EDGE New York City

Burgenland is not the Austria you have in mind. Maria von Trapp will not be traipsing over a mountain range. Nor will you find a gaggle of twentysomethings dressed in lederhosen while devouring Sachertorte.

Austria’s Pink Lake is a resort in one of Europe’s most beautiful rural areas. For the 5th year, it is hosting a full weekend of parties. This is a chance to experience a gorgeous bucolic retreat with lots of hot guys.

Come and end your summer with a huge splash - at the fourth annual PINK LAKE international Gay Festival on the gorgeous Lake Woerthersee in Austria from August 25-28, 2011.

2011 marks the 19th year of the legendary Life Ball in Vienna, Austria, the annual fundraising event that gathers people from around the world in the name of AIDS awareness and research.

An openly gay Nigerian soccer player named Cletus B. was deported from Austria despite harsh laws in his home country that would subject him to the death penalty for his sexual orientation.

Austria’s parliament passed legislation Thursday allowing same-sex couples to enter into civil unions, a move hailed by proponents as a historic win for gay rights in the country.

Beginning in 2010, gay and lesbian families in the conservative country Austria will be able to enter into civil unions--although the new status they will enjoy falls short of marriage equality.

In the Austria of today, the hills are alive with more than the Sound of Music. Austria is about exciting international destinations like Vienna, thrill-seeking activities like lake windsurfing, as well as sophisticated tastings in Austria’s renascent wine industry.