Why Austria is the perfect post-pandemic destination

With international borders finally opening up, your readers will ask the big question: where do we go? It might take a little while until you can say ‘the world is your oyster’ but Austria is a good start. Not only can Australians enter quarantine-free but it also offers the best of Europe in one country.

With its central location (8 neighbouring countries!), Austria has always been Europe’s melting point - of cultures, of landscapes, and of people. Lonely Planet once called Austria ‘the perfect combination of nature and culture’. And exactly this combination is the reason why Austria is the perfect post-pandemic destination: in the morning, you lose yourself in some of the world’s most important art collections and baroque palaces and in the afternoon, you conquer breathtaking mountain summits or sip on a glass (or a bottle) of Grüner Veltliner in a quaint vineyard with locals. Without crossing borders and figuring out a whole new set of COVID-19 restrictions.

During any season, Austria’s cities are abuzz with festivals, performances new exhibitions in galleries and museums, or (Christmas) markets. Think of Vienna, the city of music & art. Here, you can attend a concert every night, browse through the Habsburg residences and immerse yourself in contemporary art (at the newly opened ALBERTINA modern). Or Salzburg, home of the acclaimed Salzburg Festival and the Sound of Music, where 25 years as a UNESCO world heritage site is celebrated in 2022. No other city combines outdoor adventure and city life better than Innsbruck, with the SKI plus CITY pass. And Graz, the ‘Capital of Culinary Delights’, is a Foodie’s paradise celebrating the regions produce with numerous food festivals throughout the year.

During winter Austria meets the image of a winter wonderland and, dare we say, surpasses the expectations. Skiing resorts have never been more ready to welcome back guests. Besides stunning scenery, pristine slopes, and top-quality infrastructure visitors can rely on high safety standards from the gondola to the après ski bar. After a break in 2020, Christmas Markets will finally open their doors again. From the end of November until Christmas Eve the scent of roasted chestnuts & mulled wine and stands with handcrafted goods & local treats will spread across the country.

And the one thing you can be sure to find wherever you go is ‘Gemütlichkeit’ (pronounced guh-MOOT-lih-kite). Gemütlichkeit is the Austrian way of living. Its essence hangs somewhere between relaxed well-being, an open attitude, and a feeling of profound comfort. Whether it is the concierge at the hotel, the waiter at a restaurant or a local craftsperson they all are ready to share their excitement, expertise, and Gemütlichkeit with Aussie travellers.

Exactly what we all need to ease back into travelling the world!