A Traveller's Guide to Austria

Everything you need to know about travelling to Austria

Essential Facts

Currency

Austria accepts the Euro as its form of currency, with Visa, Amex, and Diners Club being the most commonly accepted credit cards. If an establishment has a “Eurocard” or an “Access” sign, this means they also accept Mastercard.

Language 

The main language spoken in Austria is German, although there are many other languages spoken throughout the country, including Croatian, Hungarian, Slovenian, and Turkish, due to foreign workers and the influx of people across European Union borders. English is also widely spoken and understood across the country.

Best Time To Go

For those who like nature and the outdoors, spend the summers hiking the Alps and their magnificent valleys, and in the winter ski some of the most famous slopes in the world. For those who are into culture, the summers offer you an opportunity to see some of the most famous landmarks, and in the winter watch as cities come alive with an abundance of Christmas markets. During the spring and autumn, you can expect a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with a temperate climate and fewer visitors.

Climate

Depending on which region of Austria you are staying in, you are looking at either a temperate or an alpine climate. Across the country, summertime usually provides hot temperatures in the day time with cool nights. Winters are usually cold, and frequently drop below freezing, making Austria a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding—even in the summer in the Alps.

Ideal Traveller

Fans of The Sound of Music can visit the filming locations for some of the most iconic scenes, or those with a passion for art can follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s most influential musicians and composers, and take in live music and dance performances. Of course, Austria is famous for its skiing and hiking and is perfect for anyone looking to get outdoors into nature and experience breathtaking views.

Getting There From North America

Major Airports

The two major airports in Austria are Vienna and Salzburg. However, Innsbruck also has an airport with many international flights.

Recommended flight route from the United States 

Year-round direct flights to Vienna are offered from many major airports in the US such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. A connecting flight is required to get to Salzburg or Innsbruck from the USA.

Recommended flight route from Canada

Toronto and Vancouver both have direct flights to Vienna, and multiple flights to Salzburg and Innsbruck, although these flights require a connection.

Essential Sights of Austria

Vienna

Vienna is a vibrant city full of music, culture, and tradition. The national capital embraces both imperial and modern traditions and is home to many cultural events, coffee houses, and wine taverns. It’s also where you’ll find some of Austria’s most iconic landmarks such as Schonbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and Belvedere Palace.

Salzburg

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and known as Austria’s centre for musical culture. It’s a great city in which to see a musical performance, whether an opera, concert, or musical, either at the opera house or as part of the famous Salzburg festival. The old town also has many castles, palaces, and museums to explore.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a winter sports haven that welcomes thousands of tourists a year. It is tucked away in the Austrian Alps and not only offers stunning scenery and outdoor experiences, it also has a rich history and is home to some very unique museums. The city offers a perfect mix of mountain and city experiences.

Austrian Alps

The Austrian Alps are an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering majestic views and plenty to do on an active vacation. The Alps stretch across the country and offer many opportunities for hiking and skiing, and some of the world’s best winter and summer sports playgrounds.

Other Highlights of Austria Off the Beaten Path

Werfen

Werfen is a small town just outside of Salzburg that’s home to the Festung Hohenwerfen, the second-largest fortress in the Salzburg region. The fortress overlooks the town from a cliff and offers imposing views. Active travellers will also want to check out Eisriesenwelt, the largest accessible ice cave in Europe.

Graz

The second largest city in the country, Graz is one of the best preserved historical cities in Europe. Visit some of its many historic landmarks such as Eggenberg Palace or the Kunsthaus Graz, a massive art museum that is home to works by many famous contemporary artists. Visitors looking for something slower paced can spend the day tasting wine at one of the many wineries located just outside the city.

Alpbach

This small, traditional alpine village with houses and lodges nestled in the trees is home to only 2,600 people. Translated to English, Alpbach means “flowering village,” which accurately describes this town where fresh flowers can be found in the windows and gardens of each house and scattered across the countryside. Offering multiple ski hills, this is a perfect place for a unique ski vacation and for travellers looking to hike mountains and valleys in the summer.

Mellau

Mellau is a unique town with quite a spectacular history. This tiny village is nestled in the Bregenz Forest in the westernmost region of Austria and has shifted between Austria, Bavaria, and France over the centuries. Mellau combines elements of all these national cultures, with beautiful wooden structures, charming houses, and an abundance of flowers. It’s also home to some very popular skill hills for locals.

Top Activities and Experiences in Austria

Schloss Schonbrunn

Schloss Schonbrunn was the summer residence of the Habsburgs, who ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace and its mesmerizing gardens are home to some of the most important architectural and cultural monuments in the country. Today, the palace is open to tourists and also hosts live concerts playing music from Austria’s most famous composers.

Hofburg Palace

Located in the heart of Vienna, the Hofburg was the main residence of the Habsburg dynasty for several centuries. Today, it is the official residence for the President of Austria and one of the city’s most popular attractions, with many museums and galleries within its palace grounds.

Fortress Hohensalzburg

This historic landmark sits atop a hill towering over the city of Salzburg. Construction of the fortress started in 1077 at the request of the Archbishops of Salzburg and once finished, it became the largest and best preserved medieval castle in all of Europe. Travellers can learn about the extensive history of the building and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Salzburg.

Essential Austrian Foods to Try

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener schnitzel (sometimes spelt wienerschnitzel) is one of the national dishes of Austria. Traditionally, wiener schnitzel is made with a thin, breaded piece of veal that’s fried and served with a variety of different side dishes. Germany has its own version of schnitzel that’s distinct from the Austrian kind; it’s usually made with pork instead of veal.

Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz is a very popular meat dish in Viennese culture and is popular across the country. This dish is veal or beef that is boiled in broth and served with apples, horseradish, and slices of roasted potato. The dish was made popular by Franz Joseph I, the former Emperor of Austria.

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel is a traditional Viennese apple strudel and is a beloved dessert across the country. The oldest known strudel recipe dates back to the 1600s, so it’s long been a part of the nation’s history. It’s a sweet layered pastry with apple filling that’s baked and served warm, usually sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Tips for Sustainable Travel

Travelling between cities and regions can easily be done via train, as Austria is centrally located in Europe. Many cities in Austria now offer bike share programs, providing easy and clean transportation around the city. The public transit system also offers a sustainable way of getting around. When heading into the Alps and other natural regions, be sure to stay at accommodations that reduce environmental impact and focus on green initiatives.

Where to Go Next

Because Austria is centrally located in Europe and shares borders with many countries, it makes for a great connecting destination by train, car, or short flight. Travellers looking to enjoy nature can continue their vacation into Switzerland and see the Swiss Alps. Culture lovers canpass into Italy or head east to Hungary to learn more about the Austro-Hungarian Empire.