With the last thoughts of winter done and dusted, Austria turns itself steadfastly in the direction of summer. This is a season that truly showcases some of the best that Austria has to offer, with many delightful surprises along the way.
Step outside
Whether in your hiking boots, golf shoes, flip flops, trainers, or barefoot and fancy free, enjoy the long days of summer in Austria’s unbelievable outdoor recreational paradise, easily accessible from wherever your accommodation may be. On land, water, and amidst mountaintop air, you’ll find yourself in clean, natural surroundings as you boost your energy levels and realise that this is what a summer holiday is all about. From the Tirol’s majestic alpine landscape, to Carinthia’s Mediterranean climate and the perfect setting for lakes with drinking water cleanliness and a bathing temperature of 28-degrees - now there’s a reason to make a splash!
Set off on the right foot
Walking may very literally be self-exploration at its purest, and Austria’s incredible natural scenery and terrain offers limitless opportunities to discover hidden treasures and as well, simply have a fresh air-filled day out. In Austria, walking is almost a national pastime, and no wonder, cause there’s opportunity at every turn, in every province, and for all abilities. Whether leisurely ramblers or experienced hikers, the lure of one of Europe’s greatest long-distance walking trails will take you for a visit to the Tirol. The 280km Eagle’s Walk stretches across the province from St. Johann to St. Anton, resembling a pair of wings when marked on a map. Broken down into 23 well-marked segments, it’s up to you whether you choose a short or long mountain holiday. Let’s not forget that Austria’s inviting cities are also easy to explore on foot. Pedestrian streets, lovely riverbank paths, well-preserved handsome old town alleyways, and urban green spaces - take a wander around at whatever your pace may be.
Relax, you’ve arrived...
Austrians themselves take well-being seriously, and, with the country’s longstanding spa tradition, you can expect some serious opportunities to unwind here. With former Hapsburg emperors among past guests, Austria’s spa towns offer the perfect R&R destinations, with gorgeous locations that calm mind and body simply on arrival. Welcoming, family-run resorts mix traditional Austrian style with creative contemporary design, and offer not only the latest in health and beauty therapies, but also long-established treatments using home-grown alpine products. But feeling good doesn’t just stop there, it goes right on through mealtime as you’ll be indulging in culinary creations – some typically Austrian, others with a unique twist – presented by award-winning chefs using only the freshest of locally-sourced, organic ingredients.
A full ‘What’s On’ calendar
Even those long days of summer sometimes seem like they don’t have enough hours in the day to accommodate all that’s going on across Austria. From music festivals, to world-calibre sporting events, fine arts exhibitions to classic car rallies, culinary celebrations to high tech operatic drama – Austria is bursting with enough culture, cuisine, and competition to fill any holiday itinerary.
Gustav Klimt Year 2012
For those on the trail of culture, this year commemorates the birth of Gustav Klimt, born 150 years ago in Vienna, with many special exhibitions celebrating the life and works of the most famous Austrian painter in the world. His most recognisable work, The Kiss, with its ornamentation style and use of gold leaf, is on display in the Austrian Gallery in Vienna's Upper Belvedere Palace, and, at the Vienna Secession, Klimt’s famous Beethoven Frieze hangs at the very spot where it was first presented to the public in 1902. With its 400 works, the Wien Museum has the world's largest collection of Klimt drawings, spanning all of the artist's creative periods, and exhibited here for the first time in its entirety. Another extensive collection can be found at Vienna's Albertina.
Bring the kids
Lots to do for the younger set as well, whether on a city break or outdoor alpine adventure. While moms and dads take in soaring views over Vienna on the giant ferris wheel at Prater (one of Europe’s oldest amusement parks), the kids will love the sheer novelty of it along with plenty of other rides and amusements in the park. At the much-acclaimed Zoom Children’s Museum in Vienna it’s a hands-on exhibition policy, while the city’s Schönbrunn Zoo is home to a pair of giant pandas that are sure to delight all ages with their distinctive look and rarity. One of Salzburg’s favourite visitor attractions is Hellbrun Palace – look out for those trick fountains! And at the Lentos Art Museum in Linz, children can participate in summer workshops and guided kids’ tours which take a closer look at great artworks. Add a stay at one of Austria’s Kinderhotels, a collection of 36 gloriously situated mountaintop, lakeside or country-cosy properties offering 60 hours of free childcare, family-friendly facilities, comprehensive kids club activities, and a child-friendly menu across three mealtimes. Travelling with (and entertaining), the kids is easy peasy in Austria!
Welcome to Austria
While Austria is blessed with year-round attractions, summer is a particularly generous season. Lots to do both outdoors and in, so much so that you just may find yourself continuing your holiday itinerary here next year. So, to some, let us warmly say “welcome!” – to others we’re delighted to say “welcome back!”
For more information, or if interested in a press trip, please contact Martina Jamnig at the Austrian National Tourist Office (martina.jamnig@austria.info, Tel: 020-7440-3840, www.austria.info)
