about austria tourism

©Miguel Angel Martín Campos/500px

No country waltzes so effortlessly between urban and outdoors as Austria. One day you're cresting alpine summits, the next you're swanning around imperial Vienna.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

Schloss Ambras

Picturesquely perched on a hill and set among beautiful gardens, this Renaissance pile was acquired in 1564 by Archduke Ferdinand II, then ruler of Tyrol,…

Vienna's foremost opera and ballet venue, the neo-Renaissance Staatsoper, is one of the finest concert halls in the world. Even if you can't get tickets…

Schloss Hellbrunn

A prince-archbishop with a wicked sense of humour, Markus Sittikus, built Schloss Hellbrunn in the early 17th century as a summer palace and an escape…

Stephansdom

Vienna’s Gothic masterpiece Stephansdom – or Steffl (Little Stephan), as it’s ironically nicknamed – is Vienna's pride and joy. A church has stood here…

Festung Hohensalzburg

Salzburg's most visible icon is this mighty, 900-year-old clifftop fortress, one of the biggest and best preserved in Europe. It's easy to spend half a…

Eisriesenwelt

Salzburg & Salzburgerland

Billed as the world’s largest accessible ice caves, Eisriesenwelt is a glittering ice empire spanning 30,000 sq metres and 42km of narrow passages…

MuseumsQuartier

The MuseumsQuartier is a remarkable ensemble of museums, cafes, restaurants and bars inside former imperial stables designed by Fischer von Erlach. This…

Kaiserliche Schatzkammer

The Hofburg's Kaiserliche Schatzkammer contains secular and ecclesiastical treasures (including devotional images and altars, particularly from the…

Top picks from our travel experts

From palace to peak: the 10 best things to do in austria.

The Danube Valley

Of the many abbeys in Austria, Stift Melk is the most famous. Possibly Lower Austria's finest, the monastery church dominates the complex with its twin…

Silvretta Mountain Bike Arena

Few Austrian resorts can match Ischgl for mountain biking. The mammoth Silvretta Mountain Bike Arena features 1000km of bikeable territory, ranging from…

Schloss Mirabell

Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich built this splendid palace in 1606 to impress his beloved mistress, Salome Alt. It must have done the trick because she…

Café Central

Coffee-house legend alert: Trotsky came here to play chess, and turn-of-the-century literary greats like Karl Kraus and Hermann Bahr regularly met here…

Café Sacher

With a battalion of waiters and an air of nobility, this grand cafe is celebrated for its Sacher Torte, a wonderfully rich iced-chocolate cake with…

Schloss Belvedere

Schloss Belvedere to the Canal

A masterpiece of total art, Schloss Belvedere is one of the world’s finest baroque palaces. Designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt (1668–1745), it was…

Krimmler Wasserfälle

Hohe Tauern National Park

Enshrouded in mist, arched by a rainbow, frozen solid – this waterfall always looks extraordinary, no matter what time of year. The Wasserfallweg …

Bergführer Kals

If you're seriously considering a two-day ascent to Austria's highest of the high, Grossglockner (3798m) or Grossvenediger (3666m), this team of mountain…

Kuenringerburg

Kuenringerburg, the castle high on the hill above the town, is where Richard the Lionheart was incarcerated from 1192 to 1193. His crime was insulting…

Grossglockner Road

A stupendous feat of 1930s engineering, the 48km Grossglockner Road swings giddily around 36 switchbacks, passing jewel-coloured lakes, forested slopes…

Spanish Riding School

Vienna's world-famous Spanish Riding School is truly reminiscent of the imperial Habsburg era. This equestrian show is performed by Lipizzaner stallions…

The fascinating Salzbergwerk (salt mine) is situated high above Hallstatt on Salzberg (Salt Mountain) and is the lake's major cultural attraction. The…

With its gorgeous Jugendstil fittings, grand dimensions, cosy booths and unhurried air, 1880-opened Sperl is one of the finest coffee houses in Vienna…

National Park Worlds

For the inside scoop on all things Hohe Tauern National Park, factor in a stop at this terrific visitor centre. The museum side of it showcases the park…

Ranger Walks

To get the most out of Hohe Tauern National Park, consider signing up for one of the guided walks led by well-informed rangers. On weekdays from July to…

Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours

Belt out The Sound of Music faves as you pedal along on one of these jolly 3½-hour bike tours, taking in locations from the film, including Schloss…

Schloss Schönbrunn

The Habsburgs' opulent summer palace is now a Unesco World Heritage site. Of its 1441 rooms, 40 are open to the public; the Imperial Tour takes you into…

Nothing symbolises Austria's resplendent cultural heritage more than its Hofburg, home base of the Habsburgs from 1273 to 1918. The oldest section is the…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Mountain drives, epic slopes, cozy coffee houses, dramatic palaces – read on for our take on the 10 best things to do in Austria.

Transportation

Austria is served by an excellent rail network and buses cover most places you’ll want to get to beyond the tracks. Here are the best ways to get around.

Visa Requirements

From mountain peaks to cultured cities, Austria offers activities galore for nature, sports and art lovers. Here's all you need to know about getting a visa.

Money and Costs

Majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, cultural festivals and famous sights make exploring Austria worthwhile at all times of year.

Best Road Trips

Road-trips in Austria are all about the freedom of the open road and landscapes that will leave you breathless. Here's a guide to Austria's best road trips.

Latest stories from Austria

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Sustainable Travel

Nov 1, 2023 • 4 min read

Europe's night train operators are aiming to make rail travel so much more enjoyable for passengers than simply getting from A to B.

Oct 4, 2023 • 4 min read

Dec 9, 2022 • 9 min read

Dec 22, 2021 • 3 min read

Nov 4, 2021 • 6 min read

Nov 4, 2021 • 9 min read

Nov 2, 2021 • 12 min read

Nov 1, 2021 • 9 min read

Oct 28, 2021 • 6 min read

Oct 26, 2021 • 5 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Austria

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Austria with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Austria and beyond

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Culture
• 4.3 Politics
• 4.4 Geography
• 4.5 Climate
• 4.6 Electricity
• 4.7 Tourist information
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.4.1 From Germany
• 5.4.2 From Italy
• 5.4.3 From Slovenia
• 5.4.4 From Hungary
• 5.4.5 From Slovakia
• 5.5 By train
• 5.6 From Slovakia
• 6.1.1 Tickets
• 6.3 By plane
• 9.1 Skiing and snowboarding
• 9.2 Cycle touring
• 10.2 Prices
• 10.5 Tipping
• 10.6 Bargaining
• 10.7.1 For children
• 11.1.1 Paying
• 11.2 Local specialties
• 11.3 Desserts
• 11.4 Vegetarians
• 16 Stay safe
• 17 Stay healthy
• 18.1 Helpful hints
• 19.1 Calling Austria
• 19.2 Phones
• 19.3 Cell phones
• 19.4 Internet
• 20.1 Toilets
• 20.2 Laundry
• 20.3 People

Austria ( German : Österreich ) is a landlocked German-speaking country in Central Europe . Austria, along with neighbouring Switzerland, is the winter sports centre of Europe. However, it is just as popular for summer tourists who visit its historic cities and villages and hike in the magnificent scenery of the Alps .

Regions [ edit ]

Austria is a federal republic comprised of nine states ( Bundesländer ):

Cities [ edit ]

• 48.2 16.366667 1 Vienna ( Wien ) — the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre
• 47.505 9.749167 2 Bregenz — famous for the annual summer music festival of Bregenzer Festspiele
• 47.85 16.516667 3 Eisenstadt — historically the seat of the Eszterházy Hungarian noble family that gave the town its aristocratic feel
• 47.066667 15.433333 4 Graz — known as Austria's culinary capital and student city
• 47.266667 11.383333 5 Innsbruck — the cultural and economic centre of Western Austria
• 46.616667 14.3 6 Klagenfurt — scenic town very close to the Wörthersee
• 48.3 14.283333 7 Linz — a vibrant music and arts scene and a beautiful historic core
• 47.8 13.033333 8 Salzburg — the birthplace of Mozart; a city with an attractive setting and scenic Alpine backdrop
• 46.616667 13.85 9 Villach — beautiful Altstadt surrounded by the Alps and various lakes

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 47.583333 9.466667 1 Lake Constance ( Bodensee ) — a large lake situated in Vorarlberg and shared with Switzerland and Germany
• 47.2725 12.759444 2 Kaprun — part of the Europa Sport Region
• 47.544167 10.673056 3 Pinswang — one of the most ancient settlements of the North Tyrolean Ausserfern, on the border with Bavaria and a short walk or drive to the famous castles of King Ludwig
• 47.559444 13.646389 4 Salzkammergut — a stunning cultural landscape among mountains and lakes
• 47.2308 11.4089 5 Igls — a popular ski resort in the shadow of the Patscherkofel mountain near Innsbruck
• 47.048051 16.119368 6 Thermenland — the great spas of Styria, an easy daytrip from Graz or Vienna
• 46.633333 14.15 7 Wörthersee — one of Austria's warmest lakes
• 47.316667 12.8 8 Zell am See — one of the most important alpine tourist towns in Austria
• 47.39889 11.56083 9 Eng — the largest alm in Europe and one of the most remote settlements in the Alps

Understand [ edit ]

Österreich literally means "the Eastern Realm" or "Eastern Empire" in German.

History [ edit ]

Today's Austria is what was once the German-speaking core and centre of power for the large multiethnic Austro-Hungarian Empire with its imperial capital in Vienna. This empire stretched eastwards from present-day Austria through much of east-central and south-central Europe. It included the entire territories of modern-day Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and portions of Serbia, Romania, Ukraine, Poland and Italy, and also had a small colonial possession in Tianjin , China . While Prussia united the German states to the north into one " German Empire " in 1867-1871, Austria remained oriented eastwards towards its diverse empire. However, from the start of the 20th century, the political history of Austria has been closely linked to the misfortunes and disasters of modern German history, mainly the First and Second World Wars and their terrible aftermath.

The modern republic of Austria came into being in 1918 as a result of its defeat in World War I . In its wake, the empire was split into many components. They included Austria's current borders, an independent Hungary, lands given to Italy (South Tyrol, Trieste and Trentino), lands given to southern Poland (which also came about from lands taken from the Russian and German Empires, lands which those three empires had taken from Poland in the three "divisions" that erased Poland from the map for over a century), an independent Czechoslovakia and the northern and western half of Yugoslavia. Interwar Austria was an unstable state with pro-German fascists, pro-independence clerical reactionaries and left wing social democrats fighting over control, sometimes violently and ultimately descending into the "Austro-Fascist" dictatorship of the 1930s. Following an unresisted invasion and annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938, Austria more or less functioned as a part of Nazi Germany during the Second World War . Most of the population supported Hitler (who was himself born in Austria) and Austria's incorporation into Germany, and Austrian soldiers also fought in the Wehrmacht. Cities were bombed heavily by the Allies and concentration camps where the Holocaust was perpetrated also existed on Austrian soil (such as Mauthausen near Linz ).

It was not until the end of the war that the mood changed and that Austria tried to distance itself from Germany. In 1945, Austria was divided into zones of occupation like Germany. However, unlike Germany, Austria was not subject to any further territorial losses. A treaty signed in 1955 ended the Allied and Soviet occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade future unification with Germany. A constitutional law of that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality", a condition for Soviet military withdrawal, and thus saved Austria from Germany's fate as a divided nation with a divided capital. However, the South Tyrol Question (South Tyrol had been part of Austria Hungary before World War I and the German speaking inhabitants felt alienated by the Italian government) took Austria and Italy to the UN in the post-war era and international brokered mitigation found a suitable solution for both countries by the late 1980s. This official neutrality, once ingrained as part of the Austrian cultural identity, has been called into question since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995.

It took quite a long time after the war for re-examining Austria's Nazi past to become large-scale and accepted as commonplace in the media. After the war, Austria had sought to portray itself as "Hitler's first victim", although Hitler himself was Austrian. This blatant denial of historical fact is now called "the original lie of the Second Republic" by many leftists. A high-profile case of Austria's denial of its past came to the fore when Austrian president and former UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim was embroiled in a scandal in the early 1990s due to having been a member of the SA during the war. To this day, Austria has a harder time being frank about its Nazi past than Germany and far-right Burschenschaften still play an important role in the politics of FPÖ and to some extent ÖVP leading to occasional scandals.

Post-1945 Austrian politics were dominated by "grand coalitions" between the "red" centre-left SPÖ and the "black" centre-right ÖVP. This meant that important posts in government and the civil service were shared out according to Proporz (~proportionality) among "red" and "black". Whatever the faults of this system, it helped prevent the extremely violent and unstable politics Austria had had to endure in the interwar era when "reds" and "blacks" were pitted against each other in open hostility. With the 1999 coalition between the ÖVP and the far-right FPÖ, this consensus-oriented way of making politics started to crumble, and Austrian politics has since become a lot more like the politics of other European countries.

A prosperous country, Austria entered the European Monetary Union in 1999, and the euro currency replaced the schilling in 2002. Austria is also part of "borderless Europe", resulting in many students from all over the European Union studying in Austrian universities and vice versa. As the rules for entry to Austrian universities are different from those in Germany, many German students of subjects such as medicine have gone to Austria to study in the last couple of decades. This may from time to time cause friction, but this is mostly tongue-in-cheek and not all that serious.

Austria is one of the most popular summer and winter holiday destinations in Europe and has the tourist industry to match it.

Culture [ edit ]

Austria is a federation. Each of its nine federal states has a unique and distinct culture.

Austrians aren't easy to categorize. In fact, the main reason Austrians stand out from their European neighbors is that they don't stand out from the rest for anything in particular. Austrians are moderate in their outlook and behavior. Being at Europe's crossroads, their culture is influenced from several sides. The stereotype of the yodelling, thigh slapping, beer-swilling (schnitzel-eating) xenophobe may apply to a few individuals but it certainly doesn't apply to the majority of Austrians.

The average Austrian on the street is likely to be friendly yet somewhat reserved and formal, softly spoken and well mannered, law abiding, socially conservative, rooted, family-oriented, conformist and somewhat nepotistic, a Catholic at heart, not particularly religious but a follower of tradition, well educated if not as cosmopolitan as his/her other European cousins, cynical, and equipped with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor.

Austrians generally like to define themselves merely by what they are not . Tourists often make the mistake of classifying Austrians as Germans, which despite a common language (well at least on paper), they are not. Arguably, Southern Germany, especially Bavaria, is a close cultural relative of Austria in many ways. Indeed, the regions of Austria are all similar to their neighbors, so you will not notice you have crossed a border, whether it be into South Tyrol in Italy, north to Bavaria or east to Hungary.

Austria and Germany are sister nations and enjoy warm relations, but Mozart was Austrian, or a Salzburger for the record, not German! For most of its history, Austrians have a hard time defining their own nation; they face perhaps the most media influence from Germany but have a very different culture, especially from northern Germany. The historic minorities and individual cultures are valued, yet they have to struggle to survive. An important minority are the Carinthian Slovenes, who surprisingly voted to stay part of Austria (rather than become part of the newly formed Yugoslav state) after World War I. While this "heroic" act of "national self-preservation" was much mytholygised in the past, Jörg Haider of the far-right FPÖ got his start in politics in Carinthia by catering to SS veterans and calling into question the right of Carinthian Slovenes to have bilingual town signs in places where they form a significant part of the population - an issue that is controversial to this day as vandalised street signs show.

Austria has a long history of being a multicultural country: a glance at the Vienna phone book is all you need to discover this. Ironically, it is Germany to the north that is paving the way regarding the integration of foreigners into society in Central Europe. Austria remains a largely conservative and rural country with the exception of Vienna. Indeed, the cultural conflicts and national identity are as complicated and hard to understand for many Austrians as they are for visitors! The level of personal awareness and views on this vary greatly from person to person but are generally subject to a particularly Austrian avoidance of the subject. It is best to try to see the diversity and enjoy the variety than to jump to conclusions.

Hence many Austrians derive their identity from their region or Bundesland (state). For instance, typical inhabitants of Carinthia would say that they are Carinthian first and Austrian second and maybe European third. Asking what state someone is from is normally the first question Austrians ask when meeting for the first time.

The fact that Austrians dislike demonstrations of national identity can, however, also be explained partly by the historical experiences Austria had during the Third Reich and especially due to the violent use of national symbols in the growing Austrofascist movement and by the far-right Freedom Party. It is also because the current state of Austria is a relatively young and loose federal republic of just 8 million people.

However, the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center rates Austria as the 5th most patriotic country in the world. So Austrians do very much love their country but are unlikely to be flag-wavers. Perhaps Austria's ascendancy to the EU in 1995 and its adoption of the euro and the border-less Europe have given it a stronger sense of importance and self-worth in the greater context of Europe.

Most Austrians like to enjoy the good life. They spend a lot of time eating, drinking and having a good time with friends in a cozy environment, and are therefore very hospitable. Members of the older generation can be conservative in the sense that they frown upon extremes of any shape and form and, in general, are adverse to change. They enjoy one of the highest living standards in the world and want to keep it that way.

Austria has no well-defined class system. The rural and regional difference tend to be greater than in neighboring countries. Generally, the further to the west and the more rural you go, the more socially conservative people are.

Politics [ edit ]

Austria is a parliamentary federal republic consisting of nine federal states (see list below). The head of the state is the federal president ( Bundespräsident ), who is elected directly by the people for a term of six years. His/her function is mainly representative, however, and the federal chancellor ( Bundeskanzler ), elected by a majority of the lower chamber of the parliament, runs most of the day-to-day politics.

The Austrian parliament consists of two chambers, the Nationalrat (National Council) as the main chamber, and the Bundesrat (Federal Council). The members of the National Council are elected every five years by popular vote, and the members of the Federal Council are elected by each of the state parliaments for 4- to 6-year terms. The composition of the Bundesrat changes after every election to a state's parliament.

There are three major parties in Austria: the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), the (conservative) Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), and the (right-wing) Freedom Party (FPÖ). Historically, SPÖ and ÖVP were the two dominant forces in Austrian politics. Between the re-emergence of the Austrian Republic after World War II and the late 1980s each party usually got between 40% and 50% of the votes and governed either alone or together in 'grand coalitions' (interrupted only by a brief SPÖ-FPÖ coalition between 1983 and 1987). During that time they also divided up practically all positions of influence in Austria between them ( Proporz ). From 1990 onwards, this system began to crumble due to people's dissatisfaction with 'politics as usual' and the rise of the FPÖ under its leader Jörg Haider who introduced a new brand of anti-foreigner populism to Austrian politics. After the 1999 elections in which both SPÖ and ÖVP did dismally and the FPÖ reached second place, a new coalition was formed between ÖVP and FPÖ. As the then first and only government to include right-wing populists in the European Union, the new Austrian leadership was shunned by the heads of government of the other fourteen EU member states. In the following elections the FPÖ did badly due to internal squabbles and the fact that the reality of government could not live up to its promises. Between 2006 and 2017 Austria was again governed by a series of SPÖ-ÖVP coalitions.

After elections in 2017, the ÖVP under its new leader, former foreign minister Sebastian Kurz, formed a coalition with the FPÖ. Both parties had increased their share of the vote, promising a tougher stance on migration and supposed 'islamisation' following an influx of refugees and migrants into Austria in 2015. A corruption scandal in the FPÖ led to the early breakdown of the coalition and snap elections in 2019, after which Chancellor Kurz formed a coalition with the Greens.

Geography [ edit ]

Contrary to popular perceptions, Austria is not all about mountains. While the Alps do cover 3/4 of the country dominating the provinces of Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria, Upper Austria and Carinthia, the eastern provinces of Lower Austria, the Burgenland and the federal capital of Vienna are more similar to the geography of the neighboring Czech Republic and Hungary. This diverse mix of landscapes is packed into a relatively small area of size. Glaciers, meadows, alpine valleys, wooded foothills, gently rolling farmland, vineyards, river gorges, plains and even semi-arid steppes can be found in Austria.

One quarter of Austria's population lives in Greater Vienna, a European metropolis, located where the Danube meets the easternmost fringe of the Alps, not far from the border with Slovakia and its capital Bratislava.

Virtually all government, financial and cultural institutions, as well as national media and large corporations are based in Vienna, due largely to history and geography. Thus, the capital dominates Austria's cultural and political life and is clearly a world unto its own. It has little to do with the rest of mainly rural Austria and outside of Graz and Linz there really are no other large scale cities in the country. There is a playful joke told in Vorarlberg province regarding the dominance of Vienna regarding national affairs that reads, "the people of western Austria make the money and Vienna spends it."

Climate [ edit ]

Austria has a temperate continental climate. Summers last from early June to mid-September and can be hot in some years and rainy in others. Day-time temperatures in July and August are around 25°C (77°F), but can often reach 35°C (95°F). Winters are cold in the lowlands and very harsh in the Alpine region with temperatures often dropping below -10°C (14°F). Winters last from December to March (longer at higher altitudes). In the Alpine region large temperature fluctuations occur all year round and nights are chilly even in high summer. The northern Alps are generally a lot wetter than the rest of the country. The South East (Styria and Carinthia) is dry and sunny. The area around Vienna often experiences strong easterly winds.

Electricity [ edit ]

Electricity is supplied at 220 to 230 V 50 Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. Generally speaking, U.S. and Canadian travellers should pack an adapter and a converter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment in Austria.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Tourist information website . ( updated Feb 2024 )

Get in [ edit ]

Visa [ edit ].

Austria is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

One of the best ways to stay in the country for longer than 90 days is to study on a study visa, for example by studying on a TEFL course.

By plane [ edit ]

There are six airports in Austria with scheduled flights. The most important international airport is Vienna airport ( VIE  IATA ) which has connection to most major airports of the world. In the neighbouring town of Schwechat, it's the hub of Austrian Airlines, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufthansa. There are smaller international airports in Graz , Innsbruck , Klagenfurt , Linz , and Salzburg which mainly offer connections to European destinations.

For traveling to Western Austria it may make sense to fly into Munich airport ( MUC  IATA ) and Memmingen ( FMM  IATA ). While Bratislava ( BTS  IATA ) does not have nearly as many connections as Munich or Vienna, it is only about 70 kilometers from Vienna and there is a direct bus service. The most common airports to visit Vorarlberg are Altenrhein ( ACH  IATA ) via Austrian, Friedrichshafen ( FDH  IATA ) and Zürich ( ZRH  IATA ).

If visiting Austria for winter sports, choose the airport considering cost and duration for the whole trip (plane and transfer). Vienna is a 4-hour drive from the nearest medium-sized ski resort. See more in the Get In section of Winter sports in Austria .

By bus [ edit ]

The bus is not always the cheapest way to travel, though impressive discounts for advanced bookings exist for long-distance travel (as far as from Warsaw for €1 ). The bus may also be the cheapest option if you want to travel at short notice or if you have large amounts of luggage. Bus travel is especially interesting for those coming from the East as there are many buses into Vienna and they are often faster than trains. Information about their assorted services and pricing is can be found in that section . Most of the companies that run Intercity buses in Germany also serve major Austrian cities.

Flixbus , the biggest fish in the German Intercity Bus pond and now a major player in most of Europe serves a couple of international routes through and into Austria.

By car [ edit ]

Austria and all its neighbouring countries are Schengen members so in theory there are no border controls. For using the Autobahnen or Schnellstraßen , a vignette, or tax sticker, must be purchased and displayed on the wind-shield. Costs are €86.40 for one year, €25.90 for 2 months, or €8.90 for 10 days and can be purchased at most service stations before the border and at the border. Some major tunnels have an additional toll of between €4 and €10 .

On some Saturdays in July and August expect traffic jams on the motorways between Germany, Austria and Italy when millions of German tourists head south at the beginning of school vacations. A delay of about 2 hours is not unusual. The motorway A10 between Salzburg and Villach is especially notorious. It's best to avoid those Saturdays.

From Germany [ edit ]

• Motorway A8 from Munich to Salzburg .
• Motorway A93 from Rosenheim via Kufstein to Innsbruck , Tyrol .
• E43 (A96) from Leutkirch via Wangen to Bregenz , Vorarlberg .
• Motorway A3/E56 from Regensburg via Passau to Linz , Upper Austria .

From Italy [ edit ]

• Motorway A23 to Villach , Carinthia .
• E45 via Brenner to Innsbruck , Tyrol .

Considering the overall limited distances, for most Italians residing in the north, an excellent solution is to reach Austria by car. From Bolzano, Innsbruck is only an hour and a half away, while it takes about 3 hours to reach Salzburg from both Bolzano and Udine. Vienna, on the other hand, is a little further away, considering about 5 and a half hours from Bolzano, 6 hours from Venice and 8 from Milan.

Some of the Italy-Austria border crossings are famous for cycling enthusiasts and high mountain lovers, such as the Resia pass, the Rombo pass and the Vizze pass, while the borders between Friuli and the Austrian region of Carinthia are less traveled: they are the Monte Croce Carnico pass, the Pramollo pass and the Coccau pass, near Tarvisio, where the A23 motorway ends. In detail, the active crossings throughout the year between Italy and Austria are: Brenner Pass, along the A22 motorway (or the state road 12), connecting Bolzano to Innsbruck; Passo Resia, starting from Merano, leads to the border between Austria and Switzerland along state roads 38 and 40; Passo del Tarvisio, along the A23 motorway and once in Austria the A2, connects Udine to Villach; Passo di San Candido which connects Dobbiaco to Lienz via the state road 49; Passo di Monte Croce Carnico, along the SS 52bis it connects Tolmezzo with Mauthen; Passo di Pramollo, reachable by exiting the A23 in Pontebba. There are also two seasonal passes, usually closed from November to May, namely: Passo Stalle connects the Anterselva valley with the Defereggental in East Tyrol; the Passo del Rombo, north of Merano, along the provincial road 44bis.

From Slovenia [ edit ]

• E61 from Ljubljana to Villach , Carinthia (via Karawankentunnel).
• E57 from Maribor to Graz , Styria .

From Hungary [ edit ]

• Motorway M1 (E60) from Budapest to Vienna (Hegyeshalom-Nickelsdorf Border Crossing)

From Slovakia [ edit ]

• Motorway D4 (E58) from Bratislava to Vienna (Jarovce-Kittsee Border Crossing)

By train [ edit ]

Austria has plenty of connections with all its neighbours daily. Every neighbouring country (even Liechtenstein) has trains to and from Austria at least hourly. Many (Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland) even more frequently. Vienna is the largest railway hub, but day and night trains from most Central European countries travel to many stops across Austria.

The ÖBB (Austrian Railways) operate high-speed ICE and RailJet trains in cooperation with railways of neighbouring countries like Deutsche Bahn or Česke Dráhy from cities like Zürich , Munich , Frankfurt , Passau , Prague and Budapest . Vienna has a direct Railjet connection from Venice and from Brussels via Cologne and Frankfurt airport.

Eurocity trains are the next fastest trains available, comparable to the Intercity trains connecting the bigger Austrian cities. Regional trains called EURegio and Regionalzug are also available from all of Austria's neighbours.

After Germany withdrew their night train brand at the end of 2016, Austria took up the mantle of European sleeper trains and now cover most neighbouring countries (and even some far-off points) at competitive rates under their Nightjet brand. Unique among European railways, ÖBB is acquiring new, more modern rolling stock to expand its night train service. While these are much slower than day trains, they can save you a hotel night and the daytime hours of the alternative.

Train tickets can be purchased from certain locations to Austria via the ÖBB website . Always compare fares from the departure or even transit countries' railways as there may be price difference even for the same train. ÖBB offers discount 'SparSchiene' tickets to and from destinations like Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, and Switzerland for a flat-rate (i.e. €29 for a one-way seater, €39 for a couchette, or €59 for a sleeper). There are a limited number of tickets at this price. At peak times you need to book in advance. Additional offers are available to all countries in Central Europe, although many cannot be booked online.

• There's a pontoon bridge accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists just south of the Austrian-Czech-Slovak three-country border, between Hohenau an der March (Austria) and Moravský Svätý Ján (Slovakia). The way goes through flat countryside, is very calm and can be conveniently done by bike. Its length is approximately 6 km, of which the 4 km on the Slovak part are a completely straight invariable landscape which may feel somewhat boring.
• The urban traffic company of Bratislava (DPB) runs a cross-border bus line no. 901 between Hainburg an der Donau (Austria) and Bratislava (Slovakia), with a stop also in the Austrian town of Wolfsthal. In Bratislava, the terminus is the stop Nový most .
• There's a pontoon ferry accessible to car-drivers and pedestrians between Angern an der March (Austria) and Záhorská Ves (Slovakia). Open 05:00-22:00.

Get around [ edit ]

By train and bus [ edit ].

Trains are the best and most common form of mass transportation in Austria. Comfortable and moderately priced trains connect major cities and many towns; buses serve less significant towns and lakes. The two forms of transport are integrated and designed to complement each other, and intercity coaches exist but don't provide anywhere near the level of intercity rail service. Between Vienna, Linz, and Salzburg trains run every 30 minutes or even more frequently. Trains between Vienna and Graz operate hourly. The 2½-hour train ride takes you along one of the world's oldest mountain railways. 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts were built to cross the Alps.

Austrian trains are operated mostly by state-owned company ÖBB . The Raaberbahn (GySEV) provides some trains across the Austrian-Hungarian border and there are some short private railways with tourist trains which supplement rather than compete with the ÖBB. The only competitor to ÖBB is WestBahn on the Salzburg-Linz-Vienna line. Westbahn serves several inner-city stations in Vienna that are otherwise only served by commuter trains, giving travelers more flexibility.

ÖBB also operate buses ( InterCityBus ) on the Graz – Klagenfurt – Venice line because the road between these cities is much shorter than the railway.

Several bus companies operate long-distance services in Austria. The major operators include FlixBus, Eurolines, ÖBB Postbus, Blaguss, and Westbus. FlixBus is the largest and most popular provider, offering a wide network of routes across the country and beyond.

Tickets [ edit ]

The ÖBB sell domestic tickets using a price based only upon distance traveled, regardless of when you buy the ticket and which train you take. Base fare is rather expensive, but Austrian Railways offer some interesting discounts .

Tickets can be ordered (and paid for) on the web, including narrow-gauge, privately operated railways. Tickets ordered online should be printed and presented to the conductor onboard upon request. They should be printed since they will be barcode-scanned and stamped. There are ticket machines at all sizable train stations and onboard some regional trains. When boarding regional trains you are required to have purchased a ticket before boarding, if it is possible to buy a ticket via railway office or vending machine at the station you are departing from. Rail passes and ÖBB tickets are not valid on WestBahn; buy tickets on-line or on board.

Rural or sparsely populated regions in Austria are easier to explore by car as bus services can be infrequent. Many popular spots in the mountains are accessible only by car or on foot/ski. Renting a car for a couple of days is a good way to go off the beaten track. Driving in Austria is normally quite pleasant as the country is small and the roads are in good condition, not congested and offer fantastic scenery.

Travelling on Austrian motorways ( Autobahnen ) or Schnellstraßen means you have to pay tolls. You have to buy a Vignette toll pass at any petrol station or at the border. Vignetten can be bought for 10 days or more. Vehicles heavier than 3500 kg must instead purchase a GO-Box , a transponder which deducts tolls. Additional tolls are payable on certain roads, especially mountain passes, which you need to pay in bank notes (not coins) or with credit card.

The speed limits are 130 km/h (81 mph) on Autobahnen and 100 km/h (62 mph) on Schnellstraßen and Bundesstraßen. Expect limits otherwise of 50–80 km/h (31–50 mph). Headlights should be switched on at all times.

Take special care when driving in winter , especially in the mountains (winter lasts from September to May in the higher parts of the Alps and snowfall is in general possible at any time of the year). Icy roads kill dozens of inexperienced drivers every year. Winter tires are mandatory between November 1 and April 15. During winter season most rental cars are equipped with winter tyres, an additional fee may be charged.

Although you'll miss out most of the stunning Austrian Landscape, it is possible to travel by plane within Austria.

Domestic flights normally cost in the region of €300-500 return, Austrian Airlines offers limited tickets for €99 (Redtickets) but they have to be booked usually 2–3 months in advance. Since the country is small, the total journey time is unlikely to be shorter than by rail or car. As a matter of fact, even Austrian Airlines now codeshares with ÖBB for some "feeder flights". In other words, fly only if you are on a business trip.

These domestic airports are served by airlines like Austrian Airlines (AUA):

• Graz (Thalerhof), servicing eastern Styria and southern Burgenland
• Innsbruck (Kranebitten), servicing Tyrol
• Klagenfurt ( Wörthersee -Airport), servicing Carinthia
• Linz (Hörsching), servicing Upper Austria
• Salzburg (Wals), servicing Salzburg and Berchtesgaden ( Bavaria )
• Vienna (Schwechat), servicing Vienna and Lower Austria

Here are international airports serving western Austria:

• Altenrhein Airport ( Switzerland ), servicing Vorarlberg , Liechtenstein , Eastern Switzerland , and Lake Constance area
• Friedrichshafen ( Germany ), servicing Vorarlberg , Baden-Württemberg and Lake Constance area

Talk [ edit ]

The national official language of Austria is German which, in its national standard variety, known as Austrian (Standard) German (Österreichisches (Hoch)deutsch) is generally identical to the German used in Germany, with some significant vocabulary differences, many of which concern kitchen language or the home, and a rather distinct accent. Most Austriacisms are loanwords from Austro-Bavarian, even though languages of the neighbouring countries have influenced as well. Other languages have some official status in different localities (e.g., Slovenian in Carinthia, Burgenland Croatian and Hungarian in Burgenland).

Some examples for different vocabulary in Austrian German:

The first language of almost all Austrians, however, is not Standard German, but instead local dialects of Austro-Bavarian German ( Boarisch ), which is also spoken as a first language by many in Bavaria , Germany and South Tyrol , Italy. However, in Vorarlberg it is replaced by Alemannic ( Alemannisch ), which is very close to Swiss German . Both these dialects belong to the Upper German family, but in extreme cases are only partially mutually intelligible to each other and Standard German, and especially in the larger cities almost everyone will be able to communicate in Standard German as well, if only when speaking to foreigners, (including Northern Germans). Most Austrians can understand another region's dialect but have the hardest time in Vorarlberg because it's Alemannic-speaking.

English is widely spoken, and the only area most tourists have linguistic problems with is in translating menus. In rural places, however, older people sometimes don't speak English, so it can help to learn a few basic German phrases if travelling to such places.

Italian is widespread in the parts of Austria bordering Italy like Tyrol, even though the majority language on the Italian side (except in Bolzano, the region's capital) is still German (Austro-Bavarian in practice).

As a result of post-World War II immigration to Austria, in the large cities you will certainly encounter native speakers of Bosnian / Croatian / Serbian and Turkish .

In general, when speaking German, Austrians tend to pronounce the vowels longer and use a pronunciation which is regional, yet genuine, elegant and melodic; and some even regard it as the beautiful form of German. Also, the "ch", "h" and "r" are not as harshly pronounced as in Germany, making the accent much more mild in nature.

See [ edit ]

While Austria may be in the very heart of Europe, the country has plenty of attractions to see. There are scenic backdrops, traditional music, visual architectural styles and an ethnically homogenous culture in its range.

Summer and winter, large flocks of tourists are drawn to Austria's mighty mountainous scenery . With no less than 62% of the country at an altitude of 500m or more, it's hard to miss the stunning snow-covered peaks and green valleys. Depending on the season, you'll find green mountain meadows or white landscapes as far as you can see, but either way, you won't be disappointed by the grand views. Highlights include for example the High Mountain National Park in the Zimmertal Alps, with peaks up to 3476m, narrow gorges and steep cliffs. National Park Thayatal combines beautiful valley landscapes with a variety of castles and ruined fortresses. The country's highest peak is called Grossglockner and is located on the border between Carinthia and East Tyrol. To get a good view, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road , with its gorgeous panorama's comes highly recommended. At the feet of mountain peaks you'll find luscious valleys, including the lovely Villgratental . The river Danube created some beautiful valley landscapes, where you'll now find famous vineyards. Wachau and Dunkelsteinerwald in Lower Austria are fine (and protected) examples. To make the image complete, the valley landscapes and hillsides are dotted with countless picturesque villages .

Besides all that rustic, tranquil nature and countryside, Austria has a whole other side too. As one of Europe's former great powers, Austria boasts a wealth of majestic architecture and historic structures. As it was long a centre of power in the Holy Roman Empire, you'll find not only palaces and magnificent city architecture but also grand cathedrals, monasteries and churches. Vienna , the country's capital and most popular destination, is packed with Medieval and Baroque structures. Schönbrunn Palace with its 1441 rooms is the absolute highlight, and every little girls' princess dream. Its zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn , is the oldest in the world. The 12th century St. Stephen's Cathedral is the most prominent religious building. Salzburg , birthplace of Mozart, combines delightful Alpine surroundings with a beautifully preserved historic centre. The same goes for Innsbruck , at the heart of Tyrol . The Mariazell Basilica in Mariazell is one of the country's most visited attractions and an important pilgrimage destination. Similar to Schönbrunn Palace is Schloss Esterházy in Eisenstadt , which is situated in the most eastern province. It's said to be one of Austria's most beautiful baroque castles. Neusiedler See, a national park, is also worth seeing in this region.

The 1965 musical film Sound of Music was set in Salzburg . Many of the settings are open to visit.

Do [ edit ]

Skiing and snowboarding [ edit ].

Austria is a traditional destination for downhill snowsports , as well as other winter sports.

Cycle touring [ edit ]

Austria is well known for its scenic cycle routes along its largest rivers. Though Austria is a mountainous country, cycle routes along rivers are flat or gently downhill, and therefore suitable even for casual cyclists. The most famous route is the Danube cycle path from Passau to Vienna, one of the most popular cycle paths in Europe, drawing large crowds of cyclists from all over the world each summer. Other rivers with well-developed cycle routes are the Inn, Drau, Moell and Mur. Most routes follow a combination of dedicated cycle paths, country lanes, and traffic calmed roads, and are well suited for children.

Music [ edit ]

Many visitors come to experience Austria's musical heritage. Salzburg and Vienna offer world renowned opera, classical music and jazz at moderate prices, but performances of high standards are also widely available throughout the rest of the country. There are dozens of Summer festivals for all tastes, the most famous being the avant-garde Salzburg festival ( Salzburger Festspiele ) but because they're aimed at tourists prices can be high. Austria's strong musical tradition is not confined to classical music alone. Austrian folk music ( Volksmusik ) is an integral part of rural Austria, and is said to have influenced many of the nation's big composers. In the Alps almost every village has its own choir or brass band ( Blasmusik ), and you'll often see groups of friends sitting down to sing Lieder in rural pubs. Traditional Alpine instruments are the accordion and zither. In Vienna a type of melancholic violin music known as Schrammelmusik is often performed in Restaurants and Heurigen .

Movies [ edit ]

Austria has quite a special kind of cinematic culture, that is worth taking notice of as a tourist. Many films star celebrities from cabaret, a kind of staged comedy popular in Austria. Most of these movies are characterized by their rather cynical and sometimes bizarre black humour, usually portraying members of Vienna's lower or middle class. Josef Hader, Roland Düringer, Reinhard Nowak or Alfred Dorfer are among the most outstanding actors here. Recommendations include Indien (1993), Muttertag (1993), Hinterholz 8 (1998), Komm, süßer Tod (2000) and Silentium (2004). Popular directors are Harald Sicheritz, Michael Haneke and Ulrich Seidl. Haneke received positive international praise for his films Die Klavierspielerin (2001), based on the novel by nobel-prize winning author Elfriede Jelinek and Caché (2005). Seidl received various awards for his drama Hundstage (2001). Also, the 1949 classic The Third Man was shot in Vienna, and is regularly shown in Vienna's Burg Kino.

Hiking [ edit ]

It is normally safe to hike without a guide in the Austrian Alps, as there is a dense network of marked trails and mountain shelters. However, a few lethal incidents do happen every year as a result of carelessness. Walkers are strongly advised not to stray off the trails and not to hike in bad weather or without suitable equipment. Before setting off, always check with the local tourist office whether the trail corresponds to your abilities.

Also, check the weather forecast. Sudden thunderstorms are frequent and are more likely to happen in the afternoon. A rule of thumb is that if you haven't reached the summit by noon, it's time to give up and return to shelter.

Though the scenery is by all accounts majestic, don't expect an empty wilderness. The Alps can be very crowded with mountaineers, especially in high season (there are even traffic jams of climbers on some popular mountains). Littering is a no-no in all of Austria, but especially in the mountains, and you will enrage fellow walkers if you're seen doing it. If you really want to show respect, pick up any litter you happen to see in your path and dispose of it at the end of your hike (it's a bit of an unwritten rule). Long-distance trails are marked with the Austrian flag (red-white-red horizontal stripes) painted onto rocks and tree trunks.

Most trails and mountain huts are maintained by the Austrian Alpine Club. Some are run by other equivalent organizations, such as the German, Dutch and Italian Alpine Clubs. Mountain huts are meant to be shelters, not hotels. Though they are normally clean and well-equipped, standards of food and accommodation are basic. Don't expect a high level of customer service either. Blankets are provided, but bringing a thin sleeping bag is mandatory for hygienic reasons. During the high season (August), it's a good idea to book in advance. Mountain huts will not turn anyone down for the night, but if they're full, you'll have to sleep on the floor. Prices for the night are usually around €10-20 (half for Alpine Club members), but meals and drinks are quite expensive, as everything has to be carried up from the valley, often by helicopters or on foot. For the same reason, there are no trash cans in or near huts. Electricity and gas are hard to bring there, too, so warm showers (if available at all) have to be paid for. Some huts don't even have running water, this means pit latrines. As mentioned above, mountain huts are very useful for hikers, they mostly have a heated common room and they are very romantic, but there is nothing more than necessary.

Detailed hiking maps showing the location of marked trails and shelters can be purchased online from the Austrian Alpine Society .

Lakes [ edit ]

Austria has many lakes. Normally they are very clean, so you can swim in them. In winter you can use them for ice skating. Some times you have to pay a fee to get on the lakeside. You can often find much information on the internet. Normally the place is very clean and often there is a camping place nearby. It's good to take your own towel with you. Near the grass fields you can often find a little shop, which sells different kinds of snacks, ice cream and drinks. At bigger lakes you can also find the Wasserrettung (safety in the water). They can help you in case of emergency or other problems. Lakes are a great way to spend your leisure time. Austrians normally spend the whole day at the place. Some popular lakes are the Wörthersee, Wolfgangsee, Attersee and the Neusiedler See.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Austria uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

Austria is a cash-oriented society, and while acceptance of credit/debit cards is on the rise, many shops are still cash only.

The best rates for changing money are offered by banks. Some banks will only exchange money for their account holders, and they usually add an exchange fee ranging from €3 to €6, or more when changing large amounts. Withdrawing money from the ubiquitous ATMs is also a viable option, especially if large amounts of cash are needed.

The Austrian schilling was replaced by the euro in 2002. If you find any laying around, they can be exchanged at the Austrian Central Bank (ÖNB) indefinitely.

Prices [ edit ]

The prices are comparable with Western European countries, and a bit higher than the USA. The general sales tax of 20% is included in prices but lower sales taxes applies to certain services and mainly food. A can of Coke in a supermarket will cost you about €1 , a mid-range meal €20 . Prices in tourist areas ( Tyrol , Vienna , Salzburg , Zell am See) can be higher than the averages. B&B accommodation and restaurants in towns and rural areas are comparatively cheap.

Shops [ edit ]

Shops are generally open from 08:00 to 19:00 on weekdays and Saturday from 08:00 to 18:00 and closed on Sundays except for gas station shops (expensive), shops in railway stations and restaurants. Especially in rural areas smaller shops may close around noon on Saturdays. Some also may be closed between 12:00 and 15:00 on weekdays. Paying by credit card is not common like in the rest of Europe or United States and Canada but all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club) are accepted at almost every gas station and at bigger shops, especially in shopping malls. In smaller towns and villages you normally find one or two small shops or bakeries, which carry nearly everything, called "Greißler", although they are under threat from bigger shopping centers.

ATMs [ edit ]

ATMs in Austria are called Bankomat . They are widespread and you will find them even in smaller, rural villages. Many shops (and some restaurants too) offer the service to pay directly with an ATM card. The majority of ATMs accept cards from abroad. All Bankomats in Austria can easily identified by a sign showing a green stripe above a blue stripe . Usually no fees will be charged, but the company Euronet charges €1.90 per withdrawal.

Tipping [ edit ]

In Austria, tipping is common and, although legally not mandatory, often considered as socially obligatory. Giving 5% to 10% of the total amount is common; more signals exceptionally good service. Rounding to a multiple of a Euro is common, for low sums the amount paid is often a multiple of 50 cents (i.e. a bill of €7.80 can be paid as €8 or €8.50 ).

Tipping is not practised when the goods are exchanged over the counter (i.e. in fast-food restaurants or at street stalls). Traditionally, the owner of a restaurant does not receive a tip. A tip is known in the German language as Trinkgeld , which literally translates as 'money for drink'. It is also common practice to tip other service employees, like taxi drivers or hair dressers. Attempting to tip any kind of government employee may be perceived as a bribe and will get you in trouble.

Bargaining [ edit ]

Bargaining is not common throughout Austria except at flea markets. It may be okay to ask for a discount, but accept No as an answer.

What gifts to take home [ edit ]

• Eiswein (ice wine)—see Drink section
• Marillenmarmelade (Apricot Jam)
• Pumpkin Seed Oil a speciality from the southern region Styria
• Manner Schnitten Popular sweets in pink package available almost everywhere.
• Salzburger Mozartkugeln chocolate balls with marzipan in the middle

For children [ edit ]

• Haba wooden toys

Eat [ edit ]

Austrian food is distinctive and delicious, and is traditionally of the stodgy, hearty "meat and dumplings" variety. Wiener Schnitzel (a bread-crumbed and fried veal escalope) is something of a national dish, and Knödel are a kind of dumpling which can be made either sweet or savory according to taste. In Vienna the Tafelspitz (boiled beef with potatoes and horseradish - it's classier than it sounds) is traditionally served on Sundays, and is normally accompanied by clear broth with dumplings and herbs. Apart from these, Austria is renowned for its pastries and desserts, the most well-known of which is probably the Apfelstrudel .

Bread ( Brot ) is taken seriously in Austria. Almost every village has its own bakery, offering a large choice of freshly baked sweet and savoury rolls daily from 06:00. Rye bread ( Vollkornbrot , Bauernbrot ) is the traditional staple food among peasants. If this is too heavy for you, try the common white bread roll ( Semmel ). Somewhat surprisingly, it is easier to find good bread outside of Vienna, where the baking industry hasn't yet come to be dominated by industrial scale chain shops.

Some Austrians have a habit of eating sweet flour-based dishes ( Mehlspeise ) for a main course once a week. Varieties include Kaiserschmarren , Marillenknoedel , and Germknoedel .

The best advice is to dive into the menu and give it a go - there are no nasty surprises!

Restaurants [ edit ]

If you want to try out traditional Austrian food go for a Gasthaus or Gasthof , which serve traditional food for reasonable prices. Usually they offer various options of set lunch including a soup and a main dish and in some cases a dessert too. They are typically priced at €5-7 (except for very touristy areas). Menus are written in German, though some of the restaurants have English menus as well. Keep in mind that tipping is expected throughout all restaurants in Austria. Rounding up the price given on the bill is usually enough tip.

Paying [ edit ]

In Austrian restaurants you must ask to pay. Get the attention of your server and say: "zahlen, bitte" (the bill, please). They will then bring you the check, or tell you the amount of the bill verbally. Then, the proper way to pay in Austria is to give your cash and say the amount you wish to pay, including tip. To tip it is appropriate to round up, or to round up +50 cents or €1 of the cost for each person (should equal about 5-10% for a full meal). Servers are not dependent on tips, and it is not appropriate to tip a large amount. Saying "danke" (thank you) when paying, means keep the change! Alternatively, you can say the amount of the bill plus your tip and you'll only get change above that amount (for instance, if you pay with a €20 bill, the amount is €16.50 and you say "Siebzehn Euro" (seventeen euro), the server will give you €3 change and keep the €0.50 as tip).

Local specialties [ edit ]

• If you have the chance to try Kletzennudeln you should definitely do it. They are an exceptional Carinthian specialty you can very rarely get anywhere: sweet noodles filled with dried pears and soft cheese. The best Kletzennudeln are handmade with minced dried pears, rather than the lower quality versions which use pear powder.
• Salads can be made with Kernöl (green pumpkin seed oil), a Styrian specialty. Even though it looks frightening (dark green or dark red, depending on lighting conditions) it has an interesting nutty taste. A bottle of good, pure Styrian Kernöl is very expensive (around €10-20 ), but maybe one of the most Austrian things to take home. Beware of cheap Kernöl, sometimes sold as "Salatöl". Be sure to seal the bottle appropriately, the oil expands when slightly heated and leaves non removable stains. Just in case, sunlight occasionally removes them though. Kernöl or pumpkin seed oil is also available in some online shops.

Desserts [ edit ]

• Strudel is a sweet layery, pastry filled with fruits, most commonly apples.
• Sachertorte is chocolate torte with chocolate icing and filled with apricot jam. It should be served fresh with freshly beaten, lightly sweetened cream, which the Austrians call "Schlagobers". The original is available in Vienna in the Cafe Sacher , but similar cakes are very common in many other Viennese Cafes. Cafe Sacher has several tourist-trap behaviours (such as a non-optional €2 coat check) and their cakes are not always the freshest.
• Eszterházy : Austrian torte.
• Malakhoff : a delicate cake made with milk and rum
• Manner Schnitten are a very Viennese sweet specialty, but just the square form factor and pink packaging are really unique. You can buy them everywhere. (Maybe you've already seen these as a product placement in some Hollywood movies or for example in "Friends" and wondered what they are.)
• Milchrahmstrudel : milk and curd cheese strudel, served warm
• Powidl is a type of savoury prune jam with alcohol, another specialty from Vienna. It makes a good present as it tastes exotic and is hard to find anywhere else in the world.

Vegetarians [ edit ]

Vegetarianism is slowly gaining ground in Austria, especially in bigger cities. Austrians aren't as carnivorous as the rest of their Central European neighbors; 47% of the country reports having a diverse diet with only limited amounts of meat. Most restaurants don't cater for vegetarians specifically, but you're almost certain to find meals on the menu containing no meat. As an alternative, there are vegetarian restaurants in every major city, as well as harder to find vegan or vegan-friendly places. You can get vegetarian and vegan products (e.g. tofu, soy milk, lactose-free products) in nearly all supermarkets across the country (in rural areas as well) and in many health-food shops.

In more traditional or very rural restaurants, you may be viewed as eccentric if you say you are vegetarian, and it's possible that not a single meal on the menu is meat-free. This is especially true for restaurants serving traditional Austrian cuisine which relies heavily on meat—even apparent vegetable dishes such as potato salad or vegetable soup often contain meat products. Sometimes, also food clearly labeled as "vegetarian" contains fish, as vegetarianism is often equated with pescetarianism. If unsure, ask the waiting staff if there are any animal products in the dish you're about to order. Some traditional meals that are guaranteed to be vegetarian are Kaiserschmarren (sweet pieces of fluffy pancake with fruit compote), Germknödel (sweet dumpling with sour prune jam), and Kasnudel (similar to ravioli).

Austria's Vegan Society maintains an updated list of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly eating places: original [dead link] and translated version [dead link]

Drink [ edit ]

Vienna is famous for its café culture, and there are coffee houses all over the city, many of which have outdoor terraces that are popular in the summer. Visit them for coffee (of course), hot chocolate and pastries. Most famous is Sacher-Torte.

Austria also has some first class wines , mostly whites, slightly on the acidic side. Due to its climate, Austrian reds will often be made from grape varieties such as Zweigelt or Blaufränkisch which are not familiar to many wine drinkers from outside the country, but are definitely worth trying. Wine can be drunk mixed with mineral water, called "G'spritzter" or "Spritzer". The best place to do so is at the "Heurigen" in the suburban areas of Vienna. Originally the "Heurigen" were open only in summer, but now you can have your "Spritzer" throughout the year with a little self-served snack. Locally produced wine is often inexpensive - it's easy to find a perfectly passable bottle for less than €5 in a supermarket. Sturm, or young wine, similar to federweißer in Germany, can be found in early autumn. It's cloudy in appearance, and while not as high in alcohol as normal wine, can be easy to overdo because it's fairly sweet and fizzy.

Soft drinks: Austria has also a national soft drink called Almdudler . It is lemonade with herbs. North Americans will find it similar to, but not exactly like, ginger ale. Other typical Austrian soft drinks are Holler or Hollundersaft . It's a soft drink made of elderberry blossoms. The globally popular energy drink Red Bull is a license produced localisation of Krating Daeng from Thailand but is often seen as an Austrian invention and is sold everywhere.

Beer in Austria is largely ubiquitous with Märzen Lager. The quality is generally very good but varies greatly between breweries, as in many other Central European countries. The best options are from a modest number of remaining regional breweries not yet bought up by Heineken. Visitors accustomed to the selection common in most larger towns in the US or UK may be underwehlemed by beer lists, even in upscale bars. There are a small number of micro-breweries around the country, offering more exotic brews such as stouts. Beer culture in Austria is not widespread, many Austrians have strong brand loyalty but don't know the difference between pilsner and lager, so don't be surprised if a bartender or server struggles to answer your questions.

• Lagers : decent classic "Märzen" lagers commonly available include Stiegl, Egger and Zwettler. The quality of many others including Gösser, Puntigamer, Schwechater, Wieselburger and Zipfer all now under the Heinicken umbrella has debatebly dropped.
• Pilsners : are normally noted with Pils or Spezial , most common is Hirter Pils.
• Dunkles : is a rich dark brew offered by most breweries.
• Weiße : is wheat beer. There are several breweries and many imports from neighboring Bavaria, though its rarely found on tap.
• Zwickl : is unfiltered lager and the pride of several breweries.

Schnaps is a type of fruit brandy served in many parts of Austria, usually after a meal. The most popular flavours are pear, apricot, and raspberry, though dozens of other flavours are available. There are three quality tiers of Schnaps: distilled, infused, and flavoured. The distilled variety is the highest quality; several brands of Austrian fruit Schnaps rank among the best in the world, but are accordingly expensive: a half-Liter bottle can cost up to €100 . "Real" Schnaps is made from real fruit (either distilled or infused). Beware of the cheap stuff sold in large bottles in supermarkets; this is often of the "flavoured" type - nothing more than pure ethanol mixed with artificial flavouring. If you want the real thing, go to a deli or upscale bar (if you're in a bigger city) or a Buschenschank (Farmhouse) (if you're in the countryside). However, be careful with Schnaps especially if you are not used to alcoholic drinks!

Eiswein is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. Eiswein is generally quite expensive due to the labour-intense and risky production process. Your best bet is to buy eiswein at Naschmarkt for €10-15 for 375 ml or 500 ml; more chances to find it there on weekends. Just to give an idea of prices elsewhere, ice wine sells at Wein & Co near Naschmarkt at €24-30 for a 375 ml bottle, and Vienna duty-free shop sells it for €23.50 as well.

Stroh is possibly the best known Austrian spirit drink. It is classified as a kind of rum, although it's not produced of sugarcane molasses like the Caribbean "real" rum is. Coming in five versions (the strongest one having an alcohol content of 80%!), Stroh is often used as a component in cocktails like Jagertee and as a flavoring for cakes and pastries.

One of the best and widely available mineral waters is Vöslauer which comes in a sparkling, light sparkling, and non-sparkling version (glass bottles served in restaurants, PET bottles can be purchased in supermarkets). Austrians often mix Vöslauer sparkling mineral water with a variety of juices in a 50/50 proportion which is then qualified with the adjective gespritzt

Sleep [ edit ]

Although hotels can usually even be found in smaller cities they are quite expensive (even more so in bigger cities) cheaper possibilities in big cities are youth hostels and in smaller towns you can often find families renting flats in bed and breakfast style (look for Pension or Zimmer Frei signs) for €15-25 . In the countryside many farmers will rent out rooms for a couple of nights, both officially and unofficially. To find a place to stay, simply knock on the door of a farmhouse and ask - if they don't have a room they'll probably know someone nearby who does.

You can also find a lot of camping grounds (some of them are open the whole year round) but while they are exceptionally clean and often provide additional services, they are also a bit more expensive than in other countries in Central Europe .

Austrian law requires anyone to register at their resident address, even if it's only for one night and even if it's a campsite.

Hotels will therefore ask you to hand over your passport or driving license and may refuse to give you accommodation if you don't have any ID on you. Don't worry too much about handing over your passport. In many countries, such a practice would raise concerns, but in Austria, it's a standard procedure. Your passport will be returned. If you stay in private accommodation for longer than about two weeks, you should obtain a document of registration ( Meldezettel ) from the local registration authority ( Bezirksamt or Meldeamt ), usually located in the town hall. This document needs to be signed by the owner or tenant of your accommodation. Failure to present this document upon departure could cause difficulties if you have stayed in the country for more than two or three months.

Learn [ edit ]

Austria has many great universities, the majority of which are located in Vienna , Graz , and Innsbruck . A development in tertiary education is the Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences), vocational colleges that typically focus on engineering and business education with less emphasis on research than traditional universities, but a stronger view toward practice.

If you plan to study in Austria go here: [1] to see the requirements. If you need advice, you can contact the national students union at [2] .

Work [ edit ]

Citizens of European Union member states or EFTA member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway) may work in Austria without any restrictions. Everyone else, however, needs a work permit to work in Austria.

With an unemployment rate of 5%, finding a job in Austria should not be difficult for those with the right qualifications and skills. Bear in mind a lot of jobs in Austria require a good knowledge of German. Graduates of Austrian universities have an edge in the Austrian job market.

Qualified third country nationals (Non-EU and Non-EFTA citizens) may apply for a Red-White-Red Card , which enables someone to stay in Austria for two years and work at a specific company.

There is plenty of unskilled work available in the tourism industry. As long as you have a work permit, finding a job can often be as easy as simply turning up at a hotel and asking. Seasonal work in large ski resorts is the most promising option.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Austria is one of the safest countries in the world. According to the OECD Factbook of 2006, levels of robbery, assault, and car crime are among the lowest in the developed world, and a study by Mercer ranks Vienna as the 6th safest city in the world out of 215 cities. Violent crimes are extremely rare and should not concern the average tourist. Small towns and uninhabited areas such as forests are very safe at any time of the day.

Beware of pickpockets in crowded places. Like everywhere in Europe they are becoming increasingly professional. Bicycle theft is rampant in bigger cities, but virtually absent in smaller towns. Always lock your bike to an immobile object.

Racism can also be a problem and make your stay an unpleasant experience. Just like anywhere else in Central Europe , there might be instances of glaring, hostile looks; even unprovoked questioning by the police in big cities like Graz or Vienna is not uncommon. However, racism is almost never seen in a violent form. In more remote parts of Austria, non-white people are a rare sight. If you see elderly locals giving you strange looks there, don't feel threatened. They are probably just showing curiosity or a distrust of foreigners and have no intention of doing any physical harm. A short conversation can often be enough to break the ice. Muslim visitors should note that the burqa and niqab are illegal in Austria.

Do not walk on the bike lanes (especially in Vienna) and cross them like you would cross any other road. Some bike lanes are hard to recognize (e.g. on the "Ring" in Vienna) and some cyclists drive quite fast. Walking on bike lines is not only considered to be impolite, but it may also happen that you are hit by a cyclist.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Austria has an excellent healthcare system by Western standards. Hospitals are modern, clean, and well-equipped. Healthcare in Austria is funded by the Krankenkassen (Sickness-funds), compulsory public insurance schemes that cover 99% of the population. Most hospitals are owned and operated by government bodies or the Krankenkassen. Private hospitals exist, but mainly for non-life-threatening conditions. Doctor's surgeries on the other hand are mostly private, but most accept patients from the Krankenkassen. Many Austrians choose to buy supplemental private health insurance. This allows them to see doctors that don't accept Krankenkassen and to stay in special hospital wards with fewer beds (which often receive preferential treatment).

If you are a traveller from the EU, you can get any form of urgent treatment for free (or a small token fee) that is covered by the Krankenkassen. Non-urgent treatment is not covered. Simply show your European Health Insurance Card and passport to the doctor or hospital. When going to a GP, watch out if the street sign says "Alle Kassen" (all Krankenkassen accepted), or "Keine Kassen" (no Krankenkassen accepted), in which case your EHIC is not valid. Supplemental travel insurance is recommended if you want to be able to see any doctor or go to the special ward.

If you are a traveller from outside the EU, and have no travel insurance, you will need to pay the full cost of treatment up-front (with the exception of the emergency room). Medical bills can be very expensive, though still reasonable when compared to the USA.

Austria has a dense network of helicopter ambulances that can reach any point in the country within 15 minutes. Beware: Mountain rescue by helicopter is not covered by your EHIC, or indeed most travel insurances. If you have a medical emergency while you are in the mountains (e.g. you break a leg while skiing), the helicopter will be called on you regardless of whether you ask for it or not, and you will be billed upwards of €1000 . Mountain sports insurance is therefore highly recommended; you can obtain this from your health insurer or by becoming a member of the Austrian Alpine Club ( €48.50 for one year of membership, automatic insurance for mountain search-and-rescue costs up to €22000 ).

Certain regions in Austria (Carinthia, Styria, Lower Austria) are affected by tick borne encephalitis. For those who plan on doing outdoor activities in spring or summer a vaccine is strongly recommended. Also be aware that there is a small, endangered population of sand vipers in the south.

Tap water is of exceptional quality and safe to drink in Austria (except in some parts of lower Austria, where it is recommended to ask about the water quality first!). The quality of water in Vienna and Graz is supposedly comparable to that of Evian.

Respect [ edit ]

Austrians take formalities and etiquette seriously and good manners ( Gutes Benehmen ) can take you a long way in a social situation.

• When entering and leaving public places Austrians always say hello ( Guten Tag or Grüß Gott ) and goodbye ( Auf Wiedersehen ). When entering a small shop, one should say "Grüß Gott" to the shop keeper when entering and "Wiedersehen" when leaving (the "Auf" is normally left off). Phone calls are usually answered by telling your name, and finished with Auf Wiederhören .
• Do not raise your voice, lose your temper, or shout in public; in Austria this is highly frowned upon.
• When being introduced to someone, always shake them by the hand, keep the other hand out of your pocket, say your name and make eye contact . Failure to make eye contact, even if out of shyness, is considered condescending.
• It is a custom to kiss one's cheeks twice when friends meet, except for Vorarlberg, where people kiss each other three times as in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Fake air kisses work too. When you're not sure whether this is appropriate, wait until your counterpart starts the greeting.
• When drinking alcohol you don't drink until you have toasted ("anstoßen"). Say "prost" or "cheers" and most importantly make eye contact when toasting.
• Smoking is prohibited in most indoor venues and certain outdoor spaces as well. Since 2019, there is a complete smoking ban in gastronomy (restaurants, bars, cafés, etc.) as well as hotels, certain public areas, government facilities, public transport (as well as e.g. train stations, which may offer "smoking areas") etc.
• If you have drunk all your wine and want more it's okay to pour some more into your glass, but only after you've kindly asked everyone around you at the table if they need any more.
• If you really want to show your manners while eating, let your unused hand rest on the table next to your plate and use it occasionally to hold your plate while eating, if necessary. Austrians use generally European table manners, that is, they hold the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand, eating with both utensils. It is polite to let your wrists or hands rest on the table, but not your elbows.
• In most Austrian households it is customary to take off one's shoes.
• Austrians really love to use honorific titles. Many books have been written on the subject of Austria and its Titelwahn (title craze). There are over nine hundred titles from many categories such as job descriptions, academic degrees, honorary titles, official titles, etc. People who think of themselves as being respectable always expect to be addressed by their proper title, be it Prof., Dr., Mag. (Master's), Dipl.Ing. (Master's in Engineering), Ing. (Graduate Engineer) or even B.A. This is especially true of older people. Younger people are generally much more relaxed in this regard. The Titelwahn is something to be aware of but it is also often a subject of satire and self-deprecating humour so it should not be taken too seriously. Foreigners are not expected to understand or care about (all of) it.
• In German you should always use the Sie form when speaking with strangers or older people. Du is mainly reserved for friends and family. Younger people generally address each other with du . Misusing those forms is considered rude, although people most likely understand that as a foreigner you don't know better. Switching between the forms can be very irritating to English speakers, but it is good to use the right form for the right situation. However, if you slip, people will excuse that as due to your limited language skills. In Tyrol the du form is used more frequently than elsewhere.
• Perhaps surprisingly for a rather conservative nation, Austria's attitude towards nudity is one of the most relaxed in Europe. The display of full nudity in the mainstream media and advertising can be a shock for many visitors, especially those from outside Europe. It is not uncommon for women to bathe topless in beaches and recreational areas in summer. Though swimming costumes must normally be worn in public pools and beaches, when bathing "wild" in rivers and lakes is normally OK to take one's clothes off. Nudity is compulsory in Austria's many nude beaches ( FKK Strand ), health spas and hotel saunas. Like in Germany, do not wear bathing suits into saunas.

Helpful hints [ edit ]

• Austrians are their own people; referring to them as "Germans" is incorrect and may cause offense. The customs of Austria differ from those of Germany and other German-speaking nations.
• In business settings, business communication tends to be formal and political. Your Austrian counterparts will normally be very careful about what they say.

Connect [ edit ]

Calling austria [ edit ].

The international code for Austria is +43.

Phones [ edit ]

Public phones are available in some postal offices. Phone boxes are getting rare. Phone boxes usually operate with prepaid cards which can be obtained from postal offices and kiosks (German: Trafik ).

Phone numbers have an area code followed by the phone number itself. Toll-free numbers are denoted by 0800, service lines priced like local calls are setting off with 0810 whereas numbers starting with 0900, 0901, 0930 or 0931 are expensive service lines charging up to €3.63 per minute. 05 is "shared cost" (usually a bit more expensive than landline/mobile), beware of the exception 05133 though which is the Austrian federal police prefix. 0720 is VOIP/virtual - usually billed at landline rates regardless of location.

To enjoy cheap international calls from Austria you can use low-cost dial-around services such as austriaphone [3] [dead link] or fuchstarife [4] . Dial-around services are directly available from any landline in Austria. No contract, no registration is required. Most dial-around services offer USA, Canada, Western Europe and many other countries at the price of a local call so you can save on your phone expenses easily. They also work from public payphones.

Cell phones [ edit ]

Austria has good GSM and 3G (UMTS) network coverage of nearly 100%. Be aware that some remote areas (especially mountainous areas) do not have network coverage, though this rather the exception than the rule. Even the Vienna underground lines do have coverage.

Austria has thee network operators: A1, Magenta and Drei. Also, there is a big number of providers, which will operate in one of these three networks.

The cheapest (discounter) providers are HoT, spusu, bob and yesss.

You may often purchase a prepaid SIM card for Austria before you depart from an online vendor [5] which can be convenient as you get instructions in English and your cell phone number before you depart.

Internet [ edit ]

Internet cafes are common in bigger cities. Hotels in cities do normally have internet terminals, more expensive hotels provide internet access directly in the rooms. There are many free WiFi Hotspots ("Gratis WLAN"), each McDonald's has free Wifi (unlimited Time and Traffic) and for example in Mariahilferstrasse in Vienna

Mobile broadband providers in Austria are some of the cheapest and fastest in Europe, and 3G coverage is excellent most populated areas. Several providers offer pay-as-you-go plans that are open to non-residents, don't require registration, and can be topped up with vouchers available in stores, at the ATM, or online.

Bob [dead link] offers a SIM or Micro-SIM with 1 GB of traffic on a pay-as-you-go plan. Additional traffic can be booked on a data plan ("Datenpaket" [6] at a rate of €4 per GB. Beware of higher rates for traffic ( €0.068 /MB) if no data plan is booked. Available at all post offices and some supermarkets. (Ask for "Bob Breitband Startpaket", €14.90 ). SIMs come with a working cell number, and are also available bundled with a USB Modem without a contract. (2011)

Yesss (an Orange subsidiary) offers SIM or Micro-SIM-cards with 1 GB of traffic for €9.90 and a pay-as-you go plan. Additional traffic can be bought for €20 for 2GB. Available at Hofer Supermarkets (ask for "Yesss startpaket" at the cashier). SIMs come with a working cell number, and are also available bundled with a USB modem without a contract. (2011)

A1 offers mobile internet prepaid data SIMs — Internet mit Wertkarte — via their webshop for delivery to any address in Austria. (pickup at your hotel) Payment can be made using credit card and they also provide package tracking. Prices start at €10 for 3GB/30 days with 4/2 Mbit/s. (2013)

Cope [ edit ]

Toilets [ edit ].

Public toilets are free in most cities. In more touristy areas and train stations, however, fees are normal. Prices range between €0.20 and €1 , which must either be handed to a toilet attendant or inserted into a slot. Public toilets can always be found in city centers (normally on the main square), in train stations, and near major tourist attractions.

Laundry [ edit ]

Households without washing machines are almost unheard of in Austria. As a result, laundrettes are few and far between, and may be completely absent from smaller cities. However, most hotels, youth hostels, campsites and even B&Bs normally offer laundry facilities for a small charge.

People [ edit ]

People in Austria are friendly and helpful. Most Austrians are very polite and treat tourists well.

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Articles with dead external links
• Has Geo parameter
• Central Europe
• All destination articles
• Outline countries
• Outline articles
• Country articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Austria Travel Planning Guide

Austria is a very interesting tourist destination in Central Europe. A mountainous, landlocked country, only a third of its territory is lower than 500 meters above sea level.

Austria is in the center of some prime tourist territory ; it is bordered by  Germany  and the Czech Republic in the north,  Hungary and Slovakia to the east, and Slovenia, and  Italy  to the South.

Austria has extensive rail lines. When you look at schedules, you'll see Vienna represented as  Wien , the German name.

Mountainous Austria offers quite a few opportunities for scenic train routes . The  Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)  runs a network of 5700 km of rail lines. Smaller companies run lines on alpine routes. There are lines running only in the summer for tourists as well.

Below are some representative times for rail journeys in Austria to other tourist destinations. Times depend upon the speed of particular train chosen.

• Vienna to Salzburg: 3-4 hours, 159 miles
• Salzburg to Innsbruck: 2 hours, 86 miles
• Salzburg to Munich: 1-2 hours, 70 miles
• Vienna to Venice: 8-10 hours 273 miles

Resource Articles

Read up on  Vienna , Salzburg,  Bregenz , Villach and  Hallstatt  and other top Austrian travel destinations before you go. A little research can point you to the best vineyards in Vienna and its vicinity.

When visiting some of these top destinations, a tourist often takes a short tour of the city or a tour of the rural treasures found around the outskirts. Viator has a page of its  top Austria tours  to peruse.

The currency in Austria is the Euro . At the time the Euro was adopted, its value was set at 13.7603 Austrian Shillings.

The primary language spoken in Austria is German. Dialects are spoken throughout Austria:  Wienerisch  in Vienna,  Tirolerisch  in the Tirol, and  Volarlbergerisch  in Vorarlberg. In major tourist centers, English is spoken widely.

Restaurants

You'll have a wide variety of eating options, including coffee houses, heurigen (wine bars) and pubs. In general, Austria restaurant food and service is remarkably well done, and not all of it is as heavy as you might expect. Still, you can dine on traditional Schnitzel (thin cut, usually of veal, breaded and fried) and Wiener Backhendl (chicken). To test if a Wiener Schnitzel is up to par, it can be sat upon in white trousers and should not leave a grease mark. This course of action is recommended only for brave souls with unlimited resources for buying trousers.

A service charge of 10-15 percent is included in hotel and restaurant bills. Many people add 5% for good service. Attendants get a Euro or so, and taxi drivers expect 10 percent.

Rail Passes

As Austria is a small country, you might wish to purchase a rail pass for just Austria, but you might get a better deal by combining Austria and one or more other countries. A good combo is the Germany/Austria Pass Looking to go east? Try the Eurail Austria/Slovenia/Croatia Pass (Buy Direct or Get Information). A single country pass (Buy Direct or Get Information) for Austria is also available.

General speed limits (unless posted otherwise) are 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on highways, 130 km/h on motorways.

Driving on Austria's motorways requires the purchase and display of a " vignette " on your vehicle. Wearing seat belts is compulsory.

There are airports at  Vienna ,  Linz ,  Graz ,  Salzburg ,  Innsbruck ,  Klagenfurt .

The weather in Austria varies with altitude. Maps are available with information on historic climate of Austria.

Vienna Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Innsbruck, Austria: The Complete Guide

20 Top Things to Do in Vienna, Austria

How to Visit Munich on a Budget

Switzerland Travel Guide

Regensburg: Planning Your Trip

The 3 Most Beautiful Scenic Train Routes in Austria

Prague: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

Berchtesgaden: Planning Your Trip

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Minneapolis: The Complete Guide

Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: Maps and Travel Information

Vienna International Airport Guide

Getting Around Vienna: Guide to Public Transportation

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Austria

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 21, 2024

Austria, one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, attracts tourists year-round with places to visit in both summer and winter. In fact, with some of Europe's finest skiing , winter is almost as busy as summer in the country's spectacular mountain regions.

Visitors are drawn as much for the scenic beauty of this Alpine republic's provinces as they are for splendid cities like Vienna (Wien), the historic capital, and beautiful Salzburg , birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

One of Europe's smallest countries, Austria is predominantly a nation of upland areas and high mountains, with the Eastern Alps occupying a good 60 percent of its territory. The River Danube flows for about 350 kilometers from west to east through the northern part of the country, adding to its allure as a tourist destination.

Find the best sightseeing opportunities and things to do with this list of the top tourist attractions in Austria.

1. The Vienna Hofburg: Austria's Imperial Palace

2. salzburg altstadt, a unesco world heritage site, 3. the spanish riding school, vienna, 4. schönbrunn palace, vienna, 5. innsbruck's hofburg and hofkirche, 6. melk benedictine abbey, 7. hallstatt and the dachstein salzkammergut, 8. skiing at kitzbühel and kitzbüheler horn, 9. belvedere palace, vienna, 10. medieval burg hochosterwitz, 11. the grossglockner road to franz-josefs-höhe, 12. st. stephen's cathedral in vienna, 13. klosterneuburg abbey and the verdun altar, 14. maria saal cathedral, 15. krimmler ache: austria's tallest waterfalls, 16. eisriesenwelt: the world of the ice giants, 17. the styrian armoury (landeszeughaus), 18. old town innsbruck & the golden roof, map of tourist attractions in austria, best time to visit austria.

The spectacular Hofburg Palace in Vienna was for centuries the seat of Austria's monarchy, the powerful Habsburgs. Visiting this palace is one of the top things to do in Austria .

Now the President conducts state business in the same rooms that once belonged to Emperor Joseph II. Nearly every Austrian ruler since 1275 ordered additions or alterations, resulting in many different architectural influences, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism.

Together with its many attractive squares and gardens, the entire Hofburg complex occupies 59 acres encompassing 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms. Highlights of a visit include the Imperial Silver Collection and an array of dining services giving a taste of the lavish imperial banquets that once took place here.

Also worth seeing are the Sisi Museum , focusing on the life and times of Empress Elisabeth, and the Imperial Apartments , a series of 19 rooms once occupied by Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife.

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna

As the residence of Prince Archbishops, Salzburg was a spiritual center from the earliest days of Christianity in Europe. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) was founded by St. Rupert in AD 690 and served as the residence of the Archbishops until the early 1100s.

The Prince Archbishops employed some of the finest artists and architects of their times to build and decorate their churches, residences, and monasteries, and although these have been "updated" in the tastes of successive centuries, the medieval and Baroque buildings combine to form a beautiful old quarter to explore.

Highlights are St. Peter's Abbey and its church, along with the beautiful cemetery and its catacombs, instantly recognizable as a filming site for The Sound of Music .

Nearby is the cathedral, and wandering among its colorful Baroque burgher houses, you'll find charming squares and attractions that include the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, now a museum. Above the beautiful spires and cupolas soars Salzburg's castle of Hohensalzburg, which you can reach by a funicular.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Salzburg

The Spanish Riding School dates back to the time of Emperor Maximilian II, the man responsible for introducing the famous Lipizzaner horses into Austria in 1562.

Today, it's one of the only places where the classical style of riding preferred by aristocracy is still practiced. Viewing the famous equestrian displays in the Baroque Winter Riding School – held here since the time of Charles VI – is one of the top things to do in Vienna .

Built in 1735, the magnificent hall was designed for the nobility to demonstrate their riding skills. Tickets to watch these magnificent animals perform their ballet are highly sought after, so book online as far in advance as possible.

Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna

Located on Vienna's outskirts, the Baroque Schönbrunn Palace was completed in the early 1700s and was later converted into a summer residence by Empress Maria Theresa.

Highlights of a tour through the 40 rooms of the palace that are open to the public are the Royal apartments, the Great Gallery with its ornate ceiling paintings, the Million Room, and Maria Theresa's salon with its carved and gilded rosewood panels. You'll also see the spectacular Hall of Mirrors, with its gold Rococo-framed mirrors. Behind the 1,441-room palace stretch 500 acres of parks and gardens, also in the 18th-century Baroque style.

Your visit to Schönbrunn should include the many attractions spread throughout these grounds: formal gardens; a labyrinth; the Palm House, filled with tropical and exotic plants and butterflies; an Alpine garden with a farmhouse; Europe's oldest zoo; and the Classical Gloriette, a grand marble structure crowning a hill above the gardens.

A carriage museum in the former Winter Riding School displays dozens of historical state coaches and sleighs. The entire palace and gardens complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna

The Emperor Maximilian I, who reigned in the late 1400s and early 1500s, made Innsbruck the main residence and the seat of the Hapsburg government and, as a result, a focal point of Europe. His palace, the Hofburg, was remodeled by Empress Maria Theresa in 18th-century Baroque and Rococo styles. Highlights of a tour are the chance to view the sumptuous royal apartments, the marble Giant Hall (Riesensaal), and the painted ceilings throughout.

The highlight of the Hofkirche, or Court Church, is the spectacular Tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, who died in 1519. Widely considered the finest work of German Renaissance sculpture, the monument's central feature is the massive black marble sarcophagus with a bronze figure of the Emperor. On the sides of the sarcophagus are 24 marble reliefs depicting events in the Emperor's life, and around it stand 28 larger-than-life-size bronze statues of the Emperor's ancestors and contemporaries (look out for King Arthur).

Other pieces of sculpture include 23 bronze statues of saints from the Habsburg family and 20 bronze busts of Roman emperors.

Address: Rennweg 1/3, 6020 Innsbruck

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Innsbruck & Easy Day Trips

Melk Abbey is one of the world's most famous monastic sites, and its spectacular buildings are laid out around seven courtyards. The most prominent part of this massive 325-meter-long complex is the west end and its twin-towered church rising above a semicircular terrace range.

Perched on a rocky outcrop high above the town of Melk and overlooking the Danube, the abbey contains numerous other great reasons to spend a few hours touring it. These include the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau; the remains of Austria's first ruling family; the House of Babenberg; and the superb 196-meter-long Imperial Corridor with its portraits of Austria's rulers, including one of the Empress Maria Theresa.

Along the way, you'll also see the Imperial Rooms with their displays relating to the abbey's history, along with statues and paintings.

Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 1, 3390 Melk

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melk

Hallstatt is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque small towns in Austria, if not Europe. It's also a good place from which to explore the spectacular Dachstein Salzkammergut region, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The beautiful Baroque architecture testifies to Hallstatt's wealth, which is based on its long history of salt production from prehistoric times.

You can also visit the underground salt lake in the nearby Hörnerwerk cavern, or explore the Dachstein Caves , one of Europe's most impressive cavern networks, which are, in places, up to 1,174 meters deep. Highlights include the Giant Ice Cave , with its sub-zero summer temperatures and huge caverns with magnificent frozen waterfalls, and the Mammoth Cave , with its huge pipe-shaped galleries formed by an ancient underground river.

Above ground, visitors can tackle the superb 5 Fingers viewing platform, an incredible metal structure hanging over a 400-meter sheer drop with excellent views of the surrounding Alps.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Hallstatt and along the Hallstätter See

One of the best places to ski in Austria , the famed resort town of Kitzbühel spoils snow lovers with its 170 kilometers of skiable pistes and slopes dotted with little mountain huts, where they can stop for traditional Alpine snacks and warming drinks.

Although it's the site of the annual Hahnenkamm, the toughest of all downhill ski races, Kitzbühel has plenty of terrain for all skill levels in its three skiing areas, and the smallest of these, Bichlalm, is dedicated to freeriders.

But Kitzbühel is not just for skiers. With its walls and frescoed houses, and snow-covered Alps for a backdrop, the town is as pretty as Alpine villages get.

The 1,998-meter Kitzbüheler Horn that delights skiers in the winter is a favorite for mountain hikers in the summer, and you can also reach the summit by cable car via the Pletzeralm. It's considered one of the finest summit views in the Tyrol: to the south from the Radstädter Tauern to the Ötztal Alps; to the north, the nearby Kaisergebirge; to the west, the Lechtal Alps; and to the east, the Hochkönig.

To the south of the Kitzbüheler Horn rises the 1,772-meter-high Hornköpfli, also reached by cableway. In addition to the great views, on the summit, you'll find the Gipfelhaus, a unique mountaintop home; a chapel; a restaurant; and an Alpine garden.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kitzbühel & Easy Day Trips

Another of Austria's most-visited palaces – and one that should definitely be included on your Vienna travel itinerary – is the spectacular Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere). Referred to most often simply as "The Belvedere," this important historic site is split into two major sections: the Upper (Oberes) and Lower (Unteres) Palaces.

If you've only got time to explore one, make it the Upper Palace . Here, you'll find the largest portion of the attraction's impressive collection of artworks, as well as have the chance to view one of the country's best preserved architectural gems. Highlights include Sala Terrena, the main hall, notable for its statues and stucco vaulted ceiling; the Carlone Hall, with its ceiling fresco; the two-story Marble Hall, with its many sculptures and paintings; and the impressive Ceremonial Staircase.

The Lower Palace is no less worthy of a visit. Highlights include the Marble Gallery, with its collection of statues; the Grotesque Hall, with its numerous fine wall paintings; and a second Marble Hall, this one known for its fascinating ceiling fresco.

If you're here for the day (you should plan on it!), the palace boasts a great café and restaurant, three shops, and a great Christmas Market for those traveling in the winter months.

Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna

• Read More: Exploring Vienna's Belvedere Palace: A Visitor's Guide

To the east of St. Veit , on a crag rising some 160-meters above the valley, sprawls the imposing Burg Hochosterwitz, Austria's most important medieval castle. After a turbulent history, the castle-first mentioned in 860 AD-was captured by the Khevenhüllers, and was enlarged in 1570 in the face of Turkish invaders. Never captured by a foe, the castle has remained in the Khevenhüller family since.

The steep access road to the castle, the Burgweg, winds its way up through the 14 defensive gates to the beautiful arcaded courtyard where you'll find the little chapel with its wall and ceiling paintings from 1570 and the church at the southwestern end of the castle with its high altar dating from 1729.

Address: Hochosterwitz 1, 9314 Launsdorf

The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse from Bruck, in the Pinzgau, to Heiligenblut, at the foot of the Grossglockner, was constructed between 1930 and 1935. Following the route of an old Roman road, it is one of the most magnificent mountain roads in Europe .

Although its importance as a route through the Alps has declined, it's still a splendid highway through the Hohe Tauern, Austria's highest mountain massif and one of the country's outstanding attractions. Running for 22 kilometers through the mountains at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, the road consists of a long succession of turns leading up to the summit tunnel on the Hochtor at 2,506 meters and then down into the valley on the far side.

The road is the access to the massive Hohe Tauern mountain range, where Franz-Josefs-Höhe is famous across Europe for its spectacular views. Named after a visit paid by Kaiser Franz-Josef in 1856, this wonderful vantage point stands 2,422 meters above sea level and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding country. Prominent in the view is the Grossglockner which, at 3,798 meters, is Austria's highest mountain.

Be sure to stop at the visitor center for its detailed displays relating to the area's history, as well as exhibits focusing on its glaciers and general tourist information.

Official site: www.grossglockner.at/gg/en/index

The imposing Gothic cathedral of St. Stephen's (Stephansdom) is a landmark inside Vienna's old city center. The original 12th-century Romanesque church was replaced in the 13th century by a Late Romanesque church, of which the massive gate and the Heathen Towers (Heidentürme) survive.

The later Gothic reconstruction in the 14th century added the choir and the Chapels of St. Eligius, St. Tirna, and St. Catherine, and in the following century, the famous 137-meter-high South Tower (Steffl) was constructed. After significant damage in World War II, the church was rebuilt.

The views from the Watch Room at the top of the Steffl are worth climbing its 343 steps, but you can take an elevator to a viewing platform on the North Tower, home to the massive Pummerin Bell. You won't want to miss the 14th-century catacombs and the cathedral treasury, where some of the cathedral's most important objects are displayed.

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna

• Read More: Exploring St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

A flight of steps in lovely Klosterneuburg Abbey leads down to the 12th-century St. Leopold's Chapel where Leopold III is buried. It's also where you'll find the famous Verdun Altar. Perhaps the finest existing example of medieval enamel work, the altar consists of 51 panels of champlevé work on gilded copper depicting Biblical scenes by Nicholas of Verdun from around 1181.

Originally on the reading pulpit of the former Romanesque church, the panels were put together to form the present winged altarpiece after a fire in 1329. Four painted panels affixed to the altar in 1331 and the oldest in Austria-they were painted in Vienna before 1329-are now in the Abbey Museum.

Address: Stiftsplatz 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg

The Church of Maria Saal-more often than not referred to as Maria Saal Cathedral-is perched on a hill high above the Zollfeld and is one of the leading places of pilgrimage in the state of Carinthia in southern Austria. It was here around 750 AD that Bishop Modestus consecrated a church from which the surrounding area was Christianized.

The present twin-towered church was built in Gothic style in the first half of the 15th century on the foundations of a Roman basilica and was remodeled during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Highlights include the west facade with twin towers and its fine old gravestones. Particularly interesting are the 16th-century Keutschach Epitaph depicting the Coronation of Our Lady, and a Roman stone relief from around AD 300.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Klagenfurt & Easy Day Trips

The Krimmler Ache plunges 380 meters in three tremendous cascades and makes for an excellent excursion from the nearby village of Krimml. At an altitude of 1,076 meters, Krimml-perched high above the Salzachtal in a wooded valley-is a wonderful place to stop for a few days if you're into hiking.

In addition to various excellent walks to the waterfalls, there's a rewarding climb to the Schettbrücke and continuing to the spectacular Krimmler Tauernhaus. From here, expert climbers can tackle the 2,911-meter-high Glockenkarkopf on the Italian frontier.

Found on the western edge of the Tennengebirge, the spectacular World of the Ice Giants is the largest system of ice caves in the world. Covering some 30,000 square meters, the caves were carved by an underground river in the Tertiary period. Discovered in 1879, they were opened to the public in 1912, and to date, an amazing 45 kilometers of the network has been explored.

After winding along the Great Ice Wall, you'll be confronted by the massive Hymir Hall with its impressive ice formations and icicles. Stone steps lead to the Eistor, or Ice Gate, a spectacular 1,775-meter-high wall of ice, and the great Ice Palace. Conducted tours last two hours, and the trip to and from the caves takes a few hours, so expect to spend the best part of a day exploring the area.

In the heart of Graz is the Landeszeughaus, the Styrian Arsenal. Built in 1644, the building houses a spectacular collection of completely preserved 17th-century arms and armor-enough, in fact, to arm 32,000 men, including helmets and weaponry.

While in Graz, you should also visit the Landhaus . Built in Renaissance style in 1557-65, its main facade is dominated by rounded windows and a veranda. The lovely arcaded courtyard has three-storied pergolas on two sides and a Renaissance fountain, while in the Knights' Hall there's a splendid stucco ceiling from 1746.

Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Graz & Easy Day Trips

The beautiful Austrian city of Innsbruck is not only home to some of the country's best preserved architecture, it's also home to some of the most unusual and unique historic buildings. Perhaps the best known of Innsbruck's points of interest is the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl).

This relic from the city's rich Hapsburg past is located in the heart of Innsbruck Old Town (Altstadt), and adorns a Late Gothic oriel window of a former palace, the Neuer Hof, which was used by royalty. You can't miss this perfect selfie spot as you wander along the arcaded Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse. If you time it right (when the sun shines), the roof really does appear to glow.

Consisting of no less than 2,657 gilded copper tiles, the Golden Roof dates back to 1496, when it was added to the building to mark the marriage of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, and served as a royal box, so the couple could enjoy the celebrations in the square to mark the occasion. After taking some pics, be sure to visit the Golden Roof Museum that deals with the Emperor's lasting legacy.

Be sure to spend some time wandering the winding, narrow, streets and alleys around this iconic Innsbruck attraction. In addition to the many fine old buildings here, you'll also enjoy great vistas of the many mountains that surround this beautiful Austrian city.

Address: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck

Cities or countryside? Skiing or hiking? Your plans will determine when is the best time of the year to visit Austria.

Spring: Spring can be chilly in Austria, with temperatures in the 10 to 15 degrees Celsius range in cities and much lower in the mountains. Because the season is short and only truly lasts two months (April and May), most avid outdoor enthusiasts take full advantage of it by heading to the mountains, picnicking near lakes, and discovering small towns full of history and heritage. Although spring sees lots of sunshine, the weather is also highly unpredictable, meaning you should carry an umbrella, especially during the month of April.

One of the best places to visit in Austria in April and May is the Lienz Dolomites. Hiking in this area is very popular because there are options for all levels of experience and fitness. Experienced hikers can find both short and long-distance trails, including multiple-day hikes like the Long Törlweg hike, which takes several days and requires stays in one of the alpine huts, and ups and downs across six summits with stunning panoramic views over the snowcapped peaks.

Summer: Summer is high season in Austria , with temperatures usually in the low to mid-20s Celsius, plenty of sunshine, and crisp evenings perfect for a stroll through the many picturesque towns. Flocks of tourists head to Austria during this season, which results in expensive flights, overbooked hotels, and higher prices everywhere you go.

On the plus side, the sky remains blue, and the air is filled with the smell of flowering meadows. There's no better time to photograph the Alps than in summer, as the visibility is excellent, and the snowcapped mountains can be seen from very far away.

June is the wettest of all warm months but also the one with the most festivals, including the Midsummer Night Celebration, which includes bonfires lit under the light of the moon. July brings the best weather of the Austrian summer — it's mostly dry, it's not scorching hot, and you'll get plenty of sunshine.

August heats up significantly , so it's a favorite time among Austrians to go swimming. Lake destinations such as Lake Plansee and Lake Hallstatt are very crowded and very expensive, and hotels are often booked a year in advance.

Fall: September and October are chilly in Austria but still not cold, with temperatures very similar to spring, except that while spring is rainy and unpredictable, autumn is actually drier and with clear skies . This is the season for cycling tours, hiking, and boating, as the trees are changing into shades of reds and yellow, and the valleys and mountains are stunning everywhere.

If you arrive in early September, you'll get warmer temperatures but without the summer crowds, as everybody is heading back home for school and work. November, though technically part of autumn, can be very cold, with temperatures in the low single digits.

Winter: Winter is technically low season in Austria, as long as you stick to the cities or even small mountain towns-the best time to go to Austria if you're looking for discounts and deals on hotels and flights . Because Austria is a major skiing destination, however, don't expect prices to go down if you're heading to the Alps or have an active outdoorsy vacation planned.

The winter season in Austria starts in November and lasts until March, with temperatures regularly in the minus because of the proximity to the Alps. The air is chilly, even when the sun is out, and snowfall is common and can be very abundant . The weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's are busy, crowded, and much more expensive.

More on Austria

Explore Austria

Plan your trip to austria: best of austria tourism.

Essential Austria

Trending in the forums

Austria Is Great For

Eat & drink.

High-octane

50 things you need to know before traveling to Austria

Austria is one of our favorite destinations in Europe . It has beautiful natural landscapes, historic cities, impressive architecture, and fabulous landmarks, and it is one of the best places in the world to explore classical culture and art. Naturally, it is a very popular country among travelers.

In this guide, we will help you plan a fabulous trip to Austria by providing travel tips that allow you to travel easily, and stress-free while making the most of what the country has to offer. And believe us, it has more than enough.

So, and to make this information easy to understand, we created the 50 things you need to know before traveling to Austria while peeking at the best destinations and monuments, how to interact with locals, the best ways to travel, expected costs, ways to save, and much more…

Page Contents

About Austria and the Austrians

#1 With only 83,872 km2, Austria is a relatively small country. Located in the center of Europe, it is landlocked and borders Germany and Czechia to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Italy and Slovenia to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.

#2 Austria is extremely mountainous, especially in the western regions. Marked by the Alps, more than 65% of the country is at an altitude above 500 meters; the highest point is the Grossglockner, with 3,797 meters of altitude.

#3 Austria is one of the world’s richest and most developed countries, and this is visible everywhere. Not because of the luxury and ostentation but for the organization, cleanliness, and quality of life that is always present.

With a Gross Domestic Product per capita PPP (purchasing power parity) of 60,418 international dollars, Austria is the 14th richest country in the world. In terms of human development, Austria ranked 18th in 2018.

How are Austrians like

#4 Despite its small size, Austria has almost 8.9 million inhabitants, of which 1.8 million (2.8 if we include the metropolitan area) live in Vienna, the capital and largest city. All other Austrian cities are much smaller, the main ones being: Salzburg, Linz, Graz, and Innsbruck.

#5 German is the official language, and virtually everyone in Austria speaks German, however, there are some regional languages ​​, such as Croatian, Hungarian, and Slovenian, close to the respective borders. The German dialect of Austria is very similar to the Bavarian.

If you speak some German, even just a few words, it will be greatly appreciated. It also helps a lot when you need to follow basic directions and road signs.

#6 But even if you don’t speak any German, a large part of Austria’s population speaks English. In big cities and tourist areas, then, you won’t have any problems. In some more hidden areas that receive few foreigners, you may have a few more problems, but nothing that can’t be solved.

#7 Be that as it may, we always suggest that you learn some expressions in German, as in almost all other countries, locals like tourists to make an effort to communicate in their language.

• Hello – Hallo;
• Good morning/afternoon/evening – guten morgan if it’s morning; guten tag from noon to dusk (but can be used all day); guten abend (after dark)
• Please – Bitte;
• Thank you – Danke;
• Goodbye – Auf Wiedersehen or Tschüss;

#8 Our experience dealing with the Austrians has always been pretty positive. Despite having a reputation for being cold or distant, they are always very helpful and friendly.

They are not Latinos, but they are very attentive, and if they see us having difficulties doing something, they take the initiative to ask if we need help. In this sense, the Austrians are similar to the Germans in Bavaria.

#9 This brings us to one thing that Austrians really don’t like. Never call an Austrian a German, or confuse Austria with Germany. Although to an outsider, there are many similarities (and especially with Bavaria), confusing or mixing Austria with Germany is a serious faux pas .

In short, they speak German, but they are not German 🙂

#10 One ​​of the things everyone remembers when talking about Austria is the Habsburgs, the former Austrian royal family. For hundreds of years, the Habsburgs were one of the most influential families in all of Europe, making Austria and, subsequently, the Austro-Hungarian Empire one of the main European powers.

The Habsburgs were also well-known patrons of art and science, and this made Austria and particularly Vienna, one of the main European cities, even rivaling Paris at times.

#11 The Austro-Hungarian Empire was really a huge country that dominated almost all of east-central Europe. This domain ended with the first world war, but many of Austria’s main tourist attractions and monuments were created during this time.

Austria-Hungary included (partially or fully) territories of present-day Austria, Hungary , the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania , Slovenia, Croatia , and Serbia.

See here for this and other things Austria is so famous for

Weather in Austria

#12 In general, the climate in Austria is continental, with cold and relatively dry winters and hot and rainy summers. In alpine areas, precipitation is higher, and temperatures are lower.

Winters are quite cold throughout Austria, even in Vienna and the Danube Valley, where the average temperature is around 0 degrees. In the valleys, the temperatures are even lower, and in the mountains, much lower.

During the summer, temperatures are pleasant in the valleys and Vienna, but at night it gets quite cold. In Vienna, the average highs reach 25/26º Celsius. Some summer storms with rain and thunderstorms are usual.

When to travel to Austria?

#13 Austria is a tourist destination all year round, offering interesting winter and summer activities. The high season is undoubtedly summer, especially in Vienna and Salzburg. So, the best time to travel to Austria depends greatly on your purpose.

If you want to go skiing, then it will have to be in winter, preferably at the end, with February, March, and April probably the best months. Otherwise, generally, the best time of year to travel in Austria is in May/June and then in September and early October. Afterward, it can start to be very cold.

In July/August, the temperatures are higher, but it is more likely to get rain, especially for crowds in more touristy places.

Is it safe to travel in Austria?

#14 Austria is a very safe country, where you will hardly find crime, let alone violent crime. However, as in all countries, it is necessary to pay attention when on public transport and near major tourist attractions, as scams and pickpockets are always possible.

We never felt the least bit in danger in Austria and always felt quite safe, even walking at night. Our experience in Austria has been nothing but positive regarding safety.

In the Alps, it is necessary to pay special attention to rapid changes in weather, avalanches and not get lost on mountain trails.

Travel in Austria

Tourists in austria.

#15 Austria is a very popular destination, receiving millions of tourists every year. With about 32 million international arrivals, it was the 7th most visited country in 2019, generating almost 23 billion dollars. By comparison, Portugal received almost 25 million tourists.

Most tourists in Austria are European, namely from Germany and the Netherlands . The main tourist regions in Austria are Tyrol, Vienna, and Salzburg. As we said initially, it is a popular destination throughout the year, with peaks in winter (February) and summer (August).

UNESCO Heritage in Austria

#16 Austria has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some shared with other European countries. Of these ten places, nine are cultural heritage, and only one is natural heritage. You can check the full list here.

In addition to these sites, Austria also has several traditions and cultures that have been considered an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO, such as the Spanish riding school, the Viennese coffee culture, and the Schemenlaufen, also known as the Carnival of Imst.

Where to go in Austria

#17 At first glance, we might think that the most popular tourist destination in Austria would be Vienna, but the truth is that the region that receives the most tourists is Tyrol. The Tyrol area is popular both in winter and summer, as it is of extraordinary natural beauty. In conjunction with northern Georgia is the most beautiful mountainous region we have ever visited.

If in winter, tourists seek out ski resorts and après-ski activities. Austria has some of the best winter destinations in the world with Kitzbühel Ski Resort at the top of the list.

In summer, there are many incredible walking and cycling trails in the moutains.

#18 Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and one of the largest cities in the Alps and, therefore, the gateway to the entire region and the Alps. However, Innsbruck is more than just a gateway.

Located by the Inn River, it is surrounded by mountains over 2000 meters high, and it is a hub for skiing and other mountain activities such as mountain biking and trails. But the city of Innsbruck itself has many tourist attractions, such as:

• Goldenes Dachl – the golden roof
• Imperial Hofburg Palace – official residence of the imperial family in Innsbruck and one of the most culturally important buildings in Austria
• Schloss Ambras – an impressive palace
• Hofkirche – one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Austria and with the impressive tomb of Maximilian I inside

#19 Vienna is one of the most fascinating European capitals. In terms of architectural wealth, it’s really our favorite. The amount of impressive buildings is incredible, and sometimes it even becomes exhausting because, at every turn, you discover a new museum, a new baroque church, and another historic building or monument.

In our opinion, you should take at least three days to visit Vienna because it really is a city that impresses and concentrates a good part of the most famous Austrian Landmarks.

#20 But in addition to all the monuments, Vienna also has some unique or almost unique characteristics, which end up turning into unforgettable activities for visitors.

Vienna is the capital of classical music, so visiting the Vienna State Opera or the classical music concert is an experience not to be missed, even if you are not a big music fan. Going to the Spanish Riding School and seeing the famous Lipizzans horses is also an amazing experience. In addition to the beautiful building itself, attending a training session or a show is something unique.

#21 Salzburg is another of the best-known and most popular destinations in Austria. The historic center of Salzburg is considered one of the best-preserved among German cities and has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1997.

There are several imposing monuments in Salzburg, such as the Hohensalzburg fortress, the Mirabell palace, the Getreidegasse, and its typical signs, the Hellbrunn castle, among others.

#22 However, Salzburg (and consequently Austria) is very well known for something completely different, the film and “ the sound of music .”

This famous film was shot in Salzburg and the mountains around it and is one of the reasons why they are so popular and so well known. So if you’re in Salzburg and feel like you’ve been there, that’s probably why.

#23 Hallstatt is a small village on the shore of Hallstatt Lake. It is one of those one-street villages, but it is one of the most popular destinations in Austria as it is incredibly picturesque, nestled between the mountains and the lake.

Near Hallstatt, we have several other tourist attractions, such as the five fingers viewpoint, the Mammoth Cave, Dachstein ice caves, and salt caves.

Hallstatt is so tiny and popular that sometimes the large crowds crammed into such a small space make a visit during the high season unpleasant. So if you can, go in mid or low-season.

#24 Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, but don’t think it’s a big city or receives the same tourists as Vienna or Salzburg. It has only about 300 000 inhabitants. It is a historic city with Roman and Slovenian roots and was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1999.

The city’s main attraction is its over 1000 historic buildings, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. It is a picturesque city and well worth visiting for anyone who likes history and architecture.

#25 Despite all the destinations and activities mentioned above, the great landmarks impress us most in Austria. Most of these are from the imperial period, but there are also some natural and from other periods. The best known is the aforementioned Schonbrunn Palace on the outskirts of Vienna, but there are dozens or hundreds of monuments worth visiting in Austria.

In collaboration with some bloggers, we made an article exclusively about the most famous Austrian landmarks . When planning your itinerary, don’t forget to try to include as many monuments as possible on this list. It is well worth it.

What to eat in Austria?

#26 Despite being a rather small country, Austria has an incredible variety of traditional dishes that have been influenced by a wide variety of Central European cuisines. This diversity comes mainly from the time of imperial Austria when they, directly and indirectly, dominated a large part of central Europe.

Thus, some of Austria’s most popular dishes are shared with its neighbors, while others were heavily influenced by each of the lands of the former Austro-Hungarian empire and sometimes even further afield.

#27 In this article, we will not differentiate between Austrian and Viennese cuisine, however, they are considered two different cuisines. Viennese cuisine shares many characteristics with Austrian cuisine, but it developed separately and with some peculiarities of its own.

Viennese pastries and Schnitzel are some of the most popular dishes in Viennese cuisine, but in this article, we are not going to differentiate their origin but talk a little about the foods not to be missed in Austria.

Typical dishes to eat in Austria

#28 The Viennese schnitzel is Austria’s national dish, and eating it in Vienna is one of the experiences not to be missed. Its origin is unknown, but it is understood that it was not invented in Austria. However, it has become the most popular dish in the country.

A Schnitzel is a dish made with a slice of meat, breaded and fried. The meat is normally pounded to make it thin and tender. The Viennese schnitzel uses veal ribs, which should be very tender and extend throughout the dish. The outer, breaded part should be crispy.

#29 Another extremely popular dish in Austria is Tafelspitz. So popular that it is also sometimes considered the national dish. It is well-known for being one of the emperor’s favorite dishes, but it is a very simple dish.

Tafelspitz consists of beef cut into slices and cooked in a spice and vegetable broth. It is served with chopped apples and horseradish or sour cream with chives. It is a dish with a lot of substance and of humble origins, but it has become one of the mainstays of Austrian food.

#30 In terms of sweets, apfelstrudel is probably the most popular dessert in Austria and other countries in the Austro-Hungarian empire. Essentially, it consists of an oblong pastry with an apple filling. The filling is made with gratin apple, sugar, cinnamon, and bread crumbs (sometimes, it also includes raisins and walnuts). The dough is similar to filo dough in that it is thin, elastic, unfermented, and layered.

This is a very old recipe, there is even a recipe from the 17th century in Vienna’s town hall. Today you can find apfelstrudel in practically every Austrian café and bakery.

#31 The Sacher torte is completely different in content and origin. Franz Sacher invented it in 1832 in Vienna and consists of a dense chocolate cake with two layers of apricot jam between the chocolate icing and the cake. Traditionally it is served with unsweetened whipped cream.

Sacher torte is a Hotel Sacher secret, and the original pie can only be purchased at Hotel Sacher, Cafés Sacher, or online.

#32 The Viennese Café or Eispänner is also very popular. It is a drink served in a tall glass and consists of a double espresso with a good amount of whipped cream on top, which is then covered with powdered sugar and cocoa powder. This is perhaps the most iconic drink of the famous coffee houses in Vienna .

#33 Typical Vienna cafes are really the best places to try Eispänner. First of all, the most typical are beautiful places, very traditional, but full of style. Second, because the drink is excellent. For those who like coffee, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Finally, and perhaps even more important because they have an excellent atmosphere and a very unique culture, where in addition to consuming the products, you should also enjoy the time you spend there, which is why it is also an experience in itself.

It is not by chance that UNESCO declared this culture of the experience of going to these cafes an intangible heritage of humanity. It is often said these cafes in Vienna are the places where “time and space are consumed, but only the coffee appears on the bill”.

We explore this culture a little more in point 16 of this article about Austria

Money and costs of traveling to Austria

Currency, withdrawals, and payments.

# 34 Austria is a founding member of the Eurozone , so if you come from another Euro country, you won’t have to worry about currency exchanges and exchange rates. You also don’t have to worry about currency exchange costs. You can withdraw money or make payments without any foreign currency charges.

#35 However, despite not having exchange commissions to pay, it doesn’t mean that you don’t pay commissions at ATMs, as there may be ATMs that charge per withdrawal. To avoid this cost, you can simply make payments directly with a debit/credit card.

So, our suggestion to save on commissions and similar is to use a Eurozone (if possible) card to make all possible payments. If you need to withdraw money, withdraw as much as possible and pay attention to the information on the screen as it is mandatory by law to come there with cost information.

Costs of traveling in Austria

#36 One of the things you need to know before traveling to Austria is that it is a very expensive country to travel to, almost on the level of Israel , the Netherlands, and the Nordics. It is, therefore, much more expensive than Portugal or Spain , and it doesn’t even compare to most Eastern European countries. Since the average cost of living is also one of the most expensive in Europe, almost all day-to-day expenses are a little more expensive than elsewhere.

It is difficult to predict how much you will spend per day, as it depends a lot on what type of traveler you are. In our experience, almost always as backpackers, we have spent around 60 Euros per person per day. However, it is quite easy to reach 150 or 200 Euros a day without splurging too much because, in high season, the prices increase greatly in the most popular places.

#37 As with most places, accommodation is one of the biggest slices of travel costs. A bed in a cheap hostel in Vienna or Salzburg will cost at very least 20 Euros a day in Austria. While a room for two in a cheap hotel will cost 50-100 Euros, an average hotel can cost between 100 and 200 Euros, and a luxury hotel hardly ever costs below 200 Euros a day. These prices may be even higher at the peak of the high season.

In Austria, we suggest you use booking.com to book accommodation as it has an immense variety of hotels, guest houses, hostels, and even local accommodations, at the best prices.

#38 One of our favorite ways to save a few bucks is to eat only one restaurant meal per day, opting for another fast-food (not necessarily pizza or hamburger), street food, or supermarket for the other meal. It’s a kind of 3 in 1, you save money, you waste less time, and you can go to the supermarkets to see what the locals usually buy.

#39 As we said before, one of Austria’s biggest attractions is the museums and famous historical monuments . However, practically all these places have paid admission, and the tickets tend not to be cheap at all, so they accumulate, and at the end of the week, they weigh on the budget.

Obviously, we are not suggesting that you do not visit them, if you are going to a destination, it is also to see the attractions, but you should bear this in mind when you are planning the trip so as not to be surprised. The main cities, namely Vienna and Salzburg, have city cards where you can save some money (and time too) if you are thinking of visiting a lot of monuments. In this sense, the Vienna one allowed us to save at least 50 Euros per person.

How to travel in Austria

Public transport.

#40 Due to its central location, Austria has many transport links throughout Europe, both by land and air. It is very easy to catch trains and buses to Vienna or Salzburg.

There are many air routes from all over Europe to the main Austrian cities, including low-cost flights. To search for the best option, we usually use the site rome2rio because, in addition to providing us with options with different means of transportation, it also gives us an estimate of time and price.

#41 If you can’t find any cheap flights to Vienna, we suggest you also look for Bratislava, Slovakia. The Slovak capital is located on the border with Austria, about 20km from Vienna.

#42 The best way to travel to Austria will completely depend on the type of trip you are doing. In the center of some cities, it is a bad idea to drive. For example, driving to Salzburg was a mistake we won’t make twice, and even in Vienna, we simply parked the car and never picked it up again until we left the city.

But driving through the Alps is amazing! The freedom to go wherever we want, stop wherever we want, drive on those mountain roads, and go to small lakes and natural monuments is spectacular.

#43 The public transport network in Austria is of excellent quality. Only Vienna has a metro, but the other cities have well-developed urban transport.

If you’re thinking of traveling only in urban areas, you don’t need a car as in general urban transport works quite well in practically all cities and is relatively cheap (or at least much cheaper than any other option).

Public transport is very punctual, and buying tickets in advance, in machines or kiosks, is usually necessary. As in Switzerland, train trips through the Alps are very popular because they are beautiful, but sometimes a little expensive. Buses are much cheaper, but the journey is not as exciting.

Rent a car and drive in Austria

#44 When planning your trip, ask yourself if you really need to rent a car and check if there are good alternatives. If you are planning a more urban trip, it is likely that a car is not necessary and can even become a source of costs and problems.

If you decide to travel by car, note that costs can quickly add up. If you don’t have your own car you have to:

• Rent a car – count on 200 Euros per week, at least.
• Mandatory Insurance – Nothing you can do to avoid it;
• Paying for fuel – which is very expensive in Austria;
• Pay tolls – To use motorways in Austria you have to buy a vignette at the border or at the post office. The vignette allows us to drive on any motorway during its validity period. The 10-day ticket costs around 10 Euros, which turns out to be much cheaper than in most other European countries.
• Parking – in addition to being very difficult to park in large cities and historical centers, it is quite expensive. Don’t overlook this cost.

#45 In general, driving rules in Austria are similar to those in Western Europe, so driving is not a big problem. You drive on the right, and your. The right priority rule also exists in Austria. At roundabouts, priority is given to whoever is on the roundabout, but this is practically always indicated.

Speed ​​limits are a little more permissive than in some countries, with 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h outside towns, and 50 km/h in urban areas, but all this is very well signposted.

Regarding driving itself, we would say that if you are used to driving at home, you can drive in Austria. Austrians are orderly people to drive, although there are also some people with less patience, especially in big cities.

Other tips for travelers to Austria

Internet in austria.

#46 All the accommodations you book should have free WIFI access, so this shouldn’t be a big concern, but we always advise you to check the comments about the signal quality.

If you want to use mobile data, you can use the data card of any European country and pay the same amount you pay in the country of origin. So, if you have data in Portugal, you have data in Austria and the rest of the EU.

Cleaning / Pollution in Austria

#47 Generally speaking, Austria is one of the cleanest countries we’ve ever traveled to. It’s not Luxembourg , but it’s close by. There are, of course, exceptions in some areas in the larger cities, but they are smaller and less severe than in most other countries.

On the other hand, in rural areas and parks, everything is exceptionally clean. Nothing to point out here. On the contrary, it is often an example to follow.

Electricity

#48 Power outlets in Austria are of type C and F, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50 Hz, similar to the rest of Europe. Thus, those traveling from Europe do not need any adapters. If you come from countries with other outlets, we suggest this power adapter.

Documentation for traveling to Austria

#49 As Austria is part of the Schengen area, EU citizens do not need any special documents to travel to Austria. All you need is a valid identification document, which can be a citizen’s card or passport, and a driving license if you want to drive.

Otherwise, click here for more information on how to enter Austria and the Schengen Zone and which nationalities need a Visa.

Austria Travel Guide

#50 If you want to buy an Austria travel guide with this and all the information you need to travel, we suggest the Lonely Planet guide You can buy it by clicking here , or on the image below.

Sharing is caring!

Travel Guide Austria

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• Travel guide
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Glorious Alpine scenery, monumental Habsburg architecture, and the world’s favourite musical – Austria’s tourist industry certainly plays up to the clichés. However, it’s not all bewigged Mozart ensembles and schnitzel; modern Austria boasts some of Europe’s most varied museums and contemporary architecture not to mention attractive and sophisticated cities whose bars, cafés and clubs combine contemporary cool with elegant tradition.

Where to go in Austria

Tailor-made travel itineraries for austria, created by local experts.

15 days  / from 6206 USD

Capitals of Europe - Berlin, Prague, Vienna and more

This trip is ideal for all city & culture lovers: the Reichstag in Berlin, the castle in Prague, historical Cesky Krumlov, St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, the fortress above Salzburg and Schloss Neuschwanstein near Munich - these are just some of the highlights of this incredible roundup trip.

11 days  / from 4173 USD

Castles across Austria and Czechia

Austria and Czechia are home to some of the world's most beautiful architecture and culture gems, such as Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna, Prague castle, the fortress above Salzburg and many more. Finish your tour with a visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein before flying out of Munich.

11 days  / from 3478 USD

Exclusive trip to Prague and Austria

Explore the main highlights of Central Europe: fascinating Prague & historical Cesky Krumlov, the highlights of Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria and then further on to Germany - get in the Disney spirit at Schloss Neuschwanstein.

• Population 8.47 million
• Language German
• Currency Euro (€)
• Capital Vienna
• International phone code t 43
• Time zone GMT +1hr

Long the powerhouse of the Habsburg Empire, Austria underwent decades of change and uncertainty in the early twentieth century. Shorn of her empire and racked by economic difficulties, the state fell prey to the promises of Nazi Germany. Only with the end of the Cold War did Austria return to the heart of Europe, joining the EU in 1995.

Politics aside, Austria is primarily known for two contrasting attractions – the fading imperial glories of the capital, and the stunning beauty of its Alpine hinterland. Vienna is the gateway to much of central Europe and a good place to soak up the culture of Mitteleuropa .

Less renowned provincial capitals such as Graz and Linz are surprising pockets of culture, innovation and vitality. Salzburg , between Innsbruck and Vienna, represents urban Austria at its most picturesque, an intoxicating Baroque city within easy striking distance of the mountains and lakes of the Salzkammergut , while the most dramatic of Austria’s Alpine scenery is west of here, in and around Tyrol , whose capital, Innsbruck , provides the best base for exploration.

If you are looking for great travel experiences in Austria while avoiding the crowd, check out our tips here.

Without a visit to Vienna you’ll return home with only half the picture. Built on a grand scale as seat of the Habsburg Empire, it’s a place that positively drips with imperial nostalgia.The pickings are rich, with the old palaces of the Hofburg and Schönbrunn high on the list, as are the cultural offerings from the gargantuan art collections of the Kunsthistorisches Museum to the new cultural complex of the MuseumsQuartier.

Equally compelling, nowadays, are the ghosts of Vienna’s golden age at the end of the nineteenth century, when the likes of Freud, Klimt, Schiele and Schönberg frequented the city’s cafés.The city boasts some wonderful Jugendstil and early modernist buildings and a bevy of traditional fin-de-siècle cafés patrolled by waiters in tuxedos. Last, but by no means least,Vienna is by far the best place in the country for night- life, and that means everything from top-class opera to techno.

Salzburg is no less intoxicating. Its Altstadt contains the country’s most concentrated ensemble of Baroque architecture, and the Hohensalzburg fortress is arguably the country’s most impressive medieval castle. A substantial musical pedigree is ensured by the city’s status as the birthplace of Mozart and venue of the Salzburg Festival, one of the world’s most renowned celebrations of classical music and theatre.

Of Austria’s other regional capitals, Innsbruck combines both a buzzing 9 nightlife and close proximity to some of the Tyrol’s highest peaks to make it one of Austria’s most popular destinations. Its attractive and largely medieval city centre focuses on the Hofkirche, site of the memorial to sixteenth-century Habsburg strongman Emperor Maximilian I.

In the Styrian capital, Graz, the main attractions are the Altstadt, the fine-art collections of the Landesmuseum Joanneum and the Baroque Eggenberg Palace. Austria’s second largest city is also a good base from which to venture out into the vineyards and pumpkin fields of the rural southeast.

Top image: Hallstatt village © Rastislav Sedlak SK/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Austria

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Austria

• How to get to Austria
• Culture and Etiquette in Austria
• Eating and drinking in Austria
• Getting around Austria: Transportation Tips
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Austria
• Travel Tips Austria for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Austria

The Rough Guides to Austria and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 09.07.2021

Ready to travel and discover Austria?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

The ultimate Austria travel guide: the best things to do and see

The best trips to Austria are multi-sensory adventures that include transporting music, intriguing history, delicious cakes , and postcard-worthy nature. This small Central European country may not have the same travel reputation as its more popular neighbors like Italy and Switzerland, but Austria—often considered one of the best countries to live in—is just as culturally rich. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Austria, what to see in Austria, the best time to visit Austria, and much more.

The best time to go Cities to visit What to see What to eat and drink What to do Souvenirs to buy What to pack

Currency: Euro 

Language: German (but English is widely spoken)

UNESCO sites: Austria is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic cities of Salzburg and Vienna. Schönbrunn Palace and the 25-mile Semmering railway are also two top things to see in Austria. 

Best way to get around: Transportation into and within Austria is fantastic. Vienna, its capital, has a major international airport that connects to many of the world’s biggest cities, and an extensive train network makes traveling all over the country that much easier. Metros and trams are regularly used in the bigger cities; while most Austrians are very comfortable riding their bikes to quickly zip around town. Because the Danube River runs through most of Austria, enjoying a river cruise is also one of our favorite Austria travel tips. 

Fun fact: Austria borders eight European countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein. What does this mean for travelers? Well, if you’re wondering how to plan a trip to Austria, you may want to consider a multi-country European tour. It would be very easy to partner a tour of Austria with any of the countries above, plus other wonderful destinations in Europe. 

Explore our tours

4.7 out of 5 stars

4.6 out of 5 stars

More travel inspiration

Explore Austria

Plan your trip to austria: best of austria tourism.

Essential Austria

Trending in the forums

Austria Is Great For

Eat & drink.

High-octane

All About Vienna

Travel guides, attractions and tips

Visit Austria: 14 things you need to know

We cannot talk about Vienna without talking about Austria. Here is an article originally published on gotravelyourself.com .

Austria is a Central European country with stunning nature, rich history, and amazing cultural heritage. Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss are notable few famous composers born in Austria and are just a small part of a vast number of masters of their art. World-famous painters, Klimt, Kokoschka, and Schiele were also from Austria, and the list goes on.

The most populous cities are Vienna (the capital), Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck and there are numerous mountain villages scattered throughout breathtaking mountain landscapes.

In the west, there are the famous ski resorts of Alpbach, Ischgl, and Kitzbühel that offer skiing experiences for skiers of varied skills, coming regularly from all around the world.

Here are 14 essential things you need to know when you go visit Austria :

Table of Contents

1. Quick facts

• Official name: Republic of Austria
• Capital:  Vienna
• Population:  8.7 million
• Area: 83,871 sq km (32,383 sq miles)
• Major language:  German
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy:  80 years (men), 84 years (women)
• Currency:  Euro

2. Where is it?

Austria is located in Central Europe and it shares its borders with eight countries: Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. It’s a small country – based on its size, Austria is the 113th country in the world and 20th in Europe.

3. Visa requirements

As with many countries, your passport must be valid for at least three months after you complete your visit to Austria, so please plan ahead. Austria is part of the Schengen agreement and a visa for any of the countries from the Schengen group is also valid for Austria. A list of countries requiring visas can be found here.

4. Getting there

Getting to Austria is the best via Vienna Airport (VIE) or other, smaller airports: Salzburg (SZG), Innsbruck (INN), or Graz (GRZ) or via train, bus, or car from a neighboring country. If you have plenty of time, then driving through any of the scenic routes is the best choice.

Check the flights to Vienna here .

5. where to stay in austria.

Depending on where you want to go in Austria, your options for accommodation vary from standard hotels or AirBnB to rustic chalets in the Alps .

It is up to you and your budget and personal preferences. For budget (and young) travelers, there is plenty of cheap accommodations to choose from in a selection of hostels.

6. Moving around

Austria has very efficient and reliable public transport. Trains, underground, and buses run smoothly and are very affordable. You can also rent a bicycle to ride around cities along designated lines or rent a car if you prefer to move around faster (although, parking in cities can be quite expensive).

For traveling between cities , you can even fly between local airports, although flights are very short and might be expensive since distances can be reached quickly by trains and buses.

Again, depending on your budget and your travel needs , you can choose the option most suitable for you.

Here is the public transport authority info for Vienna.

More info about moving around in Austria.

Tips on moving around Vienna.

7. Food in Austria

Austria has great food, it’s a part of central European cuisine and definitely inherited from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where many influences were embedded into a variety of recipes.

The top dish is of course, Wiener Schnitzel , breaded weal steak (although there are variations with chicken or pork), world known, and especially popular in Germany as well. Knödel , or dumplings is another famous Austrian food, which comes in different flavors, savory or sweet. Savory ones are made from potatoes or bread and sweet ones have fruit added.

Tafelspitz , beef boiled in a broth made of mixed vegetables is often served with dumplings made in this short list of Austrian food as well. Brettljause is simply a ‘snack’ served on a wooden board (or a cutting board) and can consist of meat cold cuts, cheese, and pickled vegetables, served also with bread (hence the ‘snack’).

From the sweet part of the Austrian menu, let us not forget Apple Strudel , an apple pastry originating all the way from the 17th century and remaining a popular sweet delicacy until now. There is much more sweet stuff to be found in Austria, such as Sachertorte and Esterhazy-Schnitte , both delicious and rich in flavor cakes.

More info and inspiration about Austrian food.

How safe is Austria for tourists and to move around? Austria is very safe; it is ranked number 3 to 5 on the world’s safest country list (on various indexes). Tourist areas are generally safe, both for single tourists and groups or families, but extra caution for pickpocketers is advised.

More details about safety in Austria you can find here.

Austria is not that costly for tourists, and you can always find great deals on accommodation, meals, and attraction tickets. For detailed pricing information for various items, click here.

Prices throughout Austria are almost the same, with slight variation, but Vienna is the most expensive for general tourism. Same places in exclusive ski resorts can be very costly, but these exclusive areas always come with a price.

10. Weather

Austria has a continental climate, with winter temperatures going down to -22 C (-8 F) and with summer to up to 35 C (95 F). Rain and snow are very common during autumn and winter.

More info about the weather in Austria.

11. best time to visit austria.

Austria can be year around destination for any traveler as there is so much to see and do, but the most popular times are April to October to the main cities, including the capital Vienna and January to March for visiting ski resorts during snow season.

There are many festivals and Christmas markets in December, so count this as another good time to visit.

More info on when is the best time to go to Austria.

12. money matters.

Austria is part of the European Union and Euro zone and the official currency is Euro. You should always pay attention when paying bills if you are coming from non-Euro countries and mind the exchange rate. (Xe.com).

Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but please check card charges from your bank in foreign countries before the trip. It is always good to have some cash on you, especially when leaving a tip in the restaurant or for a taxi ride.

There are ATMs and banks on every corner and cash withdrawals are in Euros with a fee. Major banks don’t charge ATM fees to foreigners, but privately operated ATMs may sometimes charge high fees. However, the machine should warn you about the charge so you have a choice to cancel the transaction before committing to it.

More info about banks, ATMs, and charges.

13. what to see in austria.

Austria is a small country but filled with attractions and spectacular nature, so we will list here only the top popular ones:

Belvedere. A historic building complex in Vienna, consisting of two baroque-styled palaces, the Orangery, and the Palace Stables. Famous also for the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings, including the Kiss.

Salzkammergut. A region of lakes and Alpine ranges near Salzburg. It is also a famous resort area.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Also known as Stephansdom , is a medieval Roman Catholic church in Vienna. A place of worship with catacombs and a treasury museum.

Prater. Large public park with Vienna’s 2 nd district hosting iconic giant Ferris wheel dating from 1897.

Hohensalzburg Fortress. The iconic landmark of Salzburg, this 11th-century fortress on a city hilltop is the largest preserved castle in Central Europe. It has beautiful views of the city and the Alps and a museum.

Lake Wolfgang. Small, scenic mountain lake near Salzburg. The best-known lake of the famous Salzkammergut resort area.

Grossglockner. Austria’s highest mountain part of the Alps and the central piece of the High Tauern National Park. Located in East Tyrol. Famous for winter sports.

Kunsthistorisches Museum. Fine arts history museum in a palace. Decorated with lavish interiors and it is crowned with an octagonal dome. It hosts Habsburg’s art collections and antiquities.

Hellbrunn Palace. Renaissance palace and landscaped parkland with grottos, novelty fountains, and a theatre.

Vienna Ring Road. Also known as Ringstrasse , this 19th-century boulevard encircles Vienna’s Old Town, and it is lined with monumental cultural and state buildings.

Vienna City Hall. Neo-Gothic style city hall was built in the 19 th century. It’s a municipal building and the official seat of the Major of Vienna. It was built using some 30 million bricks. Also hosts balls, markets, and various events.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn. Also known as Vienna Zoo; this zoo is located on the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace. It is home to about 500 species of animals, including giant pandas, Siberian tigers, and elephants.

The Imperial Treasury Vienna , also known as the Schatzkammer, is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Austria’s capital city. Located in the Hofburg Palace complex, this museum houses an incredible collection of objects that have been amassed over centuries by the Habsburg dynasty, one of Europe’s most powerful and influential ruling families.

Melk Abbey. A Benedictine abbey above the town of Melk in Lower Austria. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River.

Wiener Riesenrad. Permanent fairground ride and exhibition with a giant Ferris wheel located in Leopoldstadt , the 2 nd district of Vienna.

Hundertwasserhaus. A unique apartment block with a roofed forest. Designed by artists, the colorful apartment block is a green oasis in Vienna.

Hoher Dachstein. Glacial Alpine mountain, the second highest in the Northern Limestone Alps. Skiing and snowboarding destination and it is great to visit both n summer and winter.

Museumsquartier. Restored Baroque district filled with museums in both modern and historic buildings. Located in the 7 th district of Vienna.

Krimml Waterfalls. Mountain waterfalls, located near the village of Krimml in the High Tauern National Park (Salzburg state). Located in the heavily forested area these waterfalls are the highest in Europe, with a 380m high fall.

Zillertal. A valley in Tyrol offers skiing and other winter sports, as well as biking, hiking, or golfing. Named after the Ziller river and the Zillertal Alps, the heavily glaciated section of the Alps.

Achen Lake. Largest Alpine lake in Tyrol. Surrounded by five villages, it is famous for its beautiful scenery, water sports, nearby ski resort, and hiking and walking routes.

Goldenes Dachl. Also known as Golden Roof , this iconic landmark is located in old town of Innsbruck. This Habsburg residence is decorated by 2657 shiny tiles and it is now a museum featuring Innsbruck history.

Salzburg Cathedral. Domed marble 17th-century cathedral and museum in Salzburg. Among many other historical artifacts, it is also known for Mozart’s baptism in 1756.

Karlskirche . Also known as Rektoratskirche St. Karl Borromäus,  this 18th-century Habsburg domed cathedral is located in Karlsplatz in Vienna. Classical music concerts are regularly organized there.

Stubai Glacier. Scenic ski resort in Tyrol and the largest one in Austria. Featuring various trails, a terrain park, spectacular views, and attractions.

Traunsee. Scenic deep water lake surrounded by mountains, located in Salzkammergut. Picturesque villages are scattered around this lake making it a popular tourist destination.

Spanish Riding School. Classical horse riding school in Vienna with famous white Lipizzaner stallions. Dating back to the 18 th century this school also offers tour shows.

Stubaital. An alpine valley in Tyrol and the central valley of the Stubai Alps. Featuring Sights, museums, amusement parks or untouched nature, including the Ruetz river flowing through the valley.

Eisriesenwelt. Natural lime stone and ice cave with stalagmites, discovered in the 19 th century. It is open during summer to the public with guided tours.

Natural History Museum. Large, 19th-century founded natural history museum in Vienna. Features vast specimen collections, from dinosaur skeletons to meteorites. Offers guided tours and activities for children.

Donauturm. Iconic tower with observation terrace located in Vienna. At a height of 252 meters, it’s the tallest structure in Austria. Features observation terraces, a restaurant, and a cafe.

Mozarthaus Vienna. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 18th-century apartment where Mozart composed. Fully restored and turned into a museum, this landmark offers an audio tour and a souvenir shop.

Ski Amadé. Large ski area comprised of 28 locations and towns, the second largest in Europe. Named after Mozart (Amadeus).

Austrian Parliament Building. Built in the second half of the 19 th century, this monumental building host now two houses of the Austrian parliament and it is rich in architectural features and artistic details. Guided tours are available through the visitors’ center.

Stadtpark. Large public park in Vienna, spreading over 28 acres. Featuring a river, ornate bridges, and a gilded Johann Strauss statue.

14. Interesting facts about Austria

Here are some interesting facts about this amazing country:

• The Austrian flag is one of the oldest national flags in the world. It dates from 1191 when Duke Leopold V fought in the Battle of Acre during the Third Crusade.
• The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, was Austrian.
• The town of Hallstatt, Austria is so loved by Chinese tourists, they built a replica in China.

Learn more interesting facts about Austria.

We hope you enjoyed reading about Austria!

Safe travels!

Privacy Overview

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

20 Top Tourist Attractions in Austria

Austria is a country rich with history, beautiful places, traditions and activities that are distinct to the area. Along with neighboring Switzerland, it is the winter sports capital of Europe.

However, Austria is just as popular for summer tourists who visit its stunning palaces and lake side villages and hike in the magnificent scenery of the Alps.

Then, of course, there is the little matter of the Grossglockner Alpine Road, arguably the most scenic drive in the world and Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world.

Throw in Krimml Falls, world-class cities like Vienna and Salzburg and a musical heritage that includes Mozart, Strauss and Schubert, and you have one of Europe’s finest tourist destinations. In order to help guide you in building a list of things to do, below are some of the top tourist attractions in Austria that are sure to make your trip extra special.

20. St. Wolfgang

St. Wolfgang is a beautiful market town within Salzkammergut, Austria’s famous Lake District. Nestled on the scenic shores of Wolfgangsee Lake, it features several colourful houses along its picture-perfect shoreline and 1783 meter-high Mount Schafberg that towers imperiously above it.

You can get to the top of this mountain by riding the quaint cog Schafberg Railway. Make sure this is one of the first things you do on arrival at St Wolfgang, as you will enjoy spectacular views of seven separate lakes.

Situated just a stone’s throw from Salzburg, the town is also home to the impressive Mirabell Palace. This palace features beautiful grounds that you can walk around. Fans of The Sound of Music might recognize the fountains here as they feature in the film.

19. Schloss Esterhàzy in Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt is a charming city which serves as the capital of Burgenland. Located near the Hungarian border, it is worth coming here for the magnificent Esterházy Palace.

The most distinguished building in the city, the palace boasts beautifully manicured gardens and houses several significant cultural treasures privately collected by the Esterházy family – who owns the property.

Visitors can partake in a self-guided or guided tour of several rooms within the palace, which feature priceless artworks and furnishings. They can also walk within its immaculate grounds and visit its gift shop and wine museum.

The palace is also home to an excellent interactive exhibition showcasing the work of the composer Joseph Haydn. The stunning Haydnsaal concert hall also hosts world-class classical music performances.

18. Krimml Falls

Even in a country blessed with outstanding natural beauty the Krimml Waterfalls manage to stand out.

Totaling 380-metres, the spectacular cascade is the highest and arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Austria. To visit it you will have to head to the High Tauern National Park within Salzburg State. Once there you should make your way to the charming village of Krimni, which you will find on the Krimmler Ache river.

Starting from the Krimmler Ache valley, the picturesque waterfall plunges into three separate sections. The top and bottom sections are both roughly 140 meters in length each, while the middle section is 100 meters. To get better views of them a path leads you to each of these different sections.

17. Hochosterwitz Castle

For those who enjoy medieval architecture, Hochosterwitz Castle is a must-see destination. The notable landmark sits on a towering dolomite rock close to the Sankt Georgen am Längsee in Carinthia . But it is so prominent you can see it up to 30 km away on a clear day.

Although privately owned, the public can visit parts of the castle between Easter and October. Extending for 620 meters, you will navigate 14 gates along its walkway that protected it from attack back in the day. Once you get there, you will see several artworks, weapons and exhibits.

They include an 8-foot-tall set of armor worn by Burghauptmann Schenk. A larger-than-life character believed to have been the inspiration behind Gregor Clegane, The Mountain, in ‘Game of Thrones’.

Located west of Vienna, the historic city of Krems marks the point where the blue Danube and the Krems rivers converge at the beginning of the Wachau Valley.

Krems boasts a historic city center, and the pedestrian friendly layout encourages exploring the ancient city gates and the castle called Gozzoburg. Besides these things to do, Krems has a reputation for its impressive wine industry, and many visitors come to explore exactly that.

The Weinstadmuseum is a wine-focused museum in the center of town, and there travelers can get great recommendations for local wineries and tasting rooms dotted throughout Krems and along the banks of the Danube.

15. Eisriesenwelt Cave

Over in Werfen, about 40 km from Salzburg, resides the Eisriesenwelt cave.

Nestled within Hochkogel Mountain, it is the world’s largest ice cave, stretching for 26 miles along the Alps’ Tenneggebirge section. Translating, quite aptly, as ‘World of the Ice Giants’, the ice and limestone cave is only sheathed for its first 960 meters in ice. But thankfully, this is the section that is accessible to the public for viewing.

To get to the cave, you will have to hike and then ride a cable car to its entrance. However, once you are there, you will be able to go on a guided tour that showcases a host of captivating frozen waterfalls and ice formations, much of them by candlelight.

14. Vienna State Opera

In Vienna’s inner city is the Ringstraße, or Ring Road, along which countless landmarks are found. Just one of these landmarks is the Vienna State Opera House.

The structure itself was constructed in the 19th century in a Neo-Renaissance style. Marble staircases and painted ceilings make this is a truly grand destination. After bombing in World War II, the structure was rebuilt to be true to the original style.

While a tour of the building is wonderful, what is even better is attending a musical performance or even a ball, many of which are held annually at the Vienna State Opera.

See also: Where to Stay in Vienna

13. Mirabell Palace

The Mirabell Palace in Salzburg, known to the locals as Schloss Mirabell, is a beautiful early 16th century structure built by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress. Considerable renovations in the 17th century mean that the palace now boasts a baroque interior with countless embellishments.

The interior is laden with marble, stuccoes and enormous frescoes on the walls. The Marble Hall is noteworthy for being among the most picturesque wedding spots in the city. Outside, the gardens are every bit as impressive, and the sculpture collection is world-class.

12. Schafberg

In the heart of the Salzkammergut Mountains is one peak called Schafberg. This mountain is part of the Limestone Alps, and it boasts a truly incredible view overlooking the Wolfgangsee Lake.

What makes Schafberg a top destination is that it is easily accessible with a steam railway. Known as the Schafbergbahn, this train chugs from the town of St Wolfgang all the way to the mountain’s summit. Featured in the Sound of Music, the railway is an iconic attraction that shouldn’t be missed.

11. Hohenwerfen Castle

Whilst visiting the Eisriesenwelt Cave near Werfen, you should take the opportunity to check out the Hohenwerfen Castle too.

Flanked by the Tennen Mountains and the Berchtesgaden Alps, this impressive medieval rock castle enjoys a spectacular position overlooking the Salzach valley from atop a 623-metre precipice. Both of which provide a breathtaking backdrop.

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the castle or take in one of the many birds of prey demonstrations they run. Children can also partake in a fun rally quiz or enjoy medieval games like archery, bowling, walking on stilts or throwing rings.

Built over 900 years ago, you may recognize the fortress for its prominent role in the films Where Eagles Dare and The Sound of Music.

10. Zell am See

If you want to go skiing, there is no better place to do it in Austria than at Zell am See. This beautiful lakeside town offers more than 80 miles of powdery slopes for visitors to enjoy.

Irrespective of whether you are at a novice, intermediate or professional level, there is a suitable slope for you. For those who prefer cross-country skiing, there are 125 miles of pristine trails to explore.

Zeller See, the lake around which the city city exists, is blue, clear and the picture-perfect example of an Alpine lake.

A network of lifts and trails from the town takes you up to the Schmittenhöhe mountain. Via them, you can access the summit of the spectacular Kitzsteinhorn glacier, where the Gipfelwelt 3000 panoramic platform will provide you with incredible panoramic views. These include Grossglockner mountain and Hohe Tauern National Park.

9. Melk Abbey

Presiding over the quaint town of Melk, which lies within the Lower Austria region, the Melk Abbey is a culturally significant place to visit.

A Benedictine abbey that dates back to the 11th century. It sits on a craggy outcrop that presides over the Danube river. The abbey is notable for housing the final resting places of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and various members associated with the House of Babenberg – the country’s first prominent ruling dynasty.

Since the 1100s, the abbey has also run an acclaimed monastic school. Alumnae have included composers Gregor Werner and Carl Zeller, painters Albert Paris Gütersloh and Leopold Blauensteiner and poet Friedrich Halm.

If you want to learn more about its legacy, hour-long guided tours are well worth booking.

8. Seefeld in Tyrol

Another excellent spot for skiing in Austria is the Alpine town of Seefeld.

Found in the Tyrol region, it lies on a spectacular plateau that sits high above Innsbruck. Ringed by the Karwendel and Wetterstein ranges, the area is renowned for its world-class cross-country skiing.

It is a regular on the World Cup circuit and hosted events at the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. However, far from being an elite venue, it has plenty of flatter areas for beginners to find their feet.

Away from the slopes, the town has other things to do and enchanting landmarks. These include a small baroque 1600s church – the Seekirchl – which features an onion dome. There is also an eye-catching hilltop circle of 12 huge stones representing the apostles.

7. Hohensalzburg Castle

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best-preserved castles. A truly stunning piece of medieval architecture, visiting Hohensalzburg Castle is one of the top things to do in Austria.

Perched at an altitude of 506 meters atop the Festungsberg, this impressive medieval fortress lies in the heart of Salzburg . Covering an area of 250 metres by 150 metres, it is one of the largest of its type still standing on the continent.

During WWI, the castle incarcerated Italian prisoners of war. While in 1938, it housed Nazi activities before Germany annexed Austria.

You can get to the castle by funicular, which runs every ten minutes and only takes a minute to ascend to its hilltop. It features several notable points of interest, including a chapel, the Golden Hall and a bed chamber, which you can view on a guided tour.

6. Hofburg Imperial Palace

One of Vienna’s most stunning attractions is the Hofburg Imperial Palace. This is a complex that served as the official royal residence of the Habsburgs until the First World War.

The palace was built in stages, adding on places like the stables, the library and the Spanish Riding School as power and money accumulated for the Habsburgs.

From the entrance in the Michaelerplatz, visitors can tour several onsite museums and even get a look at former royal apartments as well as the glittering Imperial Silver Collection.

5. Innsbruck Altstadt

Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Innsbruck makes you feel quite insignificant in the midst of nature’s striking Alpine mountain range. Said to have a duel personality, the area offers both pristine landscapes and a sophisticated urban center.

Altstadt, the medieval town of Innsbruck, draws you in with its unique architecture and many shops. While you are strolling the streets of the Altstadt you can visit one of its famous landmark, the Golden Roof.

This house was constructed for the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, and it was decorated with thousands of gilded copper tiles that create the appearance of pure gold.

4. St Anton am Arlberg

For some people, the ONLY place to go skiing in Austria is St. Anton am Arlberg.

A premier ski resort in the Tyrolean Alps, it is often referred to as the ‘cradle of alpine skiing’ because of its role in inventing the sport. Boasting a massive off-piste landscape, consistent deep snow and pure powder, you can conveniently get to the slopes of Rendl and Valluga by cable cars and lifts.

When not playing on the slopes, make a point to check out the Museum St. Anton, which provides a fascinating insight into how the local ski scene developed over the years. At night, the village is also known for its bustling après-ski scene, which comes alive during live music performances.

3. Grossglockner Alpine Road

If you love going for scenic drives, then you should not miss the opportunity to cruise along the Grossglockner Alpine Road.

Austria’s highest tarmacked mountain road pass showcases the magnificence of the Austrian Alps through a 48 km toll road that features no less than 36 hairpin bends!

Undoubtedly one of the most scenic drives in the world, the landscape is truly mesmeric. Winding a stunning course through a rocky terrain of wine-bottle green alpine pastures, you will stop several times to take it all in.

Due to the weather, the Grossglockner Alpine Road is usually only open between May and October. Named after the highest mountain in the country, it connects Bruck in Salzburg with Heiligenblut in Carinthia. The road has a maximum elevation of 2,504 meters.

2. Hallstatt

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So the fact the Chinese have made a copy of the picturesque village of Hallstatt should give you an indication of its appeal.

Situated around the western shore of Lake Hallstatt, the village lies within the mountainous region of Salzkammergut. It is known for its Alpine houses dating back to the 16th century and the spectacular, subterranean salt lake at a primordial salt mine called Salzwelten.

A funicular railway will take you up there, as well as the Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform, which showcases tremendous panoramic views. A trail will also take you to the Echern Valley glacier garden. There you can navigate glacial potholes and see the stunning Waldbachstrub Waterfall.

1. Schönbrunn Palace

In a city rich in history and cultural significance, the Schönbrunn Palace still stands out.

During the 1700s and up until 1918, it was the principal residence of the Habsburg emperors. It also held a prominent role as the focus of both Austrian and European court life.

Throughout the years, the likes of Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth lived here, evidence of which you can see during a guided tour.

Serving now as one of Austria’s main tourist attractions, you can visit 40 lavishly furnished rooms, all of which have a story to tell. They include the Blue Chinese Salon, Porcelain Room, Vieux-Laque Room and Gobelin Salon. The latter of which features exquisite Brussels tapestries.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Austria

Share this post:

12 Most Scenic Lakes in Austria

11 Most Amazing Places to Stay in Austria

14 Most Charming Small Towns in Austria

26 Mind-Blowing Castles in Austria

12 Best Places to Visit in Austria

12 Best Cities to Visit in Austria

9 Most Beautiful Regions in Austria

A Picture Perfect Day Trip to Salzburg from Munich

10 Best Places to Visit in Carinthia, Austria

19 Top Tourist Attractions in Salzburg, Austria

Reader interactions.

February 13, 2017 at 4:11 am

Certainly would add the Salzkammergut as a region with the Sound-Of-Music attractions in Salzburg and Mondsee. Moreover, the Schafberg mountain offers spectacular views of the lake area.

March 25, 2016 at 12:28 pm

Just returned from Austria mid March,2016,and visited many of the top 10 places to see.Some were closed because they were still in winter mode and the flower beds were just being worked on and the trees around the summer castle of Marie Theresa were still wrapped and covered which took away from the grounds ..so in Dec it would be the same..having said that,Austria is a beautiful welcoming country,friendly ,safe and very ,very clean.I would go anytime of year.If you and your family are skiers,then this is the place to be..especially anywhere near Innsbruck..the scenery is breathtaking.

March 12, 2016 at 9:33 pm

Hi. We are a family of 6, we are planning a trip in the second week in Dec 2016. After reading some comments, we are contemplating whether we should proceed with the plan to Austria during that time of the year since some of the places will be closed. It would be great if someone could enlighten us on our doubt. We have wished to visit Austria for time, just couldn’t choose other period of the year to travel due to kids’ school schedule and work commitment. Thank you very much!

January 6, 2015 at 8:19 am

Hi, I am living in vienna. If you like to do it by train – thats a pretty good idea. You can visit all places very convenient by train and its not very expensive at all. I would highly recommend to take your time in Vienna, there are a lot of things to explore – depends on what you are interested in. And you dont need a car at all! You should definitely go to Salzburg and visit the castle there, also a short walk through the old town is very nice. you can get a lot of good food there after that you should catch a train to Hallstadt – its also mentioned on this site. Then you can go to Innsbruck. Its a wonderful town between mountains.

October 12, 2014 at 9:19 pm

Hi… I am planning a trip in March 2015 second half.. Could someone recommend a route? I will be starting and ending the trip in Vienna with my mother. We would like to travel by train.

August 1, 2014 at 2:14 pm

Hi anupama. It is possible but not very practical. The closest one is Budapest which is more or less OK to do. Then Salzburg is a bit of a stretch and Prague as a daily trip I would not recommend.

July 30, 2014 at 6:09 am

I am planning to visit Austria in sept/ Oct first week for 10 days, is it practical to stay at Vienna and do day trips to Salzburg, Budapest n Prague

April 13, 2014 at 9:12 am

Hi planning a trip to Austria in July 2014 can you help me with a road map and recommended accommodation thank you.

March 27, 2014 at 7:21 am

I am planning a trip to Austria and wish to see all the 10 destinations mentioned on the site, however I am unable to decide the road route and places where I need to book hotels in order to be a able to see all these attractions. I will be with my family (spouse and 1 kid) and intend to drive around Austria, can you help me with that.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Welcome to the Holiday Information Service

Our holiday experts are here to assist you with your holiday planning. Send us a message and we will get back you as soon as we can.

Please fill in fields marked with *

Give us a call Monday to Friday from 8am to noon. Outside of our office hours please drop us an email and we'll be happy to answer your questions.

Telephone: 00800 400 200 00 Österreich Werbung Vordere Zollamtsstraße 13 A-1030 Wien Wien AT

[email protected]

*toll-free; calls from mobile networks may incur charges

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

For full functionality of this page it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser

Please choose Language or Country

The Austrian Tourist Office

The Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) is Austria’s national tourism organization. Since 1955 the main objective of the association (in the beginning called „Österreichische Fremdenverkehrswerbung“ and since 1989 “Österreich Werbung”) has been the promotion of Austria as a vacation destination. ANTO’s central goal is to secure and expand tourism country Austria’s competitiveness in cooperation with all Austrian tourism partners. By doing so, ANTO contributes essentially to increasing Austria’s market share in international tourism.

ANTO’s budget is made up of membership fees from the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy (75 %) and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (25 %) as well as of the Austrian tourism trade’s (provincial tourist boards, regions and tourism operations) partnership contributions for marketing services. The membership fees from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber amount to 32 million Euros (FMEFY 24 million Euros, FEC 8 million Euros). The overall budget for 2014 amounts to about 50 million Euros. Core competencies of the Austrian National Tourist Office are :

• Development of the brand “Vacation in Austria”: This brand differentiates Austria from other vacation destinations and conveys the emotional added value of a stay in Austria. • Opening up the internationally most promising markets with innovative and modern marketing. • Partner of Austrian tourism businesses and essential platform of tourism networking: The tourist industry profits from ANTO’s always up-to-date expert knowledge.  Those three core competencies are being financed through public funding. Offers and services are being offered to all partners in the travel industry. The Austrian Tourist Office provides basic funding for marketing campaigns where partners in the industry are invited to participate.

Activities 

ANTO focuses its marketing efforts on three regions: Western Europe, CEE and overseas countries. The markets in these regions cover around 96 per cent of all overnights (2012: some 131 million), presenting the biggest potential for Austria’s tourism. In the remaining countries ANTO is the first contact for tourism-related projects. The range of activities include above-the-line advertising for tourism country Austria, media cooperation, the organization of fairs and sales platforms as well as cooperation with local tour operators, travel agents and trainings for the travel agency and event sector.   ANTO also supports Austrian tourism suppliers with customized marketing activities tailored to the respective needs and market chances. The heart of ANTO’s guest information, besides ANTO’s Information Center (the most comprehensive service and information center for Vacation in Austria), is the Internet portal www.austria.info . Austria’s largest tourism platform on the Internet provides potential guests with ample information and attractions from all over Austria, in 20 languages at the moment.

Austrian Tourist Office

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Travel and tourism in Austria - statistics & facts

What are the leading inbound travel markets in austria, the importance of vienna for inbound tourism in austria, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Direct and indirect value added of tourism in Austria 2000-2022

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Austria 2019-2022

International and domestic tourist arrivals in Austria 2010-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Destinations

Inbound tourist arrivals in Austria 2022, by destination state

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Austria 2019-2022

Related topics

• Travel and tourism in Europe
• Travel and tourism in France
• Travel and tourism in Italy
• Tourism industry in Germany

City tourism in Europe

• Tourism in London
• Tourism in Paris
• Tourism in Italian cities
• Tourism in Amsterdam

Recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Austria 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Direct and indirect value added of tourism in Austria 2000-2022
• Premium Statistic Direct value added of tourism in Austria 2000-2021
• Premium Statistic Travel and tourism revenue in Austria 2018-2028, by segment
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Austria 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic International and domestic tourist arrivals in Austria 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic International and domestic tourist overnight stays in Austria 2010-2022

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Austria 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in Austria in 2019 and 2022 (in billion euros)

Direct and indirect value added of tourism in Austria from 2000 to 2022 (in billion euros)

Direct value added of tourism in Austria 2000-2021

Direct value added of tourism in Austria from 2000 to 2021 (in billion euros)

Travel and tourism revenue in Austria 2018-2028, by segment

Revenue of the travel and tourism market in Austria from 2018 to 2028, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Austria 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Austria in 2019 and 2022 (in 1,000 jobs)

Number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Austria from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

International and domestic tourist overnight stays in Austria 2010-2022

Number of international and domestic tourist overnight stays in Austria from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

Inbound tourism

• Premium Statistic International tourist arrival growth in European countries 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in winter in Austria 2019-2023, by overnight stays
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in summer in Austria 2020-2023, by overnight stays
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourist arrivals in Austria 2022, by destination state
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourist arrivals in Austria 2022, by state capital
• Premium Statistic International tourism receipts in Austria 2006-2022

International tourist arrival growth in European countries 2019-2023

Percentage change in international tourist arrivals in Europe from 2019 to 2023, by country

Leading inbound travel markets in winter in Austria 2019-2023, by overnight stays

Leading inbound travel markets in Austria from winter season 2019/2020 to 2022/2023, by number of overnight stays (in millions)

Leading inbound travel markets in summer in Austria 2020-2023, by overnight stays

Leading inbound travel markets in Austria from summer season 2020 to 2023, by number of overnight stays (in millions)

Number of international tourist arrivals in Austria in 2022, by destination state (in 1,000s)

Inbound tourist arrivals in Austria 2022, by state capital

Number of international tourist arrivals in Austria in 2022, by state capital (in 1,000s)

International tourism receipts in Austria 2006-2022

International tourism receipts in Austria from 2006 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Domestic and outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight trips in Austria 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight stays in winter season in Austria 2008-2023
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight stays in summer season in Austria 2009-2023
• Basic Statistic Domestic tourism spending in Austria 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Outbound overnight trips from Austria 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of outbound holiday trips from Austria 2002-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading destinations for outbound vacations from Austria 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism spending in Austria 2011-2022

Domestic overnight trips in Austria 2010-2022

Number of domestic overnight trips in Austria from 2010 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Domestic overnight stays in winter season in Austria 2008-2023

Number of overnight stays by domestic tourists in Austria from winter season 2008/2009 to 2022/2023 (in millions)

Domestic overnight stays in summer season in Austria 2009-2023

Number of overnight stays by domestic tourist in Austria from summer season 2009 to 2023 (in millions)

Domestic tourism spending in Austria 2019-2022

Domestic tourism expenditure in Austria in 2019 and 2022 (in billion euros)

Outbound overnight trips from Austria 2010-2022

Number of outbound overnight trips from Austria from 2010 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of outbound holiday trips from Austria 2002-2022

Number of holiday trips abroad made by residents of Austria from 2002 to 2022 (in millions)

Leading destinations for outbound vacations from Austria 2015-2022

Leading travel destinations for outbound holiday trips from Austria from 2015 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Outbound tourism spending in Austria 2011-2022

Outbound tourism expenditure in Austria from 2011 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Accommodation

• Premium Statistic Number of travel accommodation establishments in Austria 2007-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of hotels and similar establishments in Austria 2007-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of hotel rooms in Austria 2007-2021
• Premium Statistic Bed-place occupancy rate in hotels in Austria 2007-2021
• Premium Statistic Overnight accommodation costs in Vienna 2023, by month
• Premium Statistic Number of Airbnb listings in selected European cities 2023

Number of travel accommodation establishments in Austria 2007-2021

Number of travel accommodation establishments in Austria from 2007 to 2021

Number of hotels and similar establishments in Austria 2007-2021

Number of hotels and similar accommodation establishments in Austria from 2007 to 2021

Number of hotel rooms in Austria 2007-2021

Number of rooms in hotels and similar accommodation establishments in Austria from 2007 to 2021 (in 1,000s)

Bed-place occupancy rate in hotels in Austria 2007-2021

Occupancy rate of bed-places in hotels in Austria from 2007 to 2021

Overnight accommodation costs in Vienna 2023, by month

Average cost of overnight accommodation in Vienna in 2023, by month (in euros)

Number of Airbnb listings in selected European cities 2023

Number of Airbnb listings in selected European cities as of December 2023

Meeting and event tourism

• Premium Statistic Meeting and event venues in Austria 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic National business meetings in Austria 2014-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic National business meeting participants in Austria 2014-2022, by event type
• Premium Statistic International business meetings in Austria 2014-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic International business meeting participants in Austria 2014-2022, by event type
• Premium Statistic Overnight stays for business meetings and events in Austria 2019-2022, by event type

Meeting and event venues in Austria 2022, by type

Number of meeting and event venues in Austria in 2022, by type

National business meetings in Austria 2014-2022, by type

Number of national business meetings in Austria from 2014 to 2022, by type

National business meeting participants in Austria 2014-2022, by event type

Number of participants at national business meetings in Austria from 2014 to 2022, by event type (in 1,000s)

International business meetings in Austria 2014-2022, by type

Number of international business meetings in Austria from 2014 to 2022, by type

International business meeting participants in Austria 2014-2022, by event type

Number of participants at international business meetings in Austria from 2014 to 2022, by event type (in 1,000s)

Overnight stays for business meetings and events in Austria 2019-2022, by event type

Number of overnight stays made for business meetings and events in Austria from 2019 to 2022, by event type (in 1,000s)

Travel behavior

• Premium Statistic Attitudes towards traveling in Austria 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel frequency for private purposes in Austria 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel frequency for business purposes in Austria 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel product bookings in Austria 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel product online bookings in Austria 2023
• Premium Statistic Hotel / private accommodation online bookings by brand in Austria 2023
• Premium Statistic Flight bookings by airline brand in Austria 2023
• Premium Statistic Package holiday bookings by brand in Austria 2023
• Premium Statistic Car rental bookings by brand in Austria 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in Austria 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in Austria as of December 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in Austria 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in Austria as of December 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in Austria 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in Austria as of December 2023

Travel product bookings in Austria 2023

Travel product bookings in Austria as of December 2023

Travel product online bookings in Austria 2023

Travel product online bookings in Austria as of December 2023

Hotel / private accommodation online bookings by brand in Austria 2023

Hotel / private accommodation online bookings by brand in Austria as of December 2023

Flight bookings by airline brand in Austria 2023

Flight bookings by airline brand in Austria as of December 2023

Package holiday bookings by brand in Austria 2023

Package holiday bookings by brand in Austria as of December 2023

Car rental bookings by brand in Austria 2023

Car rental bookings by brand in Austria as of December 2023

Further reports Get the best reports to understand your industry

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more on how we use cookies .

Consent to cookie policy from external provider

Austrian national tourist office (anto).

ANTO is the national tourism marketing organisation. It is funded by the Ministry ( more than 3/4 ) and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. ANTO cooperates closely with the Austrian tourism industry, including the tourist boards of the Federal Provinces and tourism businesses.

ANTO's responsibilities are market research, brand management, marketing, networking and information provision. It serves as a knowledge hub for the Austrian tourism ecosystem. Its mission is further to inspire worldwide enthusiasm for vacations in Austria, to provide benefits for the tourism industry in the country and run customised image campaigns. The activities focus on three main geographical areas: Western Europe, Central & Eastern Europe and Overseas. ANTO operates 21 offices worldwide, it covers 28 inbound markets and nine potential future markets.

ANTO's website serves as an information point for guests and businesses and is available in 20 languages.

More information:

• www.austria.info
• www.austriatourism.com
• display search
• close navigation
• Accreditation process
• Akkreditierung Austria, the Austrian National Accreditation Body
• Appeals, Complaints
• National and international links
• GISA (Business Licence Information)
• Austrian Labour Market Data
• Publications
• Success-Stories
• Location and Business Policy
• Creative Industries
• European Semester and Recovery and Resilience Facility
• OECD Country Reports
• European Enterprise Policy
• European Enterprise Promotion Awards
• Promoting Entrepreneurship - The "Map of Actions"
• Promoting Entrepreneurship - Youth Entrepreneurship Week
• Report on the situation of SMEs in Austria ("KMU im Fokus 2021")
• Small and medium enterprises in Austria – facts and figures
• Start-up Council
• Responsibilities
• Exhibitions
• Energy savings at the federal level
• Annual statistics
• Energy management and energy efficiency
• Federal contracting
• Housing policy
• Apprenticeships and vocational training
• Recognition or assessment of foreign vocational training
• Recognition of professional education
• Facts and Figures - Apprenticeship in Austria
• Recognition or assessment
• Skills Competitions
• Entrepreneurial activities
• Registration of a trade
• Personal care services
• Trade facilities
• Monitoring of facility licensing proceedings
• Business hours
• GISA procedures
• GISA interface
• GISA queries
• Office for Complaints concerning insurance intermediaries
• Provisions of Austrian law governing insurance intermediaries
• Conditions for performing insurance mediation in other Member States
• Initial notification and repeat notification
• Notifications of changeover, modification and deregistration
• Recognition of vocational qualifications
• EU coordination of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy
• Seventh Friends of Industry Ministerial Conference (04.10.2019)
• EU enlargement
• Transit controls of military goods
• Bilateral economic relations with Africa and the Middle East
• Austria’s trade relations with America
• Objectives and Content of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
• Current Events
• Activities of the Austrian National Contact Point (NCP)
• Priority in 2020 - digitalisation and entrepreneurial responsibility within the scope of the OECD Guidelines
• Agreement in Xayaburi hydropower project in Lao PDR
• Agenda 2030 / SDG / Sustainability
• Climate and Environmental policy and Environmental technology
• Internationalisation Initiative / go international
• EU Investment Policy
• OECD Working Party on Responsible Business Conduct
• Update of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises 2023
• Offset Arrangements
• Research Centre International Economics (FIW)
• Sustainability
• Trade policy
• World’s Fairs - EXPOs
• Labour Market Data
• Employment Committee (EMCO)
• European Global Adjustment Fund (EGF)
• European labour market policy
• The European Agriculture Fund for the Development of Rural Areas
• The European Social Fund
• Freedom of movement for workers
• Collective Agreements
• Wage Inspections
• Paid Leave and Leave
• Parental Leave
• Parental Part-Time Work
• Equal Treatment
• Internships
• Cross-Border Posting of Workers in the EU
• Cross-Border Work in the Construction Sector
• Cross-Border Hiring Out of Workers in the EU
• International and European Labour Law
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Screening of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)
• State border
• Surveying and geoinformation
• Product Contact Point
• Plan T – Master Plan for Tourism
• Tourism Statistics
• Tourism and the SDGs
• Sustainable Tourism
• Overview of the Austrian Education System
• Tourism Governance
• Tourism Service and Contacts
• Minister Martin Kocher
• Secretary-General Eva Landrichtinger
• State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler
• 175 years of the Ministry of Economy
• Organisational structure
• Citizens’ Service Centre
• Communication Policy
• Verification of officially signed documents

Language selection: Deutsch / English