Centrics very much admire what they describe as the civilized lifestyle of Austrians; they appreciate the concerts, theatrical performances and museum exhibitions. Sightseeing opportunities abound for centrics who concentrate on historical sites of a region that has seen it all for centuries. Or, they can soak up the beauty of the countryside. For venturers, recreation centers around winter sports, especially downhill skiing, but cross-country skiing has gained in popularity. In summer, they can stretch their legs on miles of walking or hiking trails, with interesting and beautiful things to see along the way. Austria’s lakes and rivers offer plentiful opportunities for boating, both for recreation and sightseeing.

The country’s unspoiled look is a main attraction for visitors. They talk about the splendid snow-capped mountains, the clean and noncommercial cities, the picturesque towns and villages — plus the quality of shopping and dining at almost every stop.

Also, many talk about the music and, for the more outgoing, the conversations in the coffee houses. Listening to a Mozart opera, boating on the Danube, savoring a slice of sinful Sachertorte at a historic pastry shop, skiing on perfect snow — this is what travelers remember about Austria.

Skiing is an obvious option. The main season is New Year’s to Easter, but there is lots of activity immediately before and after. Choose between downhill and cross-country, expensive chic resorts or small casual ones.

Do a pub crawl in Vienna in a series of establishments found under part of the U-Bahn’s train tracks. The area, near the Josefstadter Strasse and Nussdorfer Strasse stations, is a bit seedy but becoming trendy.

Visit the Durrnberg salt mine near Salzburg (which means “salt town”). Today, like guests for about 300 years, you take a ride across a subterranean salt lake. You also can descend into the mine by riding down giant wooden slides, just the way 17th century miners got to their work.

Ski or snowboard on a glacier in summer at the Zell am See/Kaprun ski resort; the glacier effectively creates a year-round ski season here. There are other skiable glaciers in Austria, too.

Travel the 197-mile Danube Bike Trail from Passau to Vienna and on to Hainburg. Follow this Danube River route for the area’s beauty; stop to see the abbeys of St. Florian and Melk. This is one of several marked trails identified by the Austrian National Tourist Office.

Take a boating excursion on the Danube. All kinds of vessels are available, from hovercraft to putt-putts.

In Kitzbuhel, skiing is the main recreation, but try other attractions on your own or via a guided tour, like the wildlife park, the copper mine at Jochberg and the nearby glass factory.

Hike (or ride the cable car) up the Monchsberg above Salzburg. Rewards are many: great scenery, castles, tours of giant ice caves and a large salt mine.

Austria hosts many festivals that celebrate art and music. The Salzburg Festival in July and August is the most famous. But if you miss that, try the Vienna Festival earlier in the summer or any of a number of other festivals in a land of music lovers.

You could build sightseeing in Vienna around the burial sites of Austria’s emperors. The bodies of three centuries’ worth of Hapsburgs rest at the Capuchin’s Crypt; their hearts are in the crypt of St. Augustine Church, and their other internal organs sit in the catacombs of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Treat yourself to an unusual day. Visit the Crime Museum, the Torture Museum and (by prior arrangement) the Undertaker’s Museum, all in Vienna.

For a trip that focuses on the finest of Austrian Baroque, see Salzburg Cathedral, the Karlskirche in Vienna plus two abbeys outside the cities, St. Florian and Melk.

Spend a Christmas in Austria. Haunt, and shop in, the Christmas markets, which are in many towns and cities. Attend a candlelight concert in the Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking Salzburg, or an advent concert in Innsbruck or performances of the international choral festival in Vienna.

Take a full-blown Danube cruise as an alternative way to travel and arrange accommodations.

Tour the Hofburg in Vienna. It’s a self-contained city within a city that was the winter home of the imperial family and contains palaces, museums, libraries and many royal treasures.

Build a Salzburg sightseeing itinerary around Mozart, beginning with his birthplace, now a museum, and ending with the Mozarteum, for a concert. Then, treat yourself to some Mozart ball candy.

Take in a performance of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre, the most famous of its kind and technologically very advanced.

See the all-white Lipizzaner stallions perform at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, and such events are usually standing-room-only. Also, visit the Lipizzaner stud farm at Piber.

Take a stunning train ride. The 25-mile Semmering Railway, built over high mountains in the mid-19th century as part of the link between Vienna and Graz, counts 15 tunnels, 16 viaducts and 129 bridges, creating one of Europe’s top scenic rides.

For more information, consult the Austrian Tourist Office
To find an Austria Expert, click on three buttons, in succession, Travel Planning - Before You Go - Recommended Travel Agents, or just go to www.austria.info

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