Austria is notable for its music, the beauty in its landscapes and the food but every country has its own unique and interesting side that people and tourists are dying to find out more! Here are 8 interesting facts about Austria that might uncover a new perspective of Austria for you and also peak your interest about this beautiful country!
The Austrian Flag is one of the oldest National Flags in the World
Since 1918, the red and white flag has been the icon and pride of Austria, and there is so much significance and history behind it! The Austrian flag is known to be one of the world’s oldest flags and in accordance to the Austrian legend, the flag was invented by Duke Leopold V of Austria, whilst fighting in the Sege of Arce in 1260.
It was said that due to his battle wounds, his blood stained his white clothe. While this story might be a myth, the rulers of Austria have been using the red-white-red colours since the late 13th century.
60% of Austria’ Land is covered with mountains
Approximately 60% of Austria’s land is mountainous and its territory perimeters belongs to the Eastern Alps - the Tyrol Central Alps, Hohe Tauern and Niedere Tauern, Northern Calcareous or Limestone Alps, Southern Calcareous Alps and Wienerwald.
The scenery is truly amazing and thousands of tourists visit Austria for its mountains, and the most enchanting roads in Europe!
Austrians don’t really know that Sound of Music is a popular hit!
The Sound of Music is a classic film loved by many all over the world for its music and the alpine sceneries in Austria. With that said, this iconic film is not widely known in Austria.
There are many Austrians who also disagree with some of the details of the movie and find the historical storyline inaccurate. Regardless, it is still loved by many!
One of the World’s most eco-friendly culture
Austria’s is one of the world’s most Eco-friendly countries -with a high percentage of organic and pesticide-free farming.
In terms of cleanliness, Austria scores well in the charts with a EPI Score of 78.1, with an advantage of being a landlocked country that helps the place remain safe and clean from oceanic waste! There is also a principle that for every tree logged, another tree is then planted, which explains why 48% of the Austrian countryside is covered with lush forests.
Many inventors, composers and scientists are born here!
Austria is the birthplace of many famous and important inventors, scientists and composers that have contributed greatly and made a generous impact to our world today. There are many Nobel prize winners produced from Austria as well!
From classical music composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to the founding father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, the list of famous Austrians is pretty extensive!
Funny Austrian traditions - easter egg battle and autumn cow train
Traditional festivities are an important aspect of Austrian culture, as locals believe that it is vital to protect and keep them alive.
One of the most anticipated and interesting traditions would be the Easter Egg Battle (Eierpecken) held every family Easter breakfast or brunch. Each household will prepare or buy a bunch of hard-boiled coloured eggs and before the eggs are savoured, a battle ensures. Everyone chooses an egg and fights with the other person by knocking the “tip” of their own egg with the other. The one with the egg shell left uncracked will be the winner of the round and the game continues until the strongest egg remains.
Another funny tradition would be the Autumn Cow Train / Autumn Cow Parade ( Almabtried) that occurs annually in the Alpine regions in late September or early October. During Summer, about 500,000 of the alpine cattle will be led high up into the mountains to feed on the pastures. Around October, the Autumn Cow Train will commence where the cows are brought down from the mountains back to the stables. They will form a line and the cows are elaborately decorated in flower hats and celebrated with music and dance.
The world’s Oldest Zoo is located here in Austria
Another humble achievement from Austria would be clinching the award for the world’s Oldest zoo. Tiergarten Schönbrunn, or Vienna Zoo, is located on the grounds of the famous Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria.
Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are more than 700 animal species here. This zoo is indeed a place to visit and have a memorable experience!
Coming to the end of this article, you must have learnt a new thing or two about this fascinating country. Who would have known that Austrians have one of the oldest flags in the world? Austria is indeed a place that holds valued history and yet has more for people to discover and explore new insights - what’s left for you to come and find it out yourself!
