Austria's position in relation to neighboring countries. Economic and geographical characteristics of Austria. Flora and fauna

1. Business card

2. EGP of Austria

3. Historical background.

4. The country's economy.

5. Nature

3) Natural resources

4) Minerals

5) Fauna

6) Environment

6. Population.

Ethnic composition

Demographic situation

Population distribution structure

Education

Mass media

National holidays

Taxation.

7.Housekeeping.

8. Geography of foreign economic relations

Political and economic situation Austria.

Austria is a small country located in the center of Europe, consisting of 9 federal states: Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Burgerland, Styria, Carinthia, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Vienna and Salzburg. The city of Vienna - the capital of Austria - is administratively equal to the lands. The division of the country into lands has developed historically: almost each of the lands is a former independent feudal possession. In fact, modern Austria is a centralized state.

Austria is landlocked. Here on an area of 84 thousand square meters. km live about 11 million people, i.e. less than in Greater London. Geographical position Austria facilitates its communication with other European countries, of which it directly borders seven: in the east - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, in the west - Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the Principality of Liechtenstein. This provides Austria with favorable transport and geographical conditions for mutually beneficial trade with neighboring countries.

The territory of Austria is elongated in the form of a wedge, greatly narrowed in the west and expanded in the east. This configuration of the country resembles, according to some, a bunch of grapes.

The largest cities are Vienna, Graz, Linz and Salzburg.

Its position in the center of Europe makes Austria the crossroads of a number of trans-European meridional routes (from the Scandinavian countries and central European states through the Alpine passes of Brenner and Semmering to Italy and other countries). Service transit transportation cargo and passengers gives Austria certain income in foreign currency.

In addition, how easy it is to install by physical map, the state borders of Austria mostly coincide with natural boundaries - mountain ranges or rivers. Only with Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia (for a short distance) do they pass on almost flat terrain.

When our compatriot, heading to Austria by train, crosses the Czech-Austrian border in the north-eastern corner of the country, he is somewhat disappointed. Where is Alpine Austria? All around, as far as the eye can see, is a treeless, plowed plain, as flat as a table. Here and there you can see green islands of gardens and vineyards, brick houses and lonely trees on the borders and along the roads. Plains and hilly lowlands extend from here far to the south along the entire border with Hungary and occupy 20% of the territory. But having reached Vienna, we find ourselves in a more typical Austrian natural environment: mountains, the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) - the northeastern outpost of the mighty Alps and the sublimely hilly wide and open Danube valley, rising noticeably in westward. If you climb one of the peaks of the Vienna Woods, for example, Kahlenberg (“Bald Mountain”), then far to the north and northwest in the blue haze beyond the Danube you can see the low, ridged, forest-covered granite ridges of Sumava, only some of the peaks of which rise several above 700 meters. This ancient hill occupies 1/10 of the country's territory.

Undoubtedly, the Alps are the dominant landscape in Austria; they (together with the foothills) occupy 70% of the country's area. These are the Eastern Alps. This is the customary name for the part of the Alpine mountain system lying east of the Upper Rhine valley, along which the state border with Switzerland passes here. What is the difference between the Eastern Alps and the Western Alps? To the east of the Rhine fault, the Alpine ridges take a latitudinal direction, begin to fan out and descend. The Eastern Alps are wider and lower than the Western Alps and are more accessible. There are fewer glaciers here, and the largest ones are about half as long as those in Switzerland. The Eastern Alps have more meadows and especially forests, and the Eastern Alps are much richer in minerals than the Western Alps.

The division of the country into lands has developed historically: almost each of the lands is a former independent feudal possession. In fact, modern Austria is a centralized state.

Austria is landlocked. Here on an area of 84 thousand square meters. km live about 11 million people, i.e. less than in Greater London.

The geographical position of Austria facilitates its communication with other European countries, of which it directly borders seven: in the east - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, in the west - Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the Principality of Liechtenstein. This provides Austria with favorable transport and geographical conditions for mutually beneficial trade with neighboring countries.

The territory of Austria is elongated in the form of a wedge, greatly narrowed in the west and expanded in the east. This configuration of the country resembles, according to some, a bunch of grapes.

The largest cities are Vienna, Graz, Linz and Salzburg.

Its position in the center of Europe makes Austria the crossroads of a number of trans-European meridional routes (from the Scandinavian countries and central European states through the Alpine passes of Brenner and Semmering to Italy and other countries). Servicing the transit transport of goods and passengers provides Austria with certain income in foreign currency.

In addition, as can be easily determined from a physical map, the state borders of Austria for the most part coincide with natural boundaries - mountain ranges or rivers. Only with Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia (for a short distance) do they pass on almost flat terrain.

When our compatriot, heading to Austria by train, crosses the Czech-Austrian border in the north-eastern corner of the country, he is somewhat disappointed. Where is Alpine Austria? All around, as far as the eye can see, is a treeless, plowed plain, as flat as a table. Here and there you can see green islands of gardens and vineyards, brick houses and lonely trees on the borders and along the roads. Plains and hilly lowlands extend from here far to the south along the entire border with Hungary and occupy 20% of the territory. But having reached Vienna, we find ourselves in a more typical natural environment for Austria: mountains, the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) - the northeastern outpost of the mighty Alps and the sublimely hilly wide and open Danube valley, rising noticeably in a westerly direction. If you climb one of the peaks of the Vienna Woods, for example, Kahlenberg (“Bald Mountain”), then far to the north and northwest in the blue haze beyond the Danube you can see the low, ridged, forest-covered granite ridges of Sumava, only some of the peaks that rise slightly above 700 meters.

This ancient hill occupies 1/10 of the country's territory.

If you cross the Alps from north to south, it is easy to notice that the geological structure and composition of their constituents rocks located symmetrically relative to the axial zone. This zone is the highest and most powerful group of ridges covered with glaciers and snow, among which the Hohe Tauern stands out with the highest point of the country - the double-headed peak Glossglockner (“Big Ringer”), reaching 3997m; Ötztal, Stubai, Zillertai Alps. All of them, together with the adjacent ridges to the west and east, are composed of hard crystalline rocks - granites, gneisses, crystalline schists. The largest glacier - Pasterce - has a length of about 10 km and an area of 32 km2.

To the north and south of the axial zone lie ridges composed of hard sedimentary rocks, mainly limestones and dolomites: the Lichtal Alps, Karwendel, Dachstein, Hochschwat and other ridges of the Northern Limestone Alps up to the aforementioned Vienna Woods in the extreme northeast. In contrast to the peaked peaks of crystalline ridges, limestone mountains are giant blocks with more or less flat, slightly inclined surfaces and almost vertical or even overhanging slopes. The years are mostly bare and contain sinkholes, caves and other forms of karst landform formed by melted rainwater in soluble limestones and dolomites.

The peripheral zone of the Alps is formed by low, softly contoured peaks and slopes of the Pre-Alps, composed of loose sedimentary rocks. And within Austria, this zone is well defined in the north, but absent in the south.

One of the features of the Alps is that they are dissected by deep and wide transverse valleys, due to which the deep parts of the Alps are relatively easily accessible, and low, convenient passes make it possible to cross the country from north to south in a number of places without much difficulty. Thus, the famous Brenner Pass has a height of 1371m, and the Semmering Pass - 985m. It is no coincidence that railways have long been laid through the Alpine passes, some without tunnels.

Austria is known throughout the world for its ski resorts. Beginners and amateurs relax here, and professionals train here. Excellent conditions for recreation and developed infrastructure attract more and more people to Austria every year. more tourists. The purity of the local lakes and the beauty of nature will amaze the most sophisticated travelers. Austria really has something to see - beautiful mountain landscapes, mysterious caves and, of course, the quiet streets of Vienna with cozy cafes and delicious menus.
A trip to Austria is a chance to get in touch with the innermost. A trip to Austria is an opportunity to get to know the country from the inside. The best way to travel around Austria is by train. Railways a dense network covers all cities of the country. What is especially convenient is that you can buy long-term travel tickets. By the way, this is quite profitable. In Austria there is also a specialized agency that, for a relatively small fee, will select a passing car for you to hitchhike from one city to another.

Geography

The Republic of Austria (Republik Osterreich), a state in Central Europe, in the Danube basin. It borders with the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Area: 83849 km2. The capital is Vienna. Large cities Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck. About 3/4 of the country's territory is occupied by the Eastern Alps and their foothills. Height up to 3797 m (Grossglockner). Mountain ranges are separated by deep longitudinal valleys. In the east of the country is the western part of the Middle Danube Plain, including the Vienna Basin. The climate of the plains and foothills is moderate continental and humid. Main rivers: Danube (350 km) and its tributaries: Inn, Drava, Morava. Large lakes- Constance and Neusiedler-Seewinkel. There are many glacial lakes in the highlands. About 1/2 of the territory of Austria is covered with forests: up to an altitude of 600-800 m, oak and beech forests alternate with fields, gardens and vineyards: up to 1400-1800 m - mainly coniferous forests, higher - shrubs, alpine meadows. Landscapes are protected in the Neusiedlersee-Sewinkel, Karwendelgebirge and other nature reserves.

Time

It is 2 hours behind Moscow.

Climate

The climate in Austria is temperate. In the western regions of the country the influence of the Atlantic is noticeable, while in the mountains and in the east it is more continental. The coldest month is January. In the flat areas in winter the temperature is mostly slightly negative, in the east of the country it does not fall below +10 degrees, and in mountainous areas Frosts down to -15 degrees are observed. Summer in the east of Austria is hot, for example, in Vienna in July and August during the daytime the air warms up to +30 degrees. In the western regions, summer is warm - daytime air temperatures reach +21..+23 degrees, while at night they reach +13 degrees. In the mountains in the summer months, the air temperature ranges from +25 degrees during the day to +10 degrees at night. The annual rainfall in the east of Austria is about 600 mm, and in the west it is up to 2000 mm. They mostly fall out in summer time. In high mountain areas, snow cover lasts up to 8 months a year. The water in local lakes warms up to +25..+27 degrees in summer. The average maximum temperature in January in Vienna is approximately +1°C, the average in April is +15°C, in July it reaches +25°C, and in October about +14°C. In Salzburg and Innsbruck the temperature is about the same as in the capital, with the exception of winter when these Alpine cities are somewhat cooler. Inland waters.

Language

The official language is German (with a characteristic Austrian pronunciation). IN big cities and resort centers, in hotels it will not be difficult to find a person who speaks English, but it is advisable to know at least a few German phrases. All announcements on trains and buses are made only in German.

Religion

Religion plays an important role in the life of every Austrian. The approach to religious freedom guaranteed by the constitution is quite interesting: until a child reaches the age of 10, religious preferences are determined by the parents; from 10 to 12, a small citizen has the right to express his opinion, which must be taken into account; and after 12 years he can freely choose the religion that he likes. Most of the population of Austria professes Catholic religion, but in Austria there are 11 other denominations officially recognized. According to the 2001 census, 73% of the population is Catholic, 4.7% is Protestant, Islam is practiced by 4.2% of Austrians, and Orthodoxy by 2.2%. 12% of the population does not belong to any official religious denomination. There are two archbishoprics in the country - Vienna and Salzburg, as well as 7 Catholic dioceses. Austria celebrates thirteen official holidays, including ten church holidays.

Population

According to a 2003 estimate, Austria's population was just over 8 million. About 9% of the population are foreigners. The bulk of the population lives in the states of Upper and Lower Austria and Styria, as well as in the capital of Austria - Vienna, where almost 20% of the indigenous population is concentrated. In mountainous areas (Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia) the population density is much lower than in large cities.
The indigenous people of Austria have a mixed origin, characteristic of other European nations. Nevertheless, the Austrians mainly have features characteristic of the Alpine-Dinaric group.
The urban population is 56%, the population density is 97.6 people per sq. km. Other ethnic groups also live in Austria. There are six officially recognized ethnic groups: Hungarians, Roma, Czechs, Slovaks, Croats, and Slovenes. In the south and east of the country (the states of Carinthia, Burgenland and Styria) live Slavic minorities, whose representatives speak Slovenian and Croatian.

Electricity

The network voltage in Austria is 220 volts. Electrical sockets comply with European standards.

Emergency numbers

Codes of the largest cities:
Baden - 2252
Brand - 5559
Vienna - 1
Graz - 316
Salzburg - 662
Innsbruck - 512
Linz - 732
Ferlach - 4227
Fire department: 122
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144
Transportation of patients:
Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund. Tel.: 891 44
Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe. Tel.: 476 00-0
Vienna Patient Assistance Service. 717 18-0, 711 19-0
Red Cross. 17 74
Answering machine with a recording of the duty schedule of dentists (duty at night and on weekends): 512 20 78
Information about the nearest pharmacies (opening hours, address, night duty): 1550 (153 50)
Providing medical assistance in case of leakage of toxic substances (inquiry): 406 43 43-0
First health care for animals - central veterinary service phone number: 531 16
Pharmacy reference - 15-50. If your nearest pharmacy is closed, the address of the nearest open pharmacy should be posted on the door. If you need a doctor and do not speak German, contact the hotel staff or, in an emergency, the Russian consulate.

Connection

The country code is 42; when dialing within Austria, dial 0 before the area code; when dialing internationally, dial 00. All Austrian settlements have automatic direct telephone communication with all European countries. Telephone machines (you can call either with coins or with Telefonkarte cards) are installed in post offices and on the streets (calling from post offices is cheaper). Phone cards "Telefonkarte" (packed in plastic) are sold in tobacco kiosks or at the post office. Calls on weekdays from 18.00 to 8.00 are 33% cheaper, significant discounts are also valid on weekends and holidays around the clock.

Currency exchange

Currency exchange is possible in banks and specialized exchange offices, as well as in most travel agencies and hotels (with a small surcharge for the exchange operation) and at the main post offices - in large cities they operate daily and around the clock. In addition, dollars can be exchanged at ATMs, in which case only 10, 20 and 50 USD bills are accepted. Credit cards are accepted in almost all large stores, gas stations, restaurants, cafes and hotels.
For purchases over 75 euros, you can get a VAT refund (about 13%). To do this, you need to receive a “tax-free” check filled out by the seller in the store with the form “ Tax Free for tourist Austria Tax-Free Shopping" or "Europa-Tax-Free Plakette". The customs-stamped receipt must be sent to the store or duty-free department. VAT refunds can be made in cash directly at customs or by check or bank transfer (commissions apply on some items). Banks are open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 15.00, and on Thursday from 8.00 to 12.30 and from 13.30 to 17.30. Bank branches at airports and major train stations are open from 6.30 to 22.30, including on weekends.

Visa

TYPES OF VISA
Visa A(transit through the airside of the airport) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is transit to third countries through international airports Austria. Moreover, this visa gives the right to stay in the airside area of the airport during a transfer from one aircraft to another, but does not allow its holder to leave the transit zone and stay in Austria.
Visa B(transit visa) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is transit through the territory of Austria to third countries. This visa gives the right to stay in Austria for up to 5 days each time.
Visa C(short-term stay) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is tourism, visiting relatives or friends, business trips. This visa gives the right to visit countries in the Schengen area.
Visa D(national visa) - valid only in Austria and gives the right to stay in the country from 3 to 6 months without a temporary residence permit or residence permit. This visa only gives the right to transit through other Schengen countries for up to 5 days, but not to stay in them.
Visa processing times
The usual period for consideration of applications and processing of documents at the consular department is from five working days from the date of payment of the consular fee to two weeks. In exceptional cases, it is possible to obtain an urgent visa category C - no less than three days before the intended trip.
Consular fee
Consular fee for tourist visa (category C) and transit visa(category B) is 35 euros, for an urgent visa category C - 70 euros, for a national Austrian visa (category D or D+C) - 75 euros. The consular fee is paid at the bank in rubles at the bank exchange rate. To pay the fee, the consular department issues a payment notice when accepting documents. When receiving ready-made visas, you will need to present this notice with a note from the bank about the payment made. In case of visa refusal, the fee is not refunded.
The following categories of citizens are exempt from paying the consular fee:
. close relatives of Russian citizens legally residing in Austria;
. close relatives of EU citizens;
. schoolchildren, students of higher educational institutions, graduate students and accompanying teachers (provided that the purpose of the trip is education);
. children under 6 years old.

Customs regulations

Citizens of foreign countries can bring with them for their personal consumption or as gifts, but not for commercial purposes: 200 pcs. cigarettes or 50 cigars, Manila or thin cigars or 250 gr. tobacco (or any combination thereof, the total weight of which should not exceed 250 grams); 2 liters of wine or fruit liqueur or tincture with an ethyl alcohol content of no more than 22%, or any combination thereof, but not more than 2 liters, as well as 1 liter of alcohol, the ethyl alcohol content of which does not exceed 22%, or 3 liters of beer and additionally 1 liter of other alcoholic drinks. Other goods, besides those mentioned above, can be imported for a total amount of 175 euros per person. If these goods are not imported by plane, but across the common border with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, then the maximum amount is reduced to 100 euros. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign and local currency.

Holidays and non-working days

New Year - January 1
Epiphany - January 6
Easter Monday
Labor Day - May 1st
Ascension
Whit Monday
Corpus Christi
Dormition
National holiday of the Republic of Austria - October 26
All Saints Day - November 1st
Conception of the Virgin Mary - December 8
Christmas - December 25
St. Stephen's Day - December 26

Transport

Railway
As in Germany, there are different classes of trains in Austria: high-speed and local. The letter designations are slightly different:
ICE, IC/EC - high speed trains intercity and international
D - average between local and fast
E - fast local train
R - local train
The cost depends on the distance, class, number of people and whether the ticket is one-way or round-trip. As in Germany (and in any other European country, for that matter), we must not forget about what class of ticket you have: the class is written on the carriage, on the doors of the compartments of the carriage, on the walls. One carriage can have first and second class compartments. First class is not much different from second class: most often there are compartments, fewer seats, maybe a table, and most importantly, there are simply fewer people. All trains have soft, comfortable seats and an in-car toilet. It is also worth paying attention to whether smoking is allowed in the carriage - there will be an image of a cigarette crossed out or not outside. If you have heavy suitcases and don't want to drag them up the stairs to the platform, look around - there is a good chance that there will be an elevator nearby that you can safely use.
Buses in Austria
Buses in Austria are very convenient. The only thing you shouldn’t forget is that after 18:00 there may be no flights. Prices are lower than by train, but not significantly. For an hour and a half trip, for example from Salzburg to Bad Ischl or from Zell am See to Krimml, you need to pay about 8.50 euros per person.
Buses on the same route may not stop at all stops depending on the time, so if you need intermediate stops, check the schedule carefully. And bus 670 from Krimml to Zell am See runs either to the final stop (Zell am See) or to the Mittersill stop (halfway to Zell am See), where you need to change trains.
Taxi
It is best to call by phone from the hotel or from the restaurant where you are staying, and you can also find it in special parking lots near train stations, in the center major cities, at the airport (it’s not customary to “catch” a car on the street: even if you try, no one will stop). The cost of moving around the city is indicated on the meter + landing fee. When traveling long distances, it is better to agree on the amount with the driver in advance.
Public transport in Vienna
Vienna has a metro (U), trams, buses and trains (S). The city authorities are constantly modernizing their transport system: two main stations in Vienna are currently being rebuilt, and elevators are being actively added to the metro. It should be noted that the excessive comfort in the form of elevators has greatly spoiled Viennese residents: you can often see how hefty foreheads or cheerful girls, burdened with a cell phone at most, quickly fill the elevator cabin, while an old woman with a cane does not have time to reach its door.
Most convenient transportation- metro. There are stops near almost all strategic tourist points. The second most convenient option is the tram. Trams run both very modern and old, similar to ours. We didn’t have to use the bus, and somehow we didn’t come across them.
The ticket can be purchased either from a machine or from the driver. It needs to be composted in a small box at the entrance.

Tips

The tip is 5% of the order value; in large restaurants it is customary to leave 10% of the bill. The waiter will definitely return the change for the bill, and after that, in the same napkin, you must leave a tip. You can leave small coins in bars and cafes. In street cafes they do not give tips. It is customary for the taxi driver to leave 10% over the meter; you can simply leave change from the change. In a hotel, if you decide to tip, the following general rules apply: boys who help carry suitcases can be given 50 cents each, the maid receives a tip of at least about 3 euros per week.

The shops

Shops in Austria are allowed to trade from Monday to Friday from 6.00 to 19.30, and on Saturdays trade in shops is allowed until 17.00. Actual store opening hours in Austria vary. Typically, shops are open from 8.00 to 18.30, and some of them may close for a lunch break for 1-2 hours. There is no uniformity on this issue. Tourist centers and resorts may have special store opening hours. From Monday to Friday until 21.00, and on Saturday and Sunday - until 18.00. Shops at railway stations and airports are open during busy hours (until approximately 23.00).
One of the best souvenirs from Austria is considered a bottle of Yaga-te concentrate, which can be bought in any supermarket. It is enough to add four parts of regular boiling water to one part of the concentrate, and you get a classic New Year’s national drink - “Yaga-te”, i.e. “hunting tea”. And for lovers of stronger drinks - a classic souvenir from Austria - a bottle of schnapps (fruit moonshine). Real schnapps should be 38% strength.

National cuisine

meat on the bone - dish No. 1 in Austria (up to 17 EUR);
Gluewein - a hot drink consisting of red wine and water (3:1), cinnamon, spices; fundamentally different from Bavarian mulled wine in the absence of zest and the presence of water (up to 5 EUR);
Schnapps flows like a river! The most pleasant and correct souvenir from Austria is a bottle of fruit moonshine - schnapps. Classic schnapps should be 38% strength (deviations affect the taste). For a spicy sensation, put a piece of canned pear (if the schnapps is pear) or peach (if the schnapps is peach) into the glass; They don’t put plums in plum schnapps... You will also find more expensive varieties of raspberry schnapps, schnapps made from a bouquet of blackberries and wild apples, and so on;
a typical Austrian cocktail - Vodka Red Bull - the Austrians themselves believe that the combination of Smirnovsky table wine No. 21 with an energy drink gives the body a feeling of weightlessness and flight. It’s hard to say how the flight is, but it doesn’t blow the tower down - it’s been checked: you can drink it. (Between us: it’s better to prepare Red Bull vodka yourself: buy “Red Bull” in any supermarket, take out “crystal” supplies and... 3:1);
germknoedl - a fluffy sweet bun with poppy seeds and sauce (vanilla or fruit);
wheat beer (Weizenbier - Weizenbier) - absolutely incomparable taste (up to 3 EUR);
apple pie (Apfel Strudel) - In Salzburg and Alpine villages, served hot: be careful (up to 9 EUR);
natural sweets "Mozartkugel" ("Mozartkugel") - an enchanting invention of the Salzburg confectionery "Fuerst" - the only place where these and other sweets are still made by hand (in truth, the "other sweets" include, first of all, the best invention of "Fuerst" - sweets "J.-S. Bach"); "genuine" Mozartkugel is sold only in silver-blue packaging and contains large quantity marzipan and cocoa than golden-red American fakes (from 0.9 EUR per piece);
cinnamon pancakes (Strauben / Stauben) are simply an exclusive Salzburg delicacy;
Mozart's favorite beer - Stiegelbreu (up to 2 EUR);
magical soufflé Nockerln - sweet as love, tender as a kiss;
coffee, coffee and more coffee: “Merchant” - strong double espresso, “Ferlengerter” - weaker, “melange” - coffee with milk and whipped cream, “Einshpenner” - double mocha in a tall glass.

Attractions

Symbol of Vienna - St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), the patron saint of the capital of Austria, who is more than 800 years old. Under the cathedral there are ancient catacombs - the burial place of representatives of the Habsburg dynasty, its interior decoration is simply mesmerizingly beautiful, and a Turkish cannonball, which hit the cathedral during the Turkish siege of the city in the 16th century, is embedded in its spire. Opposite the cathedral lies the beautiful Stephansplatz square and the post-modern glass building of the Haas House commercial center. On the walls of Stefansdom you can see the measures of length, size and weight, by which goods were checked when purchasing in the Middle Ages, and from its observation deck there is a magnificent view of the Danube and Vienna. Another symbol of Vienna departs from the square - the Graben street, the “heart of the city”, on which such famous attractions as the Peitzeule Column, the Sacher Hotel and the Peterskirche Church are concentrated. The most fashionable shops are also located here. It is interesting to get acquainted with the nearby Mihalerkirche, St. Marie am Gestad, Franciskanerkirche, the neo-Gothic Town Hall (1872-1883), one of the most beautiful squares in the world - Josephplatz, with the Palace Chapel and Burgtheater located on it (1874-1888), the Houses of Parliament (1883), in front of which stands the statue of Pallas Athena, and the famous Vienna Opera (1861-1869), the venue for the iconic annual Opera Ball.
The pride of Vienna - beautiful parks , varied in their appearance and purpose. Prater Park is considered the most “people's” park in Vienna (it has been in operation since the 18th century) and is famous for the largest Ferris wheel in the world (65 m) and excellent restaurants. The historic Augarten Park regularly hosts dozens of musical performances and symphony concerts. Famous park The “Vienna Woods”, located in the vicinity of the capital, in the foothills of the Eastern Alps, is a whole forest area, with its own towns and hotels, resorts and thermal springs. Bounded on one side by the picturesque Danube valley and vineyards, and on the other by the famous resort area of Baden and Bad Voslau, the “Vienna Woods” is a favorite vacation spot for Viennese and guests of the country.
Church of St. Ruprecht and summer residence Habsburg - Schönbrunn Palace, which has more than 1,400 rooms and halls. Nowadays it houses the Museum of Weapons, a collection of costumes and horse-drawn carriages "Wagenburg", a beautiful park with fountains, a greenhouse and a zoo. Excellent examples of architecture are the palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy, Belvedere Castle (1714-1723), located on a hill in the south-eastern part of the city, with the Gallery of Austrian Art of the 19th-20th centuries. (the largest collection of Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka) and the chambers of Archduke Ferdinand, the baroque Karlskirche (1739) and Stadtpark, the University, the palace of Count Manfeld-Fondi and the Vatican Church.
Salzburg
Salzburg Lakes, Salzburg Cathedral (founded in the 8th century, rebuilt in 1611-1628), surrounded by three squares with the luxurious residence of the prince-archbishops, the Baroque Museum, the Salt Mountains, the house in which Mozart was born, Helburn Palaces with a magnificent park, decorated with joker fountains, and Mirabel, Geerfidegasse, the Eisriesenwelt cave ("world of the ice giants") in Tennengebirge, south of Salzburg. Styria and Carinthia attract with a huge number of medieval castles and majestic nature. Innsbruck: Ambras Castle (XVI century), ski resort. Kitzbühel is a resort located in the Tyrolean Alps.

Carniche- a famous sports center and resort located in the very south of Austria. Saalbach and Hinterglemm are the most popular ski resorts. Lech am Arlberg is a fashionable resort offering the highest service. Baden, a resort with healing hot sulfur springs, located 25 km south of Vienna, has been popular with crowned heads and artists for a long time.

Most Popular ski resorts- Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, Badgasstein, Baden bei Wien, Seefeld, Otztal, Zillertal, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, St. Anton, Zell am See-Kaprun, Galtür, Gaschurn, Stubaital, St. Johann, Pitztal, Carinthia, Salzkammergut , St. Wolfgang, Hintertux.

Resorts

Lakes of Carinthia- Werther See (resorts Sölden, Pertschach, Maria Werth, Krumpendorf), Klopeiner See (resort Sankt Kanzian), Millstetter See, Ossiacher See, Faaker See.
Lakes of Salzkammergut— Wolfgang See (resorts St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, Strobl), Mondsee, Traunsee, Attersee and Hallstettersee.
Salzburgerland— Zeller See (resort Zell am See).
Resort Sölden
The Otztal Valley is known for its highest mountain resorts in Austria. Sölden (1,377 m), Vent (1,900 m), Obergurgl (1,930 m), Hochselden (2,050 m) and Hochgurgl (2,150 m) hold the record for attendance and rank second in popularity after Vienna.
Sölden is one of the best ski resorts in Austria. Absolute guarantee of natural snow.
Winter season is from December to April.
Glacier skiing is available all year round.
Slopes, trails, lifts:
Ski area - 1377-3250 m
Height difference - 1873 m
The total length of the tracks is 150 km
Trails for beginners - 53 km
Medium difficulty trails - 63 km
Difficult trails - 28 km
Ski route - 6 km
Illuminated trails - 4 km
The longest route is 13.5 km
Summer skiing on the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers
About 20 restaurants on the mountain.
Modern high-speed lifts, on the glacier, almost all chairs have protective caps.
The main ski areas in Sölden are Gaislachkogl (1377-3058 m), Giggijoch (1377-2885 m) and the Golden Gate on two glaciers Rettenbach (1377-3250 m) and Tiefenbach (2796-3250 m).
Resort St. Kanzian
St. Kanzian is located on the warmest lake in Austria (water temperature reaches +28 degrees).
There is everything for you here active rest: 65 tennis courts, tennis hall, 18-hole golf course, three surf schools, diving school, mini golf, fishing, cycling, horse riding...
There is never a dull moment in St. Kanzian: weekly children's parties, lake parties with fireworks, daily dance and entertainment programs in all hotels. Klopeinersee - the town is located on the shore of the lake - Klopeiner See.
It is surrounded on all sides by fields, meadows and mountain forest. Klopeinersee is the warmest bathing lake in Austria. The water temperature in summer reaches 26-28 degrees. The water in this lake is so clean that you can drink it.
Zell am See
Zell am See (757 m) and Kaprun (786 m) are located in the Salzburg region of Pinzgau and together form the famous European Sports Region (ESR).
ESR is the most popular place relaxation for a huge number of fans of both high-mountain landscapes and descents, as well as the unique alpine atmosphere that prevails here all year round.
The region offers what is most important for any skier, both beginner and professional. Residents of the region say: “We don’t talk about snow, we guarantee it!”
Skiing season is from December to April.
Slopes, trails, lifts
Scheme of the ski region (202.1 kb)
Resort altitude - 726 m above sea level
Ski area - 750-2000 m
Height difference - 1250 m
Length of trails - 75 km
Trails for beginners - 25 km
Medium difficulty trails - 25 km
Difficult trails - 25 km
The longest route is 6.2 km
Number of lifts - 28
The total capacity of the lifts is 39,695 people per hour
Cross-country ski trails - 20 km
Toboggan runs - 4
Snowboard trails -2
Fan park -1
Half-pipes - 2
Snowboard
Kitzsteinhorn: fan park, half-pipe on the route from the Alpine Center to Langviboden.
Schmittenhoch: halfpipe (100 m) under the Glocknerbahn.
Pörtschach
Poertschach - resort town on the northern shore of Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia. The resort is located on a small peninsula with three cozy bays, between Velden and Klagenfurt. Pörtschach is famous for its flower-filled promenade and the 14th-century Leonstein Castle, which was visited by J. Brahms. This is a wonderful place to relax and practice all kinds of sports: rowing, surfing, parasailing, tennis, golf, hiking and cycling. The abundance of fish in these waters attracts great amount those who want to have a good time fishing. For 50 years now, Pörtschach has been a kind of “tennis mecca” - every hotel has one or two tennis courts, and the Seehotel Werzer-Astoria complex has one of the largest and best tennis centers in Austria, consisting of 11 magnificent courts.

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Economic and geographical characteristics of Austria

Introduction

The name of the country comes from the Old German Ostarrichi -- " eastern country" The name "Austria" was first mentioned in a document dated November 1, 996.

The Austrian flag is one of the oldest state symbols in the world. According to legend, in 1191, during one of the battles of the Third Crusade, the snow-white shirt of Leopold V of Austria was completely spattered with blood. When the Duke took off his wide belt, a white stripe appeared on his shirt. The combination of these colors became his banner, and in the future the flag of Austria.

The red color of the two stripes on the flag symbolizes the blood of patriots shed in the struggle for freedom and independence of the Republic of Austria. White color is a symbol of the Danube River, flowing from west to east.

1. Geographical location of the country

State in Central Europe. In the north it borders with the Czech Republic (362 km), in the northeast - with Slovakia (91 km), in the east - with Hungary (366 km), in the south - with Slovenia (330 km) and Italy (430 km) , in the west - with Liechtenstein (35 km) and Switzerland (164 km), in the northwest - with Germany (784 km).

Austria is a mostly mountainous country (70%): the average altitude above sea level is about 900 m. Most of Austria is occupied by the Eastern Alps, which in turn are divided into the North Tyrol Alps and the Salzburg Alps in the north; Zillertal and Karnik Alps in the south. Highest point-- Mount Grossglockner (3797 meters), on which one of the largest glaciers in Europe is located - Pasterze.

2. Territory of the country. Its characteristics

The area of the country is 83,871 km².

Austria is divided into nine federal districts:

Vienna - capital of Austria

Burgenland - capital: Eisenstadt

Carinthia - capital: Klagenfurt

Lower Austria - capital St. Pölten

Salzburg - capital: Salzburg

Styria - capital: Graz

Tyrol - capital: Innsbruck

Upper Austria - capital: Linz

Vorarlberg - capital: Bregenz

3. Nature of the country

3.1 Nature as a condition for tourism development

The Vienna Woods is one of the most striking attractions of Austria, surrounded by a charming romantic aura. It is not for nothing that this wonderful corner of the earth was glorified in their immortal works by Johann Strauss and Franz Schubert, Beethoven and Mozart.

However, the green bushes of the Vienna Woods captivated not only musicians, poets and writers; royalty also did not ignore it. Here the Empress of Austria, the wife of Franz Joseph, took a break from the bustle of palace life; here the love tragedy of the heir to the throne Rudolf and his beloved Maria Vechera played out. For 100 years now, historians have not been able to unravel the mystery of who killed this loving couple: perhaps Rudolf’s intended wife, perhaps the crown prince himself, jealous of his Maria for his ardent neighbor, and then took his own life. Who knows?!

By the way, the Vienna Woods has only miraculously survived to this day. The point is that in the distant XIX century it could have been sold to a certain timber merchant. In those days, after the devastating war with Prussia, the empty Austrian state treasury urgently needed to be replenished.

The ancient centuries-old trees were not cut down solely due to chance. Namely: the former officer of His Imperial Majesty, Herr Schöffel, who showed enviable tenacity. This man launched a real wave of protest in the press, founding the “Movement to Save the Vienna Woods.” It took two years for the forest to be left alone and thus preserved for posterity.

By the way, the Vienna Woods is neither more nor less, but more than 1000 years old! At least, that’s what it says in the ancient charter in which he was first mentioned. This letter is kept in the famous Knight's Library of the Vienna City Hall.

So, in the northern part of the Vienna Woods, on the picturesque hills, just 10 km from Vienna, there is a small and very beautiful town of Stift Klosterneuburg. This city, breathing with antiquity, is home to the most famous monastery of Augustinian monks in Europe, built almost 900 years ago. Art connoisseurs will be amazed by the ancient enamel Verdun altar kept in the temple. Imagine, it was created by the artist Nicolus Verdeni in the 12th century!

More than interesting South part Vienna Woods, namely: the city of Mödling. Thanks to the magnificent scenery, excellent restaurants and heurigers (the so-called wine cellars) and, of course, architectural monuments, this is a favorite place for Viennese residents, not to mention tourists. The turret is visible from afar ancient fortress Mödling, standing majestically on a hill. By the way, it offers a wonderful panorama of the surrounding area. According to legend, robbers from the high road leading to Vienna once hid in this fortress, but by order of the emperor, the fortress was destroyed and the robbers were left homeless. So the issue was simply resolved by theft...

Yes, on the outskirts of the town, in the town of Hinterbrühl, there is the largest cave lake on the continent - 6200 sq.m. On a hot summer day it is pleasant to boat on it, and in winter you can warm up a little, since the temperature in the mine is always 9 degrees Celsius. By the way, in the 90s of the last century, the adits of this mine became the natural scenery of the Bastille in the Hollywood version of The Three Musketeers.

The Vienna Woods is amazing! He concentrated in himself a lot of interesting things. Almost on the outskirts of Vienna in the town of Laxenburg, it is interesting to look at the imperial summer palace Blue yard. Here you will also find an English park and the pseudo-Gothic castle of Franzensburg, standing in the middle of the lake, with a rich collection of works of art collected by Emperor Franz Joseph. Moreover, you can only get to the island by ferry, which is operated by a friendly woman, certainly dressed in a naval jacket with an almost admiral’s cap on her head.

Well, if you want to improve your health, welcome to the foothills of the Vienna Woods, where the resort of Baden is located. Its healing waters and the genuine atmosphere of Biedermeier palaces attract wealthy people from all over Europe. The oldest and largest casino in Austria is also located here. The Hungarian composer Imre Kalman loved to spend his summer in Baden, as well as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss and many other celebrities whose images can often be found on the narrow streets of the city. The young Russian Tsar Peter the Great also spent four days in Baden.

3.2 Relief

1/4 of the surface is occupied by young folded-block and folded ridges of the Eastern Alps, united into sublatitudinal chains. The axial zone of mountains with mountain-glacial landforms in the west rises above 3300--3500 m (Grossglockner peak, 3798 m), in the east up to 2400 m. The snow line is on average at an altitude of 2500--2800 m. Some peaks are crowned with glaciers ( Pasterze, length 9 km). In the south and north, the axial chain of the Eastern Alps is bordered by lower ridges, characterized by very steep slopes, strong dissection and the development of karst. Along the northern periphery of the Alps, from the western border in the west to Vienna Woods in the east, there are flysch lowlands. The Eastern Alps within Austria are generally characterized by large longitudinal valleys (with the rivers Inn, Salzach, Enns, etc.), and in the eastern foothills - basins (Graz, Klagenfurt, etc.). In the east is the Styrian-Burgenland hilly plain, descending to the Vienna Basin, which is part of the Middle Danube Plain; in the north and northeast there are hilly lowlands (400-900 m) Mühlviertel, Waldviertel, Weinviertel, etc., making up the southern rim of the crystalline Czech massif. Between this massif and the Eastern Alps there is a flat strip (Inviertel, etc.) with several tiers of Danube terraces.

Geological structure and minerals

Near the southern borders of the country, along the Gail River, the main fault extends, separating the inner (axial) zone of the Alps (Rhaetian Alps, High and Low Tauern, Styrian Alps, etc.) from southern slope Alps The latter includes, within Austria, the northern slope of the Carnic Alps, which is composed of Paleozoic and Triassic rocks. The interior zone of the Eastern Alps is composed of ancient crystalline schists and Paleozoic rocks, overthrust by Triassic-Jurassic metamorphosed shale and mafic volcanics, which stand out among older rocks in the Engadine and Hohe Tauern. To the north stretches a strip of Paleozoic shales and sandstones (greywackes), and then Triassic and Jurassic limestones, forming numerous eastern alpine nappes, thrust northward onto the next strongly narrowed zone of Cretaceous flysch. In the foothills of Austria there is part of the Pre-Alpine foredeep, filled with Neogene molasse. On the left bank of the Danube are the Weinsberger Wald mountains, composed of Paleozoic granites and Precambrian crystalline schists, which form the outskirts of the Bohemian massif. The eastern part is confined to the territory of the young depressions of the Vienna Basin (the Lesser Hungarian Basin and the Graz Basin), filled with strata of Neogene sediments.

The most important minerals: oil (23 million tons) and gas (20 billion cubic meters) (Vienna Basin), magnesite (Styrian Alps - Faich), brown coal (Styria, Upper Austria); There are deposits of iron (Mount Erzberg, in the Eisenertz area) and lead-zinc (Klagenfurt - Bleiberg area, etc.) ores, graphite, and salts. Mineral springs- Baden, Bad Ischl. However, among Austria's mineral resources there are very few whose significance goes beyond the country's borders. The exception is magnesite, which is used for the production of refractory materials and partly for the production of metallic magnesium from it.

Relatively high-quality iron ores, but with a high metal content, are found in Styria (Erzberg) and a little in Carinthia (Hüttenberg). Non-ferrous metal ores are found in small quantities - lead-zinc in Carinthia (Bleiberg) and copper in Tyrol (Mitterberg). Of the chemical raw materials, only table salt is of practical importance (in Salzkamergut), and of other minerals - graphite and feldspar. There are significant reserves of building materials - granite, marble, limestone, kaolin, etc. There is practically no coal. There are no industrial reserves of aluminum ore and alloying metal ores.

3.3 Climate

In Austria, two very different climatic zones converged, strongly depending on altitude. In the west, humid weather prevails, while in the south and east the climate is continental. Therefore, it is best for those who like to bask in the sun to go to Austria in May or June. Although the Austrians best time The year is considered autumn, when there is no heat and the cold is still far away (they come only in January).

Summer is warm, sunny, the average temperature is +20°C. As you rise higher, the temperature at night may reach zero. Winter is mild in the plains and cold in the mountains, the temperature on the plains drops to -2ºC, and in the mountains to -14ºC. Precipitation throughout the country varies from 500 to 3000 mm per year, depending on altitude and topography.

3.4 Waters of the World Ocean and land

The main territory of Austria is located in the Danube basin, the far west belongs to the Rhine basin. The Danube flows through Austria for 350 km. Its largest tributaries are the Inn (with the Salzach), Enns, Drava and Morava. Mountain rivers are characterized by a steep fall, fast flow, and have significant energy resources. They are characterized by an alpine flow regime with summer high water and pronounced winter low water. There are about 580 lakes in Austria, mostly of glacial origin. There are especially many of them in the northern foothills of the Alps (Utter, Thrawn, etc.). On the border with Germany and Switzerland is the large Lake Constance (total - 538.5 km?), on the border with Hungary - Lake Neusiedl See (156.9 km, Austrian part - 135 km). The mountainous part of Austria is distinguished by an abundance of clean fresh water, concentrated in addition to glaciers and rivers in numerous alpine lakes. In the hot summer months, rapid melting of snow in the mountains begins, which leads to large floods, including on the Danube, the level of which sometimes rises by 8-9 m. Alpine rivers also determine the regime of the Danube: it is especially high-water in the summer, when lowland rivers usually become shallow. The tributaries of the Danube - Inn, Salzach, Enns, Drava - contain large reserves of energy, but all of them are not navigable and are only partially used for timber rafting. The country has many lakes, especially in the northern foothills of the Alps and in the south, in the Klagenfurt Basin. They are of glacial origin, their pits were plowed by ancient glaciers; As a rule, lakes are deep, with cold, clear water.

3.5 Natural areas, vegetation and animal world

The Alps are a forested region. However, the modern picture of their soil and vegetation cover is extremely variegated. This is the result, on the one hand, of natural conditions and the manifestation of altitudinal zonation; on the other hand, it is a consequence of a very profound change in natural conditions under the influence of man. The Alps are a classic example of the altitudinal zonation of the oceanic sector of the temperate zone.

For Austrian flora Characteristic is oak-beech forest in the valleys, and at an altitude of more than 500 m - beech-spruce mixed forest. Above 1200 m, spruce predominates; larch and cedar are also found. Alpine meadows in the foothills. Vegetation zones on the territory of Austria replace one another in the following order: broad-leaved (oak, beech, ash) forests in the Danube Valley (though greatly thinned out) are replaced by mixed forests of the foothills. Above 2000 - 2200 m they are replaced by coniferous (mainly spruce-fir, partly pine) forests. Mountain forests are one of Austria's national treasures. On a map of the vegetation of Central Europe, the Austrian Alps appear as the only large green island. Among small Western European states, only Finland and Sweden exceed Austria in forest area. There are especially many forests suitable for industrial exploitation in Upper (mountain) Styria, for which it is called the “green heart of Austria”. Apparently, it is no coincidence that the color of the flag of Styria and its folk costumes is green. During the German occupation of World War II, Austrian forests suffered enormous damage. Above the forests and sparse dwarf shrubs there are subalpine (mattas) and alpine (almas) meadows.

The lower zone of the Alps, up to approximately 1000 m altitude, is very diverse in climate and vegetation cover, its conditions are close to those of the neighboring plains. In the south, Mediterranean influences are felt and subtropical soils and vegetation can be found. In the west, oak, chestnut and beech forests on brown forest soils rise along the slopes, in the north there are less heat-loving mixed forests on podzolic soils, and from the east the forest-steppe approaches the Alps. This lower zone, which is the most populated and has significantly changed its natural vegetation cover, is called the cultural belt of the Alps.

At high altitude climatic conditions become more monotonous. To an altitude of approximately 1800-2200 m, in a zone of moderate temperature and heavy rainfall, a belt of forests rises on mountain brown soils and podzolic soils. The composition of forests varies with altitude, as well as depending on the location and aspect of the slopes. In humid places, on the shady northern slopes, beech forest is common, often mixed with spruce. The higher, drier and sunny slopes are covered with beautiful spruce and fir forests. In many areas the forests have been cleared. On deforested slopes, processes of soil erosion, avalanches and other phenomena that cause great damage intensify. The current upper limit of forests in the Alps has been greatly reduced as a result of annual grazing in the subalpine zone and is almost nowhere dependent on natural conditions.

Above the forest lies the subalpine zone, where there is shrub vegetation with lush subalpine meadows and isolated oppressed trees. The growth of trees is hampered by the short growing season, strong winds, and sharp fluctuations in temperature and humidity. This belt is most favorable for the growth of herbs, which achieve exceptional lushness and beauty. The Alpine belt proper at altitudes up to 2500-3000 m is characterized by a complete absence of woody vegetation, the predominance of low-growing, sparsely growing perennial grasses and the proliferation of swamps. It gradually turns into a belt of eternal snow and ice, where you can sometimes find a typical representative of the flora of the Alps - the low-growing silvery edelweiss.

The environment in most of Austria is not yet as threatened by pollution as in most other industrialized countries in Europe. First of all, this concerns the Alps with their sparse population and generally insignificant industry in relation to this vast territory.

The fauna of Austria is typical Central European. In the highlands of the Eastern Alps, the composition of the fauna is typically Alpine. The Alps have more wildlife than neighboring densely populated areas of Europe. This especially applies to mountain ranges, where many animals find refuge, displaced by humans from the plains and low-mountain regions. Many animals of the Alps spend the winter in the forest belt, and in the summer they rise to graze in the high-mountain meadows; others live permanently in one zone or another.

But the destruction of forests and the plowing of open spaces led to the complete or partial extermination of some previously widespread species of animal life in Austria. In the forest zone, mainly in nature reserves (Hohe Tauern, Grossglockner, etc.), species of animals rare in Europe are preserved: red deer, elk, roe deer, brown bear, wild boar, mountain eagle. In high mountain areas - alpine marmot, chamois, stone goat. In the steppe region near Lake Neusiedler See - a purple heron.

Mountain forests, mainly in nature reserves, are home to ungulates - red deer, chamois, mountain sheep, mountain goats, and birds - wood grouse, black grouse, partridge. On the plains, where almost all the land is already cultivated, there are no large wild animals for a long time. But there are still foxes, hares, and rodents here.

4. Population of the country

4.1 Characteristics of the country's population

The population of Austria is 8.404 million people (2011), in the largest cities: Vienna (1,539,848 people), Graz (237,810 people), Linz (203,044 people), Salzburg (143,978 people), Innsbruck (118,112 people). The average population density of the country is about 94 people per sq. km.

4.2 Peoples, races, confessions

According to the census, the largest ethnic group, German-speaking Austrians, make up 88.6% of the country's population.

In addition, there are 6 recognized national minorities: Croats, Slovenes, Czechs, Slovaks, Hungarians, Gypsies (about 300 thousand people in total). In Carinthia, in the south of the country, many Slovenes traditionally live, in Burgenland - Croats and Hungarians, and Czechs and Slovaks have long settled in Vienna. Many Austrian citizens consider themselves not only Austrians, but, by origin from one or another province, also Styrians, Tyroleans, etc.

5. History of the country

1st century BC e. -- the conquest by the Romans of the Celtic tribes of Boii, Tauriscans and Ozeriates inhabiting the territory of today's Austria and the entry of this territory into the provinces of Noricum (formed in 15 BC) and Pannonia (formed in 10 AD, then divided into Upper Pannonia, which included part of what is now Austria, and Lower Pannonia). The border between the provinces was west of the town Vindobona (Vienna), located in Pannonia.

· VI--VIII centuries - migration of Bavarian and Slavic tribes to this region

· 788 - the territory was included in the empire of Charlemagne.

· 803 - creation of the Avar Mark by Charlemagne

· 976 -- name change to Eastern Mark

· 1156 -- Austria is separated from Bavaria into an independent duchy of the German Reich, subordinate to the emperor

· 1276 - the beginning of the reign of the Habsburgs, who in 1438-1806 were kings and then emperors of the Holy Roman Empire

· 1284 - the Spanish king Alfonso X the Wise names this country Austria, “which, they say, is now called Astarrica.”

· 1359 - under Rudolf IV (ruled 1358-1365), the rulers of Austria receive the title of Archdukes

· 1526 - annexation of Croatia and the Czech Republic to Austria

1529 - Turks unsuccessfully besiege Vienna

· 1683 - the second siege of Vienna by the Turks and the complete defeat of the Turkish army by Polish-Austrian-German troops

1687 - annexation of Hungary and Transylvania

· 1713 - restoration of control over Italy and the Spanish Netherlands

· 1740--1748 -- War of the Austrian Succession; Maria Theresa cedes Silesia to Prussia

· 1772 -- Annexation of Galicia

· 1792--1795 -- wars with France

1804 - Franz I received the hereditary title of Emperor of Austria

· 1804--1867 -- Austrian Empire

· 1805 -- Battle of Austerlitz

· 1806 -- Holy Roman Emperor becomes Austrian Emperor

· 1866 -- Austro-Prussian War

· 1867--1918 -- Austria-Hungary

The Republic of Austria was formed in November 1918 after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Then the German Austrian Republic was proclaimed, which was to become part of Germany. However, after the conclusion of the Treaty of Saint-Germain in 1919, Austria was prohibited from reunification with Germany, and the Republic of Austria became an independent state.

· 1934 -- Civil War in Austria

· 1938 -- Joining the Third Reich

After World War II, Austria temporarily lost its independence, being divided into four occupation zones between France, the USA, Great Britain and the USSR. Vienna, the capital of Austria, was also divided into 4 zones between the victorious powers, although it was located in the Soviet occupation zone.

Negotiations to restore independence began in 1947, but it was not until 1955 that Austria again became a fully independent state under the State Treaty of May 15, 1955. In October of the same year, a law was passed on the permanent neutrality of Austria, which it still observes.

· 1995 - membership in the European Union

· 2000 - Wolfgang Schüssel takes over as chancellor

· 2004 - Heinz Fischer becomes president. In 2010 he was re-elected for a second term.

· 2008 - Werner Faymann (Social Democratic Party) takes over as chancellor

· June 29, 2009 - Werner Faymann (Chancellor of Austria) held consultations with the main political parties of Austria on the so-called “Austrian Conversations”: management reform, school reform.

6. Country culture

6.1 Language as a component of culture

The main official language is German. The spoken and official language of Austrians differs significantly from the official German language of Germany. Spoken Austrian dialects are close to the Bavarian dialect of Germany and the German language of Switzerland.

98% of the population of Austria speaks German. English is the second leading language; English is spoken fluently by the majority of the population, as well as by the majority of people working in the tourism industry.

6.2 Religion in tourism

The largest religious organization Austria - Roman Catholic Church. The state supports the Church: the country has a 1% church tax, which all citizens of the country are required to pay. The Roman Catholic Church in 2000 had 5,651,479 adherents (72.1% of the population). The second largest is the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg and Helvetine Confession (ECAiG), uniting two autonomous Churches (Lutherans and Reformed). Lutherans and Reformed people finally received the right to freely practice their beliefs only in 1781, and were completely equal in rights with Catholics another century later.

According to the relevant organizations’ own data, in Austria there are 299 communities of Jehovah’s Witnesses with 33,099 witnesses attending their meetings in 2010 (of which 20,577 were baptized according to the rite of Jehovah’s Witnesses), 5 thousand Greek Catholics (2000), 3889 Mormons (2000) , 47 Seventh-day Adventist communities with 3,596 believers, 19 Baptist communities with 1,130 active adherents (2010; the total number of Baptists is 1.5-2 times larger), 8 Mennonite communities with 360 believers.

6.3 Art as a component of culture

The overwhelming majority of the works that are usually classified as Austrian literature are written in German, although, of course, there were also authors who wrote in other languages on the territory of the Holy Roman and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Frau Ava was the first poet to write in German in the early Middle Ages. The Minnesang and the heroic epic are usually classified as German medieval literature. The representative of romanticism, which was also influenced by Biedermeier and classicism, in Austrian literature in the first half of the 19th century was Franz Grillparzer. Realism and naturalism in Austrian literature are represented by the names of Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, Ferdinand von Saar, Ludwig Anzengruber and Peter Rosegger. Austrian literature truly reached the world level at the beginning of the 20th century. The most famous writers of this period include Franz Kafka, Robert Musil, Stefan Zweig, Joseph Roth.

Austrian literature can only boast of a Nobel laureate. She became Elfriede Jelinek in 2004.

Austrian fine art gained worldwide fame at the turn of the 20th century, when Vienna, partly thanks to the activities of the Vienna Secession, became one of the main centers of Art Nouveau. Three of the greatest Austrian artists of this period - Gustav Klimt (modern, Jugendstil), Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka (expressionism), each of whom opened a new direction in fine arts. In the second half of the 20th century, the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism (close to surrealism) appeared. Its founder was Albert Paris Gutersloh, and one of its most prominent representatives was Edgar Ehne. Contemporary artists include Gottfried Helnwein and Arnulf Rainer. The work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser with his abstract decorative works is widely known. Hundertwasser also made a significant contribution to architecture, decorating many of the most ordinary buildings in bright colors.

Austria is the birthplace of many famous composers such as Joseph Haydn, Michael Haydn, Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner, Johann Strauss the Elder, Johann Strauss the Younger and Gustav Mahler. Also known are members of the Second Viennese School, such as Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern and Alban Berg. Most of Mozart's career took place in Vienna. Composer Ludwig van Beethoven spent most of his life in Vienna.

The current national anthem of Austria was written by Mozart and chosen after World War II, replacing the previous anthem written by Joseph Haydn.

Austria is also the birthplace of the notable jazz musician, keyboardist Josef Zawinul. Pop and rock musician Falco, internationally famous in the 1980s, was also Austrian. He was made famous by the song “Rock Me Amadeus”, dedicated to Mozart. Drummer Thomas Lang was born in Vienna in 1967. He has collaborated with artists such as Geri Halliwell and Robbie Williams.

Ballet art in Austria originated in the 16th century, when court dance performances were held. The first dance masters at the Viennese court were the Italians F. Legnano and C. Negri, as well as C. Beccaria, S. and D. Ventura. Equestrian ballets and masquerades were staged, and dances were included in dramatic and opera performances. At the same time, traveling troupes developed folk dance traditions. Since the middle of the 17th century, composer J. Schmelzer wrote music for many dance performances. In the 1670s. Professional dancers appeared in the Viennese court troupe, headed by composer A. Draghi.

The main ballet school has been operating at the Vienna State Opera (since the 1760s). Luka also had her own school. In Laxenburg, hand in hand. R. Chladek operates a branch of the dance school of E. Jacques-Dalcroze.

Among the ballet researchers are F. Derra de Moroda, author of books and textbooks on dance (in 1952-67 she had her own school); Among the critics are G. Brunner, L. G. Schüller, A. Oberhauser.

From the 11th to 12th centuries, mystery plays and liturgical dramas were staged in Austrian monasteries and abbeys. The Austrian theater began to take shape in the 16th century with the formation of the multinational Austrian state. In the 16th century, countless traveling theater troupes moved around Austria, performing comic skits, acrobatic and dance numbers.

In the 17th century, the art of Italy had a huge influence on the Austrian theater. At the beginning of the 18th century, in 1712, the first permanent theater was created in Vienna. To stage the performances, the experience of German folk theater and Italian comedy was used, establishing the principle of improvisation on the stage.

The history of the circus in Austria begins earlier, with the artistic families of Schneller and Picard, hereditary artists, comedians and equestrians. In the 30s of the 20th century, Ene Schneller founded his own circus, in which his children grew up and received a profession. During the Second World War, the circus business had to be abandoned, but with the reign of peace, the troupe again began to travel around the country. However, the circus did not last long: soon the government confiscated their modest property from the family, leaving the Schnellers with only a couple of trailers and two horses. Pikard is reborn in 1989. Under the direction of Erne Schneller.

The most famous museums countries - Cultural-historical (Vienna), Artistic-historical, Natural-historical, Historical Museum Vienna, Albertina Museum. There are numerous house-museums associated with the life and work of great people - the house-museums of W. Mozart, L. Beethoven, J. Haydn, F. Schubert, J. Strauss, J. Kalman.

6.4. Traditions and folk art as a component of culture.

Vienna is not only the capital of Austria, but also the recognized capital of the waltz, and the Vienna Ball is one of the most famous events in the social life of Europe. This is an annual event that begins on December 31st and continues until Lent. Ball season opens in New Year's Eve in Vienna's Hofburg Palace, where the Imperial Ball takes place.

During the season, about 300 balls are held in the city. Representatives of almost every profession hold their annual ball: chimney sweeps, journalists, pharmacists, florists, cab drivers, coffee sellers, musicians and students. Each ball has its own name and traditions. But the most important ball in all of Europe is considered the Vienna Opera Ball, which is usually held in mid-February in the building of the Vienna State Opera (hence the name of the ball).

The history of the Vienna Ball began in the first half of the 19th century, when balls were held during Maslenitsa (the period of time from the first of January to Lent). Their number reached 250 daily! Everyone danced: both aristocrats and common people. At the end of the 19th century, Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth gave a "Court Ball" exclusively for high society. However, in 1899, after the death of his wife, Emperor Franz Joseph, experiencing the loss, canceled the ball. The tradition was restored a few years later, when in 1921 the “Court Ball” was replaced by the “Opera Ball”. The Opera Ball began its existence much earlier. At first it was held in the redoubt halls imperial palace, and when the building was built in 1869 opera house, the ball moved there. The new ball had its own differences: firstly, the ladies had to wear masks, and secondly, they themselves invited the gentlemen to dance. This created an atmosphere of mystery and play and brought enormous popularity to the ball.

Since then, the rules have changed, but the ball always follows the established order. The ball opens with a polonaise, in which up to 200 couples participate. The couples are selected by a special committee consisting of famous Viennese dance teachers. The main selection criterion is the ability to dance, namely to perform a right-hand and left-hand turn. The committee also approves the requirements for participants' costumes.

There are a number of required elements here. The participant's hairstyle must be decorated with a crown (models change every year). A mandatory element of a ball gown is also a bouquet of flowers. Men must wear tailcoats or uniforms. After the polonaise performed by the debutants, the Opera's ballet troupe appears on the floor. Then the beginners dance again, now demonstrating their ability to perform the left-hand waltz.

And only after this, the main manager of the ball - the dance master - invites all the participants of the ball to the dance floor. This is how the main action begins, and everyone is immersed in the atmosphere of great music, dance rhythms, casual conversations and light buffets. The ball attracts the European elite, celebrities, famous politicians and artists. The Vienna Ball welcomes up to five thousand participants. The event is catered by about a thousand specialists - musicians, cooks, and even tailors and shoemakers.

The main national holiday is October 26 - the day of the adoption of the law on permanent neutrality, established in 1955.

In Austria in 1999, the largest truffle was found and entered into the Guinness Book of Records - a very rare delicacy and, as a result, expensive mushroom in Europe.

Austria is not only a country of mountains, but also a land of gourmets. Their neighbors - Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, and the Balkans - had a particular influence on the development of Austrian cuisine. Living up to its reputation, Austrian gastronomy meets the highest standards. The key to success is quality, inextricably linked with the traditions of noble cuisine (“Hofküche”). In addition to Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte, Austrian cuisine has many other dishes. Plunge into the world of culinary delights and try one of the local delicacies: peasant bran bread, dumplings, aromatic country ham or tender pancakes. Traditional dishes include donuts filled with apricot marmalade or cream and apple strudel.

There is a bakery called Mehlspeisen, which bakes cream cakes and all kinds of pastries.

Food isn't everything; a good meal comes with a good sip of wine. Highest quality Austrian wines are recognized throughout the world. And those who don’t like wine can end their meal with an excellent local liqueur.

6.5 Popular culture

Over 20 daily newspapers are published in Austria. Their one-time circulation is approximately 3 million copies. Television and radio broadcasting is carried out by the state company ORF. The national news agency is the Austrian Press Agency (APA). Since January 1996, the Russian-language publication “New Vienna Journal” has been published monthly in Vienna. There are such Russian-language publications as the newspaper "Sootechestvennik" - a monthly Russian-language newspaper that publishes detailed information about the life of the Russian-speaking diaspora in Austria.

The newspaper "Arguments and Facts Europe" is the leading Russian weekly newspaper and the absolute leader among the Russian press abroad. AiF in Austria is published in Russian, has regional supplements, a wide correspondent network and representative offices abroad.

7. Political conditions for tourism development

Austria is union state, uniting nine independent lands. The current constitution was adopted in 1920 and reintroduced in 1945.

The head of state is the Federal President, elected for 6 years. The government is headed by the Federal Chancellor. Members of the government are appointed by the president.

The Austrian Parliament is a bicameral Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung), which consists of the Federal Council and the National Council. Geographically located in Vienna. Parliament can be dissolved either by presidential decree or by a vote of no confidence by the lower house of parliament.

Federal Council - Bundesrat (64 seats). Deputies are elected by Landtags - state parliaments. The lands are represented by a different number of deputies (from 3 to 12) depending on the population. The term of office of a member of the Bundesrat is 4 or 6 years, depending on the term of office of the Landtag that elected them.

National Council - Nationalrat (183 seats). Deputies are elected using a proportional list system. The term of office is 5 years.

The Constitutional Court of Austria is the world's first separate constitutional court (1920). Formed by the president on the proposal of the government and both chambers. Also has the authority to resolve a dispute between lands (or lands and federal center), as well as impeach senior officials.

Since October 26, 1955, Austria's foreign policy has been structured taking into account the international legal status of permanent neutrality. Neutrality made it possible to expand the foreign policy capabilities of this country and the space for maneuver. During cold war neutral Austria played the role of a “bridge” between the West and the East. Although Austrian neutrality was conceived on the model of Switzerland, in practice it received its own development. During the reign of Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, he was the basis of the almost “pacifist” foreign policy of Vienna. Since the late 1980s, neutrality began to be adapted to new international conditions, and in 1995 Austria became a member of the European Union. Its foreign policy began to lose independence and increasingly “dissolve” in the general course of the EU. At the end of the 1990s, many Austrian politicians raised the question of the abolition of neutrality and the advisability of the country's membership in NATO. However, the country's population and opposition parties were skeptical of these ideas. Currently, official Vienna proceeds from the fact that neutrality should not be a frozen institution, but must be adapted to changing conditions. However, as before, the Austrian Federal Constitutional Law on Neutrality of October 26, 1955 is the current law. According to its norms, Austria will not take part in any wars, will not allow the presence of any foreign troops on its territory, and will not enter into any military treaty.

8. Economy and infrastructure of the country. Tourism as a branch of the economy. Its influence on the country's economy

Austria is one of the leaders among EU countries in terms of quality of life; its GDP in current prices in 2010 amounted to 284 billion euros. GDP per capita in 2010 amounted to 33.85 thousand euros. GDP production per 1 employed person in 2010 (labor productivity) - 77.6 thousand euros.

The Austrian economy is characterized by a relatively low level of inflation (in 2002 - 1.8%) and unemployment (in 2000 - 3.7% of the working population, in 2002 - 4.3%). The consumer price index in 2002 by 1996 was 108.8, while in the EU as a whole it was 110.8.

Approximately 2.2% of GDP is produced in agriculture and forestry, 32.3% in industry, energy and construction, 65.5% in services, trade, transport and communications, banking and insurance systems . One third of the volume of industrial production falls on the public sector of the economy.

Advantages: wide production base. Strong industry, especially chemical and petrochemical, electrical engineering, textiles, woodworking. Skilled workforce. Tourism as an important source of foreign exchange.

Weaknesses: almost no natural resources. Dependence on imported raw materials, primarily oil and gas. Delay in the transition to increased competition and deregulation.

Austria is a country of traditional active, cultural and “green” tourism. Tourism is an important part of the Austrian economy, accounting for almost 9% of Austrian gross domestic product.

Today, tourism is the main source of income for Austria, covering the traditionally negative trade balance. The dynamics of tourism development, expenditures on it and the balance of tourism have common features with similar indicators for Switzerland: from 1964 to 1990, expenditures on tourism grew at an accelerated pace and increased by 28 times, income from tourism increased by 11 times, a positive balance of tourism -- 6 times.

The tourism surplus throughout the post-war decades has been Austria's most important source of covering the trade deficit. But in the 1970s and 1980s, financial revenues from tourism tended to fall.

The development of tourism in Austria is caused by the following factors: the presence of rich recreational resources; developed infrastructure; economic and political stability; lack of significant own raw materials and fuel resources; trade deficit; favorable geographical location.

Austria has fully adopted the euro, like many other European countries. The euro replaced the Austrian schilling, which has been issued since 1924. Austria is one of the 12 richest countries in the world, with a very high standard of living. February 28, 2002 went down in history as the day when national banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in most EU countries.

There are exchange offices at every airport and train station. However, please note that they are open from 08.00 to 22.00. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 15.00. Break from 12.00 to 13.30. On Thursday banks are open from 8.00 to 17.30. Break at the same time. In large cities, special exchange offices are open for tourists. You can always see them by the Exchange sign. Credit cards- Eurocard, Master-Card, Visa.

The export of items of historical or artistic value without special permission is prohibited. Persons over 17 years old can import 200 pcs. cigarettes or 500 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, as well as 2.25 liters of wine or 3 liters of beer and an additional 1 liter of other alcoholic beverages. In addition to the above, other goods can be imported for a total amount of $200 per person. It is advisable to declare the import of cash over 10,000 US dollars.

10-15% of the bill in a restaurant (if service is not included in the price), in other cases, including in a taxi - 5-10%. Porter services at the station and at the airport are paid at fixed rates; for a porter at a hotel - 10 shillings per piece of luggage.

9. Student assessment of the current state and prospects for the development of tourism in the country

austria natural religion culture economics

Austria is a country of alpine peaks, mountain lakes, meadows and cool forests. The great composers Mozart, Schubert, Haydn, Brahms, Gluck, Mahler and the internationally recognized waltz king Strauss drew inspiration from this extraordinary country.

Austria has long been famous for its ski resorts. From now on, Austria and alpine skiing are inseparable concepts, therefore it is in this country that great alpine skiing athletes are raised.

Since time immemorial, winter Austria has become a favorite holiday destination for many. There are resorts here to suit the most sophisticated tastes - from fashionable and prestigious to youth sports, from popular all over the world to little-known, from crowded to secluded.

All ski resorts in Austria are famous for their excellent conditions for sports, both in winter and summer. After all, it is in the summer, at the most fertile time of the year, that you can see how steep ski slopes turn into the famous alpine meadows with fragrant herbs and delicate wildflowers.

In addition, the resorts of Austria are also amazing opportunities for treatment, exciting excursions and just a relaxing holiday. The cordiality and hospitality of the Austrians is surprisingly combined with the meticulous ability to organize impeccable service for guests.

The Austrian Alps are a snow-white paradise for skiers. Steep slopes of alpine peaks buried in emerald forests, glaciers dotted with river valleys and high-speed slopes (a skier's dream!), mesmerizingly beautiful transparent lakes with clear water, hilly plateaus and endless valleys.

And Austria is also home to traditional villages, taverns with national flavor and excellent cuisine, charming mountain houses that retain the charm of antiquity, pistes with impeccably equipped slopes, picturesque slopes - for every taste and skill, complex lift systems and, of course, His Majesty's service - as always, at the highest level, successfully attracting tourists from all over the world.

Austria is definitely a country year-round holiday. Despite the fact that many people associate Austria with winter tourism, sightseeing, cultural and historical buildings of a country with rich traditions and glorious musical taste can be easily combined with any time of the year.

And yet, the most striking sights of Austria - the snow-covered streets of Salzburg and the sparkling spiers of the cathedrals and palaces of imperial Vienna - make the most powerful impression.

Therefore, if you are dreaming of traveling to Austria, but you are a little confused by the winter season, then believe me, there is no better time to relax in this Alpine country it's impossible to imagine.

Unsurpassed Vienna, proudly bearing the honorary title of the musical capital of not only Europe, but also the world, and the most famous cities and the resorts of Austria are never as delightful as in a snowy, but not too frosty winter, which occurs, perhaps, only in these European latitudes.

Romantic Salzburg is especially beautiful at this time - the city where the famous Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born and spent his childhood and adolescence.

When you walk along the streets of this town sparkling with snow, feel the haunting and completely indescribable smell of coffee and the freshest pastries, and with every cell you feel the presence and spirit of one of the greatest people in the world, of whom all of Austria is proud, you suddenly realize that miracles world still exist.

Because only in a real fairy tale can such a gloomy but insanely romantic Hohensalzburg Castle, towering above the city, such narrow winding streets soaked in the spirit of the Middle Ages and such tiny coffee shops with a couple of tables where they will serve you a cup of incredibly thick hot chocolate really exist or a glass of traditional mulled wine.

You will feel that life is beautiful even when you think that ahead of you are such sights of Austria as world-famous architectural masterpieces, historical monuments and the luxurious palaces of Vienna.

But here everything depends on you and your preferences, because for some Vienna and shopping on the famous Ringstrasse boulevard are completely inseparable, and for others the most precious thing is the memory of a whole day spent in the Baroque Hofburg, where in the evening one of the most large-scale Viennese balls.

But Austria doesn’t exist by music alone - don’t forget about the skiing traditions of this strange little Alpine. Truly, ski resorts and cities, which are also no less significant attractions of Austria, deserve a separate description. The famous Innsbruck, Sölden, Tyrol, Bad Gastein, Kaprun are only a small part of the world famous ski centers and complexes. Moreover, on each of Austrian resorts Excellent skiing conditions, developed infrastructure and exciting nightlife await you.

Almost all regions (Austrian lands) will be of interest to people of all ages and hobbies. Whatever your goal when going on holiday to Austria, be it cultural or sporting events, relaxation or getting to know the secrets of Austrian cuisine, rest assured that the result will live up to your wildest expectations; Austria and all its nine regions simply will not let you get bored!

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Austria's position in relation to neighboring countries. Economic and geographical characteristics of Austria. Flora and fauna

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