Fairyland, Austria!
Austria! There is a version that the name comes from the German word "Ostarrî chi" - the eastern region. If you look at the map, then it is so. East of Germany.
All in this country for an inquisitive tourist, except for one thing—there is no sea in this country.
But I was attracted by music, architecture, ski resorts, nature. And also cooking. I remember how in Germany, we ate sausages standing up, drinking beer, next to the majestic Neuschwanstein castle. And it was damn delicious. I read that the famous Viennese sausages are sold in a stall near the opera house. Although, the most famous Austrian dish is schnitzel. Who what! By the way, there are three opera houses in Vienna! And no wonder! Indeed, in this country, the most brilliant composers were born or lived!
Not only Switzerland, but also Austria boasts of its tunnels. For some, you can go 20-30 minutes. Everything in them sparkles with purity and is flooded with bright light.
We drove from the south, visiting the sleepy town of Leibnitz. Then, the second largest, the city of Graz. We went up to the Schlossberg castle and also admired the 13th century tower, Uhrturm. There are 6 universities in the city, where more than 80% of foreigners study.
Before Vienna, we stopped at the spa town of Baden, famous for its mineral springs. It is one of the best resorts in Austria. This town is also worth visiting because it has a unique historical value. Originating from the time of the Roman Empire. Incredibly handsome. Beethoven liked to come here to rest, as well as the Viennese nobility.
We arrived in Vienna in the evening and managed to rent a room at the 5* hotel “The Levante Parlament” — a design hotel. This day was my birthday. I am in the center of Vienna, in a wonderful hotel restaurant. Story!
The hotel is expensive, prices start at $200 per night. But the design of the hotel is great!
Parking, at the hotel, paid. 25€. Also, paid breakfasts, which were wonderful. Amazing coffee!
By the way, coffee began its journey through Europe from Vienna. In 1683, the Turks left Vienna, leaving behind a large number of coffee beans. The first coffee house appeared here, which was opened by a former prisoner of a Turkish prison who found out about them. Jerzy Kulczycki. Thanks to him! Now, we can drink coffee at the Mozart cafe while eating amazing strudel....
And how wonderful it is to ride in a carriage drawn by beautiful horses through the center of Vienna!
Waltz. . . This dance, also from Vienna.
This city is also famous for cakes! In 1832, renowned chef Franz Sacher invented a chocolate cake for Chancellor Metternich.
Actually, Vienna was founded by the Romans. Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, buried in Vienna.
Whoever did not own this city, with an amazing history!
What a trip without shopping! I might not like to walk, near some tower, 30 minutes. But I can go shopping for days. Of course, the prices in the central stores are very high. I tried on a jacket, made of protective fabric, dark green. Some natural fur on the collar. Either 1100€ or 1500€. I don't remember exactly. Limited to boots, for 150€. .
In a stall near the opera house, they bought the famous hot Viennese sausages and beer. By the way, street food is very popular in Austria, Germany, Switzerland. . . Eating crab standing at the counter in a glass cafe is a common thing.
We once again returned to Austria, returning from Germany. To Salzburg.
What I liked about Austria. . . Roads, amazing nature, cleanliness. Beautiful meadows, on which there are small neat houses. Every 30-50 km, on the highway, there are recreation areas where you can drink coffee, wash your face, and relax. We have not been to the ski resorts, although we briefly visited Innsbruck.
A friend was fined because he was arranging a rental. For speeding. For 200 €. It is indicated that we exceeded the speed limit by 40 km, the permitted 110 km. Some nonsense. I don’t remember that we traveled more than 130, and then in Germany.
I hope someday I will see this country again. And be sure - from the car window, because traveling like this, along it, is a pleasure.
