Overview of Austria
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:
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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. We always 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.
Travel to Austria
Overview
Austria is perfect for sightseeing, with an assortment of wonderful tourist attractions. Just the mention of this scenic, multicultural country 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.
Austria 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
No vaccinations are necessary for business visits or general tourism in Austria. Water and food are safe. Medical facilities are excellent. Medical insurance is advised unless from the UK - citizens of EU countries can get free emergency medical treatment at public hospitals in Austria on production of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
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
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 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content more than 22 percent, or 2 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: always use last names with a preceding title such as Herr (Mr), Frau (Mrs) or Fräulein (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. 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 10-15 percent service charge is normally added to hotel and restaurant bills in Austria, but it is customary to leave another 5 percent if satisfied with the service. Sometimes, one can round off the bill. Bartenders usually expect this 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. We always 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 endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar, only need to be valid for period of intended stay in Austria. All other endorsements require at least three months validity beyond the period of intended stay in Austria.
A visa is not required for passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a half-year period for holders of passports with any other endorsement. Holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom', do not require a visa to visit Austria.
- 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:
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Austrian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 895 6700.
- In Canada:
-
Austrian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1444.
- In the United Kingdom:
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Austrian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7344 3250.
- In Australia:
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Austrian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6295 1533.
- In Ireland:
-
Austrian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 4577.
- In New Zealand:
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Consulate of Austria, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 384 1402.
- In South Africa:
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Austrian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 452 9155.
Foreign Embassies in Austria
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 313 397 535.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 531 383 000.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 716 130.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 506 740.
- Irish Embassy
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Embassy of Ireland, Vienna: +43 (0)1 715 4246.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand Consulate-General, Vienna: +43 (0)1 505 3021.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 320 6493.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Austria
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Austria, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you. |  |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Although rabies can be found in bats and other mammals in Austria, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites or other animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Austria, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Although rabies can be found in bats and other mammals in Austria, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites or other animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Austria, so your behaviors are important.
Food and water standards in Austria are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.
Hide Although Austria is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Austria include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
- If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
- Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Austria’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Make sure there are seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Austria, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Austria for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Austria.
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
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.
Vienna International (VIE)
Vienna International Airport
http://www.viennaairport.com
Location: Vienna The airport is located 14 miles (23km) southeast of Vienna.
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between April and October).
Contacts:
Tel: +43 170 070
Transfer between terminals:
Terminals are adjacent and are walking distance from one another.
Getting to the city:
Local trains and buses leave regularly for Vienna. There is also a City Airport Train, which provides a fast and direct service to the centrally located City Air Terminal that is connected to the underground, bus and tram networks. Trains depart every 30 minutes and operate between 5.36am and 11.39pm.
Car rental:
Car hire companies include Alamo, Avis, Buchbinder, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Flizzr, Hertz, Megadrive, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis:
There are taxis available in front of the Arrivals Hall. The taxi fare is metered and the drive takes around 30 minutes.
Facilities:
There are numerous shops, including duty-free, as well as various restaurants and bars in all terminals. Bureaux de change and banks are available. Other facilities include airline lounges, luggage storage, business centres, and a medical centre.
Parking:
Vienna International Airport has two multi-storey car parks connected to the terminal via covered walkways. Parking fees range from €3.90 per hour to €39.90 for a day, with additional days at a cheaper rate. Rates do vary according to section. Park C, the long-term parking lot, is generally cheaper but is still within walking distance of the terminal building.
Salzburg Airport (SZG)
WA Mozart Salzburg International Airport
http://www.salzburg-airport.com
Location: Salzburg The airport is located 3 miles (about 5km) southwest of the city.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between April and October).
Contacts:
Tel: +43 662 85800
Getting to the city:
You can make use of the #2 and #10 buses to get from Salzburg Airport to the downtown area. Tickets can be purchased from the conductor, and cost €2.50 for adults and €1.30 for children. Bus line #2 goes between Hauptbahnhof railway station and the airport every 10-20 minutes, and takes about 20 minutes to complete the journey.
Car rental:
Car rental companies include Avis, Europcar, Buchbinder, Hertz, Megadrive, and Sixt.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal to take you to the Hauptbahnhof railway station (a short walk from the centre of Salzburg). The trip to the station (just 3 miles, or about 5km, from the airport) should take between 10 and 20 minutes and costs about €14.
Facilities:
Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants and cafes, free Internet access, a nursery and play area, luggage storage, and duty-free shopping.
Parking:
Short-term parking is available in lots P1 and P2 for a maximum of 24 hours. It costs €2 per hour. Long-term parking costs €1.80 per hour and is located on P3 in the parking garage or in the outdoor lot.
Departure Tax: None.
Innsbruck Airport (INN)
Innsbruck - Kranebitten Airport
http://www.innsbruck-airport.com
Location: Austrian Alps The airport is located 2.5 miles (about 4km) west of Innsbruck.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between April and October).
Contacts:
Tel: +43 512 225 250
Getting to the city:
Public bus route F connects Innsbruck Airport with the city centre. Journey time is about 20 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Megadrive, Budget, and Sixt.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. A journey to the city centre should take about 15 minutes.
Facilities:
Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants and cafes, internet access, baby-changing rooms, and duty-free shopping.
Parking:
Parking at Innsbruck Airport is free for the first 30 minutes, then charges €2.10 per hour up to €21 for the first day in short-term parking. €21 is charged per day thereafter. Prices are slightly cheaper in the long-term lots. One week is charged at €88 in the long-term lots. Parking is available in a multilevel garage connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. During winter, P1 and P5 are not available.
Departure Tax: None.
St Anton
Austrian Alps
St Anton is a popular holiday resort destination for British skiers and snowboarders, who are attracted by the first-class skiing and the incredible après-ski. St Anton is linked to the neighbouring resorts of Lech and Zürs and makes up the Arlberg ski area, the largest linked area in Austria with more than 300km of piste. The area offers extensive skiing for intermediate and advanced skiers and some of the best off-piste skiing in Europe. The resort's south-facing slopes can get slushy by the end of the day, particularly in spring, and partly for this reason the collection of bars on the slopes above St Anton get packed by around 3pm.
Nightlife in St Anton
The club and bar scene in St Anton is very lively, and less expensive than some of the other European ski resorts. The legendary Krazy Kanguruh Bar on the mountainside, and the MooserWirt Bar, are both usually packed with skiers and snowboarders after a day on the slopes. Alcohol flows freely to the tune of rock and hip hop in St Anton. The night is long at the numerous other discos and clubs, but for those seeking something more sedate there are quieter, more sophisticated bars in the St Anton hotels.
Shopping in St Anton
Shopping along St Anton's pedestrianised main street is quite laid-back, with plenty of cosy bars and cafés where shoppers can rest their feet. St Anton's shops tend to be expensive but the quality of merchandise is good. There are numerous ski shops, as well as jewellers, antique stores, and clothing boutiques.
Things to do in St Anton
Skiing, snowboarding, and partying are the main activities on the agenda in St Anton, but the town does offer alternatives. The Arlberg Hotel has a spa and a swimming pool, and there's also a bowling alley and indoor tennis and squash courts.
Things to be aware of in St Anton
St Anton's south-facing slopes can get slushy by the end of the day, particularly in spring, and the lower beginner slopes can get quite crowded.
Dining in St Anton
Dining out in St Anton is a diverse and satisfying experience, with everything from burgers to vegetarian meals on offer at establishments that keep cooking until well after midnight. For five-star dining in St Anton, try the luxury hotels like Raffl's St Antoner Hof or Alte Post. Exhausted skiers wanting a hearty meal can seek out traditional Austrian fare. Some of the best in St Anton is served up at the Sporthotel, where a variety of sausages can be savoured with an accompaniment of potatoes and sauerkraut, all reasonably priced. Game and dumplings also appear on most St Anton menus. Fondue can be enjoyed at the Montjola, one of the oldest restaurants in the area.
Kitzbuhel
Austrian Alps
Among Austrian ski resorts, Kitzbühel is reputedly the most commercial, glamorous, and expensive. The beautiful alpine town dates back to the 9th century and has remained fairly unspoilt. In the winter holiday season, you will hear the jingle of bells as a horse-drawn sleigh is pulled through Kitzbühel's cobbled, traffic-free town centre. There is an extensive and varied skiing area offering excellent skiing and snowboarding, both on and off-piste, but be prepared for a lack of snow in places. Due to Kitzbühel's low altitude, the lower slopes are rarely open. If the skiing doesn't tire you out while on holiday in Kitzbühel, the nightlife certainly will. The atmosphere is bright, boisterous, and fun, and it doesn't stop till the not-quite-so-early hours. Kitzbühel is also Austria's winter entertainment capital and attracts performers from all over the continent throughout the holiday season. Getting to Kitzbühel is easy via Salzburg, Innsbruck or Munich
airports.
Nightlife in Kitzbuhel
Kitzbühel is a lively ski resort with plenty of bars and nightclubs to suit all pockets and preferences. For many Brits and locals alike, the evening begins early at the Londoner - the famous après-ski bar renowned for its lethal cocktails. Take Five is a nightclub in the town square that stays open until dawn. Visitors wishing to try their luck on the tables will find the Casino Kitzbühel at the Hotel Goldener Greif. New Year is a great time for a skiing trip to Kitzbühel with one of the best fireworks displays in the Alps. Nightlife in Kitzbühel goes on very late, often not getting busy until nearly 2am.
Shopping in Kitzbuhel
Kitzbühel is a shopper's paradise, with dozens of upmarket shops displaying their appealing wares in the quaint Tyrolean village stores. Ski shops dominate, but there are plenty of designer boutiques, jewellery stores, and souvenir shops in Kitzbühel too. Prices are steep but discounts are sometimes offered to those carrying guest cards from Kitzbühel hotels. Visitors can also enquire at their hotels about shopping excursions into Italy.
Things to do in Kitzbuhel
Even non-skiers can find plenty to do in Kitzbühel, including ballooning, curling, hang-gliding, skating, hiking, snowmobiling, or even just playing billiards. There is gambling at the casino, art galleries to browse, concerts to attend, a cinema for movie-watching, and even an alpine zoo. Highlights of the winter holiday season are the Christmas Market and New Year's Eve party. Kitzbühel is also well known as a spa centre and is full of health farms, while the public baths in town offer a multitude of amenities including saunas, steam baths, swimming, and massages. The picturesque, historic town itself offers plenty to see while on holiday, with its medieval houses, stylish shops, and beautiful old churches. Visitors can also take short excursions to the museums in the area, which include the Cable Car Museum at the Hahnenkamm Mountain Station, the Farmhouse Museum, and Mining Museum.
Things to be aware of in Kitzbuhel
With its sprawling layout and fragmented ski-area, Kitzbühel is not an ideal choice for families. The low altitude means that the lower slopes get slushy in warmer weather.
Dining in Kitzbuhel
Kitzbühel has a wide choice of excellent restaurants, both on the ski slopes and in the town. Some of the best restaurants include the Neuwirt in the Schwarzer Adler, the Tenne Restaurant in Hotel Zur and with its young and international crowd and fantastic Italian food. For those on more of a budget, the Centro Café Bar Restaurant in the town centre is popular.
Saalbach
Austrian Alps
Saalbach and its close neighbour Hinterglemm form the heart of one of Europe's largest ski areas, with access to more than 270km of pistes. Saalbach is a charming Austrian villlage, with traditional wooden chalets and a charming car-free centre with busy cafés, bars and boutiques and some excellent hotels. Hinterglemm is a short distance up the valley, it has a more peaceful atmostphere and is better suited for families. Saalbach is 90 minutes from Salzburg airport and a three hour drive to Munich.
Nightlife in Saalbach
So hectic is the après-ski in Saalbach that it is surprising some holidaymakers can muster the strength to hit the ski slopes in the morning! Copious amounts of excellent local beer, schnapps and warming glühwein flow in the mountainside inns and village bars, along with some loud music and good-natured gemuchtlikheid. Dancing on the tables is expected and drinking anthems with cries of prost! echo everywhere. Most parties get going even before the ski lifts close at 4pm, in the chalets above the villages. One of the most popular mountain bars is the Goaßstall on the Hinterglemm side, which features indoor and outdoor bars and live music. Another favourite is the Spielberghaus, which is reached by snowmobile along a four-mile (6km) track through the forest. Revellers are then transported home on high-speed sleds. There are a dozen options for late night fun at hotel bars, beer halls, and clubs. Discos get going at around midnight and keep the pace until the early hours.
Shopping in Saalbach
Hinterglemm is the best place to shop in the valley because its stores are frequented more by locals, who are averse to paying tourist prices. Saalbach's pedestrianised High Street has several attractive boutiques and shops where holidaymakers can enjoy a spot of shopping, but prices are higher.
Things to do in Saalbach
Apart from skiing and snowboarding, Saalbach offers all the expected winter sports activities from snowmobiling and sleigh rides, to ice-skating and tobogganing. Kids can try tubing and whizz down the mountain in a huge inflatable ring. The historic Austrian city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, is just an easy hour's journey away and makes for a great excursion. The valley also boasts a host of activities that are on offer all year round, like fishing, horse riding, paragliding, and golf on a nine-hole course. Folk evenings and brass band concerts are scheduled in the summer months when more than 249 miles (400km) of walking trails open up in and around the valley.
Things to be aware of in Saalbach
Saalbach can be extremely crowded over the Christmas season and the boisterous evening behaviour doesn't suit everyone. The resort is relativley low and south facing, so the snow is not a reliable as in other well-known resorts. The resort
Dining in Saalbach
On the mountain, rustic alpine restaurants serve up hearty local fare to skiers, while the valley towns bristle with restaurants, cafes and bars. Local Austrain favourites include wiener schnitzel and tiroler gröstl, a Tyrolean hash made with with beef and potatoes.
Lech and Zurs
Austrian Alps
The alpine resort of Lech, in the beautiful Arlberg mountain range, combines superb skiing, reliable snow, and delightful scenery. The loyal clientele of this celebrated resort look forward to the restaurants, spas, and après ski, as much as to the excellent skiing.
Together with neighbouring Zürs, Lech is perhaps Austria's most exclusive ski resort. Between them, Lech and Zürs boasts dozens of four and five star hotels, but there are also options for more budget conscious skiers.
Despite its reputation for luxury, Lech remains a picturesque traditional Austrian village. The resort has sprung up around an old farming village set in a high valley, and even now the settlement is sometimes cut off from the outside world when there is heavy snowfall.
Innsbruck airport is just 1.5 hours from Lech and Zürs, while the drive from Zurich airport takes a little over two hours.
Nightlife in Lech and Zurs
The après ski in Lech is world famous and many holidaymakers staying in Zürs venture out to sample some of the atmosphere (there are regular buses connecting the resorts). The Eisbar, outside the Hotel Tannbergerhof is the most popular place to head for a glühwein after a long day on the slopes. There's a small disco in the hotel too. The Krone Bar lures well-dressed clientele, as does the Hotel Arlberg. The champagne bar at the Hotel Montana is also a popular after-ski stop. The nighlife in Zürs is fairly quiet but there are a selection of bars and also a small disco. Those looking for a more rowdy nightlife may want to take a taxi to St Anton.
Shopping in Lech and Zurs
Shopping is surprisingly limited in Lech, and even more so in Zürs, considering both their reputations as fashionable resorts. Most of the shops are to be found on the Hauptstrasse, including major winter sports stores which sell all the latest branded equipment, as well as souvenirs, trinkets, and traditional Austrian clothing. Visitors will find everything they need in Lech, but it is not really a destination for shopping sprees. No doubt this lack of extensive shopping outlets helps to preserve the charming traditional atmosphere of the two alpine villages.
Things to do in Lech and Zurs
There's a huge amount on offer for non-skiers in Lech, from the sleigh rides and long winter walks, to curling, sledging, and ice skating. The resort is home to many wonderful upmarket hotels, which boast swimming pools and spa facilities.
Things to be aware of in Lech and Zurs
Lech and Zürs are expensive by Austrian standards. There are also limited challinging pistes, although nearby St Anton has extensive sking for all standards.
Dining in Lech and Zurs
There are an appetizing number of good restaurants to be enjoyed while on ski holiday in Lech. Some of the most popular are Hûs Nr 8 and Rote Wand for traditional Austrian food, Don Enzo Due for pizza, and Fux for modern Asian fusion cuisine. Balmalp serves food like pizza and ribs, and enjoys stunning views of the valley. Zürs has a similarly good restaurant scene, with numerous upmarket options.
Overview of the Attractions in Austria
Austria is perfect for sightseeing, with an assortment of wonderful tourist attractions. Just the mention of this scenic, multicultural country 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.
Austria 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.
Hofburg
Vienna
Opening time: Daily 9am to 5.30pm (September to June), 9am to 6pm (July to August).
Admission: €13.90 (adults), €8.20 (children 6-18); other concessions available. Price includes audio guide.
The Hofburg Palace was the home of the Habsburg dynasty for 600 years, its fortifications continually expanded since its construction in the 13th century. As well as housing the president's offices, the palace now encompasses 22 separate museums, the National Library, a 14th-century Augustinian church, the famous Spanish Riding School and the Royal Chapel. The most popular museums are the Kaiserappartements, the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Silver Collection. Situated in the Hofburg Palace, the 14th-century royal library is among the oldest and finest in the world. Its some six million items include papyri, manuscripts, ancient books, maps, portraits, music and photographs. The Grand Hall is a palatial room topped by a dome, designed in the Baroque style and decorated with statues and exquisite frescoes.
Getting there: U-Bahn to Herrengasse; tram D, J, 1 or 2 to Burgring; bus 2A or 3A to Hofburg
Address: Innerer Burghof 1, Kaisertor
Telephone: (0)1 533 7570
Website: http://www.hofburg-wien.at
Spanish Riding School
Vienna
Opening time: Daily 9am to 4pm. Performances Fridays 9am to 7pm. Check the official website to confirm show times.
Admission: Prices vary according to season, attraction and seating options; see website for details.
The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is one of the oldest surviving riding schools in the world where classic dressage is still practised in its purest form. This institute was founded in 1572 and named for the Lipizzaner horses, which are of Spanish origin. Since the collapse of the Danube Monarchy in 1920, the horses have been bred at the Federal Stud in Styria. The horses perform their tricks in the Winter Riding School, commissioned by Emperor Karl VI. Performances take place between February and June, and September and December. With shows booked up months in advance, the easiest way to see the horses is during training sessions. Situated in the stables is the Lipizzaner Museum, which displays the history of the school.
Getting there: U-Bahn to Herrengasse, or tram D, J, 1 or 2 to Burgring
Address: Michaelerplatz 1
Telephone: +43 1 533 90 310
Website: http://www.spanische-reitschule.com
Karlskirche
Vienna
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sundays and public holidays 12pm to 7pm.
Admission: €8 (adults), €4 (young people) free for children under 10yrs. Concessions available.
Karlskirche is the most outstanding Baroque church in the city and its 236-foot (72m) high dome flanked by two columns forms an iconic landmark of the Viennese skyline. The church was commissioned by Emperor Charles VI after a great plague swept through Vienna in 1713, and is dedicated to the revered healer Saint Charles Borromeo. The lavishly decorated interior includes frescoes and visitors can get a closer look by taking the elevator to the roof, which is included in the entry fee. Although the lift carries visitors most of the way up, there are some steps to be climbed to get to the very top of the dome.
Address: Kreuzherrengasse 1
Website: http://www.karlskirche.at
Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna
Opening time: 8.30am - 5.30pm April to June, 8.30am - 6.30pm July to August, 8.30am - 5.30pm September to November, and 8.30am - 5pm November to March.
Admission: Grand Tour with audio guide: €17.50 (adults). Various other tour options available.
The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace was used as the summer residence of the Habsburgs from the 18th century onwards. Set among superb gardens, this vast symmetrical structure is everything you would imagine an imperial palace to be. A tour of the palace offers visitors the chance to view the superb assortment of Baroque and Rococo State Rooms and to admire the famous ceiling frescoes of the Great Gallery and the Hall of Mirrors where Mozart once played. The vast gardens are popular with locals and tourists alike, and include a zoo, a maze, the Privy garden and the Gloriette with a viewing terrace. Also within the grounds, the Orangery hosts classical concerts during the summer season.
Getting there: U4 to Schönbrunn station, trams 10 or 60, Bus 10A
Address: Schönbrunner Schloss Strasse 13
Telephone: +43 1 811 130
Website: http://www.schoenbrunn.at
Giant Wheel
Vienna
Opening time: Open daily but hours vary seasonally, see website for details.
Admission: €12 (adults), €5 (children 3-14), concessions available.
One of Vienna's most recognisable landmarks, the Giant Wheel is located in a large wooded park and playground known as the Prater. It was built in 1897 by an English engineering firm and is the only one of its era still standing. By contrast, the Ferris wheels in Chicago, London, Blackpool, and Paris have long since been destroyed. The wheel's 15 gondolas take 20 minutes to manoeuvre around and offer magnificent panoramic views of the city. Cautious visitors need not worry about the age of the Giant Wheel as it has been very well maintained over the decades! This is a fun attraction for the whole family and will delight the children.
Address: Prater 90
Telephone: +43 1 729 5430
Website: http://www.wienerriesenrad.com
Belvedere
Vienna
Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm. Lower Belvedere and the Orangery open until 9pm Fridays. Upper Belvedere opens at 9am daily.
The Belvedere is a world-renowned museum, housing Vienna's most prestigious art galleries displaying excellent examples of Austrian works from the Middle Ages to the present day. It boasts an unrivalled collection of paintings by Klimt, as well as famous pieces by Schiele, Renoir and Monet. The complex consists of two splendid 18th-century Rococo mansions, facing one another across sweeping grounds offering views over the city. The Medieval and Baroque works are presented in the Lower Palace where many rooms have been preserved in their original state.
Getting there: Upper Belvedere: Tram D to Schloss Belvedere or Trams 18 or 0 to Südbahnhof; bus 13A or 69A to Südbahnhof
Address: 27 Prinz Eugen Street
Telephone: +43 1795 570
Website: http://www.belvedere.at
Vienna State Opera
Vienna
Opening time: Guided tours are offered Tuesday to Sunday; check dates and times online or via telephone
Admission: Combination tickets for tour and museum are available and come at varied prices, check website for details. Concessions available.
The Vienna State Opera performs a repertoire of nearly one hundred operas, operettas and ballets every day from September to June. The opera house was founded in the early 18th century but rebuilt in 1945, now a romantic and regal setting in which to enjoy the performances. As seating tickets are not easily available, an alternative is to buy standing tickets. The State Opera collaborates closely with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and their famous New Year concert requires advance bookings of up to one year. The building is beautiful and of interest in itself, even if visitors are unable to catch a show.
Getting there: Take the U-Bahn lines U1, U2, U4 or the 59A bus to Karlsplatz or Oper stations
Address: Opernring 2
Telephone: +43 51444 2250
Website: http://www.wiener-staatsoper.at
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Salzburg
The 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle stands on a rocky outcrop approximately 394ft (120m) above the city. Originally built by Archbishop Gebhard to repel attacks from the neighbouring Bavarians, the present-day fortress was largely rebuilt in the early 16th century with added grand state apartments. Visitors can walk around the courtyard and outskirts of the fortress at no cost unless they take the guided tour. The tour finishes at two small museums displaying a selection of weapons, uniforms and armour, together with villainous instruments of torture. The castle can be reached by funicular or by a walking path.
Website: http://www.salzburg-burgen.at
St Peter's Abbey
Salzburg
The cathedral is one of the city's most recognisable symbols and one of the greatest Gothic structures in Europe, with its massive south tower standing at 445 feet (136m) tall. A dominant feature on the Vienna skyline, its 343 steps can be climbed for fantastic views. It has been in a state of continual preservation and repair since its original construction in the 12th century due to fire, sieges and bombardment. The cathedral is built of limestone and has an ornately patterned and richly coloured roof covered by glazed tiles. The interior is rich in wood carvings, sculptures and paintings and has numerous chapels, altars and catacombs. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was married here, had children baptised here, and his funeral was held in the Chapel of the Cross.
Website: http://www.stift-stpeter.at
St Stephen’s Cathedral
Vienna
Opening time: Daily 6am to 10pm (from 7am on Sundays). Various guided tours take place daily.
Admission: Free admission to the cathedral. All-inclusive Cathedral Tour: €19.90 (adults). Other packages and concessions available.
The cathedral is one of the greatest Gothic structures in Europe, with its massive south tower standing at 445 feet (136m) tall. A dominant feature on the Vienna skyline, its 343 steps can be climbed for fantastic views. It has been in a state of continual preservation and repair since its original construction in the 12th century due to fire, sieges and bombardment. The cathedral is built of limestone and has an ornately patterned and richly coloured roof covered by glazed tiles. The interior is rich in wood carvings, sculptures and paintings and has numerous chapels, altars and catacombs. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was married here, had children baptised here, and his funeral was held in the Chapel of the Cross.
Getting there: U-Bahn to Stephansplatz
Address: Stephansplatz
Telephone: +43 151 552 3054
Website: http://www.stephanskirche.at
The Albertina
Vienna
Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm (until 9pm on Wednesdays).
Admission: €12.90 (adults), concessions available. Children under 19 free.
The former Hofburg residence today houses one of the largest and greatest graphic art collections in the world with drawings, old master prints and modern works. The museum explores the development of graphic arts since the 14th century and there are more than 60,000 works on show. Artists featured include Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Manet, Picasso and Cezanne. The Albertina is also one of the most beautiful examples of classical architecture in the world. There is a pleasant cafe for refreshments while the museum is beautifully conceived, with each room decorated to complement the art on display.
Address: Albertinaplatz 1
Telephone: +43 1 534 830
Website: http://www.albertina.at
Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
Vienna
Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm (until 9pm on Thursdays). Closed on Mondays September to May.
Admission: €16 (adults), children under 19 free. Concessions available.
The Fine Arts Museum across from the Hofburg Palace houses many of the art collections gathered by the Habsburgs and is one of the foremost museums of fine and decorative arts in the world. The magnificent building is crowned with a 197 foot (60m) high dome, while the inside is sumptuously decorated with marble, gold leaf and stucco ornaments, a fitting home to the formidable artistic treasures collected over the centuries. The collections range from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman relics to medieval, Renaissance and Baroque paintings. The museum faces the Natural History Museum across the Maria-Theresian Platz, which has an identical exterior.
Address: Maria-Theresian Platz
Telephone: +43 1 525 240
Website: http://www.khm.at
Haus der Musik
Vienna
Opening time: Daily 10am to 10pm
Admission: €14 (adults), €6 (children 3-12); other concessions available.
The House of Music is an interactive discovery museum devoted to music and is located in the former Palais of Archduke Charles. Four floors take visitors past the music and memorabilia of the great composers who lived in Vienna, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert, while also allowing visitors to discover today's top musicians and explore the future of music on computers. Visitors can conduct an orchestra, listen to what an unborn child hears in the womb or paint a musical picture. The museum is critically acclaimed for its innovative design and allowing visitors to experience music using the senses of sight, sound, touch and hearing.
Getting there: Underground to Karlsplatz or Stephansplatz
Address: Seilerstätte 30
Telephone: +43 1 513 4850
Website: http://www.hdm.at
Natural History Museum
Vienna
Opening time: 9am - 6:30pm Thursday to Monday, 9am - 9pm Wednesdays, closed Tuesdays.
Admission: €10 (adults), children under 19 free. Concessions available.
The impressive Natural History Museum is situated within a Renaissance Revival building identical from the outside to the Fine Arts Museum opposite. It is the third largest natural history museum in the world and has some of the oldest exhibits, including early Stone Age artefacts. Visitors can travel through the planet's history, ranging from the diversity of nature to the origins of culture. Guided tours, lectures and workshops on a variety of interesting themes are offered regularly at the museum.
Address: Maria-Theresien Platz
Telephone: (0)1 521770
Website: http://www.nhm-wien.ac.at
Mozart's Birthplace
Salzburg
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 at his family's home in Getreidegasse. The house has since been converted into a museum displaying exhibits which include the violin played by Mozart as a child, his concert violin and clavichord, a pianoforte and various portraits. The museum was first opened in 1880 by the International Mozart Foundation and is now said to be one of the most frequently visited museums in the world. Tours of the museum are available but need to be arranged in advance. A basic tour of the exhibition takes about an hour. The museum provides a fascinating introduction to the Mozart family, as well as detailing their early life.
Website: http://www.mozarteum.at
Salzkammergut Lakes
Salzburg
The Salzkammergut is a lake area spanning Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria, formerly home to the salt mines of the Habsburg Empire. The many lakes and mountains in the region lend themselves to a variety of activities such as water sports, golf, cycling and hiking, as well as relaxing at the beautiful shore and hillside retreats. Take some time out to enjoy the local kaiserschmarrn (sugared pancakes with raisins), lebkuchen (gingerbread) and krapfen (doughnuts), and the spectacular scenery in one of Austria's most lovely regions. Parts of the region have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the towns of Hallstatt, Obertraun, Gosau and Bad Goisern.
Schloss Klessheim Palace
Salzburg
Dating as far back as the 17th century, Schloss Klessheim Palace was used by Adolf Hitler during World War II and today serves as a casino with an elegant atmosphere and beautiful gardens. The palace also featured in the 1965 film The Great Race starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Peter Falk. The casino holds some historical interest because of the association with Hitler during the war, and the eagles displayed at the palace entrance are reminiscent of the Third Reich. However, the main appeal is the chance to gamble and party the night away in style!
Website: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/fortress-palaces/klessheim-palace
Wiener Prater
Vienna
This large public park is a great place for families to enjoy a day in the sunshine. Stroll along the Hauptallee where chestnut trees line the way, or visit the Planetarium and the Prater Museum, both located inside the park. The Wiener Prater also has a small amusement park with a Ferris Wheel, a rollercoaster and a number of other fun rides and diversions, as well as food stalls and games booths. There is plenty of open space here for kids to run around and the cheesy, innocent fun of the amusement park is enjoyable for the whole family. Entrance to the park is free but individual rides must be paid for.
Address: Wurstelprater 9
Website: http://www.prater.at
Freud Museum
Vienna
Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm.
Admission: €10 adults, €4 children 12-18; other concessions available.
One of Vienna's most famous sons, Dr Sigmund Freud revolutionised the study of psychology with his ideas. Though many of his theories once wildly popular have been discredited, the term 'Freudian slip' and other ideas still pervade society today. The Freud Museum in Vienna houses a number of antiques and mementos of the doctor inside the offices in which he practised from 1891 to 1938. Guided tours are available and the museum has a gift shop offering photos and other memorabilia, as well as books written by Freud. This attraction will be very exciting for those interested in Freud and his work, and it will provide a good introduction for those who are unfamiliar.
Getting there: Take Tram D to Schlickgasse.
Address: Berggasse 19
Telephone: +43 (1) 319 159
Website: http://www.freud-museum.at
Swarovski Crystal World
Salzburg
Guarded by a water-spouting giant, Swarovski Crystal World is one of the most popular attractions in Tirol. The museum is underground, featuring 14 interconnected rooms with an eclectic multimedia gallery showcasing dazzling work by Picasso, Andy Warhol, Dali and Marc Chagall, all featuring the distinctive glint of the famous Austrian crystals. Another popular sight is the largest crystal in the world, located in the first room. Just a 15-minute drive from Innsbruck and less than two hours drive from Salzburg, Swarovski is a popular excursion from both cities. The Swarovski Crystal World gift shop has an equally sparkling array of souvenirs available at lower prices than in town, with the opportunity for a tax rebate for foreign visitors.
Website: kristallwelten.swarovski.com
Public Holidays in Austria
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Epiphany |
Mon. January 6 |
Mon. January 6 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Ascension Day |
Wed. May 21 |
Tue. May 13 |
| Whit Monday |
Sun. June 1 |
Sat. May 24 |
| Corpus Christi |
Wed. June 11 |
Tue. June 3 |
| Assumption of the Virgin Mary |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| National Day |
Sun. October 26 |
Sun. October 26 |
| All Saints' Day |
Sat. November 1 |
Sat. November 1 |
| Immaculate Conception |
Mon. December 8 |
Mon. December 8 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Boxing Day |
Fri. December 26 |
Fri. December 26 |
