Touring Austria
Situated in the heart of Europe, Austria is known for its breathtaking Alpine scenery, beautiful lakes and attractive Baroque cities. Music is an integral part of Austrian culture - The Salzburg Festival, Vienna Opera and the New Year balls in Vienna attract visitors from far and wide. Spanning several centuries, Austria has been the home of some of Europe's greatest and most innovative composers, including Haydn, Brahms, Mozart, Schönberg and Strauss, making Austria an excellent destination for music groups who would like to combine performing, with an exploration of musical heritage.
OneStage are able to operate tours to all parts of Austria, but we recommend that you base your group in
Vienna, Salzburg, the Salzkammergut, Linz or Innsbruck.
You might like to combine your stay in Austria with
Germany,
Hungary,
Switzerland or the
Czech Republic.
Visiting Salzburg
Salzburg is probably the most visually attractive city in Austria. The Monchsberg Mountains create a magical backdrop for the Baroque domes and spires of the old town and a short uphill walk brings you to the dramatically situated Hohensalzburg Fortress, affording splendid views of the city. Attractions within Salzburg include the Cathedral (Dom), St Peter's Abbey and Catacombs, the Collegiate Church and the Mirabell Gardens. Short excursions from Salzburg include the Hellbrunn Palace with its trick water fountains, Berchtesgaden which is famous for Hitler's Eagle's Nest and the Salt Mines at Hallein, which are ideal for children.
Visiting the Salzkammergut
The Salzkammergut (or Austrian Lake District), is close enough to Salzburg for visitors to stay in one place and visit the other with ease. Mondsee (lake) is a popular spot for swimmers and sunbathers and there are countless attractive villages to discover, such as St Gilgen, where Mozart's mother was born; St Wolfgang with its famous pilgrim's church and Gothic altar; and Bad Ischl, where Richard Wagner and Frank Lehar amongst other great composers, spent their holidays composing. Many of the places in this area were featured in the film "The Sound of Music", probably most famously the "Wedding Church" at Mondsee.
Concert venues in and around Salzburg
- Outdoor Venues:
- The Mirabell Gardens, the concert stage in Berchtesgaden (Germany), Bad Ischl band stand
- Churches and Cathedrals:
- Mülln Parish Church, the Collegiate Church in Salzburg, the Parish Church in Elsbethan, the Pfarrkirche in Thalgau
- Other Indoor Venues:
- The Mozarteum, the Urban Cellar and The University Hall (all in Salzburg), the Column Hall in Mondsee
Visiting Vienna
Vienna was the residence of the Imperial Court for six centuries and home to the powerful Habsburg dynasty. Its grandeur and artistic prestige is still an indelible stamp on the city. Elaborate palaces and Baroque churches are interspersed with striking modern architecture at every turn and places to eat, drink and shop are in abundance.
The huge complex of imperial palaces known as The Hofburg, dates from the 13th century and houses the imperial treasury, crown jewels and the famous Spanish Riding School. Art lovers can visit the enormous, eclectic collection at the Kunsthistoriches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), or the Schloss Belvedere which houses 19th and 20th century art, including works by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt.
There are many beautiful buildings in Vienna, but most prominent are St Stephan's Cathedral, the Schönbrunn Palace, (with its beautiful formal gardens) and the Vienna State Opera, where tours can be arranged "behind the scenes".
Adult groups can also enjoy a lively evening at a local winery, with food, winetasting and traditional food and live music.
Visiting the Viennese outskirts
One of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube is only a short distance from Vienna. Here you will find the enchanting villages of Spitz and Krems and can enjoy a leisurely boat cruise and perhaps a wine-tasting. One of the most imposing attractions in the area is the yellow-ochre Baroque abbey at Melk. Or, you could take a day trip to the Esterhazy Palace at Eisenstadt, which houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the lives and works of the famous Esterhazy family, as well as the composer Joseph Haydn who resided there under their patronage.
Concert venues in and around Vienna
- Outdoor Venues:
- The Steps of the Schönbrunn Palace
- Churches and Cathedrals:
- St-Anna-im-Baumgarten, St Stephan's Cathedral, the Lazarus Church (all in Vienna), Eisenstadt Cathedral, Spitz Parish Church
- Other Indoor Venues:
