In total there are about 40 kilometers of ice caves. Of course, the Alps are also among the most visited and most special sights in the country. In the winter months this is a popular winter sports destination and in the summer months for walkers, cyclists and other outdoor activities.

UNESCO

In 2016, Austria had a total of nine entries on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first registrations took place in 1996. These concerned the historic center of the city of Salzburg and the palace and gardens of Schönsbrunn in Vienna. This palace and its gardens are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Austria. A year later, the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut cultural landscape was added to the list. Other entries in Austria are the Semmering Railway, The Historic Center of the City of Graz and Eggenberg Palace, the Wachau Cultural Landscape and the Historic Center of Vienna. Furthermore, there are two more registrations that Austria has to share with other countries. This concerns the cultural landscape Fertö/Neusiedlermeer which is partly located in Hungary and the prehistoric pile dwellings in the Alps in Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland. It is striking that despite the many special geographical features of Austria and the fantastic nature in the country, there are only cultural and no natural inscriptions on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Climate

In 2016, Austria had a total of nine entries on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first registrations took place in 1996. These concerned the historic center of the city of Salzburg and the palace and gardens of Schönsbrunn in Vienna. This palace and its gardens are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Austria. A year later, the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut cultural landscape was added to the list. Other entries in Austria are the Semmering Railway, The Historic Center of the City of Graz and Eggenberg Palace, the Wachau Cultural Landscape and the Historic Center of Vienna. Furthermore, there are two more registrations that Austria has to share with other countries. This concerns the cultural landscape Fertö/Neusiedlermeer which is partly located in Hungary and the prehistoric pile dwellings in the Alps in Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland. It is striking that despite the many special geographical features of Austria and the fantastic nature in the country, there are only cultural and no natural inscriptions on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Geography

Austria is located in the central part of Europe and has no coastline. Austria does have borders with eight other countries. These are: Germany, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Slovakia and Liechtenstein. Most of Austria consists of mountainous areas. This mountainous area is almost exclusively formed by the Alps. The highest mountain in Austria is the Großglockner with 3,797 meters closely followed by the Wildspitze with 3,768 meters. Other notable mountains in Austria are the Weikugel, the Großvenediger, the Hintere Schwärze and the Similaun. The entire western part of Austria is formed by the Alps. The Eastern part of Austria is a lot flatter. It is still hilly here, but partly due to the Danube that flows through the area, it is a lot less rough. The lowest point of the country can be found in this part of Austria. This is Hedwighof with 114 meters above sea level.

The largest and most important city in Austria is the capital Vienna. Other well-known and popular cities in Austria are Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Klagenfurt. In addition to the major cities, the most popular tourist destinations include Kirchberg, Zell am See, Sankt Anton am Arlberg, Flachau, Sölden, Saalbach and Mayrhofen.

The main river that flows through Austria is the Danube. Other large and important rivers in Austria are the Elbe and the Rhine. The largest and nicest lakes in Austria are Lake Achen, Lake Attersee, Lake Fuschisee, Lake Constance, Lake Neusiedler, Lake Weissensee and Lake Afrizeter.

Travel advice

There are currently no special security risks for a trip to Austria. It is wise to bring a tick remover, especially if you plan to spend a longer time in nature. Unlike in the Netherlands, Austria has no evidence of tolerance for soft drugs. Possessing or trading them carries severe prison terms. It is also wise not to be a tourist for sale with expensive equipment or jewelry. In the larger cities and near tourist attractions, you have an increased chance of being mugged or the victim of pickpockets.

Travel documents

Austria is one of the Schengen countries, which ensures that residents of other Schengen countries can travel freely between the different countries. Tourists who come from outside one of the Schengen countries can apply for a standard visa. This is valid for three months and applies to all Schengen countries. However, you must be in possession of a valid ID. Since 2012, this has also been the case for children under twelve.

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