Friday, November 9, 2012

Austria Camping Holiday

executive summary by darmansjah

‘The hills are alive with the sound of music’ – so Julie Andrews sang. A holiday in Austria is certainly enchanting; you’ll find magnificent snow-capped mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, expansive forests and charming little towns. Singing still remains a big part of Austrian culture; it has contributed a number of notable composers to the classical scene, with Salzburg itself boasting the famous birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is this history and wholesome way of life that makes a holiday in Austria surprisingly different.

There is something undiscovered about this country; whether you are looking to get away and revitalise, or if you are a keen skier or snowboarder looking for the best pistes, Austria makes you feel you’ve found a hidden gem. Book a room at a cosy Bavarian gasthof (guest house) in a beautiful mountainside village, or enjoy the history and culture of a city trip to Graz. Enjoy a sleigh ride through winding mountain paths, or take a train journey on the Austrian Express and glide from quaint lakeside resorts through to the buzz and nightlife of Austria’s capital, Vienna. Who needs the sea when you have so many beautiful lakes? It‘s true, though completely landlocked, Austria’s vast array of mountain lakes bring a wealth of popular sporting activities. Whether you enjoy fishing, rafting, or simply just swimming and relaxing, the lakes offer you a unique summer or winter holiday destination. Passionate cyclists can discover Austria’s hidden mountain trails, as can cross country skiers, and those of you looking for superb hiking breaks. After exerting all that energy you will also be pleased to hear that Austrian food is hearty, wholesome and uncontroversial. With a variety of culinary influences, including German, Hungarian and Czech, the welcoming aroma of goulash soup, or the classic staple, Wiener Schnitzel, are highly popular dishes. Though perhaps not so famous for its cuisine, Austria is certainly famous for its beer. From light lagers to speciality beers, the best advice is to ask for a local brew – with over 60 breweries, there will always be a good selection!

Ideally suited to the summer seasons, camping in Austria more or less guarantees you a clear blue mountain lake, the purest mountain air, and a friendly local tavern. Choose your campsite according the type of holiday you’re after; the stunning Tyrol region, for example, is famous for its glorious forests and lakes and offers many exciting outdoor activities. Or choose a location near one of Austria’s vibrant cities, such as Salzburg in the north east of the country. Whether you enjoy fishing, hiking, walking, or the more extreme sports such as mountain biking, paragliding and rafting, Austria’s campsites are generally well equipped and offer a good range of activities. A tent for two people for 7 nights will cost you from €250-300 – which may not sound especially cheap, but many boast ‘hotel standard’ facilities and do include some sporting activities.

Season: Jan - Dec All Year Round
Budget Holiday?: YES
Flight Time (UK): 2h
Country: Austria
Language: English

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