Austria Holiday

With snowy-topped mountains, extravagant architecture and the sound of music whispering through its cities, Austria presents itself as an impressive snow-globe of delight for the cultured holiday maker, as well as those seeking one of the world's best winter sports locations.

Tipping its hat to both Switzerland and Germany in terms of style and ideals, Austria's alpine countryside is littered with the clean-cut lines of its chocolate-box houses and small towns – although the cities of Salzburg, Innsbruck and the capital Vienna each boast some of Europe's most attractive baroque architecture and a real hub of bustling activity.

Austria, as with most European countries, looks back on a colourful and eventful history with the country changing hands many times over the years. The centre of power in central Europe for much of the 19th century, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I.

Surviving difficult times over the Second World War, the Allied occupation in the country ended with the State Treaty in 1955, which recognised Austria's independence and signalled the country's "perpetual neutrality".

Visitors to modern Austria find it enjoys looking back to the days of the powerful Hapsburg Empire, but revels in its clean, efficient and friendly 21st century role.

Many holiday makers begin their alpine tour in Salzburg in the west – a gloriously beautiful baroque city, made irreversibly famous by the music of Mozart and a troupe of dancing Von Trapps from the Sound of Music film.

Chocolate, churches and charm make up much of the city and it is not hard to see how so much music and art was inspired here.

Over the mountains to the south-west, Innsbruck does its best to tempt holiday makers of all kinds into its fold, offering some of the best ski resorts in Europe.

Nestled snugly in amongst the blue mountains of the Alps, Innsbruck holds much of the Austrian architectural charm found in Salzburg, with the added addition of exceptional skiing, hiking and spa facilities.

To the east, the grandiose capital city of Vienna sits proudly displaying its masterful collection of historical architecture and finesse. The city which acted as the gateway into Eastern Europe for so many years suffers from a tinge of underlying tension, but its museums, structures, horse-drawn carriages and fountains wash away any strong feeling of discontent.

With more baroque monuments and buildings than you could shake an alpine horn at, Vienna and its people welcome all into their cosy and hospitable city, bedecked with a strong 19th century influence and a lashing of its notorious wine taverns.

Tourist highlights include the Rathaus, or town hall, the central cemetery, the old Jewish quarter of Judenplatz and the 65 metre-high Ferris wheel, the Risenrad.

The country that was home to Sigmund Freud, Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, Schubert and of course, the spirit of Julie Andrews, makes an ideal holiday destination for those wishing to indulge in its cultural history, as well enjoying the delights of a trek across the crisp snow-covered mountains, or exploring the rolling hills and vineyards of its lower countryside.

Austria's year-round availability for flights and Accommodationand of course its ease of access for European holiday makers makes it an essential and enjoyable visit for any cultured journeyman – even for those who cannot stand the Sound of Music.