Walking holidays in Austria tipped

Walking holidays in Austria have been tipped this month for the "culture-savvy outdoor type".

The Austrian National Tourist Board says that Alpine architecture is attracting ramblers to the nation, who are eager to sample the nation's "ground-breaking" buildings.

It adds: "One highlight is Zaha Hadid's Bergisel ski jump, a futuristic structure that has come to be known as the Innsbruck Lighthouse."

Visitors to this attraction can make their way to the top of the tower, from which they can see out over the Inn Valley and eat in the restaurant.

Other top spots for walkers to visit on their travels in Austria include Carinthia, which the tourist board says is known as the Austrian Riviera.

The Lonely Planet travel guide describes Austria as a nation that "flaunts its heritage in exuberant fashion" and boasts cities with great "splendour".

It adds that Austria's "dizzying peaks, cobalt lakes and rushing rivers" are the perfect place for lovers of outdoor activity.