We’ve given Austria a hard time.
But if we ignore its landlocked affliction, it’s really not a bad place at all. We should probably cut it some slack. It can’t help that it doesn’t have a coastline, we suppose.
As beach holiday advocates, it is kind of our responsibility to stick up for our disadvantaged, landlocked pals…
Here are some reasons why Austria is actually pretty alright in all honesty:
The Place
- The Mountainous Scenery
The majority of land in Austria is made up of the Austrian Alps. And they’re flippin’ beautiful. If hill-walking is your thing, you’ll probably like a stint or two in Austria. It may not be our main thing, but trekking through the Alps can be an incredible experience… we believe.
- The Stately Culture
If you like a spot of culture, Austria’s capital (Vienna) has the wow factor. Vienna State Opera House is one for those who like to bask in the finer things in life; utterly exorbitant in every way, the opera house is stunning.
- Yodelling
You know it. I bet you’re even yodelling right now… or at least in your head. I know I am. The Austrians were the co-inventors of the famous yodel, creating a legacy that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
- James Bond loves Austria
Two of the more recent Bond movies were partly filmed in Austria. Quantum of Solace was filmed on Lake Constance and the recent blockbuster hit, Spectre, was partially filmed at a famous ski resort: Sölden.
- The Sound of Music
Now we may have a quibble with landlocked countries, but even I can’t deny the utter brilliance of The Sound of Music. Set in Austria, the film follows the lives of the real Von Trapp family… give or take some artistic exaggerations here and there. Austria’s got some serious brownie points for this one.
The People
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Terminator himself was born in Austria. Arnold first gained fame through his body-building endeavours and then entered the Hollywood scene. After then becoming the governor of California, there’s pretty much nothing that Arnie can’t do.
- The Freuds
The father of psychoanalysis himself, Sigmund Freud, was Austrian. We owe Austria for our awareness of subconscious urges and therapy through dialogue. Freud revolutionised modern psychology which hugely affected our culture.
- The Big Classical Composers
The prodigious and renowned composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig Van Beethoven, were both Austrian. Two big hitters when it comes to the world of classical music, Mozart and Beethoven’s musical legacy is known all over the world.
We’re sure there are plenty more amazing aspects of Austria that we haven’t covered. Do you have any favourite things to add? Let us know!
