The western Federal Provinces Vorarlberg, Tirol and Salzburg Province are the most popular tourist regions. Austria's hilly terrain lends itself to walking and climbing as well as skiing.
Alpine huts are available in the summer.
Skiing facilities can be found in hundreds winter sport resorts between Brand in the west and Semmering in the east. Skiing enthusiasts have the choice of some of the finest ski-instructors in the world. The capital, Vienna, is situated in the northeast of the country with the Danube running through the northern suburbs of the city. Simply walking along one of the many cobblestone lanes, visiting a small country church, or standing awe-struck before a magnificent country abbey, brings you face to face with history and culture. During the 640-year reign of the Habsburg Empire, a few vivid symbols were brought into being, symbols that have remained alive and continue to define Austria in the minds of visitors today.