Austin, Texas
Austin is not only the capital of Texas, but also”The Live Music Capital of the World”. The city on the Colorado River is famous for the many live bands that play in the numerous bars and pubs every evening. In contrast to the conservative, Texas surrounding area, Austin has an open, liberal, almost student atmosphere. It is not for nothing that the city’s slogan is “Keep Austin Weird”.
- Timedictionary: Offers a list of largest cities in Texas.
The most exciting music, film and interactive media artists gather in Austin during the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in March. The 14-day festival, which first took place in 1987, now enjoys an almost legendary status. If the Texas heat is particularly pressing, you should definitely visit Barton Springs – an outdoor pool in the middle of the river of a small tributary of the Colorado River, which is fed from a natural source. The most beautiful bars and restaurants in the city can be found on Sixth Street. The many hotels in Austin invite you to stay here longer. Accept the invitation – it’s worth it.
From March to October, Austin becomes the”Bat City”. Then the world’s largest inner city bat population, with around 2 million animals, lingers in the city: When the sun slowly begins to disappear behind the skyscrapers, the delicate bats that live in the joints of the Congress Avenue Bridge in Downtown start their prey. At first only a few venture out, then suddenly they flock out in droves, so that it almost looks as if a deep black cloud of smoke moves over the Colorado River – a spectacle that is unique in the world and free of charge!
Useful information about Austin
- Texas State Capitol
At the time of its construction, the Texas State Capitol was the 7th largest building in the world. Even if it had to give up this status in the meantime, the impressive architecture has lost none of its splendor. - Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
An idyllic bike and pedestrian route along the Colorado River and a lake. Unusual serenity in the middle of the city. A great little park. - South by Southwest
See tomorrow’s stars today: South by Southwest, held annually in March, is a springboard for the world’s most aspiring artists. - LBJ Presidential Library
The acronym “LBJ” is the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson. You can spend several exciting hours in the multimedia library, which is also a museum in honor of Johnson. - Bullock Texas In Bullock Texas,
learn all about the changeful history of the Lone Star State, which in the meantime belonged to Spain and Mexico, but also fought for its own independence. - The Driskill
The Driskill, the grand dame of Austins, has persisted in place since 1880 and is reminiscent of a bygone era. In the pompous building there is now a hotel including a bar, where you can get the possibly best Bloody Marys Austins.
Information about Austin
Foundation: 1835
Population: approx. 865,000
Area: 767 km²
Height: 149 m above sea level
Time zone: Central Standard Time (CET -7 hours)
Intern. Airport: Austin – Bergstrom International Airport
- Transporthint: Overview of Texas, including population, history, geography and major industries.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
In western Texas, right on the border with Mexico, where the Rio Grande River forms a large loop, lies one of the hidden treasures of the United States – the Big Bend National Park.
The park, which Spanish explorers once called El Despoblado (German: the uninhabited state), presents itself to its visitors in an impressive variety: Here you will encounter the almost endless Chihuahua Desert, the Chisos Mountains, the slopes of which, with increasing height, become greener and more forested numerous magical canyons, altitude differences of over 1,500 m – and the mighty Rio Grande, the lifeline of this otherwise dry region.
The Rio Grande forms the natural border in the south and east of the park. At 2,400 m, Emory Peak is the highest peak in the park. In the mountains of the Chisos Mountains you will find excellent hiking trails. Countless bird species, desert rabbits, raccoons, white deer, coyotes, cougars and black bears are only a part of the animal world, which you can admire with a little luck. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive gives you the opportunity to experience the beauty of the park from your car. Stop at the numerous viewpoints and take the opportunity to dig deeper into the mountain landscapes and canyons.
Highlights in the Big Bend National Park
- Santa Elena Canyon
Probably the most spectacular canyon in the park. As you wade through the Rio Grande, the rocky cliffs to the left and right of you shoot at tremendous heights. - Chisos Mountains
The only mountain range in the USA that is completely within a national park. Climb the 2,385 m high Emory Peak and enjoy the fabulous view. - Boquillas Canyon
The Boquillas Canyon on the eastern edge of the park is not as big and rocky as the other canyons in the park, but still absolutely picturesque. Due to the often high water level, exploration by boat or kayak is recommended. - Lost Mine Trail
On this approx. 8 km long hiking path (there and back) you get an excellent overview of the flora and fauna of the park. In addition, there are always great views during the hike. - Overview of hiking trails
An overview of all hiking trails in the park. Find the trail that suits your needs. - Big Bend Visitor Centers
The Visitor Centers are the heart of every park in the United States. Here you are provided with all sorts of useful information. There are three visitor centers in the Big Bend National Park.
Information about the Big Bend National Park
Foundation: 1944
Area: 3242.19 km²
Height: 500 m – 2,300 m above sea level
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, mountainous nature reserve in the Chihuahua Desert on the Rio Grande in Texas; approx. 3000 km2, founded in 1944. The character plants include the creosote bush and species of yucca, agave and cactus, while the wildlife includes puma, coyote, umbilical cord and over 400 bird species. The landscape is impressive with desert, deep cut canyons and volcanic craters.
Brazos River
Brazos River, 2000 km long river in central Texas. From hydropower plants on the upper reaches of the river, the water supply to agriculture is regulated – especially the irrigated cotton cultivation.
