Where nature, culture, and daily life flow together
Austria will be on everyone’s list of highlights for exploring Europe in 2026. Lying snug in the heart of the continent, the country showcases how nature, culture and a zest for life blend together in a completely unique manner — intimate, vibrant, and full of unexpected surprises. Past history entwines with modern life from Alpine peaks to creative urban spaces, visible in landscapes rich in variety, at music festivals, cultural events and in living traditions.
Experience nature from glaciers to vineyards
High Alpine peaks, gently rolling hills, forests and crystal-clear lakes make up Austria’s regional areas. Hardly any other country consists of so many different types of landscapes in such a small space. In the Alps, majestic 3,000-meter summits meet pastures in full bloom. In the east of the country, Lake Neusiedl, Europe’s second largest steppe lake, captivates visitors with its protected flora and fauna.
Culture that breathes history
Austria and its attractions bring Europe’s history to life in a memorable way. Twelve UNESCO World Heritage sites reflect the balance between people and nature. Music lies at the heart of Austrian cultural heritage. For 180 years, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has performed the legendary “Sound of Vienna.” The Golden Hall of the Musikverein comes alive with masterpieces and the State Opera merges imperial architecture with contemporary settings.
Music, festivals, dance and summer nights
If you want to understand Austria’s Lebensgefüh (approach to life), immerse yourself in the country’s festival culture. From Vienna’s ball season to large seasonal events and palace festivals to modern open-air happenings, this is where art, culture and the culinary landscape all merge seamlessly. Not only Mozart, but also contemporary music fills the air. Austria celebrates being elegant, modern, and cosmopolitan. The festivals are important expressions of the pure joy of life that unites music and community.
Living customs: authentic culture throughout the year
Tradition in Austria isn’t just a museum piece. It’s living culture, often deeply rooted in regional areas and passed on with great passion. In spring, Easter customs are observed and handwork is displayed at Easter markets. In fall, cattle are decorated and brought back down into the valleys in festive cattle processions. During the Advent season, Christmas markets and cherished customs focusing on Christmas and the Rauhnächte, the twelve nights between Christmas and Epiphany, are absolutely enchanting.
Austria: approachable, diverse, unmistakable
Looking for an authentic and immersive European experience in 2026? You’ll find the perfect balance of nature, culture and joie de vivre in Austria. A country deeply rooted in tradition, it invites guests to explore it in a very personal way so as to experience the unmistakable Austrian Lebensgefühl.
