Austria Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Vienna (Wien).

Geography:

Mountainous Austria is a landlocked country at the heart of Europe, bordered by Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy. The diverse landscape can be divided into five sections: the Eastern Alps (62.8%), the Alpine and Carpathian Foothills (11.3%), the Pannonian Lowlands (11.3%), the Vienna Basin (4.4%) and the Granite and Gneiss Highlands or Bohemian Massif (10.1%).

Austria's highest mountain is Grossglockner (3,798m/12,465ft) found in the Alps' Hohe Tauern range, and, on its way from the Black Forest in southern Germany to the Black Sea, the winding River Danube flows for approximately 360km (220 miles) through the country.

Nearly half of Austria is covered with forests, with the lower regions particularly densely wooded. Fir predominates above 488m (1,600ft), and gives way to larch and stone-pine beyond 1,219m (4,000ft); the Alpine foothills consist predominantly of arable land and grassland (above 610m/2,000ft); the Pannonian region is characterised by scrub and heathland.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

 Austrian Airlines (www.aua.com) is the country's main airline. Other airlines flying to Austria from the UK include British Airways (www.ba.com), easyJet (www.easyjet.com) and germanwings (www.germanwings.com) and Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com).

Major airports are: Innsbruck Airport, Salzburg Airport, Vienna International Airport, Blue Danube Airport Linz and Graz Airport.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

From London: to Innsbruck - 2 hours; Salzburg - 2 hours; Vienna - 2 hours 10 minutes.

From New York to Vienna - 8 hours 25 minutes.

Getting There By Road

The Channel Tunnel: Eurotunnel (tel: +44 8443 353 535, in the UK; www.eurotunnel.com) runs shuttle trains for cars, bicycles, motorcycles, coaches, minibuses, caravans, camper vans and other vehicles over 1.85m (6.07ft) between Folkestone in Kent, with direct road access from the M20, and Calais, with links to the A16/A26 motorway (Exit 13). All road vehicles are carried through the tunnel in shuttle trains running between the two terminals. The journey takes about 35 minutes from platform to platform and around one hour from motorway to motorway. There are up to four passenger shuttles per hour at peak times, 24 hours per day and services run every day of the year.

Car ferry: There are regular ferry services across the English Channel. The quickest and most practical route from London to Vienna is via the Dover-Calais ferry (crossing time - 1 hour 30 minutes). The distance by road is approximately 1,600km (1,000 miles). It is one day's drive in summer, but can take longer in winter. Munich is 4-5 hours from Vienna; Milan and Zurich are a good day's drive.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Vienna is connected to Graz, Klagenfurt, Linz, Innsbruck and Salzburg by Austrian Airlines (www.aua.com).

Car Hire

All the major car hire companies are represented in Austria, with offices in most cities, as well as at airports and main railway stations.

Documentation

National driving licences issued by EU countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are accepted, and enable holders to drive in Austria for up to one year. UK licences without a photo must be accompanied by some form of photo ID such as a passport. Car registration papers issued in the UK are also valid in Austria. A Green Card is recommended, but not compulsory if travelling from another EU country.

Getting Around By Rail

Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) (Austrian Federal Railways) (tel: +43 51717; www.oebb.at) runs an efficient internal service. There is a frequent intercity service from Vienna to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz and Klagenfurt. 

Regulations

Tolls must be paid on all Austrian motorways and 'S' roads. Tourists can purchase either 10-day, two-month or one-year discs which are available at all major border crossings, newsagents, petrol stations, automobile clubs, ÖAMTC and ARBÖ, and at post offices. There will be a digital vignette available as of 2018.

Cars must be driven with lights throughout the year. Seat belts must be worn and children under the age of 12 and under 150cm (4ft 11in) tall may not sit in the front seat unless a special child's seat has been fitted. All cars must have a first-aid kit and a warning triangle. All motorists must also carry high-visibility waistcoats and wear them whenever outside their vehicle on an Austrian roads. Both driver and passenger on a motorcycle must wear helmets, and the vehicle must have lights on at all times. 

Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas, 100kph (62mph) outside built-up areas and 130kph (80mph) on motorways. The minimum legal age for driving is 18.

Road Quality

Austria has an excellent network of roads.

Side Of Road

r

Urban Travel

Vienna has an extensive system of metro, bus, light rail and tramway services. Most routes have a flat fare, and there are pre-purchase multi-journey tickets and passes. The Vienna Card (www.wienkarte.at) entitles visitors to 24, 48 or 72 hours of unlimited travel by underground, bus and tram. It also entitles the holder to reductions at several museums and other tourist attractions in the city, as well as shops, cafes and wine taverns. The classic way to travel round the capital is by horse-drawn carriage (Fiaker); fares should be agreed in advance.

There are bus systems in all the other main towns, and also tramways in Linz, Innsbruck and Graz, and trolleybuses in Linz, Innsbruck and Salzburg.

Getting Around By Water

A number of operators run cruises along the Danube, and from Switzerland (Bregenz) across Lake Constance. On some cruises, a passport is needed; they last from one to eight days depending on the itinerary. These services run between spring and autumn.

Ferries: There are regular passenger boat services from mid-May to mid-September along the Danube and on Austria's lakes. The Danube services are run by DDSG Blue Danube Schiffahrt (www.ddsg-blue-danube.at) and private companies.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Austria set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Austrian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Austria follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Austria, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: 

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Austria are different.

If you are travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area. 

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport. 

At Austrian border control, you may need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Austrian government's entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Austrian Embassy in the UK.

If you're in Austria with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Austria.

Border controls at Germany's land borders 

There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the entry requirements for Germany. 

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Austria guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Austria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Austria

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Austria 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Austria

Political demonstrations

Demonstrations may happen with little or no warning in cities. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Crime levels are generally low. However, there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly pickpocketing, in the big city centres and city parks after dark. Thieves use a variety of methods to distract people.

Protecting your belongings

Take care on public transport and in crowded city centres including main stations. Be particularly careful with your belongings on international trains and when you take your baggage from trains and coaches.

Drink spiking

Drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers or leaving your drinks unattended. Criminals have robbed and assaulted people after spiking their drinks.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

By law, you must always have easy access to your passport. If you do not carry your passport, it must be in the same district as you, and you must be able to get it quickly. It can be helpful to carry a copy of the photo page. The Austrian authorities do not accept a UK driving licence as official ID.

Drugs   

Drug laws are similar to the UK. Possessing or trafficking drugs is dealt with severely.

Face-covering ban

It's generally illegal to wear any clothing or object in public that covers your face. You could get a fine of up to 150 euros. See information on Austria's face-covering ban, including a list of exemptions.

Public transport

You must validate your ticket in a ticket machine before starting a journey on public transport. If you do not, you could get a 100 to 500 euro on-the-spot fine.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

For outdoor activities and adventure sports, make sure:

• you use a well-established company
• your insurance covers your specific activity

For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example, off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing or paragliding), your insurance should include:

• mountain rescue services
• helicopter costs
• repatriation to your country of residence
• transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment

Check weather forecasts and conditions. Make sure you're properly equipped for the worst-case scenario with items such as a map, compass, GPS and telecommunications equipment.

Adventure sports and activities are riskier if you're alone. Consider hiring a guide for expert advice. Always leave details of your itinerary with someone.

Skiing

See preparing for winter sports abroad.

Take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel. Follow local skiing laws and regulations.

Off-piste skiing is very dangerous and can invalidate your travel insurance. Avalanches are a risk in some areas. Follow safety instructions carefully and go with a qualified guide. See European Avalanche Warning Service and the Austrian Avalanche Warning Service (in German).

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Austria, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Austria guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

Driving laws in Austria can be complex, especially for caravan and motorhomes. For more information, see EU road rules and safety and Austrian vehicle laws.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Austria if you are aged 18 or over. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence. 

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age. 

You must carry insurance and vehicle ownership documents.

There is also guidance on driving if you're living in Austria.

Motorway tolls

All vehicles on motorways and expressways in Austria are subject to tolls. If you use Austrian motorways, you must display a vignette (sticker) inside your windscreen. You could get a fine if you do not.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Austria
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Austria, including tick-borne diseases.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Austria. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Austria

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Austria where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Austria, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:  

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:  

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Austria.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services Austria

Ambulance or rescue: 144

Fire: 122

Police: 133

European emergency number: 112

You can also download the 112 Where Are U app, the European emergency number app.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Austria
• dealing with a death in Austria
• being arrested in Austria
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Austria on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Diphtheria	No
Hepatitis A	No
Malaria	No
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	No
Yellow Fever	No

Overview:

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Austria are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food Drink:

There’s nothing to mark out Austrian produce as particularly risky to general health. The tap water is also safe to drink.

Other Risks:

Ticks often live in heavily forested areas during the summer months in some of the more easterly parts of Austria and can create discomfort and, in very rare cases, serious infection to people who are bitten. Tick-borne encephalitis is endemic and travellers likely to find themselves in wooded areas from spring to autumn should take a course of injections.

Currency Information:

Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Credit Cards:

Major credit cards are accepted in large cities. However, some smaller hotels may require bills to be paid in cash.

ATMs:

ATMs are available throughout Austria, especially in the major towns and cities. Most accept all of the major bank cards, including Visa and American Express. In Austria ATMs are called Bankomats and can be identified by a sign with a green stripe above a blue stripe.

Travellers Cheques:

These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in a major currency (Euros, US Dollars, Pounds Sterling).

Banking Hours:

Mon to Wed and Fri 0800-1230 and 1330-1500; Thurs 0800-1230 and 1330-1730. Different opening hours may be kept in the various federal provinces. The exchange counters at airports and at railway stations are generally open from the first to the last flight or train, which usually means 0800-2200 including weekends.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency Exchange:

Foreign currencies and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and exchange counters at airports and railway stations at the official exchange rates.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
EUR	€

Exchange Rates

0.71

1.00

1.19

0.96

Language

German is the official language. Regional dialects are pronounced and within the different regions of the country one will encounter marked variations from Hochdeutsch, i.e. standard German. There are Croatian and Slovene-speaking minorities in the Burgenland and southern Carinthia respectively.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

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List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Epiphany	2024-01-06 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Ascension Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Whit Monday	2024-05-20 00:00:00	0
Corpus Christi	2024-05-30 00:00:00	0
Assumption	2024-08-15 00:00:00	0
National Day	2024-10-26 00:00:00	0
All Saint's Day	2024-11-01 00:00:00	0
Immaculate Conception	2024-12-08 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0

Overview:

Austria is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Austria's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take certain goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided you have paid tax on these goods, and they are for your own personal use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco or 800 tobacco sticks for E-cigarettes.
• 90L of wine (including up to 60L of sparkling wine).
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.
* However, visitors from Hungary can bring 300 cigarettes. Any cigarettes in excess of this quantity are subject to tobacco duty.
**These provisions also apply for entries from Northern Ireland.
***Entries from the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Helgoland, Büsingen, Ceuta and Melilla are treated the same way as entries from non-EU countries.
****For entries from the Åland Islands, France’s overseas territories, the Channel Islands and the Canary Islands the provisions regarding entry from non-EU countries only apply in connection with other import charges.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

 

Austria's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Austria by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars, 250g of tobacco or 800 tobacco sticks for E-cigarettes or a proportional mix of these products.
• 1L of spirits over 22% or 2L of fortified wine or spirits up to 22% or a proportional mix of these products.
• 4L of non-sparkling wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume or a proportional mix of these products.
• Medicinal products sufficient for your visit.
• Other goods up to a value of €430 for airline travellers or €300 for other travellers per calendar day (reduced to €150 for children under 15).

Via Switzerland
If you travel from one EU Member State to another EU member state and pass through Switzerland, you can carry with you goods to the extent that they are for your own personal use without incurring duties. When exceeding the duty-free allowance, the goods have to be declared when entering Switzerland. The Swiss authorities may require a guarantee which will be returned to you when leaving the country. When returning to the EU you have to declare the goods again. No fees will be charged if you can prove that the goods are brought in from another EU country and are intended for your own personal use.

.

Banned Imports:

Restricted imports include animals, plants and food products. Travellers may not import medicines other than prescribed drugs for personal use. If bringing a weapon and ammunition into Austria, you must hold a European Firearms Pass. The import of certain weapons, such as knuckle dusters or pump-action guns, is banned. The import of counterfeit goods is banned.

Travellers from non-EU countries should not bring meat and dairy products, plants or cultural goods unless they have the appropriate certificate to do so.

There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.

Telephone:

Call boxes are grey and found in all areas. International calls can be made from payphones with four coin slots.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.

Internet:

Wi-Fi is available throughout Austria. There are also many Internet cafes.

Post

Letters within Europe take two to four days, and to the USA four to six days. Post boxes are yellow or orange; red stripes mean that the box is also emptied weekends and bank holidays.

Post Office Hours:

Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1800, and Sat various hours. Main post offices and those at major railway stations are open for 24 hours, seven days a week, including public holidays, though some services may be limited. Monetary transactions in all post offices permitted Mon to Fri until 1700, Sat 0800-1000.

Media:

Austria's public broadcaster, Österreichischer Rundfunk, has long-dominated the airwaves, but now faces growing competition from private broadcasters, particularly in Vienna. This is a relatively new phenomenon to Austria. Some German cable or satellite channels deliberately tailor their content for Austrian audiences. The print market is mainly privately owned, fiercely competitive and popular.

Paddle the Danube in the Donau-Auen National Park

One of the last major wetlands in Europe, this national park nurtures a diversity of plants and animals. A short drive from Vienna, the vast green space offers the perfect escape to the city with the winding Danube splitting the forest in two. Take a canoe downstream and enjoy the water up close.

Play 18 holes in the Austrian mountains

Play golf at more than 150 courses in what is one of Europe's fastest-growing golf destinations. Settings to test your swings sway from the grounds of historic castles to alpine valleys and terraces. Check your putting in standout settings such as Schloss Schonborn, known for its manor house 19th hole, and Golf Eichenheim in Kitzbuehel for views across the Kaiser Mountains.

Waltz the night away at the Johann Strauss Ball

Dance the hours away at a recreation of a traditional Austrian ball. Find out your most elegant black tie attire for the annual Johann Strauss Ball, which takes place in a beautiful ballroom in the Kursalon Vienna, one of Vienna’s most beautiful and historic buildings. Guests are welcomed with a waltz and served fine dining cuisine before finishing the evening with a midnight concert.

Unwind with coffee and cake

Relax and watch the world go by as you submit to Austria's Kaffeehaus (coffee shop) culture: cakes and puddings (such as torte, of which there are around 60 varieties) can be eaten guilt-free, knowing that it is all in the name of upholding a national institution.

Sample the best of Austria's vineyards

Take a tasting tour through one of Austria's wine-growing regions, such as Lower Austria or Southern Styria for their elegant Sauvignon blanc and the Burgenland. Most wines, such as the well-known Riesling wine, are white, but there also some good reds from Baden and Burgenland worthy of attention.

Take to the lake for floating opera

Attend the Opera in style: besides the many opera performances in Austria's major towns and cities, journey to Bregenz for a show with a difference. The Upper City is home to St Martinsturm (St Martin's Tower) and the world's largest floating stage for summer opera productions.

Ride Austria's steepest steam railway

Take an old 19th-century steam train and gaze at some picturesque Austrian scenery. Starting at the famous and beautiful village of St Wolfgang in Salzkammergut, Austria’s steepest cogwheel rail pulls itself to the top of Schafberg Mountain. At 1,783m (5,850ft), riding the railway is preferable to making it up under your own steam.

Hold your nerve at Harakiri, Austria’s steepest ski slope

The Alps are one of Europe's major winter sport destinations, and keen snow freaks can go skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, sleigh riding, curling and skating across much of Austria. However, only the bravest should test their mettle at Mayrhofen, where the country's steepest ski slope, Harakiri, leans at a vertigo-including 78%.

Hike high and low in the Alps

Once the snow has melted, hike through the Alps' varied landscapes, ranging from forests and green slopes to glaciers and rocks. The Vorarlberg's alpine pastures provide gentle walks, while the Hohe Tauern National Park has more demanding trekking. For a long distance adventure, sweat the length of the Lech River – Holzgau suspension bridge has unforgettable views.

Discover the delights of Tyrol

Explore the Tyrol, Austria's most mountainous province, with forests, pastures, valleys, mountain lakes, alpine villages, churches and castles. Innsbruck, the region’s capital, has numerous historical buildings including a 12th-century castle. For spectacular views, take the funicular to Hungerburg and then the cable car to Hafelekar at 2,334m (5,928ft).

Enjoy the country's coolest sculptures

Witness the magical Eisriesenwelt in Werfen: ice caves, featuring wonderful ice sculptures all year round. These natural caverns are buried deep beneath the mountain wall that flanks the valley south of Salzburg and are accessible by cable car. As well as shimmering walls and impressive icicle displays, the caves offer uninterrupted vistas over the mountains.

Visit the birthplace of Mozart

Pay homage to Salzburg's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His birthplace (Mozart Geburtshaus) is in the Getreidegasse, also the city's main shopping street and is now a dedicated museum. So too is his family home (Mozart Wohnhaus) on the market square, where concerts and lectures are held alongside a permanent exhibition.

Bathe in award-winning lakes

Take in the awesome panorama of some of Austria's beautiful lakes: they include Wörthersee, Wolfgangsee, Traunsee, Hallstättersee and Mondsee, one of the warmest lakes in the Salzkammergut region. Known as "Austria's Riveria", Carinthia's lakes reach temperatures of around 28°C (82°F) and are best for bathers having won several awards for their water quality.

See the striking stallions of Austria

Watch the famous Lipizzaner stallions perform finely executed dressage manoeuvres in Vienna. Set to Viennese classical music, the performances are held at the splendid Hofburg Palace. The Spanish Riding School, named after the horses' heritage, is also in the capital, while in Piber, visitors can see the stud farm where they are looked after, trained and ridden. 

Get to grips with Graz on foot

Explore Graz on foot. Must-sees include the Universalmuseum Joanneum encompassing the Alte Galerie's gothic paintings, the Neue Galerie in the Herberstein Palace, the Cathedral, the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, the old quarter, the Schlossberg (Castle Hill) with its Uhrturm (clock tower), and the Glockenturm (bell tower).

Admire Austria's architectural beauty

Soak up Vienna's baroque elegance, notably in the First District (the Innere Stadt), and enjoy Salzburg’s splendid Altstadt (old city), which features the Hohensalzburg fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other sights in Salzburg include the Peterskirche (St Peter's Abbey, with cemetery and catacombs), the Domkirche (intended to rival St Peter's in Rome) and the Alter Markt (old market square).

Look good in leather at the Lederhosen Festival 

Admire traditional Austrian attire at the annual Lederhosen Festival in Windischgarsten. With wood-chopping races, ceremonial dancing and accordion playing, the festival is a celebration of Austrian custom. Although the wearing of the aforementioned costume is optional, drinking good beer and cheering at the election of “Miss (or Mr) Lederhosen” is compulsory.

Celebrate classical music at Salzburg festival

Listen to classical music in the city that produced Mozart. World renowned, the Salzburg Festival provides a varied programme, from singers, actors, orchestras and opera. Enjoy a concert at the House for Mozart or outside in Cathedral Square with its breath-taking baroque backdrop.

Overview

High-quality goods such as handbags, glassware, chinaware and winter sports equipment are the cream of specialist items found in Austria.

Opening Hours

Shops and stores are generally open from Mon-Fri 0800-1800 (with a one- or two-hour lunch break in smaller towns) and Sat 1200-1700. Big stores and shops in tourist resorts now open Mon-Fri 0800-2100 and Sat/Sun 0800-1800.

Overview

Viennese cuisine borrows heavily from its southeastern European neighbours, most notably Hungary, Serbia, Romania and Dalmatia. Broth-based soups, dumplings, cheese spreads, and stewed and breaded meats are all commonplace, but the real star of the show here is confectionary.

Austria’s desserts and cakes are renowned, and the lavish patisserie window displays, piled high with towers of tortes adorned with intricate icing, are photograph-worthy. Gourmet culture is particularly evident in Vienna’s cafés, where coffee-drinking has been raised to a high art.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

On restaurant bills, a service charge of 10 to 15% is included, but it is usual to leave a further 5%.

Drinking Age

16 (for beer and wine); 18 (for spirits).

Hotels

There is a wide range of hotels in Austria, from budget bed and breakfasts to a plethora of luxury hotels.

Grading: There is the Hotelstars Union grading system from 1 to 5 stars. 

Camping Caravaning

There are approximately 500 campsites in Austria, all of which can be entered without any major formalities; approximately 160 sites are equipped for winter camping. When camping in private grounds, permission from the landowner, police and municipal council is needed. For detailed information, contact the Austrian National Tourist Office.

Other

History

From the first human settlements in the Danube Valley, to the ensuing Celts, Illyrians, Romans and Bavarians, and then the noble Babenberg and the Habsburg dynasties, Austria is a land that has been ruled by many.

Perhaps the most influential of its rulers, however, was the noble Habsburg family, which used Austria as the cornerstone of their empire for an astounding six centuries. The first of many emperors from the house came to power in 1273, and by the 16th century, the Habsburgs’ holdings had expanded dramatically across continental Europe both through military conquests and marriages.

In the wake of the French Revolution in the late-18th century, a creeping nationalism spread among the people of Europe and the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved. Despite this new drive for independence among some of the empire’s ethnic groups, the Habsburgs managed to hold onto power.

In 1867, the dual monarchy of Austro-Hungary was created in an effort to avoid the secession of an increasingly dissatisfied Hungary. This meant that the Habsburgs agreed to share power with the Hungarian government, divvying up the territory of the old Austrian Empire between them. Though Austria and Hungary was still officially one unit bound by the same ruling emperor, in reality, they had begun to go down increasingly divergent paths.

The Habsburgs’ 640-year reign was finally ended by WWI. Even before the conflict was officially over, various groups began to declare independence and in 1918, the emperor abdicated. WWII saw Hitler invade and occupy Austria, persecuting the country's Jewish community. Post Holocaust, Austria's Jewish community rebuilt itself, but to this day the Jewish population remains much smaller than before WWII.

After Austria's liberation by the Allies in 1944, foundations were laid for the Second Republic, which was formally established in 1955. Upon becoming an independent nation, the Austrian parliament declared permanent neutrality and, soon after, joined the UN. In 1995, Austria entered into the European Union, and also signed the Schengen Agreement, before adopting the Euro in 1999.

Did you know?
• Vienna is home to the oldest zoo in the western world, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which began as a royal menagerie for Holy Roman Emperor Francis I in 1752.
• Because of its permanent neutrality, Austria is not a member of NATO.
• Vienna is home to more dead people than living; there are an estimated three million plus buried in the city’s Central Cemetery, though the living population only numbers around 1.7 million.
• Austria boasts some strange place names including a town called Egg and a village called Fucking, which has been plagued by spates of signage theft.

Religion

Approximately 64% of the population is Roman Catholic. As of January 2011, 64.1% of the population identified as Catholic. The most recent Church diocese figures indicated that almost 59% of Austrians attend the Catholic Church.

Social Conventions

Austrians tend to be quite formal in both their social and business dealings. They do not use first names when being introduced, but after the initial meeting first names are often used. Handshaking is customary when saying hello and goodbye.

It is considered impolite to enter a restaurant or shop without saying Guten Tag (good day) or, more usually, Grüss Gott (common greeting which literally means 'greet God'); similarly, to leave without saying Auf Wiedersehen (goodbye) can cause offence. If invited out to dinner, flowers should be brought for the hostess. The Church enjoys a high and respected position in Austrian society, which should be kept in mind.
 

Best Time To Visit:

The best time to visit Austria is June to September for those seeking sunshine and low rainfall, whilst November to March are ideal for those seeking winter sports.

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Required Clothing

European clothes according to season. Alpine wear for mountain resorts.

Dialing Code:

+43

Area(sq km):

83871

Population:

9.006.398

Population Density(per sq km):

106

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

Yes

Main emergency number

112