If you were looking to visit Austria, you might think of Vienna or Salzburg or even the Tirol, but one area that is vastly overlooked, and yet well worth a visit all to itself, is the Danube Valley and what better base than the city of Linz, Austria’s third largest city.

This valley is green and lush, strewn with vineyards and full of medieval castles and brightly coloured abbeys to explore.

Linz itself has a few claims to fame in its historial markers. It was here, for example, that Adolf Hilter grew up and was also home to composer Anton Bruckner and the astromoner Johannes Kepler. Indeed, the city’s fountain commemorates his work and you can see all five of the known planets at the time represented on the fountain.

Linz is now quite an industrialised city, with plenty of gourmet restaurants and lovely hotels. The local speciality dish is Linzer Torte, a kind of Bakewell tart pudding that was first produced in the 1820’s.

You can visit the Schlossmuseum, the two striking cathedrals or the 8th century, tiny church called Martinskirche, which is possibly Austria’s oldest church. Take a ride on Europe’s steepest mountain railway or take a trip on the meandering Danube river. Cycling is a popular way to get around, although you might struggle to get back if you choose to stop at the free tastings offered by the local wine estates!

Flights for the Danube Valley are about two and a half hours from London to Vienna and then you can either take a short internal flight of about 40 minutes or choose the more leisurely approach with a two hour train journey to Linz.

Salzburg is a city in Austria and originally found fame because of its salt mines.  In fact, the word ‘Salzburg’ means ’salt castle’.  As you might imagine, holidaymakers do not go to Salzburg for its mines.  Indeed, Salzburg attracts visitors for very different reasons, mainly musical related.

Salzburg is ‘Mozart-town’ and no matter where you go in Salzburg you will not be allowed to forget that.  They even have Mozartplatz square, complete with a chiming clock and three museums, one of which is in Mozart’s birthplace.

It is also home to (more…)

Austria is the ideal getaway for a bargain city break holiday with minimal travel time.  You can get to Austria with convenient two hour direct flights from most major UK airports.  There are several great cities to visit, including Vienna, host of the UEFO Euro 2008 cup final on the 29th June this year.

Vienna attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to see its mix of modern and tradition, from its imperial palaces to its famed coffee houses.  Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the glorious view from the giant Prater ferris wheel, an attraction in itself with panoramic views (more…)