MAIN Travel EuropeAustria

A rich and varied history, elegant architecture, the smell of tempting pastries wafting from neighborhood cafes...this is Austria!

Cultural icons include Sigmund Freud, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Trapp Family Singers and "The Sound of Music."

Most visitors, in fact, cannot conjure up Austria without the sound of music - of world-famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss - who left many traces in the musical capitals of Vienna and Salzburg.

As a travel destination, Austria also offers the architectural beauty (not to mention the cafes, food and pastry) of its capital, Vienna; the art, baroque flavor and almost year-round musical festivals of Salzburg; along with some of the world's best skiing on the snow-capped mountains of Innsbruck.

More to see in Austria

Other major attractions include the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves - an hour's drive from Salzburg, as well as awe-inspiring mountain panoramas along the Grossglockner Road, set within Hohe Tauern National Park.

Vienna's main architectrual attractions include the gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, (left); the
classic Vienna Parliament, (middle) and the baroque splendor of Belevedere Palace (right)

Of course, even more mellow and relaxing pursuits await along Austrian wine country near Vienna and elswehere throughout rolling landscapes dotted by world famous vineyards.

Just up ahead, drink in more of what Austria has to offer the sophisticated traveler via virtual tours, pictures, and video clips available at top sites around the Web:

also see ->Christmas in Austria

More information about Austria tourist attractions around the Web:

Austrian National Tourist Office - The official site offering news and updates, feature stories and photos, expert travel tips, route planner, guides to major cities and towns, shopping and dining, hotels and accommodations, overviews of famous Austrians, history, related resources.

Vienna Tourism - Photos and feature stories, seasonal happenings, calendar of events, major tourist attractions, hotels, maps, web cams, Vienna e-cards.

Welcome to Innsbruck - Summer and winter travel highlights and activities, sightseeing attractions, dining and shopping guides, online hotel booking, photos, event calendar, maps.

Graz Tourism - Virtual Graz in photos, video clips and live webcam, with guides to dining, hotels and shopping, major attractions.