The world’s largest collection of paintings by Klimt will soon be on display in their Baroque-palace home. On July 12th in the Upper Belvedere’s piano nobile, all 24 works will be unveiled in “Masterpieces in Focus: 150 Years of Gustav Klimt.” More than just The Kiss, this extraordinary six-month exhibition is all about the world-famous artist and the message each of his paintings conveys. Reaction to his work and personality at the turn of the last century will also get an unprecedented look. Controversial in his own time, Klimt (and his Secessionist pals) created quite a stir in conventional Vienna. But over 150 years the groundbreaking artist’s popularity has soared, making him a phenomenon not only in art theory but also in contemporary history. The trove of Klimt gems in this multimedia show will illuminate his art and its consequences on an entirely new level—sure to wow even ardent fans.

Throughout 2012 Klimt will be the talk of the town, with exhibitions at the Albertina, Wien Museum and Leopold Museum, to name a few. Beginning in late summer, when the artist’s recently renovated studio reopens, you can visit the Klimt Villa to see where he lived and worked. A must-see for Art Nouveau enthusiasts is Klimt’s original Beethoven Frieze in the Secession building, a work of art in its own right.

 http://www.belvedere.at/en

Not far from Vienna’s famous Mariahilferstrasse shopping street, a bevy of talented designers is turning narrow Lindengasse into a hub for cutting-edge fashion.

At Freaks & Icons, Mandarina Brausewetter channels graffiti in her striking T-shirts and puff-sleeved blazers made from sweatshirt fabric. Sharing shelf space are edgy international labels where classic meets avant-garde. Diagonally across the street, Melanie de Goederen’s Buntwäsche caters to next-generation fashionistas with soft cotton tops that you can customize with a range of cuts, colors, sleeve lengths and prints—and then pair them with frilly skirts and colorful leggings.

Sandra Gilles’s la petite boutique tempts impulse buyers with delicate lace shirts and airy cloth bags. At Wabisabi, Japanese minimalism marks Stefanie Wippel’s collection of asymmetrical shirts, dresses and billowy pants in a black and white palette that can be mixed in endless combinations of chic. Camille Boyer personally selects the young designers and labels from across Europe that turn heads at her eponymous shop.

Looking for smart leather bags? You’ll find ‘em at Ozelot, along with Kontiki bags recycled from bicycle inner tubes. For sophisticated shoes and jewelry, turn to the studio community at Werkprunk. Two other Lindengasse standouts are Elke Freytag, known for her form-flattering dresses and bold accessories, and Maronski, for fun and flirty casual wear.

To discover more extraordinary Austrian designers, fashion devotees can join a “Shopping with Lucie!” tour. The American expat and former fashion stylist canvases the 7th District to uncover hidden it-studios and boutiques for you.

 http://www.vienna.info/en/lifestyle-scene/trendy

Bentwood chairs by Thonet, a hammered-silver tea service and ebony writing cabinet from the Wiener Werkstätte, a mosaic design by Gustav Klimt for the Stoclet Palais frieze: These are only a sampling of the treasures housed in the Renaissance-style palais the MAK calls home.

What began in 1863 as an impressive collection of arts-and-crafts pieces, from the Middle Ages to the present, has expanded to include rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. You’ll find early 19th-century sofas in green, yellow or red that make a colorful argument for the Biedermeier style as the cradle of modern design. Spend days coveting the world’s largest museum collection of Wiener Werkstätte objects—exquisite pieces in glass, porcelain, silver, and textiles meant for everyday use. At night, James Turrell’s illuminating installation puts the museum’s historic holdings in a modern light.

Reflecting 1920’s modernism up through today’s multimedia approaches, the Contemporary Art collection showcases such notables as Donald Judd, Gorden Matta-Clark and Franz West. Its architecture holdings include scale models from Coop Himmelb(l)au, Frank O. Gehry, Zaha Hadid and other contemporary headliners. A particular highlight is the Frankfurt Kitchen by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky. Unveiled for public housing in 1926, her streamlined design creates efficient use of space that still resonates today.

Time for a mélange or a glass of wine? Stop in at Österreicher im MAK for a modern twist on traditional Austrian fare. Sounds like one of our favorite museums.

http://www.mak.at/e/jetzt/f_jetzt.htm

Before the veil of morning mist lifts from Lake Fuschl, Gerhard, the chief fisherman at Schloss Fuschl, is already out on the water bringing in the whitefish, char, trout, carp, tench and rudd that will go straight to the kitchen for the chef to smoke over dried beech wood. Whether it’s Gerhard’s pre-dawn catch or the house-baked apple strudel, each dish on the menu is planned with the freshest ingredients.

So begins the day at this fairytale castle that dates back to 1450. An elegant sanctuary that makes the most of its setting, Schloss Fuschl’s water and mountain views are as impressive from the lakeside cottages as they are from the tower suites furnished with antiques and Old Master paintings. Green hills roll down to the crystal-clear lake, where guests can swim or sail and while away a sunny afternoon. In winter, an air of coziness embraces the castle and evenings spent fireside are especially romantic. Whenever you pamper yourself with a visit, you can rejuvenate at the castle spa and dine like royalty in the main restaurant or on the serene terrace. And it’s all in the Sound of Music region, just a short drive from Salzburg.

Schloss Fuschl

Founded in 1705, Café Tomaselli was a favorite hangout for its next-door neighbors Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his wife Constance. The venerable coffeehouse is still the place to see and be seen, especially during the Salzburg Festival when you may find yourself elbow to elbow with stars of music, stage and opera.

Nothing short of an institution, “Das Tomaselli,” as locals call it, exudes Old-World charm with its wood and marble interior, newspaper racks and bowtie-clad waiters. This is the place to embark on a coffee and pastry adventure; multiple visits advised. Start with a frothy, steamed Melange or black Grosser Brauner one day, mix it up the next with a Verlängerter (larger, weaker Grosser Brauner with milk) or a strong black Einspänner topped with whipped cream. Prepare to be tempted when the Cake Maid—a job title unique to Das Tomaselli—rolls by with her cart full of homemade apple strudel, strawberry roulade and a delectable assortment of cakes and pastries. In warm weather, score a coveted seat on the terrace and be rewarded with great views of the bustling square below. Then sip, savor and stay awhile.

http://www.tomaselli.at/en/

On Thursday mornings, as the sun rises over Salzburg, the square across from Mirabell Palace buzzes to life with food lovers and farmers from all over the region. Nature’s bounty fills colorful, aromatic stalls with everything from locally grown produce and fresh herbs to artisanal cheese, sausages and home-baked breads. Tucked here and there are stands selling fragrant cut flowers, rustic basketry, leather goods and traditional craft. A feast for the senses to be sure, the Schrannenmarkt is so popular that most of the 190 farmers you’ll find here have reserved their booths at least ten years in advance.

Though the market runs from 5am until 1pm, the earlier you arrive, the better the selection. Did we mention it’s popular? Get there as early as you can and savor a traditional pastry, maybe a Bauernkrapfen or jam-filled Buchteln, while strategizing your market stroll. Fueled by the many goodies you’ll discover, the rest of the day is yours to explore this golden city.

http://www.austria.info/us/austria-unique-like-you/salzburgs-schrannenmarkt-1614407.html

This investment is the third step the airline will be taking to continue improving its product quality: By the autumn of 2011, they have fitted out all medium-haul aircraft with the new Europe cabin. The Skylink Terminal will be opened at the Vienna Airport in 2012. This will enable the airline to offer its clients an infrastructure of even higher quality, including spacious lounges for HON-, Senator and Business Class passengers. In the winter of 2012/2013 Austrian Airlines will be refitting its long-haul aircraft.

It is now decided which suppliers will be converting the aircraft in the course of this project:

Heath Tecna Aircraft Interior Solutions
This specialist is producing the regulations for the cabin conversion, and is responsible for its compliance with aviation law. The Austrian Technik Engineering team is supporting the company in doing this. Heath Tecna is also producing parts of the fittings – such as the storage compartments and cupboards – itself.

Sell will be designing and producing the galleys. The company already has more than 50 years’ experience in this field.

Thompson Aero Seating will design and produce our Business Class seats. The lie-flat seats will offer passengers a comfortable experience in a fully flat lying position.

BE Aerospace is the world’s leading aircraft outfitter. The company will be responsible for seats in Economy Class in future.

IMS Company will bring the entire in-flight entertainment system up to the latest state of technology.

The upgrading of the long-haul cabin is an important investment within the framework of the restructuring of Austrian Airlines. The airline is working in a targeted way on continuing to improve the quality it offers its customers.

 www.austrian.com

Or so legend has it. Dark skirts were later adopted, largely thanks to the globetrotting men of the region. They were in such great demand across Europe as craftsmen and master builders that the women were often left to tend—and defend—their home for extended periods. When the men returned, they would bring furs, jewelry, and exotic fabrics that gradually transformed the traditional Bregenzerwald costume, known as the Juppe, with decidedly international flair.

Still worn today, the Juppe features a long, tightly pleated skirt, lavish sleeves and a fitted, embroidered bodice. Both the costume’s name and the skirt’s shape derive from the French word jupe. Spanish influences can be seen in the contemporary black color and a wide-brimmed straw hat, while Russian design inspired a chic fur-trimmed cap. Since 1560, when a head covering became required outside the home, the hat has been the crowning glory to the majestically shimmering costume. Angelika Kauffmann, the famous artist and dear friend of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, set the tone in 1781 with a self-portrait in which she wears the Juppe and a beribboned black hat pitched at a rakish angle.

Today, the Juppe is still custom-made in Riefensberg, in a workshop that also serves as a museum. On a guided tour, you can learn about each step in the design process, from achieving its shimmer to the detailed pleating, and see this costume’s evolution of styles from warrior angel to courtly elegance.

USEFUL LINKS:

Workshop and museum in modern, architecturally inspiring rooms in a 350-year old house. From May to October.

info@juppenwerkstatt.at

www.juppenwerkstatt.at (German)

The Verein Juppenwerkstatt Riefensberg is an association that offers guided tours as an introduction to the entire work process. Guided tours of the Juppenwerkstatt can be booked with Frau Karoline Willi in the Riefensberg Tourist Office.

www.riefensberg.at (German)

Leading up to the big day just before Lent, towns across Tirol devote months to building extravagant floats and resurrecting carnival figures with outrageous costumes, wigs, and masks designed strictly according to tradition. The whole community participates and though only men perform in the procession, talented women customize the make-up and costumes for each character.

At the stunning Schemenlaufen in Imst, 900 men hop, leap, dance, and make music as they parade through the streets. Characters wielding water pistols (Spritzer), round sacks (Sackner), and powderpuffs (Kübelemaje) keep the crowd at bay, while barking witches in wide skirts and pigtails raise their brooms and dance. The Roller and Scheller, stars of the show, appear in giant headdresses and ring handmade cow bells as they dance and jump. Their highly expressive masks draw everyone’s attention: Mature, striking masculinity marks the Scheller’s mask with beard and bushy eyebrows, while the Roller’s is light, youthful playfulness with feminine eyes, rosy cheeks and a smiling mouth. The entire spectacle celebrates spring’s triumph over winter.

Other standout celebrations can be found with the Matschgerer figures in Absam, the Schleicherlaufen in Telfs, the pulling of a 6-ton pine in Fiss’ Blochziehen, and the exquisite hand-carved masks in Nassereith’s Schellenlaufen. Wherever you celebrate Fasnacht, you’re sure to be warmed by the spirit of tradition—and perhaps a sampling of local schnapps.

USEFUL LINKS:

Schemenlaufen in Imst – next date: 12.2.2012 – www.imst.at

Nassereither Schellenlaufen – next date 3.2.2013 – www.fasnacht-nassereith.at (German)

Schleicherlaufen in Telfs – next date: 1.2.2015 – www.schleicherlaufen.at (German)

Wampelerreiten in Axams – next date: 16.2.2012 – www.wampelerreiten.com (German)

Fasnachtsmuseum in Nassereith – during the Fasnacht period, the museum is either closed or can only be visited in parts – www.fasnacht-nassereith.at/fasnachtsmuseum (German)

Tiroler Landesmuseum – Museum of Folk Art – the main themes covered in the Tirol Museum of Folk Art are arts and crafts, domestic industry, popular religious faith, masks and costumes – http://www.tiroler-landesmuseum.at/html.php/en/volkskunstmuseum

Carving courses at the Geisler – Moroder Carving School in Elbigenalp offers courses in making carved masks – www.schnitzschule.com

Once the snow has melted, farmers lead their herds into mountain pastures, where from late spring until fall the tinkling of cowbells mixes with birdsong: When mists blanket the pasture, those bells help herdsmen locate the animals for the morning’s milking. A way of life for centuries, this alpine Arcadia has fired the imagination of artists, inspiring poetry, fairytales and one of the oldest forms of communications—the alpine yodel.

Alpine huts are a special treat for hikers, who stop in for a hearty lunch, perhaps a refreshing pilsner or invigorating schnapps, before getting back on the trail. The Salzburger Almenweg leads to more than 120 huts over 218 miles of colorful meadows and lush forests, romantic waterfalls and trails-side chapels. At each hut, you’ll find gracious hospitality and such hill country treats as freshly made butter, cheese and yogurt. You can even learn how to make cheese on the Haitzingeralm. On the Amoseralm, sample home-baked Buchteln (sweet bread with jam filling), Muas (a kind of pancake) and herbal tea.

A good introduction to the wildlife and natural beauty of the Austrian Alps can be found on the Bachlalm Nature Trail and the newly created forest trails of the Ameisenweg (literally, ants’ path). On the nearby Krahlehenalm, June welcomes a string of Summer in the Hills festivals that celebrate the music, cuisine and heritage of the Austrian Alps. You might even learn to yodel.

Useful Links:

Salzburger Almenweg,  350 km of pleasurable walking: www.salzburger-almenweg.at

“Almabtrieb” calendar with all the ‘Almabtrieb’ festivals across Austria: www.almabtrieb.net (german)

Filzmoos - accommodation, events and tourist-related information: www.filzmoos.at

Werfen - accommodation, events and tourist-related information: www.werfen.at

Rent an Alpine lodge:  www.huetten-mieten.at

Alpine pasture summer festivals: www.salzburgerland.com/en/almsommer/index.html