/countries/show/austria/1.rss en-us If you have visited the more popular European cities such as Paris, London, Venice and Lisbon, you might want to look for an alternative route in your next European tour. Hailed as having the most beautiful lake in the world, Hallstatt is a city in the northern part of Austria encircled with stunning scenery of the lush alpine mountains. The name of the city is derived from the meaning “people of salt,” as it is known as the cradle of the world’s first ever salt mine. Aside from its world-renowned lake, Hallstatt is also famous for its ancient churches, wooden chalets, medieval castle and architecture that give the city an “old world” charm and ambiance. The cityscape of Hallstatt is very far from the flickering light bulbs of the casinos in Vegas and the towering buildings in Tokyo. Unlike the crowded markets situated along the busy streets in Bangkok, Morocco or Hong Kong, the Hallstatt market maintains its medieval glamour. The market is a home to beautiful houses and stores with old-fashioned roofs and bricks. It has narrow yet clean roads with enough foliage to accentuate the outdoor setting. You can say that the Hallstatt market resembles an exact copy off a Disney story like Sleeping Beauty. If you are after culture-soaking in Hallstatt, probably the best way to do this is to visit the Hallstatt market. The Hallstatt market is a long-standing witness of the Hallstatt’s evolving history. Dating back from the 14th century, the market saw the birth of the salt mining industry and its inevitable decline in the 17th century. Back then, salt traders were considered as one of the most distinctive and privileged kind of workers. Johann Ignaz Etzinger, an Imperial Roman salt trader and councilor, donated a statue of the Holy Trinity to be erected in the market. The statue is a reminder of Hallstatt’s glorious past, humble beginnings, and the industry that established the flourishing city. Now the statue has become one of the most popular attractions in Hallstatt. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:10:02 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hallstatt-market http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hallstatt-market When you travel to Innsbruck, Austria in June, you can watch athletes leap for the sky during the Golden Roof Challenge. This much-anticipated event for athletes, tourists and locals alike, creates a carnival atmosphere in Innsbruck as pole-vaulters and long jumpers compete in this unique challenge. Labelled as something out of the ordinary for all to see, Innsbruck's Golden Roof Challenge captures people’s attention near and far. The Golden Roof Challenge is designed to see if anyone can fly as high as The Golden Roof's 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Debuting in 2004, the Challenge has evolved to include other entertainment aside from the main event, such as gymnasts and entertainers throughout the Innsbruck square to keep the crowd as energized as the competing athletes. Over recent years the competition has gradually become fiercer, as competitors continually seem to beat their own records of how high they really can jump. In 2010, Mark Hollis and Jeremy Scott from the USA each jumped as high as the sun at 5.62 meters, just 0.01 metres higher than 2009’s winner: Fabian Schulze of Germany. In the end the Golden Roof Challenge winner of 2010 was Hollis, as he had less failed attempts. The Golden Roof in Innsbruck itself was built many moons ago in the early 15th century by Archduke Friedrich IV. It is a three-story balcony found in the central plaza of the Old Town of Innsbruck. The original purpose for the Golden Roof's creation was so that the great Emperor Maximilian I could have a place to relax and relish in the tournaments held below. Only eight athletes compete for the annual grand prize of recognition and coveted golden shingle. To even be considered for competition in the Golden Roof Challenge, athletes must be able to achieve a jump of 5.50 meters or higher. This small elite group then faces the challenge of competing on a masterfully designed course created by event director Armin Margreiter, spanning over 71 meters in length. Between all the athletic displays and entertainment, you can rest assured that this is one afternoon that will leave you in awe and wonder. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:22:25 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/golden-roof-challenge http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/golden-roof-challenge The Eisriesenwelt Werfen Ice Caves are an extraordinary spectacle mother nature has created and hidden high up in the Austrian Alps. Located just outside of Salzburg, it is often overshadowed by the famous Oscar winning film, 'The Sound of Music', which was produced nearby. It was in 1879 that Austria's claim to fame was discovered. To this day the Eisriesenwelt Werfen Ice Caves are still the largest caves of their kind in the world. This discovery was made by Anton Posselt, a scientist from Salzburg. Although his discovery was published in 1880 the caves remained widely unknown until Alexander von Mörk, a speleologist or cave scientist, read about the caves and along with others increased it's popularity. In 1920, the Forscherhütte or discoverer’s refuge was built and officially became a sought out tourist attraction. The caves sit at an elevation of 1641m and the hour long hike you take to get there is just as rewarding as the caves themselves. The first twenty minutes are spent driving through the town and up to Besucherzentrum where tickets can be purchased and a small exhibit explored, and perhaps a few souvenirs purchased. Then it's a twenty minute hike to the Wimmer-Hutte where coffee and snacks are available. Along the way everyone goes photo crazy only to delete them afterwards as the most amazing sights and views are still yet to be seen. At this point there's a big decision to be made, take the three minute cable car ride (maybe see a few mountain goats along the way) or be the ambitious one and complete the ninety minute hike. So for some it's been a pleasant three minutes and for others an exhausting ninety minutes, either way the next stop is the Dr. Oedl-Haus where delicious meals are offered on the mountain side. After a meal, it is another twenty minute path on a winding hike to the caves. Upon turning the corner and finally seeing the entrance you may think, "These aren't ice caves, this is where the Abominable Snowman lives, we've all been tricked into a cult sacrifice." The entrance is enormous. Once you've reached the cave, simply turning around and viewing the landscape framed by the mouth of the cave is captivating. This is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and no photo will truly capture the awe and magnitude of this sight. Finally inside this mysterious marvel, a seventy-five minute tour awaits. Lit only by handheld lanterns you weave in and out of the most spectacular ice slides and sculptures. As the tour tunnels another 134 meters into the mountain the guide explains the different formations and how they came to be. Unfortunately filming and photography is prohibited since it slows the tour down. The challenge of photography inside this dark cave means that for most of us, the photography ban isn't a big loss. Consider this tour, a special little secret for your eyes only. Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:23:42 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/salzburg-ice-caves http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/salzburg-ice-caves Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Austria, and rightfully so, as it is said to be surpassed in beauty and grandeur only by Versailles in France. If the beautifully decorated palace rooms are not enough to encourage a visit, travellers will be easily lured in by the remarkable gardens and the striking hedge maze. The site of Schonbrunn Palace originally served as a hunting ground for the Austrian Imperial family. A mansion was erected by the family in 1548, and this mansion was eventually transformed into a palace by Eleonore Gonzaga, the widow of Ferdinand II, and a prominent member of the House of Hapsburg. Schonbrunn Palace has been remodelled several times according to the whims of its varying owners. Many of the Austrian Imperial family used Schonbrunn as a summer home only, but Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria spent the majority of his life there, and died there in 1916. The downfall of the monarchy in 1918 led to the Austrian Republic’s possession of Schonbrunn Palace, and thankfully, they opted to preserve the Palace as a museum, which is now a UNESCO world heritage site. One of the most notable features of Schonbrunn is its unique colour: a cheerful yellow, which has been dubbed “Schonbrunn Yellow.” Even the name of the Palace connotes vitality and pleasure, as Schonbrunn means “beautiful spring.” The interior of the Palace is just as noteworthy as the yellow exterior, and Schonbrunn houses over forty extravagant nineteenth century apartments within. These apartments feature crown moulding, huge chandeliers, antique furnishings, and grand portraits of Austrian royalty. After marvelling at the royal splendour of the apartments, visitors can admire the Baroque style gardens. The Palace grounds feature a Neptune fountain, the world’s oldest zoo, founded in 1752, and an orangerie (similar to a greenhouse). Beyond the garden is a 60-metre hill, crowned by the impressive Schonbrunn gloriette— a building in a garden that is elevated above its surroundings—which is probably the best known example of this type of structure. The gloriette is interpreted as a monument to "just war," which is the ideal of waging war with the purpose of restoring balance of power and consolidating the established order. Today, the gloriette houses a cafe and offers visitors a stunning view of the city. Rich in history and stunning beauty, the Schonbrunn Palace is a must-see for any visitor to Vienna. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:10:15 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/schonbrunn-palace http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/schonbrunn-palace The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is a traditional riding school and training centre for the equestrian art of dressage. This is an elegant sport where horses perform graceful ballet-like dance movements at the (barely visible) commands of their riders. Dressage is a popular sport around the world, and is even a competitive Olympic event. But it is at the Spanish Riding School that the charming white Lipizzan stallions and their riders have been trained in classical dressage since the 1500s. The Spanish Riding School is the oldest of its kind, and is located inside the Hofburg: Vienna's historic and grandiose imperial palace. The architecture of the training arena, known as the Winter Riding School, is well worth a look. Even if you aren't a horse lover, the enchanting combination of the horses' footsteps as they prance elegantly in time to Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel, is so mesmerizing that you can't help but watch in awe and delight. Morning exercises, in contrast to the public performances which are given every weekend during the spring, are the time to see the horses and riders in their most natural state. After a short wait in the lobby, we were allowed into the main court to choose from open seating in the upper balcony overlooking the arena. Crystal chandeliers hung above the white pillars and famous walls of the Spanish Riding School, giving the entire building a beautifully elegant and historic air. This was unlike any equestrian facility I'd ever seen before. As the music began to play, the Lipizzan horses entered the arena with their riders atop and dressed in traditional Spanish Riding School garb: brown tailcoats, tall black boots and upturned bicorne hats. The first horses to enter were the older and more well-trained stallions, which were put through their paces showing visitors the highest level of their skills. These included the airs above ground; the levade (where the horse perches on his haunches with rider aboard); the courbette (where the horse rears and jumps into the air); and the stunning capriole (where the horse appears to fly through the air with all four hooves off the ground). When the Lipizzan stallions became tired out, the riders exchanged mounts to younger, greener horses. As the cute young stallions paraded around the Winter Riding School arena, some still dappled grey in their youth, they each had a slight mischievous glint in their eyes; but they all seemed eager to work and learn from their trainers. Following the two-hour exercise, everyone left the arena enthralled by the spectacular elegance of the amazing animals and the delicate working relationship and firm bonds between the riders and horses. Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:11:00 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/spanish-riding-school http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/spanish-riding-school One of the most noteworthy features along the Vienna skyline is a grandiose Ferris wheel: the Wiener Riesenrad. As the tallest Ferris wheel in Vienna (212.4 ft.), the Wiener Riesenrad is a timeless testament to quality fun, and the impressive size and antiquity of the Wiener Riesenrad will capture the imagination of any traveller. Erected in 1897 for the golden jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I, the Riesenrad is one of the only surviving Ferris wheels of its time. The Riesenrad has shown impressive resilience over the years, withstanding a threat of demolition in 1916, a damaging fire in 1944, and the Second World War. The passenger cabins of the Wiener Riesenrad resemble old fashioned railway cars, and feature wooden floors, large windows and a bright red exterior. The unusual combination of modern spokes and steel cables of the Ferris wheel, coupled with the picturesque cabins, make the Riesenrad unlike any Ferris wheel in the world. As well as the striking views of Austria’s capital, visitors can enjoy the Wurstelprater amusement park situated at the base of the Riesenrad. Wurstelprater is part of a larger pubic park called the Wiener Prater in Vienna's second district: Leopoldstadt. It is a great place for a picnic lunch. After a whirl around the Wiener Riesenrad, visitors can enjoy the afternoon strolling down the Prater Hauptalle (main walkway), lined with large chestnut trees, and free from cars, stress and worry. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:49:41 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/wiener-riesenrad http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/wiener-riesenrad