Discover the unique flavours of Austria!
Our country offers a wide range of leisure activities for domestic holidays, whether they be relaxing holidays or adventurous tours. Breathtaking mountainsides, lakes with crystal clear waters and city visits full of cultural experiences await us this summer.
But why are so many people opting for domestic holidays this year?
According to ÖAMTC, almost half of Austrians are planning a domestic holiday this year. This is down on last year, but still a significant proportion of respondents. Reasons for this are fear of another Covid wave and the uncertainty of the war in Ukraine, but many are also opting for a holiday at home for financial reasons.
Less surprisingly, current price trends have a major impact on holiday sentiment and, of course, budgets. The average cost of a holiday abroad is around €1,000 per person, with families with children spending around €200 less. The price of airline tickets is already 45 % higher than last year, even if we travel by car we are confronted with rising fuel prices.
This is where Austria's appeal comes into play: a variety of venues and programmes, as well as excellent leisure opportunities for couples and families alike. Moreover, in recent years our country has become a true gourmet land, with special flavours and culinary experiences waiting to be discovered.
Holidays in Vienna
Our capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with its imposing monuments, elegant palaces, world-famous museums and unique churches guaranteeing countless sightseeing opportunities. In addition, as the world capital of music, Vienna is rich in cultural programmes. The Danube Island Festival takes place every summer, the largest free open-air festival in Europe, where all musical genres are represented, and attracts more than three million visitors every year.
Europe's biggest dance festival is also linked to Vienna, with almost the entire international dance and performance scene taking part in the ImPulsTanz Festival. The multicultural, colourful atmosphere of the city is thus a constant feature throughout the summer.
Not forgetting the culinary delights, Vienna is famous for its world-famous gastronomy, the greatest ambassadors of Viennese cuisine being the golden Wiener Schnitzel, various delicious Cake, the famous Sacher cake and various speciality coffees.
Also Beef is an indispensable part of Viennese gastronomy, the Tafelspitz has a long tradition in the big city. Breaded is very popular, not just the Wiener Schnitzel. Breaded chicken or breaded loin of lamb is a popular dish served with Viennese potato salad.
Holiday in Lower Austria
Lower Austria is one of the largest and most visited regions, with dense forests, romantic vineyards, the Danube valley with its lakes and streams, all contributing to its exciting microclimate. It is characterised by picturesque landscapes and excursion destinations as well as several masterpieces of European baroque architecture, such as Melk Abbey, Klosterneuburg, the magnificent building or even the park of Hof Palace.
It is also a true culinary treasure trove in Lower Austria. More than half of Hungary's wine-growing areas are located here, the Danube Valley is also an ideal home to countless fruit orchards; pears, peaches. Due to its proximity to lakes, streams and the Danube, there are of course Fish dishes very popular, such as butter-fried Trout with lemon and parsley. Game meat is also widely used as Pheasant wrapped in bacon or Roast wild boar. Among the desserts Strudel with whipped cream a must.
Holiday in Burgenland
Burgenland offers an exciting programme of events, especially for those interested in culture, but also cosy wine festivals, open-air theatre and concerts and festivals to add colour to the summer. The surroundings of Lake Neusiedl and the Lake Neusiedl National Park, as well as the hilly region of the Styrian border, are full of natural wonders and great places to visit.
There is no shortage of cultural attractions, with the Esterházy Palace in the heart of Eisenstadt and its Haydn Hall, with its excellent acoustics, the venue for many concerts. Lockenhaus Palace is a must for history lovers, as is Güssing Palace.
Burgenland gastronomy is characterised by heavier dishes such as Bratwursts, sausages, stews and goulash. One speciality you must try is Ritzinger Reindls, made from Pork, mushroom sauce and potato noodles. Fish dishes, fish platter with potato noodles or hot fish paprika are widely used. Fishing for Burgenlander catfish, perch, eel, trout and carp is a regular feature on the menu.
The importance of domestic holidays for restaurateurs
Perhaps we can say that owners in the hotel and tourism industry have been the hardest hit by the covid epidemic. Prolonged or shorter closures and restrictions have forced many to close permanently or face serious labour shortages. The solution and at the same time priority for restaurants is of course to maximise quality for guests and human management from staff to retain the valuable workforce available. Our domestic leave not only helps us to save our household budgets, it also supports and strengthens our local businesses to reopen.
Want to read more? Read our article about the world famous Iberico pork by click here!
