Hohensalzburg Castle | photo by: Jarrod Leder
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Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Germany and the Czech Republic are to the north, Slovakia and Hungary in the east, Slovenia and Italy in the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the west. Austria is divided up into nine provinces or states. Often Austrians base their identity on their province, for example, the typical inhabitant of Carinthia would say he/she is Carinthian first and Austrian second. Thusly, patriotism stemming from the nation as a whole is rarely exhibited and foreigners are often confused by the lack of enthusiasm for the homeland.
Austria lacks a well defined class system, yet, cultural standards between the urban and rural peoples can seem very diverse. On a smaller scale, culture varies from region to region as well. Stereotypically, those further West and more rurally inclined are more socially conservative.
Austrian Cuisine is clearly, one of the most multicultural cuisines in Europe. Mixed among Austria's traditional roots, one will find influences from Hungarian, Czech, Jewish, Italian and Bavarian cuisines. Kasnockn, a dish of macaroni served with Pinzgauer cheese and parsley is an example of typical Austrian cuisine. Eierschwammerl, which is a native mushroom, is often found in many meals, especially soup. On an odd food-related note, PEZ, the candy, is an Austrian invention.
Austria is also responsible for a multitude of famous composers. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner, Johann Strauss, Sr., Johann Strauss, Jr. and Gustav Mahler were all born on Austrian soil. And though Ludwig van Beethoven was actually born in Germany, he moved to Vienna in his twenties, and settled there.
Salzburg, the city that gave birth to Mozart, is a picturesque abode surrounded by tall mountains. A tour of Salzburg is complete only with visits to Hohensalzburg Castle, the Museum of Fine Arts, and St. Peter's Abbey. In a brief jaunt to the south of Salzburg is the Hellbrunn Palace, where one may walk among the trick fountains and water-powered figures within the grounds. About 40 km further south one will find the Eisriesenwelt Caves, which are the largest ice caves in the world that remain accessible to the public.
With mountains plentiful, skiing resorts are as well. Some of the best resorts can be found in The Arlberg region with St. Anton. Incidentally, in Upper Austria there are also some ski resorts that deserve acclaim, as well as Bad Ischl, which is known most for being the holiday retreat and spa of the Austrian Emporers.
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Hohensalzburg Castle | photo by: Jarrod Leder
St. Anton am Arlberg as seen from the Galzig slopes
