Austria

Austria is located in the central Europe bordered by the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland.
The country used to be the centre of power in Europe at the time when it was ruled by the mighty Habsburgs. Although today it is relegated to being a minor player in the European Union, Austria offers some of the most impressive destinations on the Continent.

The country's imperial inheritance is particularly striking in the grand buildings and cultural institutions of the Baroque-flavoured capital, Vienna. This romantic city with palaces and captivating churches, cosy coffeehouses, and grand ballrooms where Strauss waltzes still draw dancers onto the floor.

Austria is one of Europe 's major destinations for winter sports, particularly skiing The Alps have more than 800 winter sports resorts, with ski runs and cross-country skiing trails. Every year it hosts a number of prestigious international ski competitions.
Besides skiing the Austrian alps has a lot to offer during the summer. A vast network of hiking trails through the landscape, ranging from forests and green slopes to glaciers and rocks. A lot of rivers and lakes are suitable for swimming or fishing.

Fast facts

Population: 8292322
Capital: Vienna
Language: German
Religion: Roman Catholics and protestants
Currency: EUR
Electricity: 230V
Calling code: 43
GMT: +1

About Car Rental
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Hotels in
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	History	Culture
	During World War I, Austria-Hungary was one of the central powers with Germany, Bulgaria, and Turkey, and the conflict left the country in political chaos and economic ruin. Austria, shorn of Hungary, was proclaimed a republic in 1918, and the monarchy was dissolved in 1919. A parliamentary democracy was set up by the constitution in 1920. To check the power of Nazis advocating union with Germany, Chancellor Engelbert Dolfuss established a dictatorship, but he was assassinated by the Nazis in 1934. Kurt von Schuschnigg, his successor, struggled to keep Austria independent, but in 1938, German troops occupied the country, and Hitler proclaimed its union with Germany, annexing it to the Third Reich. After the end of World War II, the United states and Britain declared the Austrians a liberated people, although the Russians prolonged the occupation. Finally Austria concluded a state treaty with the USSR and the other occupying powers and regained its independence in 1955. Austria joined the European Union in 1995.	There's plenty of beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque art in Austria 's churches. The most famous Austrian painters were probably Gustav Klimt (Art Nouveau) and Oskar Kokoschka (Viennese expressionism). Vienna has long been an important center of musical innovation. Composers of the 18th and 19th centuries were drawn to the city by the patronage of the Habsburgs, and made Vienna the European capital of classical music. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Strauss, Jr., among others, were associated with the city. Yodeling is a type of throat singing that developed in the Alps and were used to communicate across mountains. The most famous dish is of course the Wiener Schnitzel, but there are many other culinary specialities in Austria. The most famous Austrian dessert is the strudel , baked dough filled with a variety of fruits and a sprinkling of raisins and cinnamon.

	Destinations in Austria Innsbruck Salzburg Vienna

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