Facts about Austria
Austria shares borders with eight countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The longest border is shared with Germany and is about 801 km/ 497 miles in length. Austria is one of the few landlocked countries in central Europe - together with Switzerland and Luxembourg. Austria is a mostly mountainous country with the Alps covering the western and the southern parts and mostly gentle hills in the eastern and northern parts.
- Austria's capital city is Vienna (called Wien in German). Vienna is also the biggest city in Austria.
- The longest river in Austria is the Danube (called Donau in German). The Danube is Europe's second longest river.
- The highest mountain in Austria is the Grossglockner with 3798 metres/12460 ft.
- The largest lake in Austria is Lake Neusiedl (in German called Neusiedler See). The lake is popular with watersports enthusiasts and surfers.
- The Vienna Prater: It is a famous amusement park where one can take a ride on the historic ferris wheel.
- Danube Valley: Cycle from Passau to Vienna along the flat dedicated cycle paths along the river Danube (Donau in German). The Danube cycle path is roughly 300 km/ 186 miles long.
- Salzburg: visit the Mozart museum in the home town of composer and musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and taste the delicious Mozartkugeln, which are delicious chocolate sweets.
- Lakes Region: Swim in the waters of a crystal clear lake in the Salzburger Land which is one of the most popular holiday destinations.
- Innsbruck: visit the Alpine Zoo, see the famous ski jump arena and admire the golden tiles of the famous golden roof Goldenes Dachl in Innsbruck.
- Tyrol: Experience true mountain hiking or skiing on a glacier in Tyrollean Alps. In southern Austria you can also visit the magical settings in the Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds) in Wattens.