Austria

Country Highlights

• Marvel at the stunning river views as you cruise through the famous Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube doubles back to flow in the direction from which it came.
• Sample local flavors, from Wachau Valley wines to beers brewed at ancient abbeys.
• Breathe fresh alpine air in the Bregenz Forest as you pass through flowering gardens and historic chalet villages.
• Be enchanted by Baroque architecture and old-world medieval cities.

Classical Music

Take in a concert in the historic birthplace of Classical music. In the 19th century, Vienna was a hub of the Classical music scene, with composers including Mozart, Haydn, Strauss, Schubert, and Bruckner converging on the vibrant city center to establish themselves in the annals of music history. Today, Austrian musicians keep the tradition alive in elegant concert halls and stunning outdoor venues throughout the country.

The Sound of Music

Fans of this iconic musical will recognize the stunning landscapes and architecture of Austria from the film. Immerse yourself in familiar settings like Schloss Frohnburg, the front of Villa Von Trapp, or the gazebo on the ground of Schloss Hellbrunn, the setting for “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” You may even catch a music performance or movie screening at Residenz Fountain, which was featured in a brief scene with Maria and now plays host to The Sound of Music events.

Café Culture

Coffee houses are such an integral part of Austrian culture that UNESCO recently named Vienna cafés to their inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Sip an expertly crafted blend of espresso and milk in elegant, historic coffee houses that have nourished the minds of creatives from Mozart to Klimt in centuries past. Viennese coffee shops have been described as “the city’s public living rooms,” so pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable.