Synonymous with a rich history, Austria is a European gem of natural landscapes intertwined with cultural sophistication. The high service of living in the country is a pull factor for travellers after a luxurious getaway. Known for high-quality products and services, it’s no surprise that Austria is at the forefront of European luxury travel. Alongside this, the facilitation of renowned winter sport activities has helped to boost such an active society there. The natural landscape has a lot to offer for the most active travellers.
The history and culture of Austria
The history of Austria provides a range of evidence as to how it came to be such a cultural hub today. During the nineteenth century, its dual monarchy with neighbouring Hungary was a major empire in Europe despite the ethnic tensions surrounding other bordering countries.
Since then, the twentieth century saw the establishment of the Republic of Austria, which it remains today. It’s undergone economic struggles to gain the prosperity of today and plays an active role in European and global political affairs.
Culturally, Austria’s significance to the arts and music scene is not something that’s faltered. With it being the birthplace of many classical composers like Mozart and Franz Schubert, it has vastly contributed to the classical and operatic music industry. The capital, Vienna, is home to one of the world’s leading opera houses today and it continues to host a multitude of global performances. The city continues to attract upcoming artists, scholars and enthusiasts from around the world.
The health retreats in Austria
In addition to Austria’s cultural significance, the society has become a known active one in recent years too. What initially began as the core of winter sporting activities like snowboarding, has transformed into summer sports – appreciating the natural terrains by bike, hike or climb. The country is also home to an extensive water and river network, providing key opportunities for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. It’s fair to say Austria is home to an active society and this has only incentivized more adventure and nature tourism, alongside the traditional art routes.
For travellers wanting the luxury escape that still promotes or educates the values of being active, an energizing weight loss retreat is proving a new phenomenon with those heading to Austria. Nestled in the backdrop of the stunning French Alps, the country’s natural hot springs and thermal waters are being utilised for natural spa appeal. The alpine landscape, alongside the crystal waters, are said to be rejuvenating for both physical and mental health and wellbeing. This tourism promotes the lesser-known natural landscape of Austria, away from the hustle and bustle of Vienna and other metropolises’.
Whether it’s a general well-being retreat at a chalet on the shore of Lake Altausse, or a physio retreat to give athletic travellers a pain-free life. The offerings of such health retreats are endless, from weight loss to mental rejuvenation. Wellness tourism continues to become a popular market within the industry and Austria is no exception for being the perfect combination of relaxation, health and cultural travel.
The outstanding architecture in Austria
Reflecting its artistic evolution, the architectural styles in Austria’s cities span various artistic flares and eras. St Stephen’s Cathedral, in Vienna, showcases the Gothic era of the country, with intricate detailing within the spire frame and stonework. Yet then other locales exemplify the Renaissance revolution, with Landhaus in Graz standing grand, with symmetrical courtyards and grandiose exteriors.
Unsurprisingly, Vienna is home to some of the country’s most renowned buildings. Alongside the cathedral, the capital has two palaces, Belvedere and Hofburg. Both showcase the ornate Baroque style, with huge gardens perfectly aligned with the colours of flowers and plants. Outside the capital, key cities such as Salzburg are also home to some of the country’s outstanding architecture. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mirabell Palace is a tourist attraction, thanks to its grand waterworks, gardens and sculpturing.
Symbols of its luxury heritage and charm, the outstanding architecture in Austria are key tourist attractions across cities, prompting luxury active travel for visitors to visit.
Skiing in Austria
For adrenaline chasers who appreciate the slopes, Austria is no novice to skiers and snowboarders alike. The blend of world-class facilities and slopes, cultural heritage and alpine charm, provide the perfect ski holiday. Not only does Austria host prestigious ski races, but it’s also home to a vibrant apres culture and reliable snowfall year after year. Key regions include Tyrol – known for challenging slopes and lively nightlife, Salzburgerland – known for varied terrain ideal for anyone from beginners to experts and Vorarlberg – known for luxurious resorts and some of the world’s best lift systems.
For ski accommodation, stylish luxury chalets in Austria offer a traditional ski break stay nestled in the alpine valleys. Alongside luxury restaurants and terraces galore for apres fun, the traditional chalets provide the cozy warmth essential after a day on the slopes.
The excellent cuisine in Austria
Influenced by German, Hungarian, Czech and Italian cuisine, Austrian food is varied and hearty. With a social dining culture, traditional Austrian restaurants offer low-lit atmospheres of chatter and fresh ingredients. The key food groups of dairy, meats and cheeses are accompanied in most meals, alongside fresh vegetables. Some of the most globally renowned Austrian dishes include the breaded fried meat schnitzel, warming gulasch stew or the soft egg noodles of käsespätzle. In the festive months especially, Austrian christmas markets attract a worldwide audience, where visitors can delve into the authentic cuisines.
Not to mention the coffee scene of Austria! Dating back centuries, the coffee scene in Vienna is known for elegant ambiences, extensive caffeine offerings and a variety of traditional pastries and desserts. Coffeehouses across cities denote their own social rituals and ground beans, catering to diverse crowds and coffee lovers. Stroll through the streets or take on a multi-city venture to discover the world’s best caffeine fix.
Summary
Luxury is deeply routed with Austiran tradition, heritage and culture. Now attracting wellness tourism intertwined with luxurious traditions, it’s clear to see why and how the European gem has gained its place in luxury active travel.
The article How Austria is becoming a hotspot for luxury active travel first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
