Complete Austria Travel Guide, What You Need to Know

Austria is known for its rolling hills, alpine villages, elaborate mascarade balls, classical music, enormous palaces, Christmas markets, Hollywood’s Sound of Music, wiener schnitzel, and apple strudel. The country is so popular it receives over 30 million international tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this Austria travel guide and the following Austria travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Austria are Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Halstatt.

Vienna Austria Travel Guide

Vienna Austria is known for its gorgeous architecture and passageways, Mozart, Sigmund Freud, palaces, museums, churches, opera, wineries, coffee culture, and chocolate cake. Vienna’s Christmas Market is well known as one of the best in Europe.

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Salzburg Austria Travel Guide

Salzburg Austria is the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for Hollywood’s Sound of Music. The city sits in a valley at the foot of the Alps on the Salzach River and is full of cathedrals, courtyards, passageways, iron signage, love locks, city walls, a cobbled old town, a castle, museums, a palace with trick fountains, gardens, and amazing viewpoints.

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Read 48 Hours in Salzburg Austria

Innsbruck Austria Travel Guide

Innsbruck Austria is often called the capital of the Austrian Alps. The city has a famous golden roof. You will also find a Triumphal Gateway, Hofkirche bronze statues, Swarovski crystals, the pedestrian-only Maria-Theresien-Straße, palaces, frescoes, Gothic Churches, medieval houses, and panoramic views.

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Hallstatt Austria Travel Guide

Hallstatt Austria is a picture-perfect lakeside Alpine Village with half-timber homes climbing up a cliff. Hallstatt’s lake is full of swans, the streets are lined with balconies of flowers and there is a waterfall backdrop to the entire scene.

Read One Day in Hallstatt Austria

What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Austria

Where is Austria?

Austria is located in Central Europe. The country is bordered by the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria.

What is the language in Austria?

The national language in Austria is German. Dialects of Croatian, Hungarian, Slovenian, and Turkish are common. Over 70% of Austrians speak English. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.

Do I need a visa to visit Austria?

According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.

What is the currency in Austria?

The currency in Austria is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.

Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Austria?

ATMs are available throughout Austria. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Austria and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Austria, you will need a 4 digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euro. Most small businesses and villages are cash only.

How much should I budget per day in Austria?

According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Austria is $128. Expect to pay $1,768 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.

When is the best time to visit Austria?

The weather is often ideal in Austria during June and July. The high season is June through August, expect high prices and crowds. You may experience rain during shoulder season which is April and May, and September and October. December is a good time to visit the ski resorts or to experience the Christmas markets.

What transportation does Austria use?

The best way to travel through Austria is via ground transportation on the OBB Railjet high-speed train. Cities are easy to maneuver using public transportation including the metro (Vienna), local trains, trams, and buses. Pro Tip: although there are no ticket barriers, public transportation is not free. You will be fined if you do not have a ticket during a ticket check.

What kind of adaptor do I need in Austria?

The plugs in Austria are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.

What should I pack for Austria?

T-Shirts and athletic suits are uncommon in Austria. The overall clothing style is a smart casual look in either dark or solid colors. Women often wear dresses and skirts but jeans are acceptable. Wear shoes with cushioned soles for walking on cobbled streets. Long pants tucked into socks are recommended in forest areas to prevent ticks.

Is Austria a safe country for solo travelers?

According to Travel Safe Abroad, Austria is the third safest country for travelers. Not only is the overall risk low, but there is also a low risk for scams, pickpockets, and muggings. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.

What Austrian food do I need to try?

Wiener Schnitzel (pan fried veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled veal or beef), Vienna sausage, Knödel (dumplings), Käsespätzle (mac and cheese), Sacher Torte (chocolate cake), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and Viennese Coffee.

What are the main holidays and festivals in Austria?

• Mozart week in Salzburg is at the end of January.
• Viennese Ball Season is in January and February.
• The Vienna Christmas Market is held in mid-November and December.
• St. Nikolaus Day parades occur in early December.
• Krampus processions happen at the end of December.

Be Sure to check the Austria Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Tips for Traveling in Austria

• Many businesses are closed on Sundays.
• Taxes are included in the posted prices.
• It is safe to drink water from the tap.
• Tipping at restaurants is not necessary, round up to the nearest Euro.
• Follow the traffic signs, you may get fined for jaywalking.

Top Things to See and Do in Austria

• Tour Schönbrunn Palace and watch the strudel demonstration.
• View Klimt’s The Kiss at the Belvedere Palace Museum.
• Visit the beautiful Austrian National Library.
• See the world’s largest emerald at the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
• Attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera.
• Visit Mozart’s House and attend a classical music concert.
• Explore the world’s biggest ice cave, Eisriesenwelt.
• Visit Swarovski Crystal World.
• Wander the alpine village of Hallstatt.
• Hike to Europe’s tallest waterfall, Krimmler Ache.
• Visit Hochosterwitz Castle and Melk Abbey.
• Drive the Grossglockner Alpine Road.

Interesting Facts About Austria

• The Austrian Alps cover 62% of the country.
• Europe’s tallest waterfalls, Krimml Waterfalls, are in Austria.
• The largest ice cave in the world, Eisriesenwelt, is also in Austria.
• Military training is mandatory for all Austrian men.
• One-fourth of Austria’s population lives in Vienna.
• The world’s largest emerald is on display at the Imperial Palace in Vienna.
• Vienna is home to the oldest zoo in the world.
• The waltz, Red Bull, alkaline batteries, and slow-motion were created in Austria.
• Wolfgang Puck and Arnold Schwarzenegger are Austrian. The creator of the German sports car company Porsche was from Austria, so was the creator of the sewing machine.

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Austria Travel Guide

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Austria Attractions and Day Tours

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Have a great vacation!