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CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE: Austria |
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Central & Eastern Europe Council: The Heart of Europe
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Helena
Novak
Vice Chair Central Europe Council
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By Robert Haru Fisher
Central Europe, represented in the American Tourism Society by 11 vibrant nations, can also be called, simply, the Heart of Europe. Here, visitors will find everything that is essential to the European experience, from fantastic history to outstanding culture, from romantic ambiance to modern vitality. Every nation in this group is experiencing a new renaissance in each aspect of its daily life, whether that be social, political, economic, cultural or even spiritual. The cutting edge of the New Europe is here, and you couldn't imagine a better time to experience the excitement.
In alphabetical order, here are the remarkable nations of Central Europe, ready for the discerning traveler at the dawn of their new history:
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Albania
In the heart of the Mediterranean, on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is fast becoming one of the world's most interesting getaways. Still relatively unspoiled by globalization, tourists will notice an inspiring mixture of civilizations and cultures - making this European country truly unique.
Come - discover Albania for yourself!
Austria
If you come here, you will be in the soul of Central Europe, enjoying the country's musical heritage, especially in 2006 as the world celebrates the 250th birthday of Mozart. Festivities take place in Vienna, Salzburg, and elsewhere. Other musicians are honored, also, with a Haydn festival in Eisenstadt and the Bruckner Festival in Linz
In addition, you can take in the pleasures of Graz of visit the Tirol mountains, perhaps the Arlberg Range. Innsbruck should not be missed, nor should a cruise on the Danube.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the heart shaped land that lies in the heart of southeast Europe. It is here that eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history.
Bulgaria
As famous for its gorgeous Valley of Roses as for its sunny Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria is blessed with many festivals, not only in Sofia, the capital, but in Rose Valley towns and villages such as Kazanluk, Karlovo, Kanchevo and Pavel Banya. Outdoors, you can enjoy the Prinin National Park or Sreburna Natural Reserve, both UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Black Sea Coast resorts, towns and villages of note include Balchik, Golden Sands, Nessebar, Ravda, St. Constantine, Sunny Beach, Sunny Day and Sveti Vlas. In the mountains, famous resorts include Pamprovo, Hisarya and Sandanski.
Croatia
"The Mediterranean as it Once Was" is the slogan expounded by Croatia's Tourist Office, and for good reason. A widely recognized "hot destination" for 2006, the nation boasts the marvelous Adriatic coast, with over 1,000 islands. In addition to the attractions of Zagreb, visitors can admire the walled city of Dubrovnik, the Diocletian Palace in Split, and islands such as Hvar.
Other spots of note include Pula and Rovinj in the north and Trogir and Cavtat to the south. Additional attractions may be found in Sibenik, Nin and Porec. Outdoors, consider the Kopacki Rit Nature Park, the Kornati National Park, the Velebit World Biosphere Reserve, or the Plitvice Lakes.
Czech Republic
A magnet for creative artists, musicians and writers since its creation in 1993, the Czech Republic, and especially Prague, remain a favorite with trendsetters everywhere. Outside the capital as well, in cities such as Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and Olomouc, festivals vie with Baroque architecture and vistas of medieval castles and streets.
Other places of note include Marinske Lazne, Holasovice, Ceske Budejovice, Jindrichuv Hradec and Trebon. Frantiskovy Lazne is a famous spa town. Outdoor targets include hiking and climbing in Cesky
Raj and Ceske Svycarsko.
Germany
"Germany the Magnificent" could be the tourist office's slogan, but it isn't. Visitors have found it so by themselves, in the inspiring capital of Berlin, the comfortable Munich, on the picturesque Romantic Road or along the nostalgic Castle Road, and through the Black Forest.
Other highlights of a visit should include gorgeous Heidelberg, the historic Rhine, and Phoenix-like Dresden, celebrating its 800th birthday. In 2006 the World Cup of Soccer will be held in 12 host cities around the country, and annual festivals take place in the cities already mentioned and in Cologne, Mainz, Duesseldorf and Hamburg. Christmas Markets are the thing in Nurnberg, Frankfurt and Lubeck. Spa lovers should head for Baden-Baden, Wiesbaden or Bad Homburg, hikers for Dresden's "Saxon Switzerland".
Hungary
"Unique" best describes Hungary, at the crossroads of history for so long, now a member of the European Union and thriving. Although most visitors target Budapest and Lake Balaton, there is much more than those admittedly marvelous places to see.
Szeged and Debrecen are major destinations, as are the towns of Esztergom, Visegrad and Szekesfehervar, all royal capitals. Other major towns of interest include Veszprem, Gyor, Vac and Eger, as well as Holloko, Miskolc and Sarospatak. Nature lovers can enjoy the Northern Balaton National Park, and everyone can take in the spas of Balatonfured or Heviz.
Kosovo
Kosovo represents a treasury of ethnic and religious heritages from various historical periods resulting in a mosaic of cultures. These heritages were influenced by a variety of historical, social, economic and religious circumstances. The entire artistic value as a heritage belongs to various styles, as Albanians and other peoples were inhabitants of this region. Also Kosovo has a specific natural heritage, including Cave of Gadime, the Waterfall Mirusha, Rugova gorge, Prevalla, Brezovica etc.
Macedonia
A small and beautiful country nestled in the southeast of Europe, Macedonia offers its visitors a unique blend of natural wonders, traditions and cultures- as well as a long tradition of unrivaled hospitality.
From their savory cuisine to their love of music, dance and general merrymaking, Macedonians know how to make their guests feel at home. Combining these qualities with the country’s dramatic mountains and canyons, its deep lakes and rivers, Macedonia has something for everyone...
Montenegro
Montenegro – the pearl of the Mediterranean, unique in many ways is situated in the south of the Adriatic. There is nowhere else that you can find, in such a small place, so much natural wealth, beauty, mild beaches, clear lakes, fast rivers and gorgeous mountains – like you can in the small country of Montenegro. In the morning you can wake up along the beautiful Adriatic coast, have lunch on the banks of Skadar Lake, and enjoy the evening walks in the Montenegrin Mountains. Montenegro is a place that cannot leave you indifferent.
Poland
An avatar of the "New Europe," Poland continues to attract discerning travelers, as much for its culture as for its scenic beauty. Most visitors head for Warsaw, but many head for Cracow and other major sites. Two other important sites are Gdansk and Zakopane, the latter for outdoor types, who should also try the Trail of Great Lakes.
Other outdoor targets include the bicycle route R-1, Bialowieska Forest, or the mountain ranges of the Tatras, Karkonoszes or the Bieszczadys. Spas include Duszniki Zdroj and Krynica Zdroj, which have their own cultural festivals, as do Czestochowa. One of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Romania
"Romantic" might be the best word to describe Romania, with its gorgeous painted monasteries, fabled castles and authentic medieval villages. Every visitor must see Bucharest, but should not forget the Black Sea Coast or Transylvania. Constanta is the coastal capital, other sites including Mamaia, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and Mangalia.
Painted monasteries include those in Voronet, Sucevita or Moldovita. In Transylvania, check out Brasov, Sighisoara, or Sibiu. Outdoor activities center on the Danube Delta, and then there are spas, such as Eforie Nord, Neptun, Sovata and Baile Felix.
Serbia
Serbia, and in particular the valley of Morava is often described as "the crossroad between the East and the West", which is one of primary reasons for its turbulent history. The valley is by far the easiest way of land travel from continental Europe to Greece and Asia Minor.
Slovakia
With the geographic center of Europe lying in Slovakia, this small nation is enjoying its newly found status also at the center of the world stage. In addition to the attractions of Bratislava, the capital, visitors should seek out such places as Bardejov, Banska Stiavnica, Vikolinec and Spis Castle, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Famous castles here include those in Cachtice, Cerveny Kamen and Svaty Anton, while spas are the thing in Nimnica, Sliac, Stos, Lucivna, Piestany and Bardejov. For outdoor activities, head to the Tatras, perhaps to climb Gerlach.
Slovenia
With over half its area covered by forests, Slovenia can assuredly call itself a green nation. Self described as a tiny nation, the country is as full of beauty as it is of surprises. In addition to the capital, Ljubljana, important sites to see include Bled, Maribor, Lipica, Ptuj, Cerknica and Kobarid. Relax at one of the country's 15 health spas, too.
Try to travel along Slovenian Wine Roads or Heritage Trails, including the Path of Venus. Outdoor lovers can try hiking trails in the Slovenian Alpine Transverse, or visit the Julian Alps, the Triglav National Park or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Skocjan Caves.
Ukraine
Independent since 1991, Ukraine is rapidly coming into the rhythms of Central European life, introducing a pronouncedly Slavic ambiance into the mix of cultures here. Visitors will want to see not only Kiev, but these other prominent sites: Odessa, Black Sea resorts, the Carpathian Mountains, the Sea of Azov, Kharkov, Donestske and Lvov.
In the Crimea, visitors can follow in the footsteps of Jason on the Trail of the Golden Fleece, or visit vineyards for smooth Crimean wine tasting.
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