If you want to visit Austria, it is a good choice. Austria is known as one of the main year-round travel places. Mostly because of its gorgeous Alps, Austria is a popular resort for winter sports, as well as for other tourist activities any season of the year. Before going there you should know some quick but important facts.

Austria is situated in Central Europe and surrounded by land. Its area is 83,855 km2, while most of the territory is mountainous. The Alps are in the south and in the west of the country, while its famous rivers, lakes, and valleys can be found everywhere. Austria comprises nine provinces such as Lower and Upper Austria, Burgenland, Carinthia, Vienna, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg. Almost 100% of the Austrians are of Germanic origin and more than a half are Roman Catholics.

Traveling to Austria, you need to know what kind of weather is characteristic of this country. All four seasons have distinct features in Austria. Summers are usually warm, but nights are a little bit cool. Sometimes it rains, but showers are short and transient. Winters in Austria are sunny and frosty, with regular snowfalls. On the whole, the weather is changeable, so you need to pack carefully.

Visiting Austria, you are sure to quickly understand why this country is widely-known for its rich cultural life. Its artistic splendor in arts and architecture becomes obvious when you see such masterpieces as Stephansdom (Saint Stephen`s Cathedral), the "Loos-Haus", Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and the "Goldene Dachl" in Innsbruck. Austria is also famous for its contribution to music, as it was a motherland to the most outstanding composers – Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss, and Schubert. Therefore, Austria, like other European countries, is an exciting place for those who are interested in culture.

If you make a schedule of your activities in Austria, here are some tips. Remember that two most popular ones are usually skiing in the wintertime and hiking – in the summer. You can find a variety of resorts offering skiing opportunities. If you prefer flat surface, cross-country skiing is also possible anywhere you can find enough snow and a couple of buildings. Hiking opportunities are diverse as well and provide you with a chance to see the lush environment of the Alps.

So, Austria is a land of numerous opportunities for your active and pleasant rest. From its cultural events to winding paths in the mountains, Austria is one of the best places to come year-round and always get satisfied.