“Small, but quality” is a common phrase in German that fits Austria perfectly. Most of us think of Austria as a fairly insignificant little country, if we think of it at all. When it comes to world politics, it’s the European equivalent of Idaho.

But here’s the thing. For centuries it was the center of the Habsburg family business, a little thing historians refer to as the Holy Roman Empire. At its peak the Empire controlled not just the area that is Austria today. The Habsburgs also controlled Spain, Belgium, Holland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and large parts of Poland, France and Northern Italy. It was the most powerful nation on earth.

Today, like a retired superstar, the country enjoys the finest in food, art, architecture, and scenery – enjoying life, while trying to stay out of the gossip columns. Vienna and Salzburg grab most of the headlines and tourists, but stray a bit from these two and you’ll find enough quaint villages, historic sights, and stunning scenery to keep even the most jaded traveler busy for weeks.