AUSTRIA
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
ABOUT
AUSTRIA
Austria is where elegance meets earthiness—a place where imperial palaces and alpine peaks share the same breathtaking skyline.
Travelers come for the music of Mozart, the grandeur of Vienna, and the storybook villages tucked into mountain valleys, but they stay for something quieter: the way time slows in a café over a slice of sachertorte, or how the notes of a street violinist echo through cobbled lanes like a secret meant just for you.
Here, culture isn’t just admired—it’s lived. It dances through Vienna’s opera houses, simmers in Styrian kitchens, and pours generously into crystal glasses in the Wachau Valley.
Austria invites you to explore beauty not just with your eyes, but with all your senses—to feel history, taste tradition, and experience travel in its most refined and meaningful form.
Austria invites the kind of traveler who appreciates both precision and poetry. It’s for those who linger in coffee houses, wander through alpine meadows, and find beauty in the details—a frescoed ceiling, a perfectly timed symphony, a handmade pastry. The experience isn’t loud, but it resonates. You’ll trace melodies through concert halls, sip Grüner Veltliner under sunlit vineyards, and stroll through baroque gardens that feel like they belong to another era. Whether you’re following the footsteps of composers or hiking a trail above a glassy lake, Austria offers a calm richness that rewards curiosity. It’s a country where culture feels effortless, where nature and refinement coexist in harmony. It’s not a place you rush through—it’s one you absorb slowly, with all five senses engaged. Each moment here—whether simple or grand—feels like a gentle reminder to pause, to savor, and to carry a little more beauty into your life.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
AUSTRIA
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
TRANSPORT
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.
HOTELS/RESORTS/CRUISES
Hotels & Resorts
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.
SHOPPING
Shop for:
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.
Vaccines
Travelers should be up to date with routine vaccinations and boosters as recommended in the UK. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio (DTP). Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tick-borne encephalitis may also be recommended based on your travel plans.
Electricity and Plugs
Travelers should be up to date with routine vaccinations and boosters as recommended in the UK. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio (DTP). Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tick-borne encephalitis may also be recommended based on your travel plans.
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.
Safety
Austria is safe and easy to navigate. Cities are clean, public transport is efficient, and rural areas are peaceful. Basic precautions apply in tourist areas, but overall, travelers can explore with confidence—whether hiking alpine trails or strolling Vienna’s streets.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Emergency Services: 112 (EU-wide), or 133 (Police), 144 (Ambulance), 122 (Fire)
Tourist Info Vienna: +43 1 24 555
Poison Emergency Line: +43 1 406 4343
Country Code: +43
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.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
AUSTRIA
Hallstatt lakeside panorama
Schönbrunn Palace gardens
Vienna State Opera lit up at night
Wachau Valley vineyards
Salzburg’s Mirabell Gardens
Belvedere Palace and fountain
Alpine peaks from the Grossglockner Road
Graz Old Town rooftops
Innsbruck’s Golden Roof
Lake Zell reflections
Viennese cafés with marble tables
Christmas market stalls glowing at dusk
LEARN MORE ABOUT
TRAVELING IN
AUSTRIA
What we loved about this destination
An unforgettable experience! The sights, the people, and the culture were absolutely incredible.
Alex M.