AUSTRIA

About Austria

Austria is a country of startling contrasts, from the Austrian Alps in the west to the Danube Basin in the east. It is not only famous as one of the world’s premier skiing regions, but also for its historical buildings, world-class museums and galleries, breathtaking scenery, magnificent mountains and established hiking trails. Visitors in search of culture and visitors in search of scenery are spoilt alike. In addition to natural wealth, the country contains numerous and glorious architectural riches, including hallmarks of such as the magnificent and ornate Opera House and the former imperial residence of the Hofburg in the capital city Vienna; Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, with stunning baroque churches set before a backdrop of snow-covered peaks; and Innsbruck, in the centre of the Austrian Alps. According the 2010 Mercer Quality of Living worldwide city rankings, Vienna retains the top spot as the city with the world’s best quality of living.