Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt is one of the smallest cities in Austria’s Burgenland, and also the provincial capital of the area. Burgenland itself is situated in the Eastern Austria at the border with Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. The area is known from its rich history and culture with Eisenstadt itself tracing roots back to Celtic and Roman eras. It later became an important part of Austro-Hungarian history and diplomatic. The city has been burnt down and rebuilt many times during the imperial conflicts of the age, but has since then remained largely unscathed. Testament of this is the Schloss Esterházy palace built in the 13th century and converted to its current form in the 18th century by the then Hungarian owners.

During modern times the palace was repurposed in other ways, as it became a tourist and cultural location. It houses several museums, and is adjacent to restaurants and other entertainment. The house also briefly housed a seat for local government during the turbulent years after Second World War. The building itself is known from the large dancehall, that was originally used to host festivals and banquets.  It is also ranked as one of the most acoustically perfect concert halls in the world. The gardens and countryside around the palace have always been frequented by painters, and naturally the site also hosts several galleries.  Murals, ceiling paintings and other art collections add to the internal and incorporated ones.  Tours are available onsite and this ancient castle often hosts classical concerts such as the Haydn Festival.

The city around the castle also dates back thousand years, and despite often hosting considerable political power it has remained in its small size. Like the castle near it the town therefore has lots to offer culturally and historically despite its small size.  The unique flair is what makes the place worth visiting for every traveler. Small peculiarities such as the local wine, gothic churches and even older castles, the old city and the warm and friendly inhabitants, make the place a sure hit for a weekend visit.  Hiking, cycling and walking around Lake Neusiedl presents the same beautiful countryside and nature that most of Austria is known.  It’s also possible to take a boat tour, or visit national parks around d the area. Good connections also guarantee easy access to other regional locations which make Eisenstadt perfect even for a longer visit.

Mostviertel (You better like Cider)

Mostviertel is an area set in the rolling foothills of the Alps, the name itself coming from the pears and apples grown for cider in the orchards of the area. In a stark contrast to rest of Austria and the beer producing countries around it, Mostviertel has the largest continuous area of peach orchards in Europe. Not only does it then offer excellent local ciders for all tastes but also an excellent location for travel and tourism with many natural attractions including a 200 kilometer Cider trail. With most of the other local industry concentrating around heavy machinery and mining, it is understandable that the beauty of cider, or most as it is called, has been incorporated heavily into the local culture, cuisine and events. The region is a perfect location to combine culture and nature with a weekend vacation. During winter the area also offers excellent sport activities like skiing and snowboarding.

The panoramic Cider trail is an excellent choice for friends of good food, drink and dining as well as nature. It offers several local farmers markets, restaurants, orchards, cider pubs and farms to browse through and enjoy along its 200 kilometer length. The local food culture is heavy in game, organic products, heavy dining, meat and of course famous Austria pastries, bakes and cakes. Be sure to try dumplings as they are a typical delicacy in the area. Also visit as many locations as possible as the area is known to have the most diverse local cuisine in Austria and the variations are all well worth tasting.

Same applies to the different ciders produced in the region. Worth noting is that the locals favor the sweeter tastier pear than the slightly more bitter apple ciders. Desserts and coffee are well appreciated by all Austrians and there is no better way to enjoy the afternoon hours. The best season for Mostviertel is of course autumn when the cider is prepared locally. During this time the area is in full festivities with the Salon des Mostes cider festival leading the way. Nature itself joins in as it comes once again in full bloom with autumn revealing all of its colors. The breathtaking views this creates from the highlands alone are well worth the trip. Winter in the region is no worse time to visit as winter sports are easily available, and all that cider that was pressed, prepared and bottled is ripe for drinking and tasting during the warm and hearty winter dinners. Skiing, be it downhill or cross-country is possible, and in stark contrast to the prices of the more traditional high class Alpine locations. Spring and summer should not be forgotten either, as Mostviertel has a lot to offer throughout the year. The blossom and bloom of spring is the perfect counterbalance of life to the deathly blossom of fall and gives an exciting time to visit when nature is coming alive. Expect game and fish to feature heavily in cuisine during this period.

Walking and biking tours are available throughout summer and are offered in all varieties from history and culture to nature and sports. Mostviertel is a must visit location for any cider fanatic, and offers far more for anyone who is looking for an excellent travel location to enjoy cuisine, culture, festivities, nature and of course a good time. Lower Austria offers a different kind of holiday that most travelers will be pleased to experience and others to enjoy. As an unexpected location it has a great opportunity to crate unforgettable memories that you are sure to remember when recommending the place to your friends.

5 Most Luxurious Wine Hotels in Vienna

Do you appreciate top quality wine, gourmet meals and a lovely picturesque view? Well, come and visit Vienna's most luxurious and relaxing wine hotels! Discover the breathtaking countryside around Vienna with the most charming villages you have ever seen.  Explore this rich wine region and let your body relax and experience great wine in style!

Losium Wine & Spa Resorts

This amazing resort is located in the Langenlois vineyards only a 50 minute drive from Vienna. It is the perfect hotel and spa retreat for wine-lovers. Be sure to check out Losium Wine Experience tour that temps your senses through a riveting personal audio guide tour. Walk through a labyrinth wine cellar that goes back 900 years! Check out the Vineyard Restaurant in Langenlois for state of the art cuisine. Then rejuvenate yourself with a relaxing day at the spa, even indulge yourself to a rejuvenating message. Or, reveal in the beauty of the rolling southern Styrian landscape that is famous for its pumpkinseed oil, local delicacies and world-class wine.

Moslechners Bürgerhaus

This boutique hotel is located in the quaint romantic village of Rust in the Lake Neusiedi region.  This is a true safe haven that allows one to indulge in tranquility and style. Local wine and culinary delights are served by hosts Michael and Tina Mooslechner for a truly enjoyable experience.

Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design

Located in Vienna's 8^th district this hotel is a true fusion of quality wine and modern design. Choose from their impressive wine list of 450 top Austrian wines or indulge in the mini-bars bestselling Austrian wine right from your room! Make your way up this historic building's terrace and marvel at the panoramic views of the city.

Hotel Schloss Duernstein

Truly one of the most strategic picturesque hotels located along the Danube River. This gem of a hotel is known for its renowned white wine, which they store in the hotel's cellar. Enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel's restaurant that offers a spectacular view of the entire Danube River, truly a sight to see!

Winzarei

Located on the highest peak of the Zieregg Vineyard and overlooking the Tement Vineyard, lie two newly renovated wine maker "Winzarei" exclusive apartments. With a stunning panoramic view of Styria's famous wine route that neighbors the Slovenian border. Indulge in the regions many local culinary delicatessens and tour the hotel's winery for the ultimate experience.

What Can You Expect to See at the Essl Museum?

The Essl museum is considered to be an important part of Austrian heritage and cultural history. The main body of the not-for-profit collection is Post-War Austrian art, and in this striking, angular building you can find 7 galleries with over 7,000 pieces of artwork. A huge range of artists from Austria and elsewhere are displayed here, but the collections often show us much more of one artist than many galleries tend to, so if you find someone you like, you’re in for a real treat.

Founded by Karlheinz and Agnes Essl, the collection has become something of great international value. The couple have been collecting contemporary European art together for decades, much of which captures the tumultuous spirit of the second half of the 20^th century. The collection has even expanded to include art from as far as Australia, South America, and Asia. New art and young artists are also accounted for in the ‘Emerging Artists’ exhibition.

Though the museum is privately owned, the entry prices really are extraordinarily low considering how much you see. The museum is purpose built and placed in a beautiful part of Austria, just outside Vienna on the banks of the Danube; the whole place is a treat to the senses, not to mention the restaurant! Enjoy a guided tour, have a look around the library, stroll through the landscaped surroundings, and even take a book home from the bookshop. 

The Essl’s are extremely passionate about contemporary art and their impressive collection; they want to share their excellent knowledge, and love of all things ‘art’ (especially paintings). That’s why the place is so reasonably priced, not to mention the free shuttle bus and free entry for students. The museum is also open relatively late, and is easy to reach by U-Bahn and public bus.

See http://www.essl.museum/
 

The Vienna Boys' Choir

The Vienna Boys' Choir dates back to the middle ages, formally established in 1498 for the Viennese to accompany the church masses. It is now one of the most famous Boys' choirs in the world. Most of their 100 singers are Austrian, although some boys will be selected from countries across the world. They perform about 300 concerts each year before almost 500,000 people, and each of the four choir groups, named after famous Austrian composers, tour for several months a year.

Today, the Augartenpalais serves as a boarding school for the Vienna Boys' Choir and historically the choirboys receive a solid musical education. The choir has therefore produced many a famous musical personality, such as the composers Jacobus Gallus and Franz Schubert, and conductors Richter, Mottl, Tintner and Krauss. The Palace has welcomed dozens of esteemed visitors including Brahms, Wagner, and even Tsar Alexander II.

If you’re in the Austrian capital it’s often possible to see the choir sing. They perform regularly on Sundays at the Hofburg Chapel where you can hear their voices drift down from the upper balcony during mass. Understandably, the church mass can become crowded, and the performance is part of a general service. In order to see the Vienna Boys’ Choir in their full splendour, try and get tickets (well in advance!) to a show at their very own Music and Theatre (MuTh) concert hall right next to the Augartenpalais.

The boys choir tours the world and sends shivers down the spines of hundreds of audiences, but where better to see them than in their home town of Vienna, surrounded by their rich musical heritage and history. Even if you don’t usually enjoy music of this genre, these angelic and ghostly performances in the heart of Vienna are simply not to be missed. Enjoy!