Then, the Austro-Roman Empire and the Habsbourg dynasty, founded in 1273, became the leading power in Europe, knowing then its apex, during the 16th century through a strategy of appropriate marriages with other reigning families of Europe such as the Queen of Castille which prompted them to rule over Spain & Portugal, North Italy, Naples & Sicily, Holland & Franche-Comte, Bohemia region & Hungary (their device actually was “All land belongs to Austria”!). . After the battles won and later lost by Napoleon, which brought about tribulations to its splendor, Austria thanks to the political skill of Metternich, came up to a period of great instability with the 68 year long and stable reign of Emperor François Joseph, which ended in 1919, after the first world war.

In the present day & age, Austria is a country, populated with around 8 million people (with one of the lowest density in Europe) and is governed by a federal system, articulated around 9 länder (states). Austria joined the European Community in 1995, along with Sweden and Finland and is part of the Euro zone since the beginning of 2002.

Heaven for skiing, Austria reveals itself as an enchanting country, with beautifully flourished villages. Architectural and artistic treasures will remind you of the time when Vienna became the musical capital of Europe, thanks to the talent of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert (18th century) and later Strauss (father & son), Bruckner, Brahms, Mahler, Berg, Böhm, von Karajan…

Vienna (Wien)
Salzburg