Austria is the birthplace of great musicians and composers, a country where high culture adjoins beautiful mountain scenery and wonderful gastronomy. If you still do not know much about this state, 15 interesting facts will help you get to know not only the geographical peculiarities of the local provinces, but also the rich history of the region.

Geography

• Most of the territory of Austria is covered mountains. The Eastern Alps constitute 62% of the total area of ​​the country. The highest point, Mount Grossglockner (3798 m), in combination is the second highest peak in Europe. It is here that the largest Pasteur glacier is located, which, since the 19th century, is actively melting.

• The Kriml waterfall cascade on the Krimler-Ahe river in the federal state of Salzburg is the highest in Europe. The view of the descending water from an altitude of 380 meters impresses anyone who comes to see this magnificent natural landmark.

• The largest lake of natural origin is Neusiedler. This is the fourth largest reservoir in Europe located in the federal state of Burgenland. Its southern extremity belongs to Hungary. The lake itself is saline and is under the protection of UNESCO. Clean waters and good beaches have turned coastal territory into a popular place for recreation.

• Today's Austria is a German-speaking part of a huge empire, called Austro-Hungary, governed by the Habsburg dynasty from 1526 to 1918. This imperial name was one of the most powerful in Europe for several centuries. Most of the population is Catholics (about 90%). Also there are Protestants and Muslims.

• In Austria there are five big cities: Vienna, the largest population center and the capital of the state, Graz, the second largest, Linz, the port city on the Danube River, Salzburg of great cultural value, and Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. About one quarter of the Austrian population (at least 20%) reside in Vienna.

History

• The name of the state comes from Old German and in translation means "eastern country" .The flag of Austria is one of the oldest in the world..Two colors, red and white, symbolize the blood of fighters for the independence of the republic and the Danube River .According to legend, the choice of these colors is associated with the events of the 12th century, when Leopold V of Austria, during one of the battles of the third crusade, flooded his white shirt with blood, but, taking off his belt, discovered a strip of cloth untouched by red color .First the flag was his banner, but only after it became the flag of the whole country .

• The territory of Austria was inhabited by people back in prehistoric times. In particular, in 1991 in the ice of the Alps between Austria and Italy was found the body of an ancient man. However, the real history of the region began at a time when the local lands were chosen by the Celts, later conquered by the Romans. For the first time Austria is mentioned in documents at the end of the 10th century.

• Salzburg residents in the old days were called in no other way than bulls (Stierwascher) .There are two versions of the origin of the unusual nickname .According to the first, among the population there was a custom to wash the meat of a newly stabbed animal in the waters of the river flowing here, and in honor of this tradition the name was given .Another legend says that during the siege of one of the fortresses of Salzburg, the defenders suffered greatly from hunger, but they did not want to surrender..To deceive the enemies, they invented the following: every day they painted one of the surviving bulls in different colors and seemed to accidentally show it as besieging .Such tactics led to the fact that the enemies retreated, losing hope to take a fortress by the fortress .At the same time the unfortunate bull remained in the centuries, giving the nickname to the population of the whole city .

• The famous Queen Marie Antoinette, wife of Louis XVI, tragically killed during the Great French Revolution, was the youngest daughter of Emperor Franz I and Maria Theresa. The latter successfully managed the Austrian territories and was an active reformer. Among the representatives of the Habsburg dynasty, it was Maria Theresa who enjoyed the greatest popularity.

• The Semmering Railway in Austria is the first mountain railway in the world, the construction of which began in the middle of the 19th century. This miracle of engineering thought is functioning to this day, entering the Southern Railway. The implementation of the project was a complex and long process, especially if we take into account the altitude differences and the complex mountain relief.

Culture

• Austria - the birthplace of many famous composers, whose names are familiar to everyone from childhood. Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Liszt, Strauss, Mahler - only a small list of world-famous authors of brilliant music. The famous "Viennese Waltz" was created here. As a basis, the music that accompanied the Austrian folk dance was taken.

• Schönbrunn Palace is the main attraction not only of Vienna, but of all Austria. This greatest monument of architecture is one of the best "representatives" of the Austrian version of the Baroque style. 1441 room of the palace excites the imagination as those who are only to visit the imperial residence, and have seen all this splendor alive.

• The founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, created his theory, sipping coffee and discussing the pressing problems in the wonderful Austrian coffee shops. The influence of this teaching on the science of man, and the whole culture as a whole, can not be estimated. Freud was and remains the greatest scientist who made a giant breakthrough and left numerous disciples after him.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger - a world-famous Hollywood actor and former governor of California - is not at all a native of one of the US states. His birthplace is a small village near the city of Graz in Austria.

• The world's oldest observation wheel is located in the Prater Park in Vienna. It was built in the 19th century. Undoubtedly, the height of 65 meters is nothing compared to modern attractions, but lovers of everything unusual will appreciate the old-fashionedness of the inhabitants of the Austrian capital.

Mountains in Austria

Famous "Sacher"

Austrian lakes