AUSTRIA
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
ABOUT
AUSTRIA
Marvel at the homeland of Mozart's genius and Red Bull's energy empire—proving Austria has mastered both classical perfection and modern buzz.
Austria is where Alpine peaks frame baroque palaces, where Sound of Music meadows meet world-class ski slopes, and where coffee culture reaches art form status. This isn't your typical European classical tour.
It's where imperial grandeur meets mountain adventure, where you can waltz in ballrooms and hike glacial peaks in the same day.
Here's the thing about paradise: it's surprisingly harmonious. Landscapes that actually inspired great composers. Locals who genuinely believe in gemütlichkeit.
From Salzburg's baroque perfection to Hallstatt's lakeside charm, this country delivers on every Sound of Music fantasy.
Austria serves you the best schnitzel you've ever tasted.
Austria is for travelers who believe elegance should feel effortless.
It’s for those who hum Mozart without realizing it, who linger in grand cafés debating which dessert to order, and who pack formalwear just in case there’s a concert.
This is where beauty and culture show up in everyday moments. Train rides through snow-dusted mountains. Markets that smell like cinnamon. A waltz lesson that leaves you both dizzy and delighted.
Austria suits the traveler who finds joy in refinement. Someone who understands that true luxury isn’t always loud. It’s quiet. It’s thoughtful. And it tastes like Sachertorte.
If you like your travel with a soundtrack and just the right amount of sparkle, Austria is calling.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
AUSTRIA
PLACES TO SEE
Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna’s imperial summer residence with stunning gardens.
Hallstatt
A picture-perfect lakeside village with alpine charm.
Belvedere Palace
Baroque art, formal gardens, and Klimt’s masterpiece.
Vienna State Opera
One of the world’s finest musical venues.
Salzburg Old Town
Birthplace of Mozart with baroque beauty and musical history.
Melk Abbey
A hilltop monastery with golden halls and Danube views.
Wachau Valley
Cycle through vineyards and riverside villages.
Innsbruck
Alpine city with colorful houses and snow-capped peaks.
Grossglockner Alpine Road
Panoramic mountain pass and glacier lookout.
Lake Zell
A crystal-clear lake perfect for boating and biking.
Graz Clock Tower
Overlook Austria’s second city from a medieval perch.
Christmas markets
From Vienna to Salzburg, Austria glows with festive charm each winter.
QUICK FACTS
GETTING AROUND
Between Cities
Austria’s train network is fast, clean, and scenic. ÖBB rail connects Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz comfortably. Driving is easy in the countryside, though mountain roads may require caution.
Around Cities
Trams and buses are excellent in Vienna and Salzburg. City cards often include transit and museum access. Walking is ideal for old town exploration.
CRUISING & ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
Stay in imperial palace hotels, sleek design stays, alpine chalets, or family-run inns with flower boxes and homemade breakfasts.
Cruises
Danube river cruises include stops in Melk, Dürnstein, and Vienna—combining cultural charm with scenic luxury. Smaller lake cruises are available in Hallstatt and Zell am See.
SHOP, EAT & DRINK
Shop
Handcrafted woodwork, crystal glassware, Mozartkugeln chocolates, embroidered linens, and Christmas ornaments.
Eat
Try Wiener schnitzel, käsespätzle, apple strudel, goulash, and roast duck with red cabbage.
Drink
Sip Grüner Veltliner, Almdudler herbal soda, Sturm (young wine), and aromatic schnapps from mountain herbs.
TIME ZONE
Austria observes Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is GMT+2 during the summer months, and Central European Time (CET), which is GMT+1 in winter. Daylight saving time begins in late March and ends in late October, so check the current time before planning meetings or flights.
RIDE SHARE & TAXIS
Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are available in cities like Vienna and Salzburg. BlaBlaCar is used for long-distance carpooling. Taxis are easily hailed or booked through local apps.
ELECTRICITY & PLUGS
Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are available in cities like Vienna and Salzburg. BlaBlaCar is used for long-distance carpooling. Taxis are easily hailed or booked through local apps.
CLIMATE
Austria has a temperate alpine climate. Summer (June–August) is warm and ideal for hiking and festivals. Winter (December–March) is ski season. Spring and autumn are quieter and scenic, especially in wine regions and along the Danube.
FILM/TV & FAMOUS FACES
Austria’s stunning landscapes and classical cities have starred in iconic films like The Sound of Music, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, and Before Sunrise. It’s the birthplace of action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and conductor Gustav Mahler—making it a cultural heavyweight across film, music, and the arts.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Services: 112
Tourist Info Vienna: +43 1 24 555
Country Code: +43
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
AUSTRIA
EXPERIENCES TO HAVE
Hallstatt lakeside panorama
Take in storybook views where alpine homes cling to the water’s edge, reflected perfectly in the still mountain lake.
Schönbrunn Palace gardens
Wander manicured gardens once walked by emperors, with hedge mazes, fountains, and sweeping views fit for royalty.
Vienna State Opera lit up at night
Admire the glowing façade of one of the world’s most iconic opera houses, where elegance and artistry take center stage.
Wachau Valley vineyards
Sip your way through rolling hills and terraced vines along the Danube, where every glass tells a centuries-old story.
Alpine peaks from the Grossglockner Road
Drive one of Europe’s most scenic routes with jaw-dropping views of glaciers, wildflowers, and Austria’s tallest mountain.
Graz Old Town rooftops
Climb to the city’s clocktower for terracotta rooftop views over cobblestone lanes, church steeples, and Renaissance courtyards.
Viennese cafés with marble tables
Slow down with a slice of Sachertorte in a chandelier-lit coffeehouse where time seems to pause with every sip.
Christmas market stalls glowing at dusk
Wander twinkling stalls filled with mulled wine, handmade ornaments, and the magic of Austria’s holiday season.
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING ABOUT
AUSTRIA
FAQ's
Is Austria safe for tourists?
Yes—Austria is clean, efficient, and easy to explore. Public transport is reliable, and crime is minimal in both cities and villages.
How many days do I need in Austria?
7–10 days lets you explore Vienna, Salzburg, and the Alps. A shorter trip can focus on cultural touring or a Danube River itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Austria?
May–September for festivals and hikes. December is magical with Christmas markets. Spring and fall are quieter and scenic.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
TRAVELING IN
AUSTRIA
Waltzes, Wineries, and Wurst: Austria Through Local Eyes
Step into vineyard kitchens, village taverns, and ballroom halls where Austrians keep their heritage alive through food, music, and celebration. This is a place where every slice of strudel and every folk tune comes with a story.
From Opera Houses to Alpine Huts: Austria’s Culture is Always Live
Whether you’re sipping schnapps with a mountain guide or watching a street violinist near Mozart’s birthplace, Austria makes room for both elegance and authenticity. Culture here isn’t curated—it’s lived out loud, every day.
Beneath the Surface: The Austria Locals Are Proud to Show You
Go beyond postcard palaces to explore salt mines, coffee houses, and village festivals where real conversations happen. This version of Austria is rich with soul, where history meets heart over a shared slice of Sacher torte.
Austria hit the perfect winter escape note
Hot mulled wine, Christmas markets, and sleigh rides through snowy villages—it was cozy, festive, and full of wonder.
Gwen & Oliver Fields
Prefer to hand the planning over to a professional who has been to this destination and sent their clients there?
GET STARTED IN 3 SIMPLE STEPS
COMING SOON