What nobody tells you about visiting Austria

After a lot of research I thought I knew what to expect from Austria. Some things matched: Hohensalzburg Fortress is as spectacular as every review says, and Graz has a genuine energy I'd read about. The Apfelstrudel obsession is completely justified.

What I wasn't prepared for: stunning alpine scenery. That element genuinely surprised me and added something I hadn't seen in any review. Also: everything closes early outside cities. That part the reviews undersell. Overall a wonderful trip — just a more layered experience than I anticipated.