Travel in Austria: the complete practical guide

In short: Austria means Vienna and its imperial palaces, Salzburg and Mozart, then the lakes and the Alps. The country is very easy to explore by train. The currency is the euro; by car, a vignette is required on motorways.

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When to go to Austria

• Spring and early autumn: the best time for Vienna and Salzburg, with mild temperatures.
• Summer: the season for the lakes (Salzkammergut) and mountain hiking.
• Winter: skiing in Tyrol and the famous Christmas markets in Vienna and Salzburg.

Entry requirements

• EU and Schengen citizens: a valid ID card or passport is enough.
• Other nationalities: check the entry rules with the Austrian embassy or your foreign ministry.

Arriving in Austria

• Vienna: the City Airport Train (CAT) runs non-stop to Wien Mitte in about 16 minutes; the S7 S-Bahn makes the same trip more slowly and more cheaply.
• Salzburg: bus 2 links the airport with the main station and bus 10 with the city centre (Monday to Saturday).
• By train: Vienna and Salzburg have direct trains to many European cities, including Munich.

Getting around Austria

• Trains (ÖBB) quickly link Vienna, Salzburg, Linz and Innsbruck.
• In town: metro, trams and buses in Vienna; buses in Salzburg, whose centre is best explored on foot.
• A car is handy for the lakes and mountains. Buy the vignette before you get on the motorway.

Money, internet and practicalities

• Currency: the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but some cafés and small shops prefer cash.
• Mobile: as an EU country, Austria applies roam-like-at-home for European plans.
• Language: German; English is common in tourist areas.
• Electricity: type C and F plugs, 230 V. Time: UTC+1 (UTC+2 in summer).

What to see in Austria

• Vienna: St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere, the MuseumsQuartier and the Prater. The historic centre and Schönbrunn are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart’s birthplace, the cathedral and the Mirabell Gardens; its historic centre is UNESCO-listed.
• Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut: a lakeside village and mountain scenery, a World Heritage Site.
• The Wachau: the Danube valley between Melk and Krems, with vineyards and an abbey, also UNESCO-listed.
• Tyrol and Innsbruck: the Alps, skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

Suggested itineraries

5 days: Vienna (3 days), then Salzburg (2 days) by train.

10 days: Vienna, a day trip to the Wachau, Salzburg, Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut, then Innsbruck.

In winter: a few days in Vienna for the Christmas markets, then a ski resort in Tyrol.

What to eat in Austria

• Wiener Schnitzel, the most famous dish;
• Sachertorte, a chocolate cake, and Apfelstrudel;
• Viennese coffee, served with a glass of water in historic cafés;
• white wines from the Wachau and the vineyards around Vienna.

Culture and etiquette

• Cafés are places to take your time: nobody will rush you out.
• Punctuality is appreciated, and public transport runs on time.
• On Sundays, most shops are closed.

Health and safety

Austria is a safe country. In the mountains, check the weather and trail conditions before setting off. EU citizens can bring their European Health Insurance Card; travel insurance is still useful for skiing and hiking.