Ask anyone to name someone or something Austrian and they’ll probably say Beethoven, waltz’s and the fact that one of the world’s worst tyrants was born there. Of course they would be correct, apart from the fact that Beethoven wasn’t actually born in Austria; but two out of three isn’t bad.  Austria is in fact so much more than that. Is one of the most diverse and interesting cultures in Europe and once you get past the grand baroque architecture and the apparent curtness of the people, you’ll find that they are in fact quite pleasantly bonkers! I mean absolutely no disrespect by that at all; they themselves are sometimes at a loss to sum-up who they are as a nation. but being a verbose bunch will never tire of trying to explain the intricacies of their national Identity.

Where is Austria in Europe

Austria geographically the centre of Europe. Germany and the Czech Republic to the north; hungry is to the east and Switzerland the West and let’s not forget Italy to the South! A unique place in Europe is shaped the Austrians into a wonderfully interesting and curious people, they’re fearsomely proud of their history and consider themselves the heart of Europe in every sense.

Throughout history it has been a focal point for trade and dispute. The Brenner Pass bisects the Alps on its way to Italy; and the ancient road – its history lost in time – wends its way southeast down the Adriatic coast, this and the Danube have always been a vital highway for goods and people.

Austria has a long and illustrious list of famous citizens, Mozart, and Schubert to name just a few and although Beethoven wasn’t actually born there, he flourished as did his contemporaries in the competitive atmosphere  fuelled by Aristocrats eager for the best in music and art.

My favourite story of a famous Austrian is the one of the Emperor Franz Joseph, who was distressed by the wastage of Oak in the elaborate coffin making of his subjects, devised a reusable coffin. It was hinged at the bottom so the corpse could be dropped into the waiting grave, thereby saving the coffin. The emperor to eco-conscious for his time and the furore caused by  is invention made sure it didn’t get off the ground (or in it). A model of the coffin can be viewed at the museum in in Vienna honouring the Nation’s undertakers.

The Capital City – Vienna

The capital city Vienna, has a population of around 1.5 million people. It is the Cultural Centre of the country and boasts some of the grandest examples of baroque architecture in the whole of Europe. One of the main features of the cities Skyline is the cathedral of St Stephen, it symbolizes Vienna and is affectionately known as the ‘Steffl’. On New Year’s Eve it is the focal point for the people of Vienna when the ‘Pummerin’ – pone of the biggest bells in the world – rings in the New Year and the whole of Austria waltz’s happily to the strains of the Blue Danube.

Exploring Vienna

Walking past the cathedral will bring you to the Grabben, premier pedestrian precinct, and the enticing shops lure passers-by to spend their Euros on all manner of gifts and souvenirs. Everywhere you go in Austria confectioners lure you with brightly colored candies, a great favour of mine is the wonderful entitled ‘Metres of Love’ which are sweet dishes exactly 1m long and filled with minute handmade confectionery, how traditional these are I do not know, but I do know that they are delicious.

What Sports can I try in Austria

Skiing

Skiing Is a sports synonymous with Austria and being the home of modern skiing it has the greatest density of year-round glacier skiing of any other country in the world. Places like Dachstein, Kaunertal, Pitzal and the one of the most popular, Kitzsteinhorn offer skiing with all the trappings, whatever the weather. Some people even go skiing in swimming costumes in the summer on the glaciers of Austria! 

As you would expect all of the winter sports abound here and it’s still possible to find places that haven’t been totally overrun by the tourist trade. Sports like, ice-climbing , sledging and Nordic skiing (the Long Run) can all the tries and the Austrians are great teachers, they hardly laugh at beginners at all, unless of course you ski like I do.

Watersports

If you are after something a bit different and why not visit in the summer? The valleys come alive with color and the calm mountain lakes are ideal places to go sailing, paddle boarding and swimming – glacier water filling the lakes it’s not quite the Bahamas but the challenge and rewards are worth it. If the water is too cold for your liking then take to the air,  the perfect thermals in the summer months make the Austrian Alps a haven for gliders, para-sailors and other enthusiasts of the air.

The Rax-Schneeburg area in the Vienna basin has gliding centers, small airfields and landing fields. Glider pilots need an internationally recognized license to be able to fly in Austrian airspace and you must also register your flight with the airport authorities. That’s not quite your thing and then I highly recommend paragliding, basically running down the hill as the wind picks up the parachute on your back and your off. There is of course slightly more to it than that, but for a sheer adrenaline rush it can’t be topped. 

Summer Sports

Mountain biking is one of the main summer Sports in Austria and you’ll see hundreds of people out in the mountains, on their backs ready to relax after a hard day’s riding and hard work is too, but you must try it once.

Now for this bike riding, flying and general running around gives you an appetite, then you’ll enjoy the local cuisine. It’s all good healthy food and if you leave any on your plate it’s thought you haven’t enjoyed the food. But never fear, the Austrians have the greatest method combating indigestion I’ve ever come across. After a large meal (well most meals) Schnapps is downed is a digestif. It really works honest! Beware a potent Schnapps that comes with a pear in it – describe the effect has been hitting head with a large tree – enjoy it, remember to pack the aspirin.

Transport Links

Vienna’s International Airport in Schwechat is serviced daily by most of the large airlines and there is a more limited service to some of the smaller airports like Salzburg and Innsbruck. The airport is 9 miles to the east of the city about 25 minutes drive and an express bus service operates from the early morning from the two main train stations. 

Good option if you have more time, and a lot more patience. The best way from northern Europe is to come through Germany taking advantage of the excellent toll-free autobahns. It is always a good idea to get insurance, especially if you’re going to drive; first aid kit and a red warning triangle are mandatory, also between 15th of November and 10th of April snow chains or winter tires are a must; has the less travelled roads and become extremely treacherous.

In conclusion Austria is a great place for action,  good food, great people and having fun. If any of these are on your Wishlist then I suggest you give Austria a try and enjoy yourself and Prost!

St Jacob – small town big heart

The biggest isn’t always the best, so they they say , and I found that out when I went to the tiny ski resort of St Jakob in the Defereggen Valley, East Tyrol. Which is a sure bet for good snow throughout the season. Most people I met there seemed intrigued that an Englishman had even heard of the small village (pop: 500), has most of their tourism consists of Austrians and a few German and you get the feeling that they like to keep the place at secret!

Skiing is mostly Red Runs, with a couple couple of Blue Runs and a nursery slope as it’s quite a family orientated resort. Plenty to do for everyone and after a hard day on the snow the warm glow of the Alms beckons for that first Apres-Ski drink. After warming up in the Alms for an hour or 3, a quick freshen up and off to one of the many restaurants and bars in the village. Some are small, some are tiny, but all of them of a great food and good company. Austrians love to talk and welcome the chance to meet someone new.

If you need a late drink then pop into the Jesacherhof Hotel, it’s one of the biggest (and most expensive) but non-residents are welcome in the bar and the small disco downstairs. Recommend the barmans’ secret cocktail and as for service you couldn’t get better.

By far the highlight of any stay in St. Jakub is a trip to the Alpe Stalle, a small restaurant 1740m up a mountain. People normally meet in a tiny but vibey bar called the ‘Igloo’ which has plastic walls instead of Ice and plenty of heaters, though the fantastic cocktails help to keep the temperature pretty high. From the bar you can call a taxi which will take you up the 2.5km road to the Alpe Stalle, as taxis and the owner’s car are the only vehicles allowed on the road. 

After a huge meal, good conversation and a load of Schnapps you’re ready to head off back into town. One word of warning, there is only one toilet and that’s a ‘Long Drop’, so guys form a line and girls well… the seat can get a bit cold!

Getting back down the road is easy; just pick a sledge you want, get yourself a willing accomplice or victim and off you go. Remember there’s no lights! It’s exhilarating! It’s breathtaking and extremely frightening all at once, but for the sheer novelty experience it’s an absolute must.

Is a wonderfully relaxed place, ideal for anyone that wants to feel they’re staying somewhere fresh and untainted by the commercialism of other more well-known resorts. If you’re in the area and stay a night or two – just be careful if you want to up any deserted roads in the middle of the night, that screaming isn’t wild animals, it’s probably someone a sled!