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Do you have plans to travel to Austria soon? Great! You can complete that dream travel with the guidance of Go and Europe – The Europeans Travelers Guide, your best Europe travel guide tips that will guide you to the attractions in popular tourist destinations around Austria.
Austria is at the heart of Central Europe and shares its borders with the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Austria is the 20th largest nation in Europe and is a founding member of OECD and an associate of the European Union and the United Nations. It’s a gorgeous place with a lot of history and culture. Austria has something for everyone, from the imperial buildings in Vienna to the snowy alpine peaks and world-class opera and ballet.
Austria has plenty to offer, whether you’re backpacking around the country or just visiting for a short time. It’s a well-known tourist travel destination in Europe for a myriad of reasons. For those who love film and music, It’s home to Mozart, Schubert, and the famous movie The Sound of Music. People who love culture can enjoy the lavish and stunning architectural style of the capital Vienna and the city that is second in Salzburg; however, once you’ve left city life, Austria is genuinely thrilling.
There’s plenty you can do during the winter months in Austria for all types of tourists. In the summer, the alpine and rolling hills and valleys don’t just provide stunning views but also become areas for paragliding and Rafting and a range of sports that are adventure-oriented. In winter, Austria is one of the most sought-after snowboarding and ski destinations.
Vienna is the gateway to broadly of central Europe. Graz and Linz have historic old towns and cool cafes, and Salzburg is a beautiful Baroque city close to mountains and lakes.
The official government’s official Austria currency is called the Euro (EUR). 1 USD equals 0.90 EUR.
Use your credit card whenever possible. It’s connected to your home bank; therefore, you shouldn’t face any problems. There is usually no charge for service and accepted all over the country. If you need Euros, ATMs are common in Austria, even in small cities.
We recommend purchasing a universal adapter (ensure that equipped with overload protection) and an adapter for hairdryers and hot tools.
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Austria is a highly safe place, and the riskiest crime is pickpocketing and petty theft. If you use ordinary senses and are aware of your surroundings, you shouldn’t face any difficulties during your trip.
Austrian German though you might encounter locals who speak Alemmanic or Austro-Bavarian in the area.
Austria is a nation with many climates, so the best time to go to it all depends on the activities you wish to participate in and the best time to travel to Austria is during the shoulder season, from April through May and September through October.
In spring, you could get a downpour or two. However, it’s an excellent time to walk through Vienna or Hofburg because the tourism season is just getting underway. In the fall, the mountains are filled with golden and red hues as the autumn leaves change to make this one of the most enjoyable hiking places.
The months of June and August are the peak season, which means both crowds and prices go up. It’s still a great time to dip and soak up some sun. It’s also the time for Salzburg Festival, Vienna Festival, Salzburg Festival, and Vienna Festival, along with The Rainbow Parade!
The winter in Austria is often quite cold; however, something is awe-inspiring about the festive spirit and strolling around in the Vienna Christmas market. If you’re a fervent skier, it’s the best time to take a ski through the Austrian Alps before relaxing at one of the beautiful resorts for skiing.
Bicycle
Even those who are avid cyclists may encounter Austria challenging. However, a few dedicated bicycle paths are begging to be explored, such as the 200-mile Danube cycle path that runs from Passau (in Germany) to Vienna or the 214-mile Salzkammergut bicycle path that winds around or offers stunning views across 13 lakes.
Numerous businesses rent bikes or offer bicycle tours with guides or packages that provide accommodation. It is important to note that bike rentals are generally seasonal between April and October. Nextbike is a bike-sharing service that requires registration. It offers bikes in Lower Austria, Burgenland and Tyrol and Tyrol, which includes Krems, Melk and about 100 OBB train stations. If you own an OBB VORTEILSCARD card, your first hour is always free when you join Nextbike. If you are a Nextbike member, your first rental is completely free.
Trains
Traveling by train is the most effective and efficient method to travel across Austria and enjoy its stunning countryside. Austrian Federal Railways (Osterreichische Bundesbahnen (or OBB) are operated by, which offers schedules, travel times pricing, and ticketing via its site.
Since Austria is a relatively small country, travel by train between cities is comparatively quick. It takes approximately 2.5 hours from Vienna to Salzburg (or just under two hours away from Munich). The journey from Graz and Innsbruck is about six hours. Trains transport you into the city’s heart and villages and towns, where you’re likely to discover the local tourism office and also connected with travel on the other side via bus or rental car boat or cable car to areas that trains cannot go.
Bus
Buses can take passengers to remote regions and villages that aren’t accessible by train, such as villages and ski resorts located in higher altitudes. The good news is that bus departures usually coincide with train arrivals, and tickets are available at the station. OBB’s Postbus network comprises more than 900 routes with an aggregate of 40000 bus stops. Night buses are also available for regions where people might want to visit the town. It includes Discobus courses within Burgenland and night busses in Vienna, Austria, and Salzburg. Go to the Postbus site for available schedules to download and view offline. There is also the no-cost SCOTTY Mobil, a phone application that lets you create routes, download map of the bus stop and their surrounding regions, bookmark timetables and receive real-time updates regarding delays and other relevant notifications during your journeys.
Plane
Austrian Airlines serves Vienna International Airport as the central hub, connecting Chicago, Toronto, New York and Washington D.C., and major European cities. When your goal is Innsbruck and the west region of the country may take a flight to Vienna to take the one-hour journey to Innsbruck or fly directly to Munich, airport shuttle buses will drop you in Innsbruck within a little less than three hours.
In addition, since the cost of domestic flights is high, It is more sensible for travelers to move within Austria using ground transport. It is also the best method to take in the sights.
Car Rental
Renting a car allows you to travel wherever and whenever possible. However, hiring a car in Austria isn’t cheap and has many restrictions. It may be necessary for specific destinations, such as alpine rental cabins in remote areas and regions. The Grossglockner High-Alpine Road is a stunning journey that will take the visitor across Hohe Tauern National Park, up to the summit of Austria’s tallest mountain, and then over an alpine pass before arriving in Salzburg.
If, for instance, you’re not used to driving in the mountains, you may feel the excitement of driving in the mountains more thrilling than you’d like to feel. Also, it requires snow chains or winter tires between November and mid-April, and heavy snowfall can temporarily shut down roads and mountain passes (the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is closed from October’s end to May). In certain cities, such as Vienna and Salzburg, The Altstadt (Old City) is closed to automobiles, and parking is costly.
Boat
The Danube, which runs through 10 countries along the way, from Germany up to the Black Sea, is one of Europe’s most well-known rivers. The most prominent area in Austria for cruises on boats is the 22-mile stretch from Krems and Melk in Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes wineries, castles, medieval towns, medieval towns, and medieval towns such as Melk Abbey. Melk Abbey. DDSG was established in 1829 and had many choices, including a cruise and bike tour which lets you experience the Danube cycle path. Also, high-speed vessels travel between Vienna through Bratislava and Budapest.
Austria is among Europe’s most popular tourist destinations in Europe and draws tourists all year long with various places to visit in winter and summer. With the best European skiing, the winter months are nearly the same as summertime in Austria’s breathtaking mountains.
Tourists are drawn by the magnificence of the Alpine country’s provincial provinces as drawn to beautiful cities such as Vienna (Wien), Vienna (Wien), the capital city of the past and stunning Salzburg, which stood the motherland of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
One of the countries with a minor population, Austria is predominantly a country with upland areas and mountains of high elevation and high mountains, with high mountains and the Eastern Alps occupying 60% of its land. Its River Danube flows about 350 km from west to east throughout the northern portion of the country, which adds to its attraction as the most popular tourist destination in Europe.
Please plan your travel and find fun things to do with our list of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe to visit in Austria.
As the home of The Prince Archbishops of Salzburg, Salzburg became a religious centre from the beginning of Christianity within Europe. Salzburg was the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter in the middle of Altstadt (Old town) established by the saint St. Rupert in AD 690 and used as the residence of Archbishops up to the early 1100s.
The prince archbishops employed the most talented architects and artists of their time to design and embellish their homes, churches and monasteries. While they’ve changed and been “updated” in the tastes of the centuries that followed, The medieval and Baroque structures perfectly blend the Baroque and medieval styles to create a stunning old city to explore.
Highlights include St. Peter’s Abbey and its church and the stunning cemetery and catacombs instantly remembered as the filming site for The Sound of Music.
The cathedral is close by and explores its vibrant Baroque homes for burghers. You can get to the beautiful cupolas and spires, Salzburg’s castle, and Hohensalzburg via the funicular. There are beautiful squares and sights, which include the place of birth for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, now an art museum.
The Baroque Schonbrunn Palace was constructed in the early 17th century and later transformed into a summer residence by Empress Maria Theresa.
The 1,441 rooms of the palace by 500 acres of parklands and gardens, were all constructed in the 18th-century Baroque style. Highlights of a visit to the 40 rooms in the castle which are accessible to the public include the Royal residences, The Great Gallery with its ornate ceiling artwork and the Million Room and Maria Theresa’s salon, with the carved and gilded rosewood panels. The most remarkable is the Hall of Mirrors and the gold-framed Rocococo mirrors.
A visit to Schonbrunn should include the numerous attractions scattered throughout the grounds, including formal gardens, an enchanted labyrinth Palm House, filled with exotic and tropical plants and butterflies as well as an Alpine garden that has an old farmhouse; Europe’s longest-running Zoo; and the Classical Gloriette the grand stone structure that juts up that rises above the gardens.
A museum for carriages in the old Winter Riding School displays dozens of stately coaches from the past and sleighs. The gardens complex’s entire palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Melk Abbey is one of the most well-known monastic sites. Its stunning buildings are in seven courtyards. The most famous portion of the massive 325-meter complex is the west side, with its twin-towered chapel rising over a semicircular terrace range.
The abbey perched upon a rock outcrop over Melk’s city Melk, and with a view of the Danube, The sanctuary has many other excellent reasons to spend an hour or so exploring it. It includes the grave of the saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of Austria’s very first ruling family and the house of Babenberg, as well as the stunning long 196-meter Imperial Corridor with its portraits of Austria’s rulers, which includes that of Empress Maria Theresa.
On your route, it’s possible to visit the Imperial Rooms, with exhibits on the abbey’s history and paintings and statues.
One of Austria’s most famous palaces, which must include in your Vienna plan of travel – is the magnificent Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere). Often referred to in the form of “The Belvedere,” this important historical landmark that’s divided into two main parts: the Upper (Oberes) and the Lower (Unteres) palaces.
If you’ve reached only a moment to visit one take a look at your time to visit the Upper Palace. There, you’ll discover the most considerable portion of the impressive collection of artworks and be able to see one of the best preserved architectural treasures. The highlights are Sala Terrena, the main hall notable for its stucco and statues vaulted ceilings, its Carlone Hall, its ceiling murals, the two-story Marble Hall and its numerous paintings and sculptures; and the magnificent Ceremonial Staircase.
Its Lower Palace is no less worth a visit. The highlights are those of the Marble Gallery, featuring a collection of statues, the Grotesque Hall, which is home to a variety of exquisite wall paintings, and the second Marble Hall, which is famous for its stunning ceiling fresco.
From 1891 to 1938, Sigmund Freud, the famous founder of psychoanalysis, resided in this apartment-turned-museum. This museum, which opened in 1971 with Anna Freud’s help, displays the original furniture, Freud’s private collection of antiques, and the first editions of his works. There are also films depicting his personal life. It only takes about an hour to visit because it is so tiny. Admission costs €5.
Austria has contributed its fair share of composers to the world, so it should be no surprise that there are numerous opportunities to enjoy classical music here. It is the place to see an opera, symphony, or ballet (the Vienna State Ballet is one of the best in the world). Standard tickets will cost at least 20 EUR. Prices will vary based on performance, but you can expect to pay at least this amount.
This magnificent castle towers high above Salzburg and dominates the city. Despite numerous expansions and renovations, the fortress has been in use since the 11th century. There is a pleasant 30-minute hike up to the castle, or you can take the funicular. You’ll find ancient ruins, a great historical tour, and panoramic city views here. Additionally, the fortress contains several museums, such as the Marionette Museum and the Museum of the Rainer Regiment (which highlights the former Salzburg house military regiment). The entrance fee of 13.30 EUR includes the funicular.
Enthusiasts of museums should take the time to explore the National History Museum, which features a detailed anthropology exhibit, a planetarium, and a prehistoric show. Their collection contains over one hundred thousand items, including many meteorites. It is also home to the Austrian-discovered Venus of Willendorf statue, which is 25,000 years old. Admission costs twelve euros.
This house in Salzburg is where Mozart was born in 1756 (he was the seventh child of his family). It’s now a museum full of letters and memorabilia from the musician’s life. Notable works include numerous portraits of Mozart and his violin and clavichord (which he used to compose The Magic Flute). Admission costs twelve euros.
There are hiking trails marked in Austria, and mountain huts are everywhere. With nearly 30 percent of the country’s natural landscape designated as protected, it is easy to understand why hiking is an integral part of the culture here. Pack a lunch and hit the trails to experience everything the country offers! The Pinzgauer Spaziergang route from Saalbach to Schmittenhohe’s peak is one of the best hikes in Zell am See, spanning 10.5 miles (17 kilometers). From St. Johann to St. Anton am Arlberg, the Eagle Walk is 280 kilometers (174 miles) long.
Innsbruck, in the Alps, is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, with its cobblestone streets, historic center, and abundance of cafes. It is a starting point for hiking and camping in the nearby Nordkette Mountains. Take advantage of the Golden Roof, an impressive alcove balcony with 2,657 copper tiles on its roof, and visit the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum to view devilish wooden masks, regional clothing, furniture, and tools (admission is 8 EUR). The Court Church and the City Tower, which have served as watchtowers for nearly 450 years, are two additional points of interest.
It is one of my favorite Vienna locations. The Belvedere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of two palaces. It houses an impressive art collection, including works by Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh, and an extensive portrait collection. In addition, there is a hall with rotating exhibits of renowned Austrian and international art. Beautiful fountains, gravel walkways, ponds, statues, plants, and flowers adorn the free grounds, which are ideal for a stroll on a sunny day. Admission costs €16.
In the winter, Austria’s mountainous terrain provides ample opportunities for skiing (these are the Alps, after all). Rentals of ski equipment and lift passes begin at approximately 50 euros. If you want better equipment or visit a more prestigious ski resort, you can expect to pay more. Niederau, Lech, and Obergurgl are excellent locations for novice skiers.
This UNESCO World Heritage site features over a thousand structures, many dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a beautiful exploring area, especially if you appreciate history and architecture. Many of these can be found here, in addition to street cafes, art galleries, and shopping opportunities. A guided tour of the area will cost approximately 10 EUR. Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, but it receives significantly fewer visitors than Vienna.
It is the country’s largest art museum, housing objects from ancient Egypt and Greece to the 18th century. It is worthwhile to explore the collections, especially if you are a history buff, as there are over 700,000 items. The primary collection, which was opened in 1891 and originally belonged to the Hapsburgs, consists of numerous portraits and armor. Admission costs €16.
Hallstatt is an excellent day trip from Salzburg, as it is only an hour away. It is a small, picturesque town with a lake populated by swans, a waterfall, and mountains that provide ample hiking opportunities. Visit this location to relax, dine, and commune with nature. You can tour the nearby salt mines or a cruise on the lake. Hallstatt is also a gateway to the Salzkammergut region, home to even more lakes, forested mountains, and historic villages.
Stephansdom is a Romanesque and Gothic cathedral in Vienna that dates to the 12th century and is known for its colorful roof. Over the years, the cathedral was destroyed and rebuilt, mainly by Duke Rudolf IV (1339–1365). Its most recent reconstruction occurred shortly after World War II. You can tour the cathedral and catacombs and ascend the north and south towers (which offer excellent views of the city). Under the cathedral are chambers containing the remains of more than 10,000 people, including prominent nobility and plague victims. The admission fee is 14.50 EUR.
One of the most beautiful Renaissance structures north of the Alps, this Salzburg Baroque palace dates back to the 17th century. The palace is renowned for its hidden water fountains on benches, tables, and the grounds. Visitors are sprayed by these “secret” fountains when they least expect it. It’s amusing to observe, so long as you’re not the target! The courtyard turns into a Christmas market in winter, but the partially landscaped gardens are still incredible. The price of admission is 13.50 EUR.
This historic loop is just over 5 kilometers long and brimming with stunning architecture. You will find the Parliament building, City Hall, the Museum of Fine Art, the National History Museum, and the State Opera. It’s a free and relaxing way to admire the city’s history and atmosphere.
Vienna Travel Guide Tips
Have you ever been to Austria, or it’s your first time visiting the country? If so, I’m sure you’ve heard of some of Austria’s attractions in popular destinations. You have arrived at the right place; our Autria trips will give you all the guidance you need to know about this country.
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