Austria is a predominantly mountainous, landlocked Central European country, with an area of 32,367 mi2/83,855 km2, a size somewhat larger than the U.S. state of Maine. Austria borders no fewer than eight other countries: Italy, Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Germany, the austrian Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia (former Yugoslavia). The capital, Vienna, lies on the Danube (Donau) River, partly surrounded by the hills of the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald). Austria is divided into nine federal provinces (Bundesländer):Vienna (Wien) Lower Austria (Niederösterreich) Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) Salzburg (Salzburg) Carinthia (Kärnten) Tyrol (Tirol) Vorarlberg (Vorarlberg) Styria (Steiermark) Burgenland (Burgenland)
Population
Austria's population is growing toward eight million, with about 1.54 million people, approximately 20 percent of the total population, living in Vienna (on one half of one percent of the country's area). Ninetytwo percent of Austrians are German-speaking and the country has a diverse ethnic mix. It includes six officially recognized ethnic groups: Croats, austrians, Hungarians, Roma/Sinti, Slovaks and Slovenes. Austria also has a significant number of immigrants from other countries, many of them refugees from the former Yugoslavia. Although about 78 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, there are 11 other officially recognized religions in Austria.
Climate
Austria enjoys a Central European climate that varies considerably from the Alpine region to the eastern plain. Summers can be hot, humid and long; cold winters bring snow and ice. The average annual precipitation ranges from 700 mm - 2,000 mm, depending on altitude and location. Snow on the mountains in spring and autumn is not uncommon, and Vienna itself can be quite windy at any time of year.
Government & Politics
Austria is a democratic, federal republic governed under the constitution of 1920 and subsequent reform and amendments thereof, which provide a clear division of power among the legislative, executive and judical branches of government.
The legislative power rests with the Austrian Parliament that consists of the National Council (Nationalrat) with 183 members elected by popular vote according to proportional representation for a four-year term, the Federal Council (Bundesrat) with, at present, 64 members chosen by the provincial legislature (Landtag) in proportion to the population of each province, and the Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung), made up of both councils.
Executive power is exercised by the federal president (Bundespräsident), who is elected every six years by popular vote, and by the government, which is headed by the federal chancellor (Bundeskanzler), the vice chancellor (Vizekanzler) and the council of ministers (Ministerrat).
The judical system is composed of three supreme courts: the Supreme Constitutional Court (Oberster Verfassungsgerichtshof), the Supreme Administrative Court (Oberster Verwaltungsgerichtshof) and the Supreme Judical Court (Oberster Gerichtshof).
Shopping
Going shopping in Vienna is a delight, not merely because all principal shopping-streets are so close together, but also because many shops are luxuriously appointed. Most business premises open from 9am to 7pm on weekdays, and till 5pm on Saturdays, but there are exceptions.The range of goods on offer is considerable, especially with regard to local specialities. Nowehere else in the world are there so many shops selling national attire for men and above all for women. One also finds places selling handcrafted objects and artifacts, most of them still made entirely by hand. Whether it is handmade footwear, original furniture and accessories, jewellery or sports equipment you are looking for, the choice is enormous, the quality dependable. Culinary souvenirs from Austria are paricularly popular: Burgenland cheeses, schnaps (gin) from Styria or wines from the vineyards north of Vienna. The principal shopping streets lie in the centre: Graben, Kärntner Strasse and Kohlmarkt. But Mariahilfer Strasse too is a first-class place to go shopping, having lately been renovated and embellished. Interesting little boutiques have sprung up in the numerous alleyways. For well-heeled visitors, the Viennese department stores are a must. In Kärntner Strasse, for instance, a wide range of unconventional clothing is on offer. But perhaps you prefer small, exclusive boutiques that take you back to those bygone times when the customer was still the undisputed king.
Viennese Markets
In the 19th century, the hey-day of Vienna’s markets, there were more than thirty of them in the heart of the city. Cabbages were sold on the Kohlmarkt (now selling expensive clocks), meat on the Butcher’s Market, poultry and game on the Wildbretmarkt. As the city grew larger, many markets moved from the centre to the outskirts. Most markets are held on weekdays from 9am to 6.30pm, on Saturdays till 4pm.
Hilton Vienna Plaza
Ideal for business and leisure, the Hilton Vienna Plaza, Austria's first designer hotel is located amongst the magnificent architecture of Vienna's famous ''Ring'' Boulevard, close to the shopping district and all major Viennese attractions. There are more than 1000 genuine works of art which create a symbiosis of art and lifestyle. The 183 spacious guestrooms, with a minimum size of 36 sqm and the 35 suites ranging from 60-240 sqm, reflect a special ambiance emanating from the high standards of service and elegance at this unique hotel. 45 Executive rooms and suites, as well as an exclusive clubroom are situated on the top floors. HILTON MEETING QUALITY Meeting rooms are equipped with direct telephone, ISDN lines and laptop ports. A dedicated Hilton Meeting Manager and a Business centre ensure that business runs smoothly while meetings take place.
InterContinental Wien
The hotel features 453 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, all thoughtfully appointed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The Club InterContinental® floor offers luxurious upgraded facilities for the discerning traveller.
The InterContinental Wien hotel features a choice of dining rooms, serving an extensive selection of innovative Mediterranean and Viennese cuisine, while 24-hour Room Service provides the option of dining in the comfort and privacy of the guest room.
Hotel facilities include a modern fitness center with a fully equipped health & beauty by InterContinental Wien, a health and fitness centre with a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam bath, solarium and massage, and a range of beauty treatments. The hotel's Business Centre provides a comprehensive range of services for the corporate traveller
Radisson SAS Vienna
The Radisson SAS Palais Hotel in the heart of Vienna with its 247 rooms and suites, 17 historic conference rooms, a 2 star seafood Restaurant, Palais Cafe, bar, and the John Harris fitness center, is one of more than 100 Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The Scandinavian origins of the international hotel chain bring a natural, refreshing ambience to the hotel, reflected throughout from the style of the rooms to the variety of food offered in the restaurants
Hotel Bristol, A Westin Hotel, Vienna
The Hotel Bristol, A Westin Hotel, Vienna is located directly opposite the Vienna State Opera House, just a short walk from the renowned shopping boulevard Kaerntnerstrasse. A landmark of elegance in Austria's capital city, our hotel is renowned for impeccable service and luxurious guest rooms -boasting unique welcome amenities, such as a fruit basket and mineral water. It's no wonder we were named to Condé Nast Traveler's 2002 Gold List and 2001 Reader's Choice Awards List.
Marriott Vienna
Located on the famous Ringstrasse, a majestic boulevard around the inner city, the Vienna Marriott is only a few minutes walking distance from St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Opera House, many museums, as well as the elegant pedestrian and shopping area, Kaerntner Strasse. As one of the few hotels in the inner city with a swimming pool, the Vienna Marriott allows you to take a splash following a relaxing sauna visit or stimulating workout in the well-equipped fitness center of the Health Club. Whether strolling through the shops and boutiques in the lobby or enjoying a drink or two in one of the four Food & Beverage outlets, the Vienna Marriott is a 5-star hotel with much to offer, and is looking forward to welcoming you to the beautiful city of music!
HOW TO GET TO VIENNA BY AIR
Vienna's Schwechat Airport lies 20 km from the city centre. Bus connections are excellent, with a shuttle service running every 20 minutes between the airport and the City Air Terminal near the Stadtpark (Underground: Landstrasse/Wien-Mitte), adjoining the First District. There is also a regular bus service to the Süd-and Westbahnhof (half an hour's ride, price € 5,08 EURO). In addition there is a S-Bahn conncection with the Südbahnhof (S-7). A taxi ride to the centre costs around € 25,43 EURO. Both Brussels and Amsterdam schedule several departures daily. More information at the tour operator or airline of your choice.
Airport website: http://english.viennaairport.com/
Vienna's Public Transportation
The Eastern Region Transportation Association (Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region or VOR) is a network of eight zones covering a huge area that includes Vienna and surrounding towns. The city itself is Zone 100, or the core zone (Kernzone), where you can travel on one ticket. When traveling in one direction in Zone 100 within one hour, you can transfer from the subway/underground (U-Bahn) to tram (Strassenbahn) or bus (Autobus) or local train without buying another ticket. When you travel from Vienna to outlying regions within the VOR area, the fare depends on the number of zones you travel through.
VOR Public Transportation
Bus Autobus (including Nightline), Regionale Autobusse
Local train Schnellbahn (S-Bahn), Regionalbahn (R-Bahn), Badner Bahn
Subway/underground U-Bahn (Untergrundbahn)
Tram/streetcar Strassenbahn
Travellers from the west reach Vienna via the Westautobahn A1 (motorway A1). All motorways end on the Gürtel, Vienna's ring road. Signposting to the centre is flawless. All Austrian motorways are toll roads. Tickets are available at the borders and must be produced on demand to avoid a potentially hefty fine. On the outskirts of the town, in Triester Strasse, one finds a Tourist Information Office.
Speed limits: on motorways 130 kph, on highways 80 kph, in built-up areas 50 kph. The wearing of seat belts is obligatory. Maximum alcohol content in blood: 0.5 pro mille.
Traffic in the city centre is dense, and parking is very difficult. There are ‘90-minute'-zones for limited-time parking. Parking chits are available in the so-called Trafiken (kiosks) or in petrol stations. Much better is to leave your vehicle in an underground carpark (or in your hotel's if it has one) and to use the excellent public transport system. The city centre can moreover be comfortably explored on foot, since all principal sights are situated close together. Do not forget your national driving-licence, all relevant car documents and proof of car insurance. All vehicles must carry a first-aid kit. Members of motoring organisations can consult these for further information about routes, tolls, speed limits, fuel prices etc.
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