"Austria" Austria by ant1606

One of my favorite European countries, Austria combines landscape and architectural beauties, interesting food and friendly people to be met. Capital Vienna and elegant Salzburg are a must for visitors, but the soul of small villages deserves to be captured as well. German language knowledge helps but English is generally spoken. If you're on a low-calories diet it is suggestable to stay away from certain windows displaying irresistable local pastry!
Quite notorious ski resorts are enjoyable in winter, while for a summer vacation the choice would include hiking, rock climbing or cycling through a variety of dedicated bike trails along which "Pension" old-fashioned hotels offer overnight shelter. Even squeaky hardwood flooring will be fondly remembered.
Plenty of lakes with beaches, maybe too crowded in peak season though, add to Austria's unforgettable landmarks.
Use of highways require the purchase of a toll sticker, to be displayed on the windshield, and valid through a variable period of time. An extra affordable fee is asked to cross some selected mountain passes.

In August 2008 I cycled the Donauradweg (Danube bike path), for details see my Braunau to Budapest album.

Schladming

I had my army service in Tarvisio, Italy, right on the border with the Carinthia region of Austria. During my stay there I kept going across customs to find it a highly hospitable, friendly and clean country.
We sometimes visit our friends living in Braunau, north of Salzburg, and it's fantastic to go ski together at world-class ski resorts!

Salzburg - View of Sankt Peter from Kapuzinerberg

Salzburg might be a small city in terms of size, definitely not in terms of charme. Park your car and forget it, as everithing here is within walking distance.
Stroll down Getreidegasse and you'll get the whole of it. Check out Mozart's house and mix with locals in one of the many cafe' for a wedge of high-energy Sachertorte. While eating delicious Brezeln (pretzels), watch people playing chess on a large scale checkerboard near St. Peter's cathedral. Walk up Kapuzinerberg for a great city view!
And, last but not least, try the best freshly brewed beer at the Augustiner Monastery!