VIENNA
An introduction to the city of Vienna
Vienna, also described as Europe's cultural capital, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and safe, and has all the inspiration that you could wish for in order to discover this wonderful part of Europe.
Facts: Vienna, the capital of Austria, 2 million inhabitants, is situated on the banks of the Danube. The influx of visitors from all over the world has made Vienna the most popular urban tourist destination in Austria.
Austria's climate is generally moderate and mild and reliably follows the four distinct seasons. Average summer temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, the average winter temperatures are around 0°.
Vienna - a romantically imperial city: Vienna is a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history. Sightseeing opportunities are to be found in abundance. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in the footsteps of Sissi and Emperor Franz Josef, and marvel at the majestic architecture along the Ring boulevard. Be inspired by an atmosphere steeped in history - which also boasts the comforts and infrastructure of a modern city!
Vienna - city of culture: Vienna possesses a lively and vast array of cultural attractions. Whether classical or experimental theatre, film or dance festivals, opera or operetta, or exhibitions and concerts - no matter when you come and how long you stay, there is sure to be something exciting for you to discover. Or if your tastes are not quite so culturally refined, then visit one of Vienna's famous coffee houses or traditional wine taverns ("Heurige") and work your way through famous culinary specialities. Wet your appetite!
Vienna - city of music: Vienna has been synonymous with music for centuries, and was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. This outstanding musical heritage has been preserved right to the present day. The Wiener Philharmoniker is one of the world's top orchestras, the Vienna Boys' Choir is triumphantly successful wherever it tours, and the Vienna Conservatorium has produced innumerable international award-winners in all musical disciplines. Yet Vienna also boasts a lively scene for young people - if you love music, you are sure to profit from Vienna.
Vienna - City of art: Down the centuries, Vienna has always produced and nurtured world-famous artists. The collecting passion of art-loving rulers and monarchs has made Vienna a treasure house par excellence. The Museum of Fine Arts, for instance, is one of the world's largest and most distinguished museums, housing priceless works of art. Art accompanies you wherever you go in Vienna - even some of its underground stations are listed properties (on account of their elegant, ornamental Jugendstil style designed by Otto Wagner)! And Vienna is also uniquely zestful as far as its literature is concerned. After all, where else in the world will you find a city with its own "coffee house literature"?
Taken from: http://www.aboutvienna.org/city.php this is a highly informative site and recommended!
SALZBURG
Salzburg City Travel Guide
The establishment of the town of Salzburg can be precisely traced to the year 696 when the missionary St. Rubert arrived in the area now known as Salzburg and founded the Benedictine Monastery of St. Peters. The town merged into an independent church state, ruled by a sovereign, the Archbishop. He was not only the spiritual leader but also possessed many worldly powers. The organisation of the city was in a Vatican-like style and Salzburg was not called the "Rome of the North" without foundation.
The city of Salzburg is nestled between two mountains Kapuzinerberg and Mönchsberg and the River Salzach. It is a picturesque city with small alleyways, quaint colorful town houses, rich castles and palaces, with styled gardens and a large number of churches and monasteries.
The Fortress of Hohensalzburg, a 900 year old building which cannot be missed, is considered to be the most well-maintained Medieval Fortress in Europe.
St. Sebastian is the city's most impressive church, built in the Gothic style, with a well-tended cemetery. The city of Salzburg displays proof of the wealth and power of the Archbishop and the Catholic Church and is today home to approximately 150.000 inhabitants.
Salzburg is most certainly a city of music. It was the home and birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the memorial to him at the Salzburg Mozart Square honours the city's most famous son. Salzburg has a long history of being a popular destination for musicians, harboured by the many Archbishops fondness for music. This city has retained its charm and character through the centuries. Today Salzburg is known for its annual cultural Festival (Salzburger Festspiele), which offers a variety of operas, concerts and theatrical plays, ranging from classical to contemporary styles. The city is also a very popular place to study for a solid musical or theatrical education and as a result, many students from around the world enrol at one of the many different schools in Salzburg every year.
Taken from: http://www.aboutaustria.org/capitals/salzburg.htm
Other links:
http://www.visit-salzburg.net/
http://www.10best.com/Salzburg,Austria/
http://www.salzburg.gv.at/en/en-index
