Austria is located in the heart of central Europe, bordering Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and Germany and the Czech Republic. Austria become a member of the European Union in 1995., and is also a member of the UN. Although Austria is relatively small in the European scale, Austria is a very important economic factor in Europe. A centuries-long connection between Croatia and Austria is proved by the fact that the Austrian Southern Railway built a rail-way from Vienna to Opatija, the origin of Croatian tourism, and already in 1884 they built the first hotel in Opatija – hotel Kvarner - which opened the permanent link between Croatia and Austria. The aristocracy of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy had strayed in the Opatija Riviera because of health tourism, this region is therefore permanently marked by the junction of Central European and Mediterranean culture. The spirit of that time demonstrate many palaces and hotels in the Kvarner area, built by Viennese architects and builders, which is why this region is particularly interesting and attractive. Austria offers exceptional hospitality, enjoyment in little things and the famous Austrian cuisine, and rich cultural and natural heritage. The strenghts of this country have always been well-developed market economy, the Austrians especially cherish the tendency to sophistication, beauty and joy of living. Among many Austrian towns, we would like to accentuate the town of Graz, which was the "European City of Culture" in 2003. That year there was a major transformation of the local architecture of Graz. You will be delighted by "Kunsthaus", the futuristic building which is a symbol of ancient and modern Graz. While having coffee enjoy the view of nature and the nearby coast, on the futuristic artificial island "Murinsel". The name of the city Graz comes from the word "Gradec" which means "small castle on top of the hill." The funicular Schlossbergbahn will take you to this small castle on top of the hill, called Schlossberg. Discover "Uhrturm" and the center of the city life of Graz "Hauptplatz", the recognizable icon of Graz. Austria offers a journey through small historic towns, but also the bustle of beautiful Vienna. In Vienna, visit the world-famous zoo and the castle of Schönbrunn, the famous mountain Semmering, a famous European tourist destination. You will be delighted by winter in Austrian cities, Christmas fairs, long Austrian shopping-streets, numerous museums and national parks and a wide variety of protected species of flora and fauna.