Off the Beaten Path in Austria and Germany

Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.

Graz is a town with a long and interesting past. It has buildings and historic sites dating back over 800 years. Being the second largest city in Austria, it combines medieval heritage with creative modern architecture and culture. During the day, the most interesting part is the Old Town, while in the evenings, Graz becomes a lively city with great bars, clubs, and restaurants. It's also famous for festivals featuring everything from classical to modern music and performances. Despite its size, Graz is overshadowed by Salzburg and Innsbruck in terms of tourists, making it a much more authentic place to visit and experience everyday Austrian life.

Known as the “Pearl of Tyrol”, the small town of Kufstein has been celebrated by a popular folk song, and is steeped in history and character. Surrounded by the mighty Kaiser Mountains and Brandenburg Alps, the historic town on the banks of the Inn River is a charming place full of cobblestone streets, unusual shops and ancient sights. It offers excellent shopping and a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, all within a compact town center characterized by medieval arches, lanterns, and elaborately frescoed facades, and sitting below a memorable clifftop castle.

Having hosted several Olympics, Innsbruck has an international reputation as a winter sports destination. Nestled in an alpine valley, the city is surrounded by picturesque mountains complete with ski slopes and funiculars. Whether you’re there in the winter or summer, you can have an active vacation in the mountains. In the town itself, you’ll find charming cobblestone streets, winding alleyways, quaint cafes and welcoming restaurants serving hearty Tyrolean cuisine. Innsbruck is a unique destination that combines breathtaking natural scenery with a comfortable, small-town feel. There’s a mix of Imperial Austrian architecture and newer creations, so just strolling the streets offers a feast for the eyes. The restaurants here are also wonderful, with a variety of cuisines ranging from traditional to contemporary with a youthful edge, thanks to its many students. Innsbruck is a place where you can really unwind and enjoy your vacation at your own pace.

Originally two separate towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen were united by Hitler in order to host the 1936 Winter Olympics. These ancient towns (Partenkirchen was founded by the Romans as "Partanum") still share a bit of a rivalry, as well as endless beauty. Look up, and you'll find the Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain. Look around and you'll find herds of cows passing through en route to alpine meadows, and wooden homes covered in meticulous religious and historic paintings. Home to some of Germany's best skiing and hiking, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been a popular spot for GIs seeking R&R since the 1950s.

With its traditional beer halls, designer shops, trendy restaurants and international business, Munich is a mix of old and new, German and cosmopolitan. Largely rebuilt after World War II, the city still retains its old world charm, even in the midst of expansion and modernization. You’ve probably heard of the city’s world famous Oktobertfest, a once-in-a-lifetime party dedicated to that incredible Bavarian beer along with some of the local delicacies, including tasty schnitzel. But there’s much more to Munich than drinking, and on your holiday you’ll have the chance to discover the best this charming city has to offer. Don’t miss out on the beer halls and the breweries, but be sure to get off the beaten path to discover a Munich of your own. Much of the city’s past centers around World War II, and there are several ways you can explore this chapter of Munich’s history, including a day trip to the Dachau concentration camp and a special tour focusing on Hitler and the local activities of the Third Reich. Munich is also a center of industry and there is nowhere better to experience this than BMW World. Moving slightly farther afield, Neuschwanstein Castle makes the perfect day trip, perched high in the hills over a verdant valley. Munich’s variety means there’s more than enough to satisfy even the most diverse groups of travelers. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore this unique German city.