Austria is a country of startling contrasts, from the Alps in the west to the Danube Basin in the east. It's a mountainous country, nearly half of which is covered with forests while the vegetation changes according to the climate. Having a population estimate of approximately 9 million people and Vienna its capital, residents of this landlocked country predominantly speak German which is the official language. Austrians tend to be quite formal in both their social and business meetings. Handshaking is the norm when saying ?hello? and ?goodbye?. It's considered impolite to enter a restaurant or shop without saying ?Guten Tag? or ?Gruss Gott? (hello) and similarly leave without saying ?Auf Wiedersehen? (goodbye). Social pleasantries and dressing up for the opera or theatre are highly regarded.



Visitors who check in are invited to make their abode at some outstanding hotels 87% of which are 5-star hotels and 50% being 4-star hotels. The 2-star hotels are considered for economy, while the 1-star for budgets. If you prefer self catering, then make yourself comfortable by renting holiday apartments, chalets, alpine huts and ski lodges which are available throughout Austria. Rural or farm stay accommodation is available for those who crave a more conservative vacation. Approximately 500 campsites exist which can be entered without any major formalities. You could contact the Austrian National Tourist Office for more information.

Within Austria, getting around has been made convenient by the availability of some wonderful Austrian airlines, cruises and ferries, an efficient railway system or employ the services of a bus/coach or car hire on the roads.

Using these means, go out and taste the Viennese cuisine. Austrian desserts and cake are particularly renowned. Note that the main meal of the day is lunch. The national specialties include Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Palatschinken (pancakes), Apfelstrudel (classic pudding) and Mehlspeisen while the national drinks include local wines like Riesling and Veiltliner and Obstler which is made by distilling various fruits.

Don't hesitate to join in the Viennese nightlife which offers something for every taste: opera, theatre, cabarets and numerous bars and nightclubs will give you a good way to spend a summer evening. Cinemas of all types and beer gardens could also grace your evenings and them more exciting.

Austria offers her visitors some amazing things to do and see. These include, visiting the Alps which is one of Europe's major destinations for winter sports like skiing, skating and snowboarding; being overwhelmed by the magical sight of the Eisriesenwelt in Werfen; taking an old 19th century steam train and gaze at some picturesque Austrian scenery; going to the opera in style especially Bregenz or St Martin's Tower; climbing the peaks of the Alps; playing golf on one of the many courses; getting yourself some high quality goods like handbags, glassware and winter sports equipment; soaking up Vienna's extravagant elegance notably in the First District; admiring the historical buildings, world class museums and galleries, and the breathtaking mountain scenery. Austria is a hothouse of striking contemporary architecture. She enjoys an enduring reputation for music, literature and arts. Gourmet culture is evident in the cafes where coffee drinking is regarded highly. Most visits to Austria are trouble free. Complex driving laws exist and those intending to ski especially during winter should be aware of avalanche dangers. Simply put, Austria is a haven of entertainment.