Austria
When most people think of Austria, they think of rolling hills in Reutte, skiing, Christmas markets, and The Sound of Music in Salzburg. And while the country does have all of this, it also has so much more!
Small, landlocked Austria offers alpine scenery, world-class museums, cobbled streets, and Wiener schnitzel. Unlike Germany, its neighbour to the northwest, Austria is content to bask in its good living and elegant, wealthy past as the former head of one of Europe‘s largest empires. Austrians are relaxed, social friendly, and outgoing people who love the outdoors as much as a good cup of coffee.
No country dances so effortlessly between outdoors and urban as Austria. One day you could be hiking the alpine summits of Innsbruck, the next you’re swanning around Vienna.
Below you will find comprehensive guides to the country.
Best Time To Visit
Austria is a country with a variety of weather, so deciding on when to visit all depends on the activities on your itinerary. The best time to visit Austria is between April and May and September and October.
During the spring, you might be met with a rain shower. But it’s still a great time to explore around Vienna or Salzburg as the tourist season is just beginning. When Autumn arrives the mountains become covered in red and orange trees as the leaves change, making it one of the best times to hike and to take great photos.
Summer is high season meaning crowds and prices will double. With summer comes the heat, especially near the lakes, so to take a dip. This is also the season of the Salzburg and Vienna Festivals!
Winter in Austria can be quite cold, but you won’t mind when you are wrapped up walking around the Vienna Christmas market. If you like your skiing, this is the time to go in the Austrian Alps before relaxing in the resort bar!
What To Expect
Capital: Vienna
Language: The official language of Austria is Austrian German. ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in German: “Hallo” and “Danke”
Currency: The official currency of Austria is the Euro (EUR). £1 GBP is equivalent to 1.18 EUR. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: To get the best exchange rate in Austria, it’s wise to use your credit card whenever you get the chance. There’s typically no service charge and are widely accepted throughout the country. If you need some Euros, you will find that ATMs are very prevalent in Austria. Never use Euronet ATM’s, these will charge you for withdrawals and also give you a poor exchange rate.
Plugs: In Austria, the plugs are type F, the standard voltage is 230 V. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Austria is an extremely safe country, with the most dangerous crimes being pickpocketing and petty theft. Ranked 4 on the Global Peace Index with a score of 1.29 , meaning Austria is one of the safest countries in the world
Random useful tip: If you really want to impress an Austrian, say, “Oachkatzlschwoaf”, which means ‘the squirrel’s tail.’ It doesn’t have any deeper meaning but is just something that is unique to Austrian German and is difficult to say.
Never ever: Never mention the Sound of Music. You’d think any proud Austrian would light up at the mention of this iconic film but plot-twist – no Austrian has ever seen it.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Austria, reasons to visit Austria, and how to travel Austria on a budget.
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Austria
(Note: Austria is brimming with activities. Truly, there’s an abundance to explore and experience. The following are just a few of our top picks. For more country-specific activities, refer to the detailed guides linked to each country below!)
Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital, seamlessly fuses its regal past with contemporary vibrancy. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure trove of Baroque architecture, grand palaces, and iconic coffeehouses. A leisurely stroll reveals gems such as the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. No visit is complete without indulging in a slice of Sachertorte in one of the traditional coffeehouses or catching a mesmerising performance at the renowned State Opera House.
Tyrol, with its snow-laden peaks and world-class ski resorts, beckons winter sports enthusiasts from all over the globe. Resorts like St. Anton, Ischgl, and Kitzbühel promise pristine slopes catering to both beginners and seasoned skiers. Beyond the exhilarating runs, the region’s alpine charm is accentuated with cosy chalets, inviting après-ski scenes, and panoramic views of the majestic Alps. Even in the warmer months, Tyrol’s mountains provide a verdant playground for hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is not just steeped in musical heritage but also offers a harmonious blend of baroque architecture and alpine landscapes. Every summer, the city plays host to the Salzburg Festival, a world-renowned event celebrating opera, theatre, and classical concerts. Visitors can revel in top-tier performances set against the backdrop of historic venues, from the grand Felsenreitschule theatre to the intimate surrounds of the Mozarteum. The magic of music further intertwines with the city’s elegance as the melodies of Mozart and other legends waft through the streets.
The Wachau Valley, stretching along the Danube between Melk and Krems, is a testament to the beauty of the Austrian countryside. This UNESCO-listed landscape is dotted with medieval towns, imposing castles, and terraced vineyards producing exquisite white wines. Cruising on the Danube offers visitors a serene vantage point to absorb the region’s splendour. A stop at Melk Abbey, a baroque marvel perched on a rocky outcrop, further enriches the journey with its historical depth and panoramic views.
Located near Werfen, just south of Salzburg, Eisriesenwelt claims the title of the world’s largest ice cave. This natural wonder, nestled within the Tennengebirge Mountains, unveils a subterranean world of shimmering ice formations, vast caverns, and frozen waterfalls. Guided tours lead visitors through an icy labyrinth, with the cave’s sculptures illuminated by magnesium flares, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The play of light and shadow on the intricate ice patterns presents an enchanting spectacle, offering a glimpse into Austria’s hidden wonders.
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