Opinion
Eye on Europe: The All-Round Attract of Austria
In the event you or considered one of your shoppers is trying to find a European vacation spot that could be a teeny-tiny bit much less touristed but nonetheless stuffed with all of the magic of Europe, then it’s time to begin fascinated by Austria.
On this interview with Michael Gigl, Area Supervisor USA & Australia, Austria Tourism Workplace, we talk about what makes this Central European nation so particular.
From particulars on its acclaimed delicacies & wine to the nation’s underrated second metropolis and breathtaking far western state, you’re sure to study just a few new issues about Austria.
Scott Hartbeck (SH): To start out issues off, what makes Austria particular in comparison with different European locations?
Michael Gigl: Austria is every part we love about Europe, in a single nation. Opulent palaces, cinematic mountain villages, gorgeous surroundings, a thriving tradition and artwork scene, a definite and at all times evolving delicacies, Austria is in some ways the proper European expertise in a nutshell. And all that in a rustic the dimensions of Maine, which means quick distances and straightforward to navigate.
SH: Clearly, Vienna’s popularity precedes it and Salzburg can be well-known all over the world however might you inform us a bit extra about just a few locations in Austria which may be a bit off the crushed path?
MG: So far as cities, I might point out Graz, a vigorous Renaissance city simply two hours south of Vienna, and Innsbruck, really the Capital of the Alps, with its distinctive mixture of metropolis life and alpine outside enjoyable. And for a real insider’s tip, the Bregenzerwald area within the far west of Austria. That is an space that isn’t solely stunningly lovely, but additionally manages to protect a whole lot of years of traditions, and be completely progressive and inventive on the identical time.
SH: In the event you had been planning an ideal week in Austria for somebody who had by no means been earlier than, what would that week seem like?
MG: For first-time guests, I might recommend to plan no less than three days in Vienna and attending to know this superb metropolis. Then head to Salzburg, and embody no less than one in a single day to really take within the particular vibe of town. After which spend just a few days within the countryside and the mountains, just like the close by lake district. For the proper locations to remain, check out our extremely curated Austria Lodge Assortment.
SH: I’ve to know, is Hallstatt as fairly in individual because it seems in all the images?
MG: No less than as picturesque, sure, particularly if in case you have an opportunity to view it from a ship on a lake. It is without doubt one of the most photographed locations on the planet, for a cause. When you have a little bit of time, additionally head as much as the Dachstein mountain close by and the 5 Fingers viewing platform to offer you a singular view from excessive above in addition to a go to to the Dachstein Ice Caves, a very distinctive expertise.
SH: Austrian meals, beer & wine can get overshadowed at occasions by its neighbors, however there’s little question that it’s a improbable foodie vacation spot. Might you inform us a bit extra about a few of the “must-try” meals and drinks we must always have when visiting?
MG: No matter you do, don’t combine up Austrian delicacies with German delicacies (even when we share some similarities). Austrian delicacies is definitely regionally very different, with Viennese delicacies being formed by the influences of areas of the previous Empire, with Bohemian, Italian and Hungarian influences most pronounced. As we speak’s Alpine delicacies is formed by an actual concentrate on regional substances, be it meats, fish or produce from small-scale farming. Austria, the truth is, has the best focus of natural farmers on the earth, with over 20,000 natural farmers in our small nation.
As for should trys, a traditional Wiener Schnitzel ought to be a part of any Austria journey. For drinks, don’t go away with out attempting a typical Austrian Grüner Veltliner, which additionally occurs to be one of the vital versatile meals pairing wines there may be. And ask for an excellent Austrian Schnaps (a transparent fruit brandy, to not be confused with Schnapps), on the finish of an ideal dinner.
SH: I perceive that Vienna is the one European capital to have vineyards throughout the metropolis limits. How necessary is wine to Viennese tradition?
MG: In 1784 Emperor Joseph II decreed that wine makers had been allowed to open taverns and serve their very own wines in what grew to become often known as ‘Heuriger’ (actually which means this 12 months’s wine). These wine taverns are nonetheless an necessary a part of Viennese tradition, principally discovered within the little wine villages on the outskirts of town. Vienna certainly is the one main metropolis on the earth with its personal important wine manufacturing. The standard of Viennese wines is great; If you wish to impress your waiter, ask for a glass of “Gemischter Satz”, a uniquely Viennese area mix.
SH: On account of its wealthy cultural & mental historical past, stately royal palaces and grand cafes, I really feel like Vienna has picked up a popularity as a regal, cultured and maybe even reserved metropolis. However I’ve at all times discovered it to have a very youthful, hip buzz, am I off the mark or selecting up on one thing?
MG: Vienna manages to be each, extraordinarily vibrant and youthful whereas preserving and constructing upon its superb historic and cultural heritage. In the event you consider Vienna as considerably stuffy, then you definitely in all probability haven’t visited in fairly a while. There’s a cause why Vienna has been named essentially the most livable metropolis on the earth a number of occasions (effectively there are lots of, actually).
SH: Is it true that because of the latest route additions by Austrian Railways (together with many evening trains), Vienna is now essentially the most linked metropolis in Europe?
MG: Vienna opened a brand new Central Practice Station in 2012 and is positioning itself as a significant practice hub in Europe. The öBB Nightjet re-invents the thought of a sleeper automobile practice for in the present day’s environmentally aware traveler, connecting Vienna with cities like Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome or Zürich to call just a few.
SH: What’s the easiest way to get the total “Alps expertise” whereas visiting Austria? I’m speaking colourful shutter-covered chalets, cows sporting bells and small alpine villages?
MG: Roughly 2/3rds of Austria are Alpine nation, and there are quite a few picture-perfect Alpine villages in Austria. I already talked about the Bregenzerwald Area with villages like Schwarzenberg. Or the Arlberg Area with the picture-perfect city of Lech. Or take St. Wolfgang, solely a brief drive from Salzburg within the picturesque Lake District, proper on Wolfgangsee.
SH: Final however not least, if there was one factor you’ll need journey advisors to recollect about Austria above all else, what wouldn’t it be?
MG: Austria is an ideal selection each for a singular nation immersion, in addition to simply mixed with any of our neighbor nations. We extremely suggest an immersive land expertise, versus a River Cruise (or along with). Enable your shoppers the time to discover one of the vital fascinating European locations, they may thanks for it.
For the most recent perception on journey to Austria and the remainder of the world, try this interactive information:
