In Austria there is a curious tradition called 'Krampusnacht': on the night of 5 December, alongside St Nicholas, the Krampus appears — a figure that is half demon, half goat — who symbolically 'frightens' disobedient children.
Living so close to the border with Austria has allowed us to visit it often. It is one of those destinations that does not really feel 'far away': the moment you cross the border, the landscape changes in an almost imperceptible yet familiar way.
The mountains dominate the landscape, just as they do in the areas where we live. The green valleys, dense forests and small, tidy villages are very similar to the landscapes of South Tyrol. Even the rhythm of life is similar: peaceful, tied to nature, with small but very well-kept communities. Even the cuisine is not so different: spätzle, canederli, goulash, Sachertorte — all dishes that, although prepared slightly differently, also appear in our own cooking.
Among the places we have visited, we have seen the cities of Innsbruck and Vienna.
Innsbruck is a small, colourful city nestled between the mountains.
Vienna, on the other hand, has a completely different atmosphere: elegant, spacious, steeped in history and culture. Here you immediately feel the imperial past, but also a very vibrant contemporary life.
One of the most memorable experiences linked to Austria was New Year 2023. We were hosted by a friend of Davide's, someone he had met during his time in America. He lived in a border area with Switzerland, surrounded by green valleys and almost unspoilt landscapes. Celebrating there with his family and friends was a very authentic way of experiencing Austrian life.
If you want to immerse yourself in the green of the Austrian mountains, book a call with us.