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Austria is full of such rich cultural offerings and traditions, many of them left over from the time when Vienna was the seat of a powerful empire. These days, the capital's imperial buildings may seem a bit grand and oversized for this small country. But there is nothing diminished about the country's romantic streak or its passion for rituals, whether in the coffeehouse, the church or the grand ballroom. Austria seems to blend a kind of Italian romanticism with a Germanic love for order. And that orderly romanticism can be quite captivating, particularly when experienced by way of a Sacher torte, a hike through the mountains of Tirol or a stroll along Vienna's Ringstrasse. Vienna Once the leading city in central Europe, Vienna today is a modern city robed in 18th-century charm and 19th-century grandeur. The Old World ambience of the city is determined as much by attitude as by architecture. Attractions: Stephansdom; the Innenstadt (the historic city center); the wonderful
buildings along the Ring; the Staatsoper (famed baroque opera house);
the Secession Building; Schonbrunn Palace; the Prater. Salzburg Lovely Salzburg (pop. 144,700) is Austria's premier tourist city. Begin
with a tour of Hohensalzburg, the large white castle that looms on a cliff
above the historic quarter. Next, investigate the Residenz, a palace that
provides insight into the court life of the Hapsburgs. And after that,
simply explore the streets, taking care not to miss Mozart's birthplace |
