Austria was once part of Germany and at one point shared in its artistic and sophisticated appearance. Austria is now a good spot for vacationing due to its green country side and the bustling metropolis of Vienna. Vienna is a historic city full of museums and galleries as well as beautiful castles and parks. Not to mention but Austria is Arnold Swarteneggar's homeland. Hitler was from Austria too.
Sorry, Austria was not ever part of Germany. It was occupied by the Germans during WW2. Austria was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, a powerful and large empire at that.
See for yourself,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria
Auf Weidersehen!