Austria, the fascinating alpine republic...

Those were the days when ladies at the end of the 18th century went on climbing tours in the high mountains wearing long skirts, the mountain guide on the rope striving for the summit – it was the beginning of alpine tourism. The first mountain railways followed approximately 100 years later. Today visitors come to the Alps in Central Europe for everything from contemplative strolls to extreme adventure tours. At the time, the Ortler in South Tyrol was the highest peak in the Austrian Empire at 3,905 m. With a proud 3,798 m and one of the most beautiful alpine highways, the Großglockner is now the highest peak and a monumental goal for mountain climbers, hikers, motor sports enthusiasts and cyclists. The Großglockner Hochalpenstraße in Hohe Tauern National Park features an unforgettable alpine panorama over its 48-kilometre length. This toll highway joins the federal states of Salzburg and Carinthia from north to south between Bruck (near Zell am See) and Heiligenblut. Scenic excursions include the Franz-Josefs-Höhe and the Edelweißspitze for those who want to go even higher. The road was opened to the public in 1935. But even in medieval times, pack-horses transported goods from north to south and vice versa. The alpine crossing over the Hochtor at an elevation of 2,506 m (now through a tunnel) was already in use during Roman times.

Just as varied as the local culture, the mountain landscape captivates visitors in any season with glaciers, mountain peaks and swimming lakes. Winter or summer, everyone is sure to find their own personal vacation experience.