Explore Austria's East And Germany's South: Cities To Visit

Southern Germany and Eastern Austria are regions steeped in history, boasting diverse landscapes, impressive architecture, and rich cultural experiences. From the towering mountains and dense forests of Southern Germany to the picturesque cities and alpine lakes of Eastern Austria, there's much to uncover in these regions.

Southern Germany, known for its moderate climate and diverse landscapes, offers everything from bustling city streets to enchanting forests. The region is dotted with castles, including the fairy-tale-like Neuschwanstein, perched atop a cliff. Southern Germany is also home to vibrant cities like Munich, the gateway city of Frankfurt, and the romantic town of Heidelberg.

Eastern Austria, on the other hand, presents a mix of charming cities and breathtaking natural wonders. The region boasts well-known destinations like Vienna, with its ornate Baroque architecture, and Salzburg, surrounded by mountains and steeped in history. Eastern Austria also encompasses lesser-visited gems such as Graz, with its medieval squares and narrow streets, and the idyllic village of Hallstatt, nestled by a lake and surrounded by towering mountains.

Whether you're wandering through medieval alleys, hiking up mountain trails, or soaking in the grandeur of imperial palaces, Southern Germany and Eastern Austria promise an abundance of captivating experiences.

Vienna, Austria's capital, is awash with imperial buildings and palaces, and is renowned for its opera halls

The Vienna State Opera is a historic opera house and one of the most important in the world. It has a large repertoire and is known for its annual Opera Ball. The building is characterised by its Renaissance Revival style and imposing loggia. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is also based here, and the members are recruited from the opera's orchestra. The opera house is a successor to the old Vienna Court Opera, built in 1636 inside the Hofburg.

The city also boasts other impressive buildings, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world's largest and most important museums, displaying treasures spanning 7,000 years. The Austrian Film Museum, the Albertina, and the Museum of Applied Arts are also notable cultural institutions.

Vienna is a city of contrasts, blending tradition and modernity, with baroque architecture sitting alongside contemporary designs. The Stephansplatz and Michaelerplatz showcase this contrast, with gothic structures like St. Stephen's Cathedral facing revolutionary modern buildings. The city is also home to the iconic Jugendstil, which has left its mark on many Viennese façades.

The Vienna Prater, with its iconic Ferris wheel, is another must-see, offering a blend of nature and amusement. The city's many coffee houses, renowned for their cosiness and literary tradition, provide a glimpse into Viennese charm and culture.

Salzburg, Austria, is a fairy-tale city with a dominating fortress, medieval buildings, and a connection to Mozart

Salzburg's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with elegant winding streets, charming churches, and unique architectural landmarks. The city is also known for its connection to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with many significant sites related to the composer found throughout. Mozart's birthplace, a shrine dedicated to his life and work, is located in the picturesque Getreidegasse alley. Visitors can also explore Mozart's residence, where he lived for eight years, and Salzburg Cathedral, where he was baptised. The city hosts various events celebrating Mozart's musical legacy, including Mozart Week and classical concerts.

In addition to its musical heritage, Salzburg boasts impressive architecture, including the Museum of Modern Art, which sits atop rocky hills above the old town, blending seamlessly into its organic surroundings. The city also features the stunning Salzburg Cathedral, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece adorned with elaborate decorations and sculptures. Another notable building is the old caloric power plant, a brutalist structure that stands out from the decorative facades and delicate Baroque spires of the city centre.

Salzburg truly is a magical place to explore, with its dominating fortress, charming old town, and rich cultural offerings. The city's connection to Mozart, its stunning architecture, and its picturesque setting make it a must-see destination in Eastern Austria.

Munich, Germany, is the country's second most visited city, famed for its annual beer festival, Oktoberfest

Munich, Germany's second most visited city, is famed for its annual beer festival, Oktoberfest. The festival attracts more than seven million international and national visitors, making it the largest Volksfest in the world. It is held in Munich, Bavaria, from mid- or late-September to the first Sunday in October. The original Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields outside the city gates, which were named "Theresienwiese" ("Theresa's Meadow") in honour of the Crown Princess.

The festival features a beer festival and a travelling carnival, with visitors enjoying amusement rides, side stalls, games, and traditional foods. Large quantities of Oktoberfest Beer are consumed, with 7.7 million litres served in 2014. The festival is also known for its traditional events, such as the brewery and restaurant parade led by the mayor of Munich, and the official beer barrel tapping, which marks the beginning of the festival.

In addition to Oktoberfest, Munich has much more to offer as a tourist destination. The city has a rich history and culture, with its oldest breweries dating back to the Middle Ages. The Weihenstephan Monastery, just outside of Munich, founded its brewery in 1040, making it the oldest in the world. The city is also known for its beautiful architecture, including the ornate Baroque buildings in the historic old town.

Munich is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The Bavarian Alps, with their ski resorts and alpine valleys, are just a short distance away and offer stunning scenery and outdoor activities. So whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or just having a good time, Munich is definitely worth adding to your must-see list!

Lake Constance, Germany, is one of the largest lakes in Europe, with a rich history and culture

When it comes to must-see cities in Eastern Austria and Southern Germany, there are several options to consider. Here is a list of some popular destinations:

• Salzburg: Known for its fairy-tale-like charm, Salzburg is surrounded by mountains and boasts medieval buildings lining cobbled streets. The city is associated with Mozart and was a filming location for "The Sound of Music". The well-preserved clifftop Festung Hohensalzburg dominates the skyline and offers long views over the city and the Salzach River.
• Vienna: As the Austrian capital, Vienna offers grand Baroque architecture, a contrast to the typical chalets and alpine meadows. Visitors can enjoy classical concerts at the State Opera House, admire the Schönbrunn Palace, and indulge in world-class cuisine.
• Innsbruck: Located in the Tyrol region, Innsbruck combines stunning natural scenery with a picturesque old town. The city is surrounded by jagged Alpine peaks, offering easy access to skiing and hiking opportunities. The Old Town features Gothic and Baroque architecture, and the Ambras Castle has beautiful gardens.
• Hallstatt: This village, nestled by a lake and surrounded by mountains, is known for its colourful houses and church spire. Hallstatt is often featured on postcards and tourist brochures, epitomising the fantastic scenery of the Salzkammergut region.
• Bregenz: Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, Bregenz offers a beautiful view of the lake and the towering Mount Pfander. The city has a lovely promenade along the waterfront and is known for its art and architecture. The mountain provides excellent hiking trails, and the lake offers opportunities for swimming and boat cruises.
• Graz: As the second-largest city in Austria, Graz has a rich history dating back to Roman times. It is a laid-back and vibrant place, thanks to its large student population. The old town, centred around the castle, is beautiful to explore, with a charming main square. Graz also boasts daring modern architecture and a dynamic arts scene.

Now, onto Lake Constance, Germany, one of the largest lakes in Europe:

Lake Constance, known as "Bodensee" in German, is one of the largest lakes in Central Europe and the third-largest lake in Central and Western Europe. It spans about 63 kilometres in length and 14 kilometres at its widest point, covering an area of approximately 536 square kilometres. The lake is situated where Germany, Switzerland, and Austria meet, and its shoreline lies in the German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen, Thurgau, and Schaffhausen, and the Austrian state of Vorarlberg.

Lake Constance was formed during the ice age by glaciers and is named after the Roman town of Constance (Konstanz), which sits on its western shoreline today. The lake is divided into two sections: Upper Lake Constance (Obersee) and Lower Lake Constance (Untersee), connected by the Seerhein, a stretch of the Rhine River.

The lake is known for its picturesque beauty, with the Alps, orchards, vineyards, dense forests, and meadow flatlands skirting its shoreline. The southern Swiss side features dramatic steep mountainsides. Lake Constance is a popular destination for bird watchers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy wild swimming, boating, sailing, and paddleboarding, especially during the summer.

The lake also offers a network of cycling and hiking trails. The Lake Constance Cycle Path, or Bodensee-Radweg, is one of the most popular cycling routes in Europe, circling the lake with spectacular views along its 260 kilometres of paved paths. For hikers, the Lake Constance circular route, or Bodensee Rundwanderweg, offers a 260-kilometre trail through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Lake Constance is also known for its charming towns and cultural attractions. The town of Bregenz, on the eastern shoreline, is the capital of Vorarlberg and hosts the famous Bregenz Festival, featuring open-air opera, theatre, and musical performances on a floating stage. Konstanz, a historic city on the lake's western end, played a significant role in European history, especially during the Council of Constance in the 15th century. Meersburg, situated on a hillside overlooking the lake, is home to the medieval Meersburg Castle and features cobbled streets lined with timber-framed buildings.

Lake Constance is officially one of the only places on Earth without any borders, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, heritage, culture, cuisine, and regional wines.

Graz, Austria, is a laid-back city with a dynamic arts scene and pounding nightlife, thanks to its large student population

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a must-see when visiting the country. Tucked away in the country's southeastern corner, Graz is often overlooked by tourists who favour Vienna and Salzburg. However, its laid-back atmosphere, dynamic arts scene, and vibrant nightlife, thanks to its large student population, make it a city well worth visiting.

Graz has a rich history, with roots dating back to Roman times. The city played a significant role in defending Europe from the Ottomans, which contributed to its current stature. The old town, centred around the castle, is a beautiful place to stroll, with a medieval central square and narrow streets in the UNESCO-listed area. The main square is particularly delightful and features daring modern buildings alongside atmospheric cafes and lively bars.

The city's art scene is thriving, with the Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the "Friendly Alien", being one of its architectural landmarks. This contemporary art museum showcases international art and is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. The Universalmuseum Joanneum, an association of 20 museums at 14 locations, is another significant cultural hub in Graz, offering insights into ancient and modern art, culture, and history.

Graz also boasts a vibrant nightlife, catering to a diverse range of music preferences and atmospheres. From traditional Styrian bars to Irish pubs, classy establishments to relaxed lounges, there is something for everyone. For those who want to dance the night away, there are plenty of clubs, including Postgarage and Kulturhauskeller (KULTUS), offering a variety of music genres like pop, rock, and electro.

In addition to its arts and nightlife, Graz has six universities, contributing to its youthful and dynamic character. The city's large student population adds to the energetic vibe and makes it a fun and lively place to visit.

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