Austria Travel Guide (Central Europe/Europe)

Introduction to Austria
List of Places to Visit in Austria
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Austria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Austria
Best Things to Do in Austria: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Austria
Food and Drink Scene of Austria
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Austria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Austria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Austria
Best Time to Visit Austria
Do’s and Don’ts of Austria
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Austria
- Health in Austria
Getting to Austria: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Austria
Where to Go Next from Austria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Austria

Austria, situated in Central Europe, is known for its stunning alpine scenery, rich culture and history, and world-renowned music. The country is a landlocked nation that shares its borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Austria has a moderate climate with warm summers and cold winters, making it an ideal year-round destination for travel enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in Austria

Austria has countless hidden gems and top-rated tourist destinations that attract millions of tourists every year. Here are some must-visit places when planning your trip to Austria.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The country’s capital Vienna alone offers visitors an array of impressive museums such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Leopold Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. On top of that, travelers can explore the Schonbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Belvedere Palace.

Other historical places that should be on your list include the medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg in Salzburg, the Melk Abbey nestled in the Wachau Valley, and the Hallstatt, a charming lakeside town that offers fantastic views of the surrounding alpine landscape.

Natural Attractions of Austria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature lovers will appreciate the sweeping vistas and breathtaking alpine scenery Austria has to offer. In the summer, visitors can hike in the Tyrolean mountains or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wolfgang. In the winter months, skiing and snowboarding in the mountains around St. Anton, Kitzbühel, and Zell am See are among the best options for winter sports and activities.

The Hohe Tauern National Park, located in the eastern Alps, is home to the highest mountain in the country, the Grossglockner. The national park offers some of the most spectacular views in Europe, with numerous hiking trails and picturesque villages to explore.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Austria

Tourists who love exploring the great outdoors will find numerous amazing hiking and biking routes in Austria. Some popular hiking trails include the Lechweg trail, the Krimmler Waterfall trail, and the Zirbenweg trail that leads along the Stubai Glacier.

Biking enthusiasts can explore the 370 km Danube bike trail, which leads through stunning landscapes. The Salzkammergut region, with its hilly landscape, offers fantastic bike routes and is easily accessible from Salzburg.

Best Things to Do in Austria: Activities and Tours

In addition to the places to visit and the outdoor activities, Austria provides a variety of other activities, such as the best things to do and the tours to take. Some of these include:

Attend classical concerts in Vienna, the city of music.
Taste Austrian wine in the Wachau Valley.
Take a tour of the Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens.
Explore the Lipizzaner stud farm in Piber.
Visit the Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world, near Salzburg.

Week-Long Itinerary for Austria

A typical 7-day trip to Austria can include seeing Vienna for a couple of days, hopping to Salzburg and Innsbruck, and then visiting the Tyrol and the Alpine world.

Day	Itinerary
1	Arrival in Vienna - Visit Schonbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
2	Visit the Imperial Palace, the Belvedere Palace, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum
3	Travel to Salzburg - Explore the historic city center and Mozart’s birthplace
4	Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Palace in Salzburg
5	Travel to Innsbruck – Visit the Nordkette mountain range
6	Visit the Tyrolean capital and attend a classical music concert
7	Explore the alpine landscape and go skiing or hiking

Food and Drink Scene of Austria

Austria’s food culture is rich in traditions and culinary experiences. Visitors who are looking for a unique food experience should try some of Austria’s must-try dishes and drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam, is a traditional Viennese dessert. Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded veal cutlet, is a staple in Austrian cuisine. Tafelspitz, a beef dish, served with boiled potatoes and horseradish sauce, is also a must-try dish.

Local Beverages

Austria is home to some famous beers, like the Gösser and the Stiegl. However, the country’s most famous beverage is the Grüner Veltliner, a popular white wine that fits well with Austrian cuisine.

Where to Stay in Austria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Austria caters to a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Vienna and Salzburg have an extensive selection of 5-star hotels, although they are often expensive. Innsbruck is full of cozy budget-friendly guesthouses and apartments.

Hostels are also an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, with Vienna and Salzburg having multiple international hostels that offer friendly atmospheres, great locations, and reasonable prices.

What to Buy in Austria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you are looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home, Austria offers a variety of options. Visitors can purchase the famous Swarovski crystal products, onyx carvings, and handcrafted ceramics in Wattens.

Visitors can also buy artisanal chocolate from the Zötter chocolate factory or a bottle of Grüner Veltliner. Also, Embroidered clothing and lederhosen, a traditional Austrian garment, are excellent gift choices.

Local Culture and Customs of Austria

Austria’s culture is rich in traditions and customs. Austrians value punctuality, politeness, and formal language, so it is important to address people by their last name or use formal titles.

Music is also a significant part of Austria’s culture, with many world-renowned composers having been born in the country, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss.

Best Time to Visit Austria

The best time to travel to Austria is during summers (June to September) when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities. However, winter (December through February) is perfect for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Austria

Do:

Use formal titles in the polite context.
Respect the country’s culture and traditions.
Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

Be late or rude.
Litter the environment.
Skip the cash payment option; credit cards are not popular in Austria.

Safety and Health

Safety in Austria

Austria is regarded as one of the safest countries in Europe. There is a very low crime rate, and visitors can safely move in and around the cities. However, it is always best to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions while traveling.

Health in Austria

Austria has an excellent healthcare system, and there are many trained doctors and medical professionals throughout the country. It is always good to travel with adequate travel insurance and to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Getting to Austria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Austria is accessible by a variety of transportation methods, including air, rail, and road.

Airports Near Austria

Vienna International Airport, Salzburg Airport, and Innsbruck Airport are the primary airports in Austria. Many international flights land in Vienna, while the cities of Salzburg and Innsbruck are more popular for chartered and domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Austria

There are many buses that travel in and around Austria, with Vienna being the hub of one of Europe’s largest bus networks. The Flixbus, which operates throughout Europe, has routes covering the whole country, including Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.

Other Options

The rail system is another option for getting around Austria. The high-speed Railjet train connects Salzburg and Vienna, while slower local trains traverse every nook and corner of the country. Many of these trains run through the scenic countryside with breathtaking views.

How to Get Around in Austria

Buses, trams, taxis, trains, and cycling are all excellent ways to get around Austria. Many cities have well-organized public transportation systems. Bike rentals are popular in many areas around the country and are a great way to explore rural regions.

Where to Go Next from Austria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After experiencing the magic of Austria, visitors can explore other central European countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, or Hungary. The beautiful cities of Prague, Budapest, and Bratislava are all nearby and worth the trip.

Conclusion

Austria has something for everyone, from history buffs and nature lovers to music and food enthusiasts. This guide should help you plan your trip to Austria, so you can explore its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and excellent cuisine.