Nearly half of Austria is covered with forests, with the lower regions particularly densely wooded. Fir predominates above 488m (1,600ft), and gives way to larch and stone-pine beyond 1,219m (4,000ft); the Alpine foothills consist predominantly of arable land and grassland (above 610m/2,000ft); the Pannonian region is characterised by scrub and heathland.

Currency

Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Electricity

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin European plugs are standard.

General business opening hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1330-1730.

As part of the Salzburg Festival’s winter programme, revellers can welcome in the New Year in elegant style listening to some of Mozart’s most famous works at the spectacular New Year’s Concert. It takes place in the Grosses Festspielhaus (Large Festival Hall) in the centre of this magnificent town, the birthplace of the famous composer. After the classical performance, visitors can head out into the square amongst the beautiful baroque buildings to watch the spectacular fireworks display light up the night sky on the stroke of midnight. The fun continues on New Year’s Day when the streets are filled with musicians and orchestras performing for the crowds.

Annual festival founded by Herbert von Karajan in 1967 and focusing on one opera production. Also includes several other choir and orchestra concerts.

Visitors to the stunning city of Salzburg can enjoy lunchtime Mozart concert performances every Friday from May to September in the city’s Gothic Hall. Performed by some of Austria’s leading musicians and instrumentalists, this is a great environment in which to enjoy some top-class performances. A buffet lunch is available afterwards.

The festival has a long and established history that dates back to 1920 and has been staged every year since. Having grown in popularity over the years, the modern day event is now held over five weeks during the summer. It puts on a packed programme of opera, drama and concerts in venues across the city.

Hosted by this prestigious organisation, the Chamber Concerts at the International Mozarteum Foundation presents a performance programme that includes chamber concerts and a ‘Young Artists’ concert cycle. Audiences are given the opportunity to experience a range of different performances ranging from outstanding soloists to rousing group orchestral performances.

Features concerts, films, exhibitions and international jazz stars.

Traditional Christmas market dating back to the 15th century.

Mozart’s mother’s was born on Christmas Day in 1720, and the city of Salzburg celebrates her birthday with a special service and performance at St Aegidius parish church in St Gilgen where she was christened. Visitors can enjoy performances of pieces by Mozart, Haydn and other great composers by a chamber ensemble.