Page 22 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Austria

20  INTRODUCING A USTRIA

production. Organic produce is
usually indicated on restaurant
menus and in the shops as
“bio”. Genetically modified (GM)
farming is highly contentious,
with the government in dispute
with the EU over a total ban
on the practice. Politically, the
coalition of green parties
that represent the ecology
movement is ever powerful.
Europabrücke, connecting northern and southern Europe
Tourism
Austrian State Treaty of 1955. Due to its The country has much to offer: winter
location at the centre of Europe, Austria sports on snow­covered slopes, and
played a pivotal intermediary role in beautiful mountains and lakes in summer
East–West negotiations during the Cold all attract large numbers of visitors. The
War. It is home to many inter national impressive infrastructure offers superb
organizations, among them a dozen conditions for rest and recreation. Ski (or
United Nations bodies, the International mountain) resorts feature funicular
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the railways and cable cars, chair and drag lifts,
Organization of Petroleum Exporting and magnificent pistes and toboggan
Countries (OPEC). Although it is a member runs. Elsewhere, river banks and lakes are
of the European Union and part of the well maintained. There are plenty of places
Schengen Area, Austria does not belong to eat, and overnight accommodation
to NATO. Its soldiers, however, do partici­ ranges from small pensions and private
pate in UN peacekeeping and other homes to luxury hotels, all guaranteeing
humanitarian missions. a very pleasant visit.
Festivals take place throughout the year.
Environment Among the most famous are the Viennale,
Roads once trodden by foreign armies or the Vienna International Film Festival,
are today busy with visitors travelling from and the Schubertiade, a world­renowned
northern Europe to warmer climes in the concert series dedicated to Schubert that
south. The Brenner Pass, which leads to attracts as many as 30,000 classical music
Italy, with its spectacular Europabrücke
(Europe Bridge), has become one of
Europe’s busiest transit points, causing
a major problem for Austria, where
protecting the natural environment is
a primary concern.
By constitutional amendment, nuclear
power is banned entirely in Austria.
Emphasis is instead placed on renewable
energy: only 30 per cent of electricity
across the nation is generated by fossil
fuels; hydroelectric power and renewable
energy sources make up the rest.
Organic farming is widespread, Guests enjoying a dip in the thermal pool at a hotel
accounting for 19 per cent of all food in Lutzmannsburg

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