Austria

Austria is situated in southern Central Europe, covering a part of the eastern Alps and the Danube region and, although land-locked, it borders on the Mediterranean area. The country has a wide range of different landscapes, vegetation and climate and, situated as it is in the heart of a continent, it has always been an integral point for communication links between the trade and cultural centres of Europe.

Austria is a popular travel destination for guests from all over the world who appreciate the beautiful landscape, the rich culture, delicious food, hospitality and safety. The Austrian landscape consists of high mountain regions, hill country and plains.

The Alpine region stretches from the West to the South and East to the Vienna Basin, and takes up approximately two thirds of the country's surface area. The western part of the country is mountainous while the eastern part has hills and flatlands. The highest mountain is the Grossglockner (3.797 m), and the main river is the Danube.

The population of Austria is as diverse as the landscape. Due to its central location in the heart of Europe and its vibrant history, a cross-section of cultures flow together here. Austria has a great number of impressive and culturally historical buildings, for example churches, monasteries, castles, palaces, and functional buildings such as museums, administration buildings and many more. The development of architecture and Austria's varied history have brought forth buildings in various styles.

Vienna

Vienna, the former capital of a multi-cultural empire in the heart of Europe, has become an international meeting point, European economy and culture cross-road and a gateway between East and West Europe.

Vienna has a long tradition of hosting international events: The Vienna Congress was held in 1814/15, when the new European Order after the victory over Napoleon I was established. Vienna also has important characteristics needed to qualify as one of the best congress cities.

The city offers a wide range of cultural highlights (theatres, cabarets, historical and modern museums); musical entertainment (the Vienna Boys Choir, the Viennese Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna Opera Ball); typical Viennese specialities (Vienna coffee houses, Sacher Torte, Mozartkugeln) as well as breathtaking architecture (Romanticist monuments, Baroque palaces and Art Nouveau buildings).

Area:	414 km2
No. of districts:	23
Population:	1.6 million
Altitude:	171 m above sea level