Austria

Discover Austria

Fun Foods

Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart started composing music at age five. Born in Salzburg in 1756, he wrote over 800 works before dying at 35. His genius helped turn Vienna into Europe's music capital, attracting Beethoven, Strauss, and other composers who shaped classical music forever.

But Vienna's musical glory came from empire. The Habsburg dynasty ruled from Vienna for over 600 years, controlling vast territories across Central Europe.

Maria Theresa, who ruled from 1740 to 1780, was the greatest Habsburg. She transformed scattered lands into a unified state while raising 16 children, creating modern Austria despite her father never bothering to teach her how to rule.

The Congress of Vienna in 1815 redrew European borders after Napoleon's defeat, with Austria playing a major role. World War I shattered everything.

When the war ended in 1918, the Habsburg Empire collapsed completely. Austria went from ruling millions to becoming a small country struggling with its new identity.

Then came 1938. On March 12, Nazi Germany annexed Austria in the Anschluss, meaning "connection." Hundreds of thousands of Austrians gathered in Vienna's Heldenplatz square, cheering wildly for Adolf Hitler.

Many Austrians enthusiastically participated in Nazi policies and the Holocaust. After World War II ended in 1945, Austria had to confront this dark past.

Austria declared permanent neutrality on October 26, 1955, after Allied occupation ended. That became National Day. Ancient Celts inhabited the region before Romans arrived, leaving cultural traces that still influence Austria today.

Christmas markets, called Christkindlmärkte, transform cities during Advent with handmade ornaments, roasted chestnuts, and hot mulled wine. Krampus, a horned demon who punishes naughty children, runs through streets on December 5, creating equal parts terror and delight.

Try Wiener Schnitzel, breaded veal pounded thin and fried golden. Sachertorte is dense chocolate cake invented at Hotel Sacher in 1832. Coffee house culture means spending hours over pastries and newspapers in elegant cafes.

Gemütlichkeit describes the warm, welcoming atmosphere Austrians create. The Alps cover about two-thirds of the country, offering year-round skiing and hiking. Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna has 1,441 rooms displaying Habsburg wealth and power at its absolute peak.