Austria & Netherlands

Austria
Austria is a country in Central Europe. It has borders with the Czech Republic in the north, with Slovakia in the north-east, with Hungary in the east, with Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland in the south, with Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Germany in the west. A federal state, parliamentary republic. Official language: German (with an Austrian accent). Austria is one of the richest countries in the world. Currency: Euro. It is a country every corner of which prepared a ‘titbit’ for tourists. The lovers of opera, sights and architecture go, certainly, to the Austrian capital Vienna, the fans of classical music – to Salzburg, and for clean lakes and hot mineral springs, and tourists go to the charming Carinthia. The admirers of modern art will find their own in the ‘cultural’ city of Austria – Graz and the lovers of spectacular scenery and crystal-clear lakes travel to Salzburg located in the foothills where most famous Austrian son Wolfgang Amadeus lived once. Austria is attributed to the Alpine tourist area of Western European zone of European region, as most of the country is covered by Alps. The country claims, quite rightly, to be a ‘classic European skiing destination for the pros.’ Austria is simply dotted with magnificent castles and palaces – eloquent witnesses of past eras. And moving from one historical monument to another, you can easily travel through time!

The capital of Austria is Vienna. The city is located in eastern part of Austria, at the foot of the Alps, on the banks of the River Danube. It is one of the oldest cities not only across Europe but also worldwide. The city takes its origins as far back as in the Roman era. It is a city of waltzes, arts, galleries, museums and fine park ensembles. But at the same time, the city is absolutely imperial in spirit, the capital of the most multinational European empire. Vienna is rightly considered one of the most beautiful and interesting capitals in the world. One cannot help mentioning the collection of cliches, although very pleasant ones: Mozart, Strauss, strudel, schnitzel and coffee. All this and a little more can be found on the streets of Vienna in abundance.

The list of sights in Vienna

  • Vienna Opera – one of the most famous in the world.
  • Schönbrunn – the summer residence of the Austrian emperors.
  • Belvedere Palace complex.
  • Hundertwasser House – the house of the architect Hundertwasser.
  • Hofburg – Vienna residence of the Habsburgs.
  • St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephan’s house) – one of the symbols of the city.
  • Vienna International UN Centre – VIC.

Salzburg is a city in western Austria, the capital of the federal state of Salzburg. Salzburg is the fourth largest city of Austria after Vienna, Graz and Linz. The city is located on the banks of the River Salzach, at northern foot of the Alps. A mountainous landscape in the south contrasts with the plains spread out to the north. The old town dominated by the towers in the Baroque style and numerous churches are situated on the left bank of the Salzach. Tourists are attracted here by the narrow streets of the city and the intricate baroque facades of ancient buildings which are especially scenic from the top of Festungberg where a cable car leads to. Along with the usual museums and galleries, there are several interactive exhibits here. In winter, Salzburg becomes a starting point for skiers seeking the resorts of the Austrian Alps. A kind of the symbol of the city is world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The place where he was born is one of the main tourist attractions. Not only the streets, squares and exhibition, but also numerous cafes and shops were named in honour of a virtuoso musician.

The list of the attractions in Salzburg

  • Ice Cave Eisriesenwelt
  • Mirabell Park and Castle
  • Fortress Hohensalzburg
  • Hellbrunn Palace
  • Nature Park Untersberg
  • Cathedral Quarter in Salzburg

The Netherlands is a state consisting of Western European part and the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba in the Caribbean Sea. In Western Europe, the territory is surrounded by the North Sea, borders upon Germany and Belgium. Together with the islands of Aruba, Curaçao and St Martin, the Netherlands enters the Kingdom of Netherlands. The Netherlands is often called ‘Holland’, which officially incorrect. South and North Holland are just 2 of the 12 provinces of the Netherlands. Historically, these were the two most developed provinces the most well-known outside the Netherlands, so in many languages the whole country was often called Holland. Official language: Dutch. This is one of the most beautiful states of Western Europe with an unusual nature, lots of castles and ancient cities. Traveling through the Netherlands, you should definitely visit Zaanse Schans and admire the famous windmills, visit the National Park Keukenhof, picturesque town of Haarlem, comfortable Utrecht and one of the most beautiful cities in the country – Delft. In Rotterdam, the most interesting part of the old city is Delfskhaven, as well as the attractions such as The World Museum, The Boijmans van Bёningen Museum, The Maritime Museum, The Kunsthalle Museum, Euromast, St Lorentskerk’s Cathedral and Botanical Garden. The capital Amsterdam is certainly considered the heart of the Netherlands. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, as well as the cultural centre of the country. Numerous canals crossing the city are one of its trademarks and a favorite destination of tourists’ walks. In Amsterdam, you should definitely walk along famous Dam Square and the main street of the capital – Damrak. Among the most interesting attractions, the magnificent Royal Palace, the famous Madame Tussaud’s, Mint Tower, New Church, St Nicholas’ Church, the towers Schreierstoren and Montelbaanstoren, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Vincent Van Gogh Museum, the National Museum of the Netherlands and the State Museum Rijksmuseum should stand out. Places such as the Church of England, the Beguinage, the Archaeological Museum Allard Pierson, Nemo Museum, the Diamond Museum are equally popular, the most beautiful bridges of the city – Blauburg and Maher Brug, Flower Market.

The list of attractions in Amsterdam

  • The canals of Amsterdam
  • Keukenhof Park
  • The Royal Palace in Amsterdam
  • Leidseplein Square
  • The Van Gogh Museum
  • Madame Tussaud’s in Amsterdam
  • Dam Square