Discover Austria: A Journey Through its Alpine Beauty and Rich Culture
Landlocked in the heart of Europe, Austria runs from the Alps in the west down to stately Vienna and the Danube River in the east. For six centuries it was the heart of the mighty Habsburg Empire which, at its peak, included what is now Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, along with much of Romania, Bulgaria and the Balkans. The Alps stretch west to Switzerland and, in winter, skiers come from all over the world to carve the slopes and experience the charm of the alpine villages and their welcoming inhabitants.
The country’s imperial inheritance is particularly striking in the grand buildings and cultural institutions of the Baroque-flavoured capital, Vienna, resplendent with palaces and captivating churches, cosy coffeehouses and inns, and grand ballrooms where Strauss’s waltzes still draw dancers onto the floor.
Another great Austrian composer was Mozart. He was born in Salzburg, a beautiful historic city where stunning Baroque churches rise up against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps. Travellers are able to visit the house where he was born as well as his former residence, both of which have been turned into museums.
The appeal of Austria may lie in its preservation of a romantic past, but this does not mean modern Austria has stood back from development. Behind the stunning scenery and antique architecture, the country’s cities and towns buzz with vibrant industrial and commercial activity.
Austrians work hard and play hard, with Austrian hospitality and cuisine earning high praise around the world. Whether taking a cruise on the iconic Danube, cycling through Alpine meadows, or enjoying a breathtaking day’s sightseeing in classic Vienna, there’s never a dull moment for visitors to Austria.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language in Austria is German.
- Passport/Visa:
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. For most nationalities, passports are required to be valid for three months beyond period of travel. It’s recommend that passports be valid for six months from the departure date.
- Currency:
The unit of currency is the euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change available in all towns, but it may be easier to use the ATMs. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but bureaux de change at airports and major city rail terminals are open seven days a week. Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted though some small hotels and restaurants may only accept cash.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard.
Overview
Scenic, deliciously polished and charming, Austria brings to mind images of skiing in the Alps, exploring Vienna’s impressive Baroque architecture and sampling the warm, rich cuisine of the alpine villages and their friendly inhabitants. It is the birthplace of many famous figures, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Sigmund Freud, not to mention Arnold Schwarzenegger. Austria is also home to Swarovski crystals, Lipizzaner stallions and the 11th-century Hohensalzburg Fortress, as well as one of the largest youth parties in Europe, the Danube Island Festival.
Austria is a year-round destination, with snowy winters perfect for mountaineering, skiing and snowboarding, and mild summers ideal for sightseeing. The many sights and attractions are made accessible by the national railway system, the U-Bahn, extensive motorways and various ports and harbours. With all these magnificent highlights so easily within grasp, taking a trip to this beautiful country in the warm heart of Europe is guaranteed to be a fulfilling, memorable experience for anyone.
Climate in Austria
Austria enjoys a temperate Central European climate with four distinct seasons. Summers, between June and August, are hot with cool nights. In Vienna and other low-lying cities, temperatures during the day can get uncomfortably hot over July and August. Winters are cold and below freezing in January and February. The ski season in the Alps runs from December to April but the mountains are also popular with hikers and climbers over the summer when the weather is usually warm and bright.
Health Notes when travelling to Austria
All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Water and food are safe and medical facilities are excellent; citizens of EU countries can get free emergency medical treatment at public hospitals in Austria on production of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Austria
Travel to Austria is generally trouble-free. However, visitors are advised to take sensible safety precautions to avoid petty theft, particularly in larger cities.
Customs in Austria
The most common and courteous greeting is the handshake, which is normal regardless of age and gender. Many Austrians value their physical and personal privacy when among strangers, so it’s best to respect their personal space. A good conversation topic is the country’s regional diversity, as Austrians enjoy talking about their home region. It is compulsory that vehicles are driven with their lights on throughout the year; smoking is not allowed in many public places.
Duty Free in Austria
Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years are allowed to bring in the following items without paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these products; 4 litres non-sparkling wine, or one litre of spirits with alcohol content more than 22 percent, or two litres of alcohol volume less than 22 percent; 60ml perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods to a total value of €430. Restricted items include pornographic material and fresh foodstuffs such as meat and dairy products. Travellers must have a European Firearms Pass if travelling with firearms.
Doing Business in Austria
Business protocol is very important in Austria and business is formal, structured and conservative, more so than in many other Western European countries. All correspondence should be formal. Dress is conservative yet elegant; Austrians take great pride in their appearance and a good quality, well-fitting suit for men and women should be worn to make a good first impression. Austrians are also very title-conscious, and it’s best to always use last names with a preceding title such as Herr (Mr), Frau (Mrs) or Fraulein (Miss), along with their professional or academic title where applicable (e.g. Herr Professor Kaufmann). It is vital to arrive punctually for meetings and to be thoroughly prepared, as meetings are brief and to the point. Foreigners should be prepared to engage in preliminary small talk, including a knowledge of current affairs, before getting down to business. English is widely spoken in business, but printed literature should be in German if possible. Offices open at 8am and close promptly at 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Austria
The international access code for Austria is +43. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Austria
A 10 to 15 percent service charge is normally added to hotel and restaurant bills in Austria, but it is customary to leave another five percent if satisfied with the service. Sometimes, patrons can round off the bill. Bartenders usually expect a rounded-up tip. It is common to give the money to the waiter rather than leave it on the table, but leaving small change for other service personnel is fine. Taxi drivers expect a 10 percent tip.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. For most nationalities, passports are required to be valid for three months beyond period of travel. It’s recommend that passports be valid for six months from the departure date.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but a visa is not needed for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport valid for three months beyond intended period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports require at least three months validity beyond the period of intended stay in Austria. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport but no visa is needed for travel to Austria.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but a visa is not needed for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay and a visa.
Tourist Offices
Austrian National Tourist Office, Vienna: +43 (0)1 588 660 or http://www.austria.info
Austria Embassies
- In the United States:
Austrian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 895 6700.
- In Canada:
Austrian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1444.
- In the United Kingdom:
Austrian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7344 3250.
- In Australia:
Austrian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6295 1533.
- In Ireland:
Austrian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 4577.
- In New Zealand:
Consulate of Austria, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 384 1402.
- In South Africa:
Austrian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 452 9155.
Foreign Embassies in Austria
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 313 397 535.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 531 383 000.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 716 130.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 506 740.
- Irish Embassy
Embassy of Ireland, Vienna: +43 (0)1 715 4246.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Consulate-General, Vienna: +43 (0)1 505 3021.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 320 6493.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
