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.

Each year visitors to the magnificent city of Vienna can see performances of Mozart’s greatest works in the city’s amazing Musikverein Vienna concert hall. Visitors can take their pick from a season-long programme that includes a selection of his overtures, arias, duets and symphonies.

Visitors are able to travel back in time to take a glimpse at what life was like for one of the world’s most illustrious composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Domgasse 5 is where the composer spent some of his most formative years from 1784 to 1787 and it is the only one of Mozart’s former residences that still exists today. His former home has been transformed into an informative museum detailing what life was like in Vienna for the great composer. As well as exploring his music, exhibits also detail the everyday aspects of his life, including his relationship with the Freemasons and his passion for games. This is a great exhibition that is open throughout the year.

A suitable finale to Austria’s ball season, the annual Opera Ball is a prestigious affair that is famed across Europe. Attracting an impressive list of celebrities and socialites, the Opera Ball takes place in the city’s wonderful State Opera House which is transformed into a giant dance floor. But don’t despair if you don’t have a Prince or Princess Charming to take you to the ball; the event is broadcast live on Austrian television. Very much part of the national identity, this is a great introduction to Austrian high society.

Classical music festival featuring international artists.

With the incredible Baroque architecture of Schonbrunn Palace in the background, this has to be one of the prettiest settings for a market anywhere in the world. It is also a great place to soak up the atmosphere and learn more about Austrian Easter traditions and customs as shoppers browse the main stalls selling everything from Easter eggs to handmade gifts and souvenirs. There are also numerous drinks and food stalls selling regional and national specialities.

Runners in the popular Vienna City Marathon follow a 42km (26.25 mile) course through the heart of the city, taking in many of its famous historic sites. Considered to be one of the most picturesque marathon courses in the world, the event always attracts thousands of applications from runners from all over the world. The race begins outside the UN Building in the new part of the town and follows a course over the Reichsbrucke bridge taking runners over the famous Danube river.

An extravaganza of music, drama and dance.

An event especially for young people, the annual Danube Island Festival is one of the largest youth parties in Europe that attracts visitors from all over the world. The fun festival programme includes a lively blend of music, dancing, entertainment and food and drink stalls. Performances take place in a number of different open-air stages and tented areas around the island.

Since 1991, every evening during July and August the square in front of Vienna’s City Hall has been used as a giant open-air cinema showing films featuring classical music. The programmes cover a multitude of genres from opera, through ballet to musicals. The relaxed atmosphere of this free event attracts large crowds to the screenings while, for the peckish, there are plenty of food stalls close by providing an international selection of gastronomic delights.

A great event that always creates a buzz in this magical city, the annual Vienna Jazz Festival is a popular musical extravaganza that attracts music fans from across the world. Performances take place in various venues and outdoor spaces around the city including the wonderful Vienna State Opera House. First held in 1991, the event is now regarded as one of the biggest and best jazz festivals in the world.

Visitors to this enchanting city can enjoy a programme of high quality operatic performances at the annual Vienna KlangBogen. This popular summer festival has taken place every year since 1997 at the wonderful Theater an der Wien in the heart of historic Vienna. Klangbogen also host a festival of equal quality and stature each Easter.

International avant-garde dance festival.

Austria’s most important international film event, the Viennale is also the oldest and best-known festival in the German-speaking area of the city. Showcasing a great selection of films from all over the world alongside features by home-grown filmmakers, the festival has a particular reputation for screening documentaries and short feature films. First held in 1960, the event has grown to become one of the most significant events of its kind in Vienna and now attracts audiences in excess of 80,000 people each year. It has a great youthful energy and in addition to the screenings there are gala evenings, Q&A sessions with directors and filmmakers, special events and parties.

Markets selling trinkets, hand-made products, and, of course, Glühwein (mulled wine).

Visitors to this magical city can welcome in the New Year in style at a range of open-air events and parties that take place throughout Vienna. Champagne is the preferred tipple at many events and the sound of corks popping is a constant soundtrack to the evening. Numerous tents line the streets and lanes of the old city, hosting parties with live music and DJs where revellers can dance from the afternoon of New Year’s Eve through to the small hours of New Year’s Day.