Where to Stay When on Vacation in Austria Sunday, August 29, 2010

Austria is a very popular holiday destination amongst people looking for activity holidays. Its stunning scenery draws back holiday makers year after year to its fantastic choice of self catering ski chalets and apartments. Holiday rental homes are becoming extremely popular in Austria with many tourists choosing to rent direct from the home owners.

Austria is world famous for its winter skiing in the Alps and now many holiday makers return in the summer for lakeside sunbathing. It is also a country of great tradition and culture and many tourists rent self catering apartments for a city break. They find that by renting a self catering ski chalet or apartment in Austria that it gives them the freedom to live and explore the area like the locals. They see holiday home rentals as a good base for a relaxing vacation for couples or a family holiday.

Vienna is the capital of Austria and it has some stunning architecture. Holiday makers are now lucky that some of these apartments are now available as direct holidays. Holiday apartments are available to rent direct from their owners in Vienna. Renting them enable people on vacation to sample the city's culture and musical life. There is a vast wealth of stunning and beautiful architecture making Vienna an extremely interesting and popular city to visit.

For those people not looking for the city breaks, renting a skiing holiday chalet or apartment in the Tyrol or Salzburg would give them a great chance to enjoy the winter sports and some of the finest scenery in Austria. There is a good selection of holiday apartments and chalets to choose from and the locals are renowned for their hospitality and warm welcome. They make tourists feel welcome and at home in their wonderful country. No matter what the time of year, tourists are to find quality holiday accommodation in Austria to suit people of all ages, interests and abilities.

For people looking for walking holidays there's hardly a better place than Austria. This warm weather activity becomes a nationally embraced outdoor pastime once the mountains and valleys are in bloom. A network of well-marked walking trails winds through some of Austria's best alpine recreational regions, including ones marked as push chair friendly and others as wheelchair accessible. Along all of the all routes are holiday chalets and self catering apartments available for rental.

Traditional food is one of the highlights of visiting Austria, however there are also many other mouth watering dishes available. One of the great advantages of staying in a ski chalet or holiday apartment is the freedom to experience the local cuisine. Popular dishes include backstube platter - medallions of pork in garlic, with rosti potato, or kaiserschmarren - an omelette with raisins and plum compote. A real favourite is mohr im hemd, a delicious chocolate pudding in a chocolate sauce.

Austrian food can be delicate with Italian influences in the south and Hungarian to the north, and a range of good local cheeses. Austria also has a great range of beers and is now starting to develop a reputation for good local wines.

It is little wonder that people return to Austria year after year on their vacations and enjoy the true flavour of local life staying in a holiday ski chalet or self catering apartment.

Austrian food can be delicate with Italian influences in the south and Hungarian to the north, and a range of good local cheeses. Austria also has a great range of beers and is now starting to develop a reputation for good local wines.

It is little wonder that people return to Austria year after year on their vacations and enjoy the true flavour of local life staying in a holiday ski chalet or self catering chalets in Austria. If you like Austria then you should try a Switzerland chalet holiday

Discover Slovakia by Car Hire Wednesday, August 25, 2010

So starting with the capital, Bratislava, you will find a beautiful medieval old town surrounded by not so interesting block flat suburbs. The city is unusual in that it borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary, and as a matter of interest Vienna is a mere 60km away! The inner city is largely a pedestrianised area so you can leave your rental just outside and stroll in. You can easily walk across the city centre in a matter of minutes. But as you do so you'll find many interesting buildings such as the Old Town Hall, built in the 14th century and now serves as the Bratislava City Museum. Other sites to see include Bratislava Castle, Grassalkovich Palace, the Slavín memorial and there are many more.

Slovakia Car Hire Tip - In Slovakia, as with most of Europe, you will be driving on the right.

Heading east and north along the D1 Motorway for about 45kms, you'll come to Trnava which is an important historic town that also serves as the Roman Catholic Archbishopric in Slovakia. The city centre has much to see and visit so it's well worth some of your time.

A little detour off the D1 and onto the R1 for about 40kms will get you to Nitra, which is one of the oldest cities in Slovakia and is also one of the biggest. In the city centre you'll find the Hrad (castle) which is possibly over a thousand years old.

Slovakia Car Hire Tip The speed limits are 130km/hr on motorways, 90km/hr on main roads, and 60km/h in built up areas.

Returning to Trnava and continuing on the D1 will bring you to Tren
ín. This city is sometimes referred to as the Pearl of Povazie because of its great beauty, both natural and architectural. The city has several interesting museums and it also has some fine shopping streets. The highlight of any trip here would be a visit to Tren
ín Castle which traces its origins to Roman times and it overlooks the city.

Slovakia Car Hire Tip The D1 motorway is the most important road in the country as it spans the entire length west to east. However the road is still under construction in some parts, so it may be a case of where you are driving along at 130km/h and then you are suddenly brought to a crawl as you travel through the construction sites.

Continuing north-east along the D1 you will eventually arrive at Zilina. This city has been destroyed a number of times in its history but it has always been rebuilt and today it's an important industrial centre for Slovakia, which includes the car manufacturer Kia. The city is an important hub for travel, going east-west there is Ukraine - Prague and going north-south there is Warsaw - Vienna. While here there's plenty to see such as Budatín Castle, the Church of St. Stephen the King and much more.

Slovakia Car Hire Tip The motorway is tolled, and you can pay by purchasing a sticker in a post office or petrol station. The price is dependant on the size of your vehicle and the duration can be for 15 days or for a year. Remember that the sticker has to be displayed on your windscreen.

Turning south on the D1 you'll find Martin which is located close to the Malá Fatra and Ve>ká Fatra mountain ranges - it has excellent skiing opportunities. Within the town itself you can find such attractions as the Slovak Matica and the Slovak National Museum.

Slovakia Car Hire Tip The permitted alcohol level is 0. Any alcohol at all in your blood is an offence while driving. Also driving whilst using your mobile is illegal.

Another detour off the D1 and on road 65 will get you to Banská Bystrica. This city is worth the detour, as it lies between four important national parks of Slovakia. The national parks Velka Fatra, Nizke Tatry, Polana, and Stiavnicke Vrchy are all situated around the city. Before you head out to the parks, a wander around the city centre will be rewarded with many beautiful Romanesque and Gothic buildings. This medieval city also has excellent access to the mountains.

Slovakia Car Hire Tip During the winter months, October to March, it's required by law that all cars drive with their headlights on.

Returning to Martin and then continuing east you'll come to Presov. This city is one of the largest in the country and students make up more than 10% of the city's population, so the city has a lively nightlife. The city is an important cultural centre with some of the finest opera, theatres and plays held at the Jonás Záborský Theatre. The city centre is also a magnificent place to wander around and see all the different styles of architecture throughout the ages.

Slovakia Car Hire Tip If there is a tram to your left, and it indicates right it has right of way even if it means cutting you off.

Turning south you'll arrive in Kosice. This city is second only to Bratislava in size and importance in Slovakia. The city centre is largely pedestrianised and here you will find the East Slovak Museum, East Slovak Gallery and the Slovak Technical Museum. The city is also host to the oldest annual marathon in Europe, the Kosice Peace Marathon.

Slovakia Car Hire Tip That's the end of the journey across Slovakia and visiting most of the major sites. A non-stop trip back to Bratislava should take about 6 hours, so take your time and enjoy the scenery for the second time.

Mairead Foley writes for http://www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

Visit http://www.Novacarhire.com for all you need to know before you take to the roads in Slovakia, like where to go and what to see with your car hire. Book your Car hire New Slovakia now.

Vienna, Austria Sunday, August 22, 2010

I visited Vienna in Austria for 4 days in May 2006, it's one of my most favourite cities. I have been there a few times and there is always something new to discover. There are so many things to do and see.



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Vienna Austria - Good Place To Visit

Vienna is one of the largest city of Austria. Vienna is in the east of the country of the river Dnaube. It is also an administrative district. Many old buildings, churches and museums are there in this city. In Vienna , Classical music and opera are very famous.

Vienna is also the name of the song about the city, by the British group Ultravox. Vienna has lots of things to offer like Art and Culture, Sports and Relaxation, Pleasure and Recreation. Vienna hotels are good for tourists. alla-lenz -This hotel is located in center of Vienna. They offers you luxury, breakfast, apartment's accommodations and elegant rooms with internet access. Accommodation in Vienna includes everything from low budget to designer hotels.

Atlantis-hotel -This hotel is located in the heart of the city, between the State opera and St. Stephan's Cathedral.This hotel offers 118 comfortable rooms, all are equipped with a bath or shower, WC, hair dryer, telephone, cable-TV, Pay-TV and minibar. Antique furniture . All hotels provides you best services. If you are looking for a well furnished hotel then go to this hotel
Austrotel-hotel -The staff of his hotel is friendly and always offers good recommendations for sightseeing and dining. Vienna atmosphere is so relaxing and friendly . Everyone enjoyed here a lot.

About Athens Hotels, Zurich Switzerland Hotels, London Hotels, Orlando Hotels, Holland Hotels and Berlin Hotel review. Find cheap hotels, budget hotels, and discount hotels, top hotels in London, New York, Orlando, Zurich, Athens, Berlin, Top Vienna Hotels. Top Vienna Hotels.

Gustav Klimt - The Frontrunner of Vienna Art Nouveau Friday, August 20, 2010

Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter of Symbolism and Art Nouveau movement, born on July 14, 1862 to Ernst Klimt, a gold engraver, and Anna Klimt, at Baumgarten, a small place near Vienna. He had two brothers and four sisters & was the second of the siblings. His childhood struggled with poverty and economic difficulties. Bagging a scholarship in 1876, Gustav Klimt completed his architectural painter training form the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts in 1883. His basic work reflected the elements of conservative training. In the year 1877, his brother, Ernst also joined the Vienna School.

Both the brothers, along with a friend, Franz Matsch formed a great team called the "Company of Artists." With the help of their teachers, the trio completed the murals for Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna by 1880. Gustav Klimt started his career by painting the ceilings and the other interiors of the tall buildings. Paintings, sketches, and murals formed the major portion of his works, themed mainly around female body. He adored and idolized Hans Makart, the famous history painter of his time. A series of "Allegories and Emblems" was Klimt's first major success.

Gustav Klimt, for his great dedication and contribution to the paintings in Burgtheatre, was awarded the Golden Order of Merit in the year 1888 from Franz Josef I, the then Emperor of Austria. Klimt became the most prominent member of the University of Vienna and the University of Munich. He met Emilie Floge in 1890 who became his companion for life. Later, in 1892, his practice was seriously affected due to the death of his father and brother and their families' financial responsibility shifting to him. In 1894, Gustav started painting "Philosophy," "Medicine," and "Jurisprudence" for the Great Hall in the University of Vienna, his last public commission. Termed pornographic and heavily criticized, the three paintings were never used. Klimt with some others founded Wiener Secession (Vienna Secession or Vienna Art Nouveau) in 1897 and became its president. He stayed with Secession until 1908.

The peak of Gustav's career was checkered with a mix of critical reactions and rave reviews. The artist started the use of gold in paintings, such as "Pallas Athene (1898)" and "Judith I (1901)." The most famous works of Klimt in his 'Golden Phase' were the "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" in 1907, and "The Kiss" in 1907-1908. In 1904, his finest art, "Expectation" and "Fulfillment," which he created with the help of other fellow artists, was used to adorn the house of the richest Industrialist in Belgium. Gustav Klimt painted many canvases of women wrapped in fur between 1907 and 1909. He was very selective in choosing the subject and the theme of the paintings. He mostly worked at sexually active and erotic pieces, which unleashed his sexual interest in women.

In the year 1911, his painting, "Death and Life (1911)" was awarded the best painting at the World Exhibition in Rome. His mother, Anna, died in 1915 and 3 years later, on February 6, 1918, Gustav Klimt breathed his last at Vienna, Austria, due to pneumonia and stroke. He left many of his paintings unfinished. Some of his paintings have fetched record-breaking prices, for instance, "Landhaus am Attersee" was sold for $29.13 million, and "Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907)" commanded a hefty $135 million.

Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki-art.com

10 Great Places to Go to When You Visit Austria

Austria is one of the countries in Europe having a rich and dramatic history, and its landscapes are dotted with historical landmarks such as medieval fortresses, castles, churches, etc. Moreover, Austria is also home to many great people from composers to military leaders, from poets to musicians. Because of this, you can indeed expect a fantastic vacation should you go and visit this place, so here are ten great places to go to in Austria:

1.) Hofburg Imperial Palace

The Hofburg Imperial Palace was built during the late 13th century and still stands today as a testament to the power and wealth of this mighty political family. In this palace, you will find the offices of the President of Austria, the countries international convention center, the famous Spanish Riding School and its Lipizzan stallions. There are also museums that are open to the public.

2.) Grossglockner Alpine Road

The Grossglockner alpine road is one of the most visited alpine roads in the continent. It ends in the highest mountain in Austria where its largest glacier is also located. In fact, since the mid 1930's, this famous road has been visited by over 50 million people eager to see its spectacular views.

3.) Carnutinum Archaeological Museum

Carnutinum was once the most important of Roman towns in the Alps. It was founded sometime during the 6th century AD and has seen about 5000 inhabitants under the Roman Empire. Today, this town houses the largest collection of Roman artifacts ranging from Roman jewelry, roman arms and coins, landmarks such as amphitheatres and baths as well as other religious objects from the Roman religion of Mithras worship.

4.) Eisriesenwelt Caves

The Eisriesenwelt caves showcase extraordinary rock and ice formations, majestic towers and columns and even an underground glacier and waterfall. It was discovered sometime during the late 1870's by Anton Posselt and since then has attracted thousands of tourists from all around the world. Today, it is considered as one of the largest ice cave in the world.

5.) Graz

The Graz is perhaps the most famous center for culture, architecture and art. In fact, it was been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the historical value of the place. Here, tourists will also get to experience the vibrant nightlife that Gratz is well known for.

6.) Salzburg

Salzburg is well known for its number of churches. In fact, it is also named as the Rome of the North because of this. Aside from this, Salzburg is also known for its old streets, festivals, the Mirabell Palace, the hohensalzburg Fortress and the Mozarteum.

7.) Innsbruck

Innsbruck is well known as a vacation destination in winter. This is because the place is situated between two imposing mountainsides ideal for winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing. Not only that, Innsbruck is also a popular tourist destination even in the summer months because it is ideal for mountaineering and ecotours.

8.) Vienna

Vienna is one of the greatest and most historic cities in Western Europe. It is birthplace of Austria's most famous rulers and some of the most famous composers of classical music. Vienna also boasts of such tourist destinations as St Stephen's Cathedral and Vienna Woods.

9.) The Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future is called the Ars Electronica. This museum is also well known for its stunning collection of modern technology. As such, this has become a tourist spot.

10.) Hohe Tauern National Park

One of the last natural wilderness areas in Europe, this park is well known for its flora and fauna. Here you will see animals such as Mountain goats, ibex, chamois, a wide variety of birds, sheep, etc. You also get to enjoy nature at its finest with your loved ones.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv] Visit [http://www.destinationguide.tv/austria] to view or share Austria travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv/austria]

Radetzky March-Vienna 2010 - New Year Concert 2010

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A Tourist Guide For Neubau, Vienna

Are you tired of your old boring city with absolutely no history whatsoever? Do you want to experience the glory and romance of Europe? Vienna, specifically in the district of Neubau, would be one of the best places to go to if you want both that romantic and old Europe feeling to your vacation.

Neubau is just another one of the inner districts of Vienna. It is the seventh district of the venerable city. The district of Neubau is located near the heart of the bustle and hustle. This district was formally established in the year 1850 and is one of the most populated places there, fully equipped with prime shopping centers as well as residential infrastructures and apartments. It is estimated that the total population of Neubau is around twenty nine thousand people all located in an area around one and a half km².

The district was the site of Vienna's first silk making industries. Factories that produced the best silk littered that area. This was before the area's population grew. Now, Neubau is a major shopping area particulary in Neubaugasse as well as the famous Mariahilfer Straße. The prestigious Volstheater or the People's Theatre is also located here. It was erected at around 1889 and was designed by Hermann Helmer along with Ferdinand Fellner. The designs were planned to coincide with the tenets of historicism. As the name suggests, the theater was built for the people at their request. It was particularly requested by Anzengruber, a major playwright, and Thonet, a furniture mogul. The theater was supposed to expose the masses to literature, both avant-garde and classic. Even up to today, this tradition is still kept alive with focus on the Austrian plays. It remains as one of the biggest popular drama theater in Austria.

The Museaumsquartier is also located in Neubau. This attractive museum has both Baroque style buildings as well as the cutting edge Modern architectural designs by the likes of Manfred Ortner and Laurids. The Museum was renovated and made room to a large selection of art installations from modern exhibits such as the Wiener Festwochen and from major museums such as the Leopold Museum.

The next time you visit Europe, be sure to stop by booking Neubau hotel and take shopping liberties while you soak in the culture from the grand theaters and Museums. If you look for accommodation try Vienna hotels. Online hotel reservations website.

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