Regional info

^Austria

Austria was the centre of a large country rules by the Habsburg monarchy from the 16th to the 19th century.  The present Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia were also part of the dynasty.  After the Habsburg period the country was an empire a century before becoming a republic with nine states that included the popular Tirol and the southerly located state of  Carinthia.  The lakes here have proved to be very popular family holiday destinations. Like its neighbour Switzerland, the landscape is dominated by the high mountains of the Alps. However this landscape does not stop Austria having the best north-south road connection through Europe.  The Munich-Bolzano route is the most popular road for lorries and other vehicles, especially since the construction of the huge Europa bridge near Innsbruck and the motorway over the Brenner pass. Austria is famous for its mountainous walking routes.  Many cable cars and chair lifts that carry skiers in the winter also run in the summer for mountain ramblers. In addition to cities such as Salzburg and Innsbruck, the capital of Vienna is very popular.  The 'city of the waltz' features beautiful buildings and has a dazzling night life.