Eastern Austria Feature

Mighty Castles. Explore the great defensive bastions of Burgenland, built to keep out invaders from the East. The best example is lofty Riegersburg, a massive fortress perched on top of a volcanic outcropping.

Regional Delicacies in Historic Settings. While the Styrian parliamentarians toil away, you can work on Styrian beef and regional wine in the Landhauskeller, a charming restaurant in Graz's ancient, arcaded provincial parliament.

Museum in a Palace. Actually there are four museums—plus the gorgeous Prunkräume (State Rooms) in Graz's Schloss Eggenberg, itself a museum piece that sheds light on Austria's past.

Picturesque Rust. Luck-bringing storks raise the next generation in their nests atop the houses in this lakeside village, not even bothering to look down on all the cameras pointed at them.

Leisurely Bike Rides. Pedal through the flat plains surrounding Neusiedler Lake, stopping to explore scenic tiny villages and eat fresh fish from the lake.