Caution October 19, 2023

Worldwide caution, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

  • Travel Advisories |
  • Contact Us |
  • MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Austria - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Austria.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Austria.

If you decide to travel to Austria:

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Austria.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months validity recommended, at least 3 months validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area is required.

Two pages required for entry stamp

Not required for stays under 90 days within each 180-day period

For a complete list of recommended vaccinations, please see the CDC country page on Austria.

10,000 Euros or equivalent

Embassies and Consulates

Consular Section Parkring 12A (Marriott Hotel Building) 1010 Vienna, Austria Telephone: +43-(0)1-31339-7535 Emergency after-hours telephone: +43-(0)1-31339 Fax: +43-(0)1-5125835 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Embassy Vienna NOTE: No consular services are provided at the Embassy.

Boltzmanngasse 16 1090 Vienna, Austria Telephone: +43-(0)1-313-390 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

                               

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Prospective residents or anyone intending to  stay longer than 90 days  must obtain the appropriate visa. Visit the  Embassy of Austria’s website  for current  visa information  or the Government of Austria’s  website on migration . Austria collects the fingerprints of all visa applicants.

Students  and prospective students should visit the  Study in Austria  webpage for current information on  student visa requirements. Fulbright students and scholars with questions should contact their respective  program officer .

Traveling Through Europe:  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

  • Your passport should be valid for at lea st three months beyond the period of stay  if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
  • You may be asked to show proof of s ufficient funds  and a r eturn plane ticket.
  • For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Austria.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Some terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – against soft targets, such as:

  • High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
  • Places of worship
  • Shopping malls and markets
  • Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Crime:  Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and violent crime is rare. Crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal property do occur. These crimes frequently occur in tourist areas, including the plaza around St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the nearby pedestrian shopping areas in Vienna’s First District.

  • Beware of  pickpockets  on public transportation and in bus or train stations. Trains between Vienna and Budapest, Prague, or Rome are high-risk.
  • Do not leave bags unattended.
  • Do not carry your passport when sightseeing within Vienna; lock it in your hotel safe or other secure area unless needed for travel. Instead, carry a photocopy of your passport at all times along with a second form of ID such as a U.S. driver’s license.

Demonstrations  are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

  • Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
  • Past demonstrations have turned violent.
  • Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You can call the police at 133. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at+43-(0)1-313-390. Report crimes to the local police at  133  and contact the U.S. Embassy

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We may be able to help victims of crime with the following:

  • Help you find appropriate medical care
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  • Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
  • Provide a list of local attorneys
  • Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is regulated and rules are enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff are typically on hand to support organized activities. In the event of an injury, medical treatment is available throughout the country. Outside of a major cities, it may take first responders and medical professionals longer to stabilize a patient or provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

For further information:

  • Enroll in  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP )   to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
  • Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department's travel website  for  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook . 
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are  arrested or detained , ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

  • You can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines   for possessing, using, or trafficking in  illegal drugs  in Austria. If you break Austrian laws,  your   U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution .

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection may confiscate the items or fine you, if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report  – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Austria. The LGBTQI+ community is well-developed in larger cities, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. LGBTQI+ organizations operate freely. While there is some societal prejudice against LGBTQI+ persons, Austria has become more liberal with laws and social opinion concerning sexual orientation and gender identity. Anti-discrimination laws also apply to LGBTQI+ persons. Same sex couples are permitted to marry or enter a legally recognized civil union.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  Laws in Austria prohibit discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities, and are enforced. Accessibility is limited in older buildings, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, castles, and other tourist attractions especially outside of major cities. Rentals, repair and replacement parts for wheelchairs, orthopedics, and other equipment are available in major cities. For a list of providers , click here to see City of Vienna’s accessibility website.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

Medical facilities and staff are generally excellent and emergency services are available countrywide.

For general emergency services in Austria, dial  112.

To call an ambulance, dial 144 .

Ambulance services are widely available.

Local hospitals will not settle accounts directly with American insurance companies.  You must pay the hospital’s bill and later claim reimbursement from the insurance carrier in the United States.  The Austrian Medicine Import Act prohibits the import of most prescription drugs into Austria. However, non- European Union residents are allowed medicines as part of their personal luggage, but only the quantity required for the period of time you’ll be in the country. Travelers may not receive medicine by mail from abroad while in Austria. If a particular medication is not available in Austria, an Austrian pharmacy may be able to order the medication prescribed by a local physician from a pharmacy in the United States.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most health care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our  webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals on its  website . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Austrian Ministry for Health  to ensure the medication is legal in Austria.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

World Health Organization

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:   Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Health Facilities

  • Austria has world class healthcare facilities throughout the country.
  • Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” or adequate health insurance prior to service or admission. Patients who need emergency or life-saving medical treatment will not be turned away for lack of payment or insurance.
  • Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

  • Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Austria.
  • We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals       

  • Many medications that are common in the United States are illegal in Austria, even with a prescription. Austria does not allow the importation of any pharmaceuticals that contain narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. Obtaining such medications in Austria is either impossible or requires a diagnosis and prescription from an Austrian doctor. Please review the medication rules on the websites of the  Austrian Embassy  in Washington, D.C., and the  Austrian Health Ministry .
  • COVID-19 tests in Austria are widely available at local Apoteken (pharmacies), including rapid and PCR tests. U.S. citizens are responsible for paying for all costs upfront. Results are normally delivered by e-mail, test or you may request a physical copy from the lab.  
  • The COVID-19 vaccine is available free of charge for U.S. citizen residents of Austria and hold valid Austrian healthcare E-cards. U.S. citizen visitors may be required to pay vaccination costs upfront.

Many cities in western Austria are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Travel to High Altitudes .

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   Road conditions in Austria are excellent. During the winter, roads in alpine areas may become dangerous due to snow, ice, or avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods. Snow tires or chains may be required in certain provinces or mountain towns. If you are renting a car in winter months and driving to a ski resort, check with your car rental company to ensure your vehicle is properly equipped.

Be alert when you drive through autobahn construction zones, particularly on the A-1 East/West Autobahn. Traffic information  and road conditions are broadcast on the  English-language channel, FM4 (frequency depends on location). Traffic information is posted on digital signs, and trackable in popular mobile apps. Emergency roadside help and information may be reached by dialing  123  or  120  for vehicle assistance and towing services (Austrian automobile clubs),  122  for the fire department,  133  for police, and  144  for ambulance. The European emergency line is  112 .

Traffic Laws : Please see Austria’s  travel webpage  for detailed information related to driving. Below are key laws to consider:

  • Penalties for  driving under the influence  are stricter than in many U.S. states.
  • Display an “ autobahn vignette ” highway-tax sticker  on the inside of the vehicle’s windshield. The fine for failing to display a valid sticker is EUR 120 ($150 USD), paid in cash “on the spot.”
  • The  maximum speed  limit is 130 km/hr (81mph) on the Austrian autobahns.
  • It is  against the law  to use a  hand-held cell  phone while driving.
  • It is  against the law  to turn  right on red .
  • It is  mandatory  for cars on Austrian motorways to pull over when an emergency vehicle is approaching. On two-lane roads or larger, vehicles pull over to either far left or far right to create an emergency corridor down the center.  
  • You could be issued a substantial fine  for not usin  winter tires  on your vehicle between November 1 and April 15, depending where you are driving. Your car  insurance is void  if you are in an accident, and your vehicle does not havewinter tires.
  • Read your rental contract closely.You may be  arrested, fined , and/or charged with attempted auto theft if you try to drive a rental car in countries listed as “prohibited” on the car rental contract.
  • A U.S. driver's license  alone is  not sufficient to drive in Austria.  A U.S. driver's license must be accompanied by an international driving permit or by an official translation of the U.S. driver's license, which can be obtained in the United States at AAA, or at one of the Austrian automobile clubs (ÖAMTC or ARBÖ). U.S. citizens who intend to take up residence in Austria must obtain an Austrian driver’s license after six months of arriving.

Public Transportation:  Austrian Federal Railways ( Österreichische Bundesbahnen ) offers train service to all major towns in Austria and major cities in Europe. There is also an extensive network of Österreichische Post  bus lines . All major cities have excellent public transportation systems. Click  here  for Vienna’s public transportation website.

See our  road safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Austria’s  national tourist office  and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Austria’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Austria’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .

Austria was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Austria.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, austria map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

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

  • Things to Do
  • Cities and Culture
  • Top 10 Sights in Austria

Austria’s Top Sights

From Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace to Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, these are the top 10 attractions you should visit in Austria.

View to Schönbrunn Palace and the Gloriette Austrian National Tourist Office / Julius Silver media_content.tooltip.skipped

View of the Ringstrasse from the roof of the Burgtheater Wien Tourismus / Christian Stemper media_content.tooltip.skipped

1. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

The Habsburgs’ summer residence is Austria’s most popular tourist attraction. Take a guided tour through the Imperial ceremonial rooms or stroll through the freely accessible gardens. Nearby, you can visit Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world.

2. Ringstrasse, Vienna

Vienna’s Ringstrasse (ring road) circles the city’s first district and is home to some of the most grandiose buildings Austria’s capital has to offer. The State Opera, Parliament, City Hall, the university and more can all be seen by taking a stroll along Ringstrasse or boarding a tram.

3. Giant Ferris Wheel, Vienna

Located in Vienna’s historic Prater amusement park, the Giant Ferris Wheel gives you some of the best views over the city. Its passenger cars can be booked for private breakfasts, candle-lit dinners, and even weddings.

4. Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg

First built in 1077, Hohensalzburg Fortress stands high above the city of Salzburg, a short (but steep) walk from the city centre. Inside, you will find the Princes’ Chambers with furnishing that have not been changed since the early 1500s, as well as a museum showcasing ancient suits of armour and a historic marionette museum.

5. Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg

When you walk through Salzburg’s Getreidegasse, a quaint, cobble-stoned shopping street that is reminiscent of centuries past, you won’t be able to miss Mozart’s birthplace at no. 9. After all, it’s one of the most popular museums in the world nowadays, showcasing the original rooms and Mozart’s musical instruments.

Salzburg City - View of the Hohensalzburg Fortress Tourismus Salzburg GmbH / Günter Breitegger media_content.tooltip.skipped

Mozart's Birthplace Tourismus Salzburg GmbH Mozart's birthplace media_content.tooltip.skipped

6. Schlossberg Hill & Clocktower in Graz, Styria

A must-do for every first-time visitor to Graz is climbing Schlossberg hill and seeing the city’s famous clocktower up close. If you don’t feel up to climbing the 260 stairs, simply take the lift (located inside the actual hill) or the Schlossbergbahn funicular. Up top, you can treat yourself to a coffee with fantastic views over the city.

7. Kunsthaus Art Museum in Graz, Styria

The Kunsthaus in Austria’s second city, Graz, attracts visitors not just with its modern art exhibitions, but with its unusual architecture: Opened in 2003, it is said to look like a “friendly alien” in the midst of Baroque architecture. With its large, tube-like "nozzles" for windows that stick out from the curved roof and its computerized lighting system, it’s a true eye-catcher in Graz’s city centre.

The clock tower at the city mountain Schlossberg in Graz Graz Tourism / Harry Schiffer media_content.tooltip.skipped

8. Golden Roof in Innsbruck, Tirol

Located in the midst of the old town, Innsbruck’s Golden Roof is perhaps the city’s most famous landmark. Built in the 15th century at the behest of Kaiser Maximilian I, its 2,657 gilded shingles shine as bright as ever.

9. Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Tirol

25 minutes outside of Innsbruck, a world of crystals awaits that has to be seen to be believed: There are 17 separate “crystal chambers”, including a giant crystal dome and an “infinity mirror room” featuring a revolving chandelier. There are stunning crystal exhibits and installations by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Keith Haring. And outside, a cloud made out of 800,000 crystal rivals the starry night sky.

Crystal Dome (Swarovski Crystal Worlds) Swarovski Kristallwelten media_content.tooltip.skipped

10. Ars Electronica Center in Linz, Upper Austria

Talk to an android on the phone, pet a robot seal, or clone your favourite plant: The Ars Electronica Center in Linz is a unique interactive museum which lets you experience science, technology, and art up close. Its 5,100 m2 (56,000 sqft) LED façade right next to the Danube continuously changes colours, making for a nightly spectacle.

Discover Austria's Cities

City breaks in summer - your cultural 'lebensgefühl'.

City trips in Austrias cultural summer hit right at the heart. Because Austrias cities surprise, make curious – and sometimes even are addictive. #feelAustria

austria tourist information

  • 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 ):

austria tourist information

Cities edit

austria tourist information

  • 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

austria tourist information

  • 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

austria tourist information

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 tourist information

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

austria tourist information

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

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 tourist information

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.

austria tourist information

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

austria tourist information

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.

austria tourist information

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

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.

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 .

austria tourist information

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.

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.

austria tourist information

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 .

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.

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.

austria tourist information

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 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

austria tourist information

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

austria tourist information

  • 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]

austria tourist information

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

austria tourist information

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.

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] .

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 tourist information

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)

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.

austria tourist information

IMAGES

  1. Tourist Places to Visit in Austria

    austria tourist information

  2. 7 Reasons why you should visit Austria

    austria tourist information

  3. Austria travel guide: Everything you need to know about visiting

    austria tourist information

  4. First-Time Guide to Austria: The 4 Best Places to Visit in Austria

    austria tourist information

  5. Things to do in Austria

    austria tourist information

  6. Top 4 Must-See Sights in Vienna, Austria

    austria tourist information

COMMENTS

  1. Things to Do in Austria Plan Your Trip

    Austria has plenty of interesting things to do and places to visit that will excite the entire family. From the world's oldest amusement park to the world's largest ice cave, and from salt mines to dinosaur parks, there is no end of entertainment for the little ones in Austria. Read more.

  2. Austria International Travel Information

    Destination Description. Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements. Safety and Security. Local Laws & Special Circumstances. Health. Travel and Transportation. Fact Sheet. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. For additional travel information.

  3. Austria’s Top Sights 10 Attractions to See in Austria

    Things to Do. Cities and Culture. Top 10 Sights in Austria. Austria’s Top Sights. From Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace to Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, these are the top 10 attractions you should visit in Austria. 1. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna. The Habsburgs’ summer residence is Austria’s most popular tourist attraction.

  4. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Austria

    Things to Do in Austria. Explore popular experiences. See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. Bus Tours (606) Historical Tours (680) Sacred & Religious Sites (771) Walking Tours (486) Nature and Wildlife Tours (98) Nature & Wildlife Areas (127) Day Trips (320) City Tours (302) Architectural Buildings (717)

  5. Austria

    Connect. Cope. 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 [