Austrian Alps offer a "magical winter season" away

The Austrian Alps offer holidaymakers a "magical winter season" away, one expert says this week.

According to Australian publication the Epoch Times, while people may think of the European nation as a summer destination, the country is a great place to visit in the winter months when the snow has fallen.

Kathy Turner writes: "There is a myriad of amazing sights to explore."

She recommends visiting Austria's Christmas markets, which date back hundreds of years and are steeped in nostalgic tradition.

"Usually held in the old cobble-stoned town centres and surrounded by historic houses and churches, the locals erect rows and rows of wooden cabins as temporary shops," Ms Turner says.

The Lonely Planet travel guide describes Austria as a nation which "flaunts it heritage in exuberant fashion".

It notes that the country boasts a distinctive Baroque "splendour" and is overflowing with cultural pursuits for visitors to enjoy.