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

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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!

Vienna Austria

Vienna Austria
The monumental construction of the Stefansdom with its magnificent German Gothic tower, is the symbol of Vienna located in the heart of Europe - a past day glorious Imperial city and today a fascinating melting pot of both old and new.

The Wiener Hofburg is a large complex of multifarious buildings of various architectural styles that date from between the 13th and19th centuries.This was the Viennese residence and legislative centre of the Habsburger Dynasty, the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation.The Silver Chamber contains a remarkable variety of opulent exhibits that depict the magnificent regal life of the past.

A mighty cupola extends to a height of 30 metres over what was once the Imperial Court and is today surely the most opulent library in the world, Austrias National Library.

In 1569, Emperor Franz Joseph commissioned a magnificent royal residence, the Schönbrunn Palace.More than 1,700 beautifully maintained rooms afforded the large Imperial family much freedom of movement and its magnificent interior décor is one of the most lavish of its time.The Palace Grounds contain the outstanding Neptun-Fountain and also the charming Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest animal enclosure in the world.

MELK AUSTRIA

MELK 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.

Nature Wonders HOHE TAUERN Austria

Nature Wonders HOHE TAUERN Austria
The extensive Hohe Tauern National Park covers no less than two thousand five hundred square kilometres and is one of the most impressive Alpine landscapes in Central Europe.
Few other landscapes possess as much natural charm and have as many natural sights as does this region that is located in the centre of the Eastern Alps.

The oldest traces of past settlements here date back to the Stone Age and are around nine thousand years old. Permanent settlements originated in this region around four thousand years ago and later the discovery of copper and zinc, and later iron-ore, attracted various settlers to this high mountain area.

Two thousand metres above sea level, Lake Wolayer is a gem. The tiny mountain lake lies snuggled between the peaks of the Seekopf and Seewarte Mountains. On the Ankogel one can take in the magnificent mountain scenery while travelling suspended in a cable car. A wonderful adventure with spectacular views!

Global Treasures - Hallstatt - Austria

Global Treasures - Hallstatt - Austria

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is located on the shores of a sleepy Austrian lake, surrounded by high hills and the Dachstein Mountain Range. Similar to a fjord, Hallstatt Lake extends in front of the picturesque village that was one of the earliest and most unique settlements in this region.

Due to the early discovery of large salt deposits in the surrounding mountains, the village has a proud history that dates back a thousand years and archaeology has revealed that this area was inhabited from around 5000 B.C.Long before Christianity came to Salzkammergut and prior to any churches being built, an independent prehistoric culture evolved.

The village contains a rich variety of historic buildings and its churches contain precious works of art such as a Late Gothic altar created by Leonhard Astl. The old marketplace and fountain is crowned by a trinity column that dates back to 1744. The welcoming facades of the dwellings have graced this atmospheric village since the 16th century and the market probably dates back to the 14th century.

In 1891 Lake Street played a vital role for the villages busy commercial traffic and the impressive Countryside and Pre-History Museum displays the history of salt mining in the area and its importance to the village.

In 1846 the Salinen civil servant, Johann Georg Ramsauer, made a sensational discovery when he discovered a prehistoric burial ground in the village. During seventeen years of excavation a total of twenty thousand objects were discovered in nine hundred and eighty graves. These discoveries subsequently led to the establishment of Hallstatts intriguing and fascinating 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 Pyramidsof 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.

Vista Point GRAZ Austria

Graz is the capital of Austria's federal state of Styria and in 2003 was designated as Europe's Capital City Of Culture. Indeed, due to its geographical location, for many centuries Graz has been a melting pot of culture.

The Schlossberg Mountain towers above the city and in 1894 a rack railway was introduced in order to overcome the severity of its 60 per cent gradient. The Romans and Celts once used the mountain as a place of ritual ceremony and today small pathways and pavilions make the mountain more accessible. In the 12th century a medieval castle was built on the plateau and in 1531 it was transformed into a mighty fortress that served as a defense against the Turks.

With nearly 32,000 exhibits that date from the 15th to the 19th centuries the Zeughaus contains the largest collection of historic weaponry in the world.

The often-extended Grazer Burg was once the residence of the Hapsburgs. One of its towers contains a unique double spiral Gothic staircase constructed of sandstone that shines out magnificently in a wonderful array of colour. The entire complex, along with each of its numerous building styles and adjoining park, is now the seat of Styria's provincial government.

Located on a hill to the north east there is another fine example of Baroque architecture, the Maria Trost Basilica. In the 17th century those who sought help and consolation climbed two hundred and fifteen steps to a Gothic Madonna who was thought to possess miraculous powers. Within the interior of the church and its colourful wall and ceiling mounted frescos, there are also various scenes of battle.

Graz is a city in which the artistic and architectural styles of the German-speaking nations, the Balkans and the Mediterranean are united. It is a remarkable city of age old traditions, mediaeval flair and contemporary life.

Hofburg - Vienna's Imperial Palace AUSTRIA

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STIFT KLOSTERNEUBURG AUSTRIA

STIFT KLOSTERNEUBURG AUSTRIA

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Vista Point WACHAU Austria

Vista Point WACHAU Austria
Our journey across Wachau begins in Stein, a town district of Krems, one of the oldest cultivated landscapes in Austria.

The sole 'Gateway Into The Wachau' is a unique region of the Danube between Krems-Stein and Melk. A total of a hundred and thirteen houses encapsulate the medieval city that was built along the Steiner Road on the banks of the Danube. Today the town's facades and entrance-ways are decorated in traditional style and compliment the impressive Renaissance splendour of the buildings.

A little further on and the river valley narrows and becomes even more beautiful. The blue-white church tower of Dürnstein proudly welcomes those who visit the town. It is a landmark of the Wachau. This small medieval town nestles picturesquely along the rock walls above the Danube and it lives and breathes the history that made it world famous.

The beauty of the landscape is overwhelming. Colour dominates the soft hollows between the rocky slopes that flank the Danube Valley and the shining green of the summer months leads to a spectacle of colour that leads up to the wine harvest, a true spectacle of nature!

Thirty-six kilometres of the Danube Valley with magnificent cities, castles and historic ruins, a Baroque monastery and an old vine-growing culture. The Wachau, a priceless gem situated alongside the far-stretching waters of the Danube.