Lake Resorts & Spas
THE BEST OF AUSTRIA 1 rom soaring alpine peaks in the west to the seem- ingly endless valleys and lowlands in the east, Aus- Ftria’s natural beauty is breathtaking. For over a millennium the region has been at the center of European history and culture. Its lively historic cities, like the capital Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg are as aesthetically pleasing as their dramatic settings. In summer, Austria’s lakes, rivers, and hiking paths come to life, while the winter months are interwoven with hot-spiced wine and ski excursions. The Austrians are elegant and cultured people with a dark, yet resilient sense of humor and a knack for fashioning lifestyle to fit their needs. From 5th generation country farmers to middle class city dwellers to members of the faded aristocracy, sophistication, beauty, and good food are of the utmost importance. For such a small country, Austria has made more than its fair share of global impact. Besides exports like Linzer Torte, Manner wafers, and Red Bull, Vienna is the third UN headquarters’ city, along with New York and Geneva. With some 17,000 diplomats in residence and conveniently located at the crossroads of eastern and western Europe, Austria has the highest density of foreign intelligence agents in the world. Once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, today’s Austrian capital Vienna is a bustling metropolis with a strong commitment to the good life, and the city is consistently ranked number 1 in quality of life worldwide. Throughout this book, you’ll find Austria’s choice sights, restaurants, and hotels, and this chapter gives you a glimpse of the very best.
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