Trip and Wellness

Things to know before traveling to Austria – Travel Guide

Austria, Wien State, Vienna, Kohlmarkt and Hofburg

Austria is a stunning country in the heart of Europe, known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, charming alpine villages, and cultural cities. From the capital city of Vienna, with its rich history and stunning architecture, to the charming town of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the location of the famous “Sound of Music” film, Austria is a country with something for everyone.

Travel map with landmarks of Austria
Source: istockphoto

Traveling to Austria in the winter for its world-class skiing and snowboarding in the Alps. The country becomes a paradise for hikers in the summer, with endless trails winding through the stunning mountain scenery.

About Austria

Austria pinned on the map
Source: istockphoto

Austria is a country in Central Europe. It borders the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Italy and Slovenia to the south, and Austria and Slovakia to the east. To the west of Austria are Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

About 60% of the area of Austria is the mountains, forests, and grasslands of the Alps. This has created fairy scenes for this country, including the village of Hallstatt.

About 95% of the Austrian population speaks German and considers it their mother tongue. This is because the formation and history of Austria are closely linked with Germany. In addition to German as the main language, a small number of people speak Slovenian, Hungarian and Croatian.

When to traveling to Austria

when to travel to Austria
Source: istockphoto

The best time to travel to Austria is summer when the weather is warm and pleasant. This is the perfect time to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the beautiful countryside. The country is also home to some world-renowned music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival and the Vienna Philharmonic’s Summer Night Concert, which take place during the summer months.

In the winter, Austria transforms into a wonderland, with ski resorts offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. The Christmas markets, which can be found in cities and towns across the country, are also a must-see during the winter.

No matter when you travel to Austria, you will surely be enchanted by its stunning architecture, rich culture, and friendly people. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Austria today!

Is it safe to traveling to Austria?

Austria is a safe and welcoming country with a low crime rate and a well-established tourism industry. Police in Austria is well trained and efficient. As a visitor, you can expect to feel safe and secure while exploring the country’s stunning landscapes, cultural attractions, and vibrant cities.

austrian police
Source: istockphoto

So, if you are planning to travel to Austria, you can rest assured that your trip to this country will bring you safety. Whether you’re planning to explore the city or the countryside, Austria is a safe and welcoming destination that will leave an indelible impression.

Transportation when arriving in Austria

Transportation when arriving in Austria
Source: istockphoto

Like other developed countries, Austria has a very developed transportation system. In the inner city, there are the following types of fast and convenient means of transportation:

  • Subway: The metro only operates in the city of Vienna. Remember that the train runs all night only on Fridays and Saturdays, not on weekdays.
  • Train: ÖBB is the largest railway company in Austria, offering domestic and international trips. Hours of operation are from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Visitors can book tickets online or call hotline 05 1717, at the ticket machine or the ticket office; depending on the route, there are different prices, from about 8 € or more.
  • Bus: The bus is a popular means of transport chosen by many people in Austria. However, note that there are fewer routes to choose from on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Bike: Cycling is highly recommended in Austria. For the people of this country, it is also a pleasure after a tiring day of work. As for tourists, you are also free to explore Austria on your way by bicycle.
  • Where to traveling to Austria?

Vienna – The Musical Capital of Austria

Austrian Parliament Building
Source: gettyimages

If you have ever been passionate about Jesse and Celine’s love story in Before Sunrise, you will surely wish to explore the city of Vienna one day. Not only is the world’s music capital, but Vienna also captivates visitors with its ancient architecture reflecting on the poetic Danube river.

Salzburg – Mozart’s Hometown

Telescope overlooking the Old Town of Salzburg from Mönchsberg mountain
Source: gettyimages

Home to the genius composer Mozart, Salzburg is a must-visit for all classical music fans. Coming to this city, you can admire the intact architectural works and see firsthand the memorabilia associated with Mozart’s life.

Hallstatt – Fairy village

Hallstatt, Austria
Source: gettyimages

Referring to places to visit and travel in Austria, Hallstatt is important. Dubbed the most beautiful lakeside town in the world, Hallstatt is the ideal stopover for anyone looking for peace in the heart of magnificent Europe. Indeed, Hallstatt is like a fairy village coming out of Andersen’s story, with quiet nature and beautiful small houses by the lake.

Alpbach village

Alpbach,Austria
Source: gettyimages

If you come to Austria and stay for a long time, you should come to rest in the village of Alpbach. Alpbach village is a very beautiful village with wooden houses on the mountain slopes of the Tyrol region. Coming here, you will be immersed in the vast nature. In the cold winter, you can participate in skiing and drink hot coffee here.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Aerial of Grossglockner road, Austria
Source: istockphoto

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a must-see destination for any mountain enthusiast. This breathtaking mountain pass stretches across the Austrian Alps, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With winding roads and challenging terrain, this drive is not for the faint of heart. But with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn, it is well worth the journey.

Schönbrunn Palace

Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
Source: istockphoto

Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning Baroque-style palace located in Vienna, Austria. It served as the summer residence for the Habsburg monarchy and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can tour the grand state rooms, marvel at the opulent interiors, and explore the beautiful gardens and fountains. Don’t miss the chance to witness the grandeur of this iconic palace and learn about its rich history.

Delicious dishes to enjoy when traveling to Austria

With borders with many countries and being in the center of Europe, Austrian cuisine has something of a hybrid between Italy, Germany, and Hungary. You can come across some familiar dishes in these countries, such as Wiener Schnitzel or Gulasch.

However, each region in Austria has its culinary specialities. The food taste in the eastern part is a bit like Hungary, while the western part has a lot of influence from Germany. Here are the delicious dishes to enjoy when traveling to Austria.

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel, Austria
Source: istockphoto

Wiener Schnitzel is prepared quite simply; after being gradually softened, the veal will be coated with a layer of egg, continue to be breaded and then deep fried with cooking oil. It tastes better when you enjoy this hot dish served with salad, fries or steamed potatoes. If you want to break the flavor, use Lingonberry sauce instead of ketchup. This dish is quite popular in Austria, so if you want to enjoy it, you can find it all over Austria, almost anywhere.

Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)

apple strudel
Source: istockphoto

Traveling to Austria, the first salty dish representing this country is Schnitzel, and the dessert is probably to be noticed by Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel). Apple Strudel has simple ingredients, including apples, breadcrumbs, raisins, sugar, and cinnamon. After all the ingredients are stuffed into a thin cake layer, the cake will be baked. After baking, a layer of powdered sugar will be covered on top of the cake, but it will be more delicious if you use this cake with vanilla ice cream or fresh cream. For breakfast in Austria, enjoy this cake with tea or coffee.

Linzer Cookie Cake

Linzer Cookie
Source: gettyimages

Austrians have a long tradition of making pastries, a favorite feature of Austrian cuisine. The oldest traditional Austrian cake is the Linzer Torte. This cake is named after the city of Linz in Austria. Inside the cake are fruit jams, walnuts and almonds. Not only in Austria, but Linzer Torte also regularly appears at traditional festivals in some other Central European countries.

Sachertorte Cake

sachertorte
Source: istockphoto

Sachertorte Cake is a famous Austrian cake all over the world. Sachertorte cake combined with a thin layer of apricot jam in the middle, covered with a layer of hard chocolate. This dish is usually served with whipped cream. Chocolate Sachertorte won the hearts of sweet lovers when traveling to Austria.

Tiroler Groestl

tiroler groestl
source: istockphoto

Tiroler Groestl has a long history and is a typical dish of the Alps. The dish preparation is simple, including beef, onion, french fries and an omelet.

Wiener Wurstel (Vienna sausage)

viennese sausages
Source: istockphoto

Wiener Wurstel is a street snack and can be served as a main course. An irresistibly delicious taste characterizes Viennese sausage. It can be eaten with Austrian potato salad or mustard and beer. It’s no wonder that Viennese sausages are always a favorite among locals and tourists alike.