Whether you like to hurtle down snow-capped Alps at break-neck speed or prefer a more serene amble through vibrant city centres, Austria is the perfect holiday destination for you.

Austria is just a short flight away from the UK, so all it should take is quick flight search and before you know it, you could be at the epicentre of this buzzing European hotspot.

There is plenty to engage visitors in Austria's many cities - the capital Vienna is the hub of the country's musical life, so music lovers can expect lots to see and do. Vienna is also famed for its stunning architecture. In Salzburg, the birthplace of musical virtuoso Mozart, the buildings are in the baroque tradition and will appeal to art connoisseurs and novices alike.

Traditions and culture in Austria

Like several other European countries, aspects of Austria's culture have been influenced by its neighbours. Italy, Germany, Hungary and Bohemia have all had a helping hand, to varying degrees, in shaping Austria's cultural landscape. This is perhaps best exemplified in the cuisine of Austria, which also exhibits derivations from Czech and Jewish cuisines, as well as the culinary heritage of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

For snacking in between meals open sandwiches are typically the order of the day. These usually consist of different kinds of sausage with mustard and bread. Also popular are Leberkase rolls or Schnitzelsemmeln - a long way of saying rolls filled with Schnitzels.

There are also many other common delicacies typical of Austrian food such as the Bosner, which is a spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll and is an integral part of the menu at Austria's typical fast-food joint, the sausage stand (Wurstelstand).

Vienna has long been the centre of musical brillance - 18th and 19th century composers were drawn to the city, making in the European capital of classical music. Vienna's most celebrated luminaries include Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Strauss Jr.

Things have not changed in the new millennium and classical music lovers will be in their element in this vibrant city.

Recommended in Austria

Visitors should not let a visit to Austria go by without spending a day at the Hohe Tauern National Park. Covering 1,786 square kilometres, it is Europe's largest park and has an impressive range of flora and fauna. It is also home to Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain.

If you don't mind getting a little wet, why not give Krimml Falls a visit. This triple level waterfall is an impressive sight and attracts hordes of visitors every summer.

Austrian Weather

In order to catch the best of Austria's warm weather, it is best to go between April and October. From July to August the temperatures in the cities can be unbearable.

Spring and autumn bring changeable climes but comfortable temperatures. Winters can be biting though - especially in December, January and February.

Destination checklist for Austria

The official language in Austria is German and the currency in use in the Euro.

Austria uses the Metric system, its international dialling code is +43 and it is just one hour ahead of GMT.