Thursday, November 5, 2009

Kaprun Dam - Austria



Kaprun Dam - Austria

Kaprun Valley is not only famous for its splendid natural scenery where one can relax in peaceful surroundings, it is also famous for its technical achievements.

For at a height of 1,600 metres and within the near impenetrable mountain world of the Grossglockner, engineers created what is both a technical and architectural masterpiece, the Tauern Power Plant.Up until 1945 more than ten thousand forced laborers worked on what was then a massive building site, but it was not until some years later that the plant began to operate.

Supplied by two dams, the Mooser-Sperre and the Drossensperre, water from the Pasterze Glacier is stored in the 85 million cubic metre Mooserboden Water Reservoir.Over the years the capacity of the power plant has been further increased and optimized.The plants present capacity of 300 megawatts will, with the inauguration of a new plant, be increased to 480 megawatts and will provide no less than 10 percent of Austrias total electricity requirement.

With the construction of this remarkable power plant, Kaprun Valley at the foot of the Grossglockner has been greatly enriched due to what is truly a modern architectural wonder!

SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE Vienna Austria



SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE Vienna Austria

SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE Vienna, AustriaIn Austria in 1569, under Emperor Maximilian the Second, the Habsburg Dynasty acquired the former Maierhof as a hunting estate, and Emperor Franz Joseph permitted the young architect, Fischer von Erlach, to design a new royal residence, the Schönbrunn Palace.More than 1,700 beautifully-maintained rooms afforded the large Imperial family, and the whole royal entourage, much freedom of movement and the magnificent interior décor of the Palace is one of the most lavish of its time.The Palace Grounds contain the outstanding Neptun-Fountain and, at the highest point, the Gloriette, from which the entire palace grounds are visible as well as the charming Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest animal enclosure in the world. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations.Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage.Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments. Buy this film on DVD in a collector souvenir case or download. Great for memories of trip taken, educational tool for the classroom, library, and more at TravelVideoStore.com

Vienna AUSTRIA Wien Osterreich



Vienna AUSTRIA Wien Osterreich

This is part of a series, Planet Terra, which when licensed allows you to add your own custom narration to meet you specific marketing needs. Contact us at TravelVideoStore.com for more details about licensing this episode or any of the 365 other episodes to destinations around the world.

Global Treasures MELK ABBEY Stift Melk Austria



Global Treasures MELK ABBEY Stift Melk Austria

The fine buildings of the Benedictine monastery of Melk majestically rise up from a plateau above the fascinating town on the River Danube. The elegant, yellow buildings of the monastery have become well-known far beyond Austria.

The monastery's eighteen hundred manuscripts are extremely valuable and although many treasures were destroyed by a devastating fire the oldest texts date back to the early 9th century.

The 18th century marked the beginning of extensive construction work in the monastery that subsequently transformed the church into an enchanting example of Baroque design.

The exquisite design of the church's splendid interior was mostly the work of Italian architect, Antonio Beduzzi.

But it is the remarkable architecture of the central Baroque buildings that have given Melk its reputation as being an icon of occidental monastery culture.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

7 Days SALZKAMMERGUT Austria



7 Days SALZKAMMERGUT Austria

The Salzkammergut is located in the heart of Austria, a wonderful and romantic landscape set between breathtaking mountains and beautiful lakes. It was here that the Emperor Of Austria once spent the summer months and enjoyed all the benefits of this health resort in which salt, this region's white gold, was once worked and where objects that date back to prehistoric times have been discovered. St. Gilgen is situated at the western end of the lake. It is set among captivating scenery at the foot of the Zwölferhorn Mountain that has a cable car service. Attractive houses, hotels and a city hall contain modern comforts hidden beyond a romantic façade and it was here that Mozart's mother was born. A journey by hot air balloon is an amazing way in which to explore this fascinating landscape and from the sky it is far easier to gain a better perspective of the geology below. Nature defined the borders of this landscape: in the east the landscape stretches to the edge of the Tote Gebirge, a labyrinth of mountains with areas of karst and fields of mountain pine - in the south it extends to the snow covered Dachstein Mountains and their many caves. In the south west, the Tennen-Gebirge. In the west is the broad sweep of the Fuschl-See that marks the edge of the mountain region and in the north are the gentle hills of the Voralpen. Within the idyllic Almtal and its main village of Grünau is the untouched and romantic Alm See which is surrounded by the rugged mountain slopes of the Toten Gebirge that was formed by the glaciers of the Last Ice Age. Well appointed mountain huts and picturesque views across the gigantic peaks of the Gosaukamm Mountains to as far as the Bischofsmütze are a welcome reward to all who venture here. The views here are famous across the world. With the Dachstein Mountains as a backdrop this scene has featured on many a picture postcard. Its remote location set between mountains and lakes is truly captivating. A landscape of both history and culture: The Salzkammergut, a veritable paradise in the heart of Europe!

HALLSTATT AUSTRIA



HALLSTATT AUSTRIA

This is part of a series, Planet Terra, which when licensed allows you to add your own custom narration to meet you specific marketing needs. Contact us at TravelVideoStore.com for more details about licensing this episode or any of the 365 other episodes to destinations around the world.

Stefansdom Vienna, Austria



Stefansdom Vienna, Austria

The Stephansdom in Vienna is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.The oldest sections of its façade, the Heidentürme and Riesentor, are of Romanic origin.They date back to 1260 A.D.during the reign of King Ottokar The Second of Bohemia.But it was left to a member of the Habsburg royal family to complete the construction of the cathedral.

The dark and mysterious catacombs located beneath the cathedral contain the remains of many former Habsburg sovereigns and up until 1783 the underground passages were also used for the burial of Viennese commoners.

The significance of the building was not only due to its magnificent works of art but from 1469 it played an increasingly important role and thus became a Bishop and Cathedral Church.By creating its outstanding pulpit, cathedral master builder Anton Pilgram made himself immortal as a Fenstergucker.

During the Baroque period the building was severely neglected.However, the beginning of the 19th century saw the renewal and strengthening of the cathedral.Having survived all the tumult of past centuries, this unique building with its proud, tall towers that rise above Vienna, has truly withstood the test of time.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations.Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage.Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The Best of Austria



The Best of Austria

From the Producers of the Television Series: Goodtimes Travel, Destinations & Travel, Travel...

It is, for thousands of visitors, a fauvorite corner of central Europe where beautiful green valleys rise to spectacular snowcap mountains. It is a stunning region in a country of warm greetings, hardy food and grand vistas. Join us for an alpine vacation in spectacular Tyrol, Austria.

At first thought the country is known for magnificent snowcap mountains but it is also a land of gentle rolling hills, ancient castles and beautiful vineyards. Pleasant surprises greet the first time visitor to this lovely unspoiled land. Join us as we explore the beauty of Styria Austria.

Plus bonus material episode-Hiking in Austria-featuring the following destinations: Salzburg, Lofer, Hintermoos, Krimmi, and Wald plus where to shop, cycle and much more...

7 Days TYROL Austria



7 Days TYROL Austria
The Tyrol is a picturesque federal state in the west of Austria and one of the most beautiful areas in Europe set within the magnificent Alps. It boasts many ancient towns, monasteries and fortresses that highlight the region's history.

Kitzbühel was once a prosperous mining town but today it is a world famous ski resort that is also popular in the summer months. The old town, with its pretty middle class buildings that date back to the fifteenth century, is a fine example of Austria's rural architecture.

Westendorf was judged to be the most beautiful village in Europe and not without reason as it nestles picturesquely within a fertile high valley on the northern slopes of the Kitzbüheler Alps, an oasis of relaxation in contrast to the busy tourist centres of the surrounding area.

The Fohlenhof Ebbs Stud at the foot of the Kaiser Mountains is the official location of the Tyrol Horse Breeding Union and is where the famous Haflinger horses are bred.

Further west of the Inntal the Alpbach Tal leads into an untouched natural landscape.
At an altitude of nine hundred and seventy five metres above sea level is the remote mountain village of Alpbach, the most beautiful village in the Tyrol which has maintained its traditional character with typical timber built farmhouses and balconies decorated with flowers.

At the junction of Unter-Inntal and Ober-Inntal is the Tyrol's metropolis of Innsbruck, the Florence Of The North. The nearby mountains form a magnificent backdrop for the Late Gothic city centre whose main street leads from the Triumph Pforte to as far as the Annasäule and then on to the Golden Dachl.

Today this popular Alpine holiday region welcomes international visitors throughout the year and is most deservedly referred to as a natural treasure in the very heart of Europe!

Gardens of the World SCHÖNBRUNN Vienna, Austria



Gardens of the World SCHÖNBRUNN Vienna, Austria
Man's interpretation and focus on various locations that capture the spirit of Nature, as with music, have their own individual 'accent' in each country of the world, depending upon the climate and the amount of expertise, flair and imagination that has gone into their creation. Some of these natural wonders are simple affairs, whilst others are great symphonies of design, colour and passion.

Experience the regal beauty of the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens in Vienna and feel the inner power created by the sensitive combination of nature and music.

A truly relaxing feast of both vision and sound!