In an age of high speed travel a rail journey is a staid old-fashioned leisurely alternative that is also kind to the environment. Austria has some of the prettiest train routes and its trains are reliable, comfortable and an ideal way to meander through mountains, valleys, and pretty chocolate box towns, hopping on and off to sample the scenery and the cuisine
Hop on a flight from Gatwick to Salzburg or Vienna and then let the train take the strain!
Salzburg – A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS
It is 50 years since The Sound of Music hit the big screen, but there is more to Salzburg than the Von Trapps and the movie that was set here. The beautiful city is a fascinating mix of classical culture and historical idiosyncrasies.
Much of Salzburg’s appeal lies in its authenticity. Even modern shops have traditional iron hanging signs and people here are seen wearing national costume of lederhosen for men and dirndl skirts and peasant blouses for women as their daily wear. Upmarket ski resorts are a short train ride away, and magical markets abound in November and December.
Music escapes from every doorway and a gentle introduction to the music of Salzburg’s most famous son – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – is a tea time concert by the Mozart Players in the city’s Kuenberg Hall. The programme is a kind of ‘Greatest Hits’ hosted by a costumed compere who provides facts about the composer’s life and works.
The palace of Hellbrun, painted in Imperial yellow, was the summer palace of the Archbishop Markus Sittikus 91612-1619) built purely for his amusement. It is dotted with trick fountains which soak the unsuspecting visitor and Italian style mazes. Next year, 2016, marks the 400th anniversary of Hellbrun with exhibitions planned.
The Salzburg Festival takes place each year in July and August, attracting the cream of the world’s musicians and music lovers and famous for its glamorous audiences.
TIP: Use a Salzburg ‘City card’ to get into tourist attractions, museums and palaces
ON THE TRAIN
The train ride from Salzburg to Graz is a picturesque ride through the Austrian mountains, old salt mines, unspoilt pasture land, pretty ski resorts and charming towns with old-fashioned railway stations. The OBB trains have big windows to view the passing scenery, and refreshments on board)
Graz
Austria’s second city, Graz, is the heart of the region of Styria, and is Austria’s first and only culinary capital in 2008. So it is no surprise that food is one of the main attractions here
Starting at the main square the Hautplatz Graz has a number of food –themed walks, including ‘Stop and eat’ tours which include drop-ins at various restaurants and wine bars to sample local delicacies incluing Pumpkin seed oil, the regional delicacy – dark green and viscous, with a nutty taste. Drizzle on salads and desserts.
The farmers’ market beside the opera house has the best local produce and Styria is known for its wines, notably weissburgunder, sauvignon blanc and schilcher rosé. A ‘Beer walk’ takes in ales from Styria’s 40 breweries.
In August the historic centre of Graz turns into a giant open air restaurant for the ‘Long Table of Graz’, a dinner with matching wines and musical entertainment for 700 people
ON THE TRAIN
The journey from Graz to Vienna is an impressive ride along the UNESCO World Heritage Semmering railway (between Mürzzuschlag and Wiener Neustadt), one of the world’s first mountain railways. Sit on the right hand side for best views; this is a breath-taking journey
VIENNA
Austria’s capital waltzes between tradition and modern life, from the 150 year old Ringstrasse to its Life Ball, one of the biggest AIDS charity events in the world.
2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Emperor Franz Joseph and Vienna will be alive with events which celebrate the last century which has seen the city change from an opulent imperial capital to a thriving contemporary city.
Railbookers offer tailor made holidays by rail to Europe and beyond. Their 5 night holiday,
‘Highlights of Austria’, visits Salzburg, Graz and Vienna, with scenic train journeys in between.
020 3780 2253.
www.railbookers.com/highlightsofaustria
