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It had just turned five in the morning when I pulled in at Forchtenstein Palace. The weatherman had kept his word. A glorious sunrise awaited me and Lake Neusiedler See was already under the spell of the golden shimmer. More than adequate recompense for a long night s journey! A firm click of the camera and the unforgettable sight was captured forever and a day. Dog-tired and worn out, I vowed there and then: The only place for this scene would be on the cover! In presenting this illustrated guide, I take pleasure in introducing you to Austria s most picturesque towns and regions. Spread over 80 pages with over 250 photos, this guide provides vivid impressions of a landscape dominated by mountains and valleys, rivers and lakes in a country boasting a rich cultural heritage. Lingering memories of Austria are evoked that simply make you want to return!

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Bernhard Helminger, geb. 1972 in Salzburg, war Diplomand am Institut für Kommunikationswissenschaft an der Universität Salzburg. Seit 1998 ist er Leiter eines Salzburger Verlages. Er ist Autor zahlreicher Publikationen zu salzburg-spezifischen Themen und auch als Fotograf tätig.

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