Austria, Germany, and Switzerland

Austria

Austria is a country covered in mountains, due to its location in the Alps. This country is rich in history and the arts and has been for centuries. The culture in this fascinating country just seems to jump right out at you. Austria is full of picturesque scenery with its mountains and the wonderfully blue Danube River.

Austria may be known for skiing and snowboarding, but what most people don't know, is that Austria has several scenic cycle paths along its bigger rivers. The most famous of these paths is the route from Passau to Vienna along the Danube River. This path is one of the most famous cycle paths in Europe, and draws large international crowds each summer. Most of the paths in Austria follow country roads, and are well suited for children.

Music has always been a large part of Austria's history and culture. In Vienna and Salzburg, you can find a variety, from world renowned opera, to jazz clubs. Many summer music festivals cater to all tastes, so everyone is bound to find something they like.

Austria is a small, scenic country that has something for everyone. It is a place that you will want to go back to again and again.

Travel Tips

• The best skiing in the Alps is November through March, but the ski season often easily extends into April. Some of the higher elevations will still have good skiing throughout May.
• The Austrian rail system makes it easy for travelers to connect from large European cities with many small ski towns.
• Consider renting a bike since biking is a great way to get around. To make it convenient many of the rail stations rent bicycles
• When hiking or climbing your cell phone may not work in an emergency, so it is a good idea to carry a whistle. When in distress, alternate by using 10 second blasts for one minute and then resting one minute and repeat.This is the Alpine Emergency Signal that is commonly used. Don't worry if you forgot your whistle you could also try waving or yelling.
  

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Germany

A large country in central Europe, Germany boasts a wide variety of activities for even the most inexperienced travelers. Germany has a wide variety of scenery that varies from a seascape on the the North and Baltic seas, to the Black Forest, to the the mountains along the border of Austria. Nature lovers will enjoy Lake Constance, which lies along the southern border with Switzerland and Austria. Lake Constance is Germany's largest fresh-water lake, and offers an amenable, mild climate. The Romantic Road offers one of Germany's most famous scenic paths. Many cities lie on this road, and there is even a special path for cyclists to take.

Germany contains many castles, but the most famous castle is Neuschwanstein Castle. Neuschwanstein is one of the three castles commissioned by King Ludwig II during his reign. The castle overlooks the Hohenschwangau valley in Southern Germany. The architecture of Neuschwanstein served as inspiration for the design of the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disney Land.  Germany also boast the Cologne Cathedral, the biggest structure of its kind in the country. The construction of the cathedral took place between 1248 and 1880. The cathedral's most cherished object is the Sarcophagus of the Magi, a gilded piece that is the largest reliquary in the Western world.

The people of the world have clung to the cliché of Germans as being stiff, strict individuals, but the people of Germany offer a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Conversation is fairly easy in Germany for English speakers as all Germans take English in school. Keep in mind that when addressing a German with English, it is considered polite to ask "Do you speak English?" first, or the German translation "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" Germany offers a plethora of experiences for any traveler old to young, seasoned to amateur, that is destined to satisfy all.

Travel Tips

• Driving the Autobahn can be a thrill with no posted speed limits, but be aware that there are posted speed limits as you approach and go through cities and towns.
• Oktoberfest is held the last two weeks in September through the first week in October. Planning well in advance is essential to stay in Munich.

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Zermatt

Switzerland

Switzerland offers snow peaked mountains, beautiful scenery, and many activities for travelers. From skiing in the Swiss Alps, to the city of Geneva, there is so much to do in this small country that it seems impossible to ever want to leave. The scenery in Switzerland will take your breath away, and inspire you as you travel through the countryside.

One of the most beautiful sights in Switzerland is the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The valley is one of the deepest glacial valleys in the world. You start in the town of Lauterbrunnenk, and take the railway up to Murren. From Murren, hop on the private railway to Birg. In Birg, you can take the tram up to Schilthorn and have a meal in the rotating restaurant, and see the valley from up in the air. From here, you can buy a ticket to go to Grimmelwald, a farming village. Here you can take a walk down the streets, or take a tram to Stechelberg. In Stechelberg, you can walk or bike through the valley back to Lauterbrunnen. The walk includes picturesque views of waterfalls and the surrounding mountains.

The Chateau de Chillon is a great place to stop when you're in Switzerland. A wine museum is located in the entrance where local wines are sold. You can take a trip through the actual castle as well. The chateau offers spectacular views of the mountains, vineyards, and Lake Geneva. The chateau was built in the 12th century as a summer home for the Dukes of Savoy. The dungeon is worth a visit to see the signature of Lord Byron on a pillar where the famous Francois Bonevard was held.

Skiing, a sport often associated with Switzerland, is one of the best things to do while there. Switzerland offers many different places to ski, but one of the most famous is Zermatt. The slopes range from novice to advanced, and have a wide variety of landscape to choose from. In Zermatt, there is a slope that allows you to ski down from Switzerland, into Italy, and take the tram back.

The city of Geneva offers many attractions, but one of the most fascinating is St. Pierre's Cathedral, located right in the center of the old town district in Geneva. An archaeological exhibit below the cathedral explains the evolution of the cathedral over time, and there is also a Roman mosaic-tiled floor. The inside is lacking in decoration from the time of Jean Calvin, who ordered all decorations removed, but still is beautiful and nice to see. The cathedral also offers the opportunity to climb to the top of the towers, which has a spectacular view of the city.

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