At the heart of Central Europe, Austria is tailor-made for mountain adventures, whether in the summer or the winter. The Austrian lifestyle is all about enjoying the beauty of its magnificent mountains.

There is an Austrian saying that the grass is always greener on their side of the border. We can see why. With the majestic Otztal Alps to the west and the lush green fields surrounding the Danube River to the east, Austria is a gem nestled at the center of Europe.

Although cold and snowy during much of the year, early spring and summer in Austria brings warm weather with plentiful sunshine. With mountains as far as the eye can see, it is easy to understand why hiking, biking and mountain climbing are some of the most popular activities for locals and travelers alike. In the winter months, Austrians spend their time skiing, snowboarding or just staying inside with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

It is not uncommon in Austria to hear more than four languages spoken, depending on which region you visit in the country. German, though, is the official language. English is spoken or understood by many but primarily in the larger cities.

Austria also has a diverse culture, influenced by its neighbors Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and Italy.

A small country with just over 8 million people, Austria has produced many world-renowned artists and scholars. Austria’s City of Music, Vienna, has given the world Ludwig Von Beethoven, Johan Strauss II, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the famed father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud.

And if you consider yourself a beer-enthusiast, then you might just fit right into the Austrian lifestyle. The country is filled to the brim with artisan breweries, each with their own distinct recipes, formulas and processes for producing some of the best beer in the world. One of the oldest brands of beer to originate in Austria is Stiegl, which was founded in 1492. And if wine is more your thing, then the famous Viennese vineyards are sure to offer a selection to suit your taste.