The cities of Vienna and Salzburg are beautiful with amazing architecture, but there is so much more that this country is able to offer to its visitors. The mountains, lakes and rivers provide you with the chance to try various different outdoor activities that you may not have considered doing before from mountain climbing, to skiing, to kayaking.

When it comes to what time of year is best to visit this European country then it depends upon the kinds of activities you are looking to do. For example if you want to enjoy some hiking or mountain biking then summer is the best time. As for skiing and snowboarding well of course then the winter is the best time of the year to visit Austria.

The warmest months that Austria has occur between April and October, but these two months can be slightly cooler than the ones in between so bring some warm clothing if visiting at these times. For those who do not like it too hot then avoid the months of July and August as temperatures can become very high and unbearable in some cases. Plus you will also find that this is their high season and so prices on accommodation etc. are much higher.

Another reason why you should not consider visiting Austria during the months of July and August is that because of the heat many of the major attractions in the major cities are closed. So if you were wanting to visit the opera or take in the Spanish Riding School then this is not the time.

But although these attractions may be closed there are plenty of other things for one to do and see whilst in Austria. Certainly for Austria there are music festivals taking place throughout the year. The first ones begin in January in Vienna with the New Year concerts and lavish balls. Then in February the Fasching (Shrovetide Carnival) takes place which helps the Viennese people celebrate the return of spring.

As well as the festivals already mentioned another important one in the Austrian calendar takes place on the 2nd Thursday after Whitsun to celebrate Corpus Christi. In places such as Salzkammergut rather than the carnival taking place in the town instead it is held on the lake. But of all the music festivals which take place in Austria throughout the year the major one is the Wiener Festwochen which starts in May and continues through until the middle of June.

As you can see from above if you do decide to go on holiday to Austria there is more to do than just the skiing and mountain climbing. There are things for those who are after a little more culture and there are things which one can do which allow you to just relax and unwind.