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Austria - This Time Try Something
Different
Author: Shari Hearn
So you've planned your trip to Austria.
You're going to visit
all the popular Austrian sites: Vienna
(no doubt to tour the
Sigmund Freud Museum), Innsbruck
and
Salzburg. And you'll have a
fabulous time.
But, while you're visiting Austria, why not take the road less
traveled? That's right, go a little off the beaten track. But,
where, you might ask? Hmm... I think I have a few suggestions:
Oetz Valley
A beautiful long valley, with gorges and deep green forests, in
the state of Tyrol, located in the western part of Austria. What
makes the Oetz Valley so memorable? First, there are the many
waterfalls you'll find there, including Stuibenfall - the
highest waterfall in Tyrol.
You'll be mesmerized as you watch how the falls dance with the
sunlight. Hiking trails abound in the Oetz Valley (sometimes
referred to as Ötztal Valley), with some footpaths so gentle
they are perfect for families with children in carriages. And if
hiking's not your thing, there are numerous scenic drives to
experience the beauty by car. There's even a scenic drive to
view Stuibenfall.
Of course, no visit to the Oetz Valley is complete without Otzi
the Ice Man, who was found in the area in 1991 by two hikers.
Oh, you don't know about Otzi the Ice Man? Scientists speculate
that he was a man between 40 and 50 years old who was caught in
a heavy snowfall 5200 years ago. Otzi then fell asleep and froze
to death. The freezing weather immediately mummified Otzi,
turning him into Otzi the Ice Man.
Though Otzi no longer resides in the Oetz Valley (his new home
is the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology in Bolzano, Italy) his
legend certainly remains in many of the attractions around the
valley.
Hallstatt
Another "off the beaten track" destination in Austria is
Hallstatt, one of Austria's oldest settlements. Hallstatt boasts
having the oldest salt mine in the world. It could also boast
being one of the most colorful. You'll certainly have a great
time just walking among the colorful old 16th and 17th century
homes which populate the town.
But, what really sets Hallstatt apart, and makes it worth taking
the road less traveled, is St. Michael's Chapel, built in the
12th century, which sits next to the ossuary. Not exactly sure
what an ossuary is, are you? Well, it's a place such as a vault)
for holding the bones of the dead.
You see, space is at a premium in Hallstatt, so when people are
buried they're only buried for a certain period of time (10
years being the average) before they are exhumed and their bones
are placed in the ossuary. For a small admission charge, one can
view an array of skulls in St. Michael's chapel. It seems sculls
have been on view in St. Michael's since the 18th century, often
times decorated with wreaths. Now, if this isn't off the beaten
track, I don't know what is.
Bad Gastein
Feel like some outstanding views and incredible skiing? Then
look no further than Bad Gastein.
Yes, that's right, a destination with the words "Bad" and "Gas."
Just don't think about it. Because Bad Gastein is quickly
becoming noticed by world travelers. And with good reason.
Located just an hour outside of Salzburg, Bad Gastein offers
some of the best skiing in the Alps. However, with its
challenging ski slopes and old world charm, you might not have
Bad Gastein to yourself for long.
But, skiing isn't the only thing Bad Gastein is known for. Bad
Gastein boasts seventeen natural springs--both outdoor and
indoor--infused with radon gas from deep within the earth.
This bubbling water gives the baths healing properties with
temperatures between 45 and 51 degrees Celsius (113 to 123
degrees Fahrenheit). It's said the baths are natural remedies
for sufferers of arthritis and other ailments. So, now you have
three more spots to add to your Austrian itinerary. So, go
ahead, plan a trip off the beaten track. You'll thank yourself.
About the author:
Shari Hearn is a writer and frequent contributor to
http://www.thetravelerscompanion.com
and
http://www.myjuicer-reviews.com.
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