Honest thoughts on Austria after my first visit

First time in Austria and I tried to approach it with open eyes rather than preconceptions. Hallstatt was the base and a good one — central, manageable, and with strong food options including the best Apfelstrudel I've ever had. St. Stephen's Cathedral was the big set piece and fully justified the trip.

Two things worth knowing: expensive compared to neighbouring countries, which is more of a factor than some guides acknowledge. But also: imperial architecture, which I'd never read about and turned out to be a genuine pleasure. Solid first impression — I'd return.