Melk

The city of Melk, the first capital of Austria under the Badenberg dynasty, is known chiefly for its magnificent 18th century abbey. The abbey hs in fact become the symbol of Austrian Baroque. It is perched on a rocky crag overlooking the Danube, a location which makes it even more majestic. Following 15 years of hard work, the abbey of Melk has been completely restored, and the former glory of the gold decorations and paintings can once again be admired.

general information

Republic

Capital: Vienna

Surface area: 84 000 km2

Population: 8,5 millions

Population density/km2: 101

Member of the EU since 1995

National holiday: October 26

National anthem: Land der Berge

• 98% of Austrians speak German, 90% are Roman Catholic

• Every type of winter sport can be enjoyed throughout the year

• Breakfast croissants were invented after the victory of Austria over the Turks in 1683

• 1996 is the year of Austria's millennium. It was in 996 that the word Ostarrichi appeared for the first time (the word means "land of the East" in old German). At the time, the term designated the North of Austria where the Babenberg family founded the first Austrian Royal dynasty.

Dance to The Sound of Music in Salzburg and watch the famous Lipizzaner stallions perform to classical music in Vienna's Hofburg. There is plenty of skiing in the Tirol with hidden castles and churches snuggled in beautiful mountain scenery.

The Hintertux Glacier is one of the best and largest in Europe with reliable snow and varied terrain to suit all skill levels.