Wild Austria And The Lipizzaner

It is unfair that one country should have so much talent and so much natural and man-made things of exquisite beauty to offer the world but, it is a matter of fact we all have to accept. Austrians are gifted and their land is blessed.

It has been the home of great composers, politicians, diplomats, economists, philosophers painters, architects... the list goes on. They have left their marks in history and their footprints, so to speak, are still very much intact in the museums, theatres, galleries and libraries of Vienna in particular and the world in general. So much so that the natural wonders of their countries is often overshadowed by their history and achievements.

Large swaths of Austria are still places of natural beauty and wildlife, dominated by the famous never-ending stretch of mountains that acts as a picturesque backdrop for the whole country. The mountains are covered with heavy snow throughout the winter months. At their base, the many hills that surround them are only interrupted by the serene crystal clear waters of a number of lakes. The area is a wildlife haven for some of the most winter-harder animals capable of tolerating the harsh cold weather in the region.

There is so much bird and mammalian life in the area (which is surprising for Europe – if you live in one of the more populated corners of the continent, such as the United Kingdom), hunting is permitted at certain times during the year. Dear in particular is in abundance across the entire country. Red, fallow and roe deer bucks are common, so are chamois mouflon ram and migrating Ibex. Nearly all the large herd of grazing animals found in the country are managed and eaten, including wild boar and smaller animals such as rabbits.

The one grazing animal which we should all be glad are not on the menu are the Lipizzaner. These wonderful wild horses have a coat so white and pure, they shimmer in the sun like velvet and will you stop you in your tracks should you ever come across them. They are incredibly beautiful and move with a grace and elegance that is mesmerizing.

Staying somewhere like the Hotel Vienna Austria and exploring city and its attractions is all well and good, but if you get the opportunity to explore the countryside, grab it.

Innsbruck Hotel is another place worthwhile staying. You might want to ask the staff if they can help you arrange a short trip to the country to see the Lipizzaner.