Round the Christmas Tree [antikvár]

Introduction Austria is terrific as a year-round holiday destination. Much of the country is dominated by the soaring magnificence of the Alps, and this magical mountain landscape has relaxed chalet villages, first-rate winter sport resorts, isolated hiking and walking trails, traditional Alpine festivals and much more. The cities have plenty to engage visitors, not least their world-class museums and art collections. Vienna is the capital, hub of the country's unrivalled musical tradition and home to some of the most impressive architecture in Europe. Music, art and architecture reached baroque perfection in Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace. Innsbruck is stunningly situated, with snow-capped peaks for a backdrop to its fascinating historic buildings. Throughout Austria you'll find that the rhythm of normal daily life has a musical beat. Important music festivals, especially those featuring classical music, fill the calendar. There's also an extensive variety of outdoor activities, ranging from lounging on lakeside beaches to paragliding from mountains. It hardly needs adding that you can enjoy a spot of skiing, too. An efficient tourist industry, good transport, charming hotels and atmospheric restaurants make it easy and pleasurable just to be in Austria. This is a country that has something for everybody, and for all budgets. You can spend plenty if you want, yet it costs nothing to walk amid the stupendous Alpine scenery, to cycle along the castle-strewn, vineyard-rich Wachau stretch of the Danube River, or to admire the exuberant decor of the many baroque churches. It costs nothing to wander around imperial Vienna and enjoy the colourful street artists, or to gaze in awe at the lavish facades of the grandiose public buildings. And it costs nothing to appreciate the wonder of Salzburg's many superb church spires. Sure, it costs something to get there and stay there, but you'll find it's a cost well worth paying. flAAP 3 - AUSTRIA