Having a ball of a time with Viennese whirl

Austria is the height of culture this February, as the ball season kicks off in style.

After a new year's eve extravaganza which ushers in 2008 in style at Vienna's Kaiser Ball – home to the imperial state rooms of the Hofburg palace – the country begins a series of exquisite events.

Viennese opera and ballet dot the stage at the new year's eve event, but it is by no means the end of the affair once midnight has gone and the new year begun.

February and January between them, see over 400 balls staged, while this year includes a special ball arranged in tribute to Moscow.  The Moscow Ball, hosted on January 24th, is even attended by the mayor of Moscow and is accompanied by the annual party of the world famous Vienna Philharmonic orchestra.

Climaxing on January 31st with the Opera Ball – whose attendees have included Paris Hilton and Pamela Anderson – Austria is a fast ferry ride away and a world away in terms of escapism.