Vienna

Austria, along with neighboring Switzerland, is the winter sports center of Europe. However, it is just as popular for summer tourists who visit its historic cities and villages and hike in the magnificent scenery of the Alps. Austria has a big number of lakes. Normally they are very clean, so you can swim in them; they provide camping places nearby. In winter you can use them for ice skating. In some places, you will have to pay to get on the lakeside. Beside all that rustic, tranquil nature and countryside, Austria has a whole other side too. As one of Europe's former great powers, Austria boasts a wealth of majestic architecture and historic structures. As it was long a centre of power in the Holy Roman Empire, you'll find not only palaces and magnificent city architecture but also grand cathedrals, monasteries and churches.

Austria

The large historic city centre of Vienna filled with monuments to its imperial past is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Vienna has a rich history as the capital city of the monarchy, and thus, there is an abundance of historical buildings and museums. Its architecture is typical of the eclectic, historicist style called “Ring Road Style” of the 1860s to 1890s. Built in the style of the Renaissance according to plans by Heinrich von Ferstel, the MAK- Austrian Museum of Applied Arts/Contemporary Art is the first museum building on the  “Ring Road Style”. The Schloss Schönbrunn palace, a part of the UNESCO World heritage list, is located in the Outer West area.

The Austrian National Library is the largest library in Austria, with 7.4 million items in its various collections. The library is located in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.

Austrian National Library

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