Unveiling Austria: The Ultimate Destination for Aussie Adventurers!
As Australian travellers set their eyes on a 2024 European holiday, Austria awaits with its enthralling blend of serene natural setting, history and vibrant culture.
In 2023, Australians travelled to Austria in record numbers, according to data from Statistik Austria, Australians were up on 2019 numbers in both overnights and arrivals, and were the top-performing market in the APAC region.
From the majestic peaks of the Alps to the elegant streets of Vienna and the fairy-tale landscapes of Salzburg, Austria offers a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.
Here are our top three picks for Austria this year:
Wiener Bierfest/Vienna Beer Festival
As you’d expect, this one is all about beer, and the Austrian beer landscape is more diverse than ever with this festival designed to show visitors what brewing culture has to offer in the new year, so Austria’s brewers are celebrating a big festival in the middle of Vienna’s city centre.
Some experts saying the high quality of water used in the local breweries contributes to the taste. Once a year, around 40 of these breweries join together for the Wiener Bierfest (Vienna beer festival) on the Am Hof square in the city centre. It’s a who’s who of the Austrian beer scene.
This year the fun is taking place from 6-9 June, in a lively outdoor beer garden with beer stands from near and far plus live music and food trucks.
Salzburg Festival
The Salzburg Festival is a 44-day long event from 19 July – 31 August, which is regarded as one of the world’s most important festivals for opera, music and drama.
With a programme that spans 172 performances across 15 venues, this one is a must for lovers of classical entertainment.
Opera highlights include; Prokofiev’s The Gambler, Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito and Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann.
Drama features a new production of Everyman [Jedermann], and performances based on plays by Stefan Zweig, Thomas Mann, Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. Under the motto “Et exspecto”, the 2024 Ouverture Spirituelle focuses on the comfort of hope and the uncertainty of expectation.
In concert major anniversary celebrations star, including the “Time with…” series which is devoted to Arnold Schoenberg, whose 150th birthday falls in 2024. The Vienna Philharmonic will also perform five concerts, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt, Andris Nelsons, Riccardo Muti, Gustavo Dudamel and Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Salzkammergut, the European capital of culture in 2024
In a landmark development within the European Capital of Culture program, the year 2024 will see an unprecedented collaboration as 23 communities nestled amidst the breathtaking Alpine scenery unite to form a singular European Capital of Culture.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the enchanting Salzkammergut lake district, the overarching theme for the range of events planned throughout the year revolves around two elemental forces: salt and water.
Through the European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024, a vibrant fusion of both timeless heritage and contemporary artistic expression takes center stage, showcasing the region’s cultural richness on an international platform. For more information, click HERE.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
austria Salzburg Festival Salzkammergut Wiener BierfestLatest News
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