UPPER AUSTRIA

Upper Austria, coat of arms

Upper Austria, car license plate

Upper Austria is located in the north of the country and divided by the Danube. Above all, it boasts magical natural beauty. The coat of arms of Upper Austria is based on the coat of arms of an ancient noble family.

UPPER AUSTRIA: THE MOST INTERESTING

Upper Austria on a map of Austria

Upper Austria is located in the north of the country and divided by the Danube. Above all, it boasts magical nature: majestic mountains reflected in the crystal-clear lakes of the Salzkammergut, sunny meadows, lush forests, the underground salt mines, the charm of ancient lakeside towns, ancient abbeys, and medieval castles.

The city of Linz is the cultural center of Upper Austria. It is renowned for its architecture, museums, and theaters. Linz is also known for its cultural festivals, including the renowned electronic music festival.

In the Linz City Museum houses collections dedicated to the city's history, art, and culture of the region. It's a place that not only offers an understanding of history but also allows one to appreciate achievements in modern technology and the arts.

Lake Attersee is one of the most picturesque lakes in Austria. Surrounded by green hills and small villages, it's an ideal destination for those seeking peace and solitude.

UPPER AUSTRIA: HISTORY OF THE COAT OF ARMS

Coat of arms of the von Machland family, land register of 1335

The origins of the Upper Austrian coat of arms go back to the emblem of the ancient noble family of von Machland — a respected, prosperous, and, by all accounts, quite content with their position. They owned lands along the Enns and adorned their seals with an eagle as a symbol of strength and ambition.

When the family died out in 1390, the coat of arms, like an orphan of noble blood, passed under the protection of the Austrian dukes. Since then, it has become a symbol of the region on the Enns River , which divides Upper and Lower Austria.

Coat of arms of the Archduchy of Austria upon Enns River, 1890

After the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, two new administrative entities emerged: Upper and Lower Austria. They were divided, of course, not by spirit, but by water — the Enns River, the very same one that had served for centuries as a natural border and a convenient pretext for refining maps. As they said at the time, for purely administrative purposes.

Upper Austria, alternative coat of arms

The modern coat of arms of Upper Austria is a typical example of a "composite" coat of arms . It combines an eagle and a red-and-white shield: two symbols whose harmony depended directly on the artist's imagination, the patience of the herald, and the personal preferences of the coat of arms' owner. The eagle could have been left proportional but halved, or whole but slightly flattened. Ultimately, the decision was made to retain the flattened form. In heraldry, as in life, compromise is an art.

UPPER AUSTRIA: THE FUN FACTS

Braunau am Inn, coat of arms

In the westernmost part of the region, right on the Bavarian border, lies the town of Braunau am Inn . The town offers little to surprise tourists, except of some personalities have been born here and a rather unique coat of arms: two full coats of arms (incidentally, the coats of arms of the German regions of Palatinate and Bavaria) are neatly placed within the main shield — a rarity even by the standards of heraldic eccentrics.

Otherwise, it's classic Upper Austria: neat towns, stubborn eagles, and an impeccable sense of proportion even in the most bizarre symbols.

UPPER AUSTRIA: ALPINE SKIING

Dachstein-West is not the most famous resort, but it has its own unique charm, a collection of cozy villages and panoramic pistes. Fewer crowds, more gentle slopes. It's suitable for families and those who appreciate a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere. And the views of the Dachstein massif are truly unforgettable. These emotions are discreetly reflected in the logo on the red circle.