Austria

Austria sits at the heart of Central Europe, its landscape dominated by the Eastern Alps, with the Danube flowing across the north. Nine federal states — from Vorarlberg and Tyrol in the west to Vienna and Burgenland in the east — take in glaciers, mountain lakes and vine-covered valleys. The highest summit is the Grossglockner, at 3,798 m.

For some, Austria means Vienna and Salzburg, with their palaces, coffee houses and the musical legacy of Mozart and Strauss. For others it is one of the great skiing nations. Tyrol, with Innsbruck as its capital, holds the most celebrated resorts: the Arlberg with Lech, Zürs, St. Anton and St. Christoph, the Ötztal with Sölden and Obergurgl, as well as Ischgl, Kitzbühel and Serfaus.

The ski season runs from December to April, and longer on the glaciers. Alpine summers are warm and fresh, made for mountain walks and days by the Fuschlsee, the Zeller See and the Wörthersee, while the cities are rewarding in any season. Austria suits skiers, families with children, lovers of culture and anyone seeking quiet and spa time in the mountains.