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Destinations > Austria

Destinations in Austria

Austria, nestled in the heart of Europe, is a destination that offers a variety of unique experiences that make it a must-see on any travel itinerary.

Austria is a Central European country with around 8.7 million inhabitants and is part of the European Union. The country is divided into nine federal states: Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Vienna. Each is a dream destination in Austria.

The natural beauty of the country is breathtaking. The picturesque Alps, with their snow-capped peaks and green valleys, are perfect for a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. Nature lovers can also explore the idyllic lakes and forests or observe the unique wildlife in the numerous national parks.

City lovers will also get their money’s worth in Austria. Vienna, the capital, is known for its magnificent historic buildings, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace, and its rich cultural offerings, ranging from world-class music and theater performances to first-class museums. Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown, boasts well-preserved medieval architecture and a rich musical heritage.

Austrian cuisine is another highlight of any trip. Regional specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz or apple strudel are just some of the dishes you should try. Combined with the outstanding Austrian hospitality, a culinary experience is guaranteed.

Explore the destinations in Austria

Our neighbor Austria is beautiful. Let’s have a look.

Vacations in Innsbruck
Innsbruck: The heart of the Tyrolean Alps

In the middle of the breathtaking Tyrolean Alps lies Innsbruck, a city that captivates travelers from all over the world with its unique charm and impressive natural beauty. Whether for adventurers, culture vultures or those seeking relaxation - Innsbruck offers something special for everyone.

Innsbruck: The heart of the Tyrolean Alps   →
Wolfgangsee
Lake Wolfgang

The Wolfgangsee region, nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Austrian Alps, is a true dream for travellers and nature enthusiasts. Lake Wolfgang covers an area of around 13 square kilometres and offers an idyllic backdrop of sparkling turquoise waters, majestic mountains and picturesque villages.

Lake Wolfgang   →
Salzburg
Salzburg

Salzburg, with its imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, is located in the north-west of Austria. The city is also known as the “Rome of the North” due to its imposing buildings. The fourth largest city in Austria is a fantastic destination for a city break.

Salzburg   →
Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city with a varied history and a multitude of cultural sights. This metropolis on the Danube combines historical architecture, musical heritage and modern culture in a unique way.

Vienna   →

Travel information for Austria

Getting There

Arrival

By car
The roads in Austria are very well developed. Passenger cars are only allowed to drive with winter tires (M+S) or studded tires (M+S+E) between November 01 and April 15 in winter driving conditions.

The general speed limit is

  • 50 km/h in the town
  • 100 km/h outside town
  • 130 km/h on the highway

By plane
The largest airport is located in Vienna. From there you can reach many European metropolises and the Middle East.
There are several smaller airports, which are also connected to international air traffic.

By train
ÖBB is the railroad company of Austria. The rail network is well developed in the eastern half of the country, which is less mountainous.

By bus
There are about 2800 bus lines running through the country. Tourist places are all served by bus.
International long-distance buses mainly serve the major cities such as Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, ….

By boat
Between Vienna and Bratislava, the Twin City Liner runs regularly.
On the Danube river cruise ships that like to call at Vienna.

Entry, Visa

Entry Regulations / Visa

Austria is a member of the Schengen Agreement:

Entry is possible for German citizens and EU citizens (incl.Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) with the following documents: passport, identity card.
Travel documents must not have expired for more than one year. Children need their own passport.

Visa will not be required for most of the entrants.

Taking animals with you when traveling (also applies to travelers from the EU area):
A valid vaccination certificate is required for dogs or cats 12 weeks of age or older. The vaccination must have taken place at least 30 days before crossing the border, but not more than one year ago. A maximum of three animals may be taken along.

General entry requirements for non-EU citizens

Passport and visa
Third-country nationals require a valid passport to enter Austria, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure and must have been issued within the last ten years. Depending on their nationality, a visa may be required.

Third-country nationals requiring a visa can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period if they have a valid Schengen visa (visa C) or a residence permit from a Schengen state.

A visa is required for stays of up to six months. A residence permit is required for stays of more than six months.

The Red-White-Red Card enables the permanent immigration of foreign skilled workers if they can provide proof of qualified training in a shortage occupation.

Toll

Toll

Freeways and expressways (including urban highways) are subject to tolls throughout the country, except for a few sections.

Best time to travel

Best time to Travel

In Austria there are two main tourist seasons. In winter from December to March is ski season. In the summer from June to August you meet the city visitors and hiking vacationers.

The Alpine region has a temperate climate with mild summers and moderately cold winters. The climate in the regions of Upper Austria, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg is Atlantic in character, which ensures frequent precipitation and usually low temperature fluctuations. In Lower Austria, Vienna, Burgenland the continental influence prevails with warmer summers and cooler winters. The region of Styria and Carinthia benefit from the warm and dry air of the Mediterranean in summer

Money

Money

The euro is the means of payment in Austria. The coins minted in Austria all have a separately minted reverse.

Tip

Tip

In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is usually given, depending on how satisfied you are.

For taxi rides, you should also add 5-10% tip to the fare.

In the hotel, the porter usually receives 1€ per piece of luggage, maids are also happy about a small tip.

Language

Language

In Austria, people speak German. In some regions there is strongly pronounced dialect, which is not always easy to understand.

Plug

Power Plug

For Austria, vacationers from Germany do not need a travel adapter. Type C and F plugs are used in the country. These sockets can also be found in Germany.

Telephone, Internet

Telephone/Internet

Due to its geography, has always been the experimental country for the latest mobile technologies. The country has a very well developed mobile network.

In popular ski resorts, the Internet speed is even often higher than in metropolitan areas. On mountains, the operator A1 currently has the best network, often with HSPA speeds on many mountains.

All our experiences in Austria

Beer in Innsbruck - Tour through the city

Culinary Craft Tours Innsbruck – for a beer in Innsbruck

We went on a tour of the Innsbruck beer scene and took part in a guided tour of the city. The focus was on drinking good beer in Innsbruck – and what can I say – it tasted good!

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Bank über Innsbruck - auf dem Weg zum Top of Innsbruck

Top of Innsbruck: an unforgettable experience at 2,300 meters

No visit to Innsbruck would be complete without an experience that literally stands above everything else: A visit to the Top of Innsbruck. The highest point of the Nordketten adventure area is at an altitude of 2,300 meters. This is where breathtaking views, impressive nature and the magic of the Alps come together.

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Weinhaus Tyrol

Weinhaus Tyrol: a paradise for wine lovers in Innsbruck

In the heart of Innsbruck’s picturesque old town, in Herzog-Friedrich-Straße, you will find Weinhaus Tyrol, one of the most renowned wine bars in the region. This is not just a place where wine is sold. You can also enjoy a glass of wine in comfort.

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Gorge hike near Innsbruck - the Zimmerbergklamm gorge near Telfs is easy to moderately difficult, has great trails and is almost still an insider tip.

Zimmerbergklamm – hiking on the gorge trail near Telfs

Fancy exploring the mountains around Innsbruck? Then the Zimmerbergklamm near Telfs is just the right excursion for you. The gorge trail near Telfs is a wonderful hiking trail.

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Restaurant tips for Innsbruck

The capital of Tyrol uniquely combines traditional Austrian cuisine with modern cuisine and international influences. Whether in rustic inns serving hearty Tyrolean specialties or in elegant restaurants serving innovative haute cuisine – our restaurant tips for Innsbruck offer the right culinary experience for every taste and every occasion.

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The city tower of Innsbruck

The city tower of Innsbruck

The Innsbruck City Tower is one of the most famous landmarks of the Tyrolean capital. It is located in the heart of Innsbruck’s old town, right next to the famous Golden Roof, and offers a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding area.

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Weg durch die Hofkirche

“Black Men” in the Hofkirche and cozy living rooms in the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum

Innsbruck’s Hofkirche is one of the city’s most important must-see sights! For us, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum is more of an insider tip, even though every visitor to the church actually passes by.

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Ambras Castle Innsbruck: A must for culture lovers!

Ambras Castle Innsbruck is located above Innsbruck. The impressive Renaissance castle was once the residence of Archduke Ferdinand II and is now open to visitors.

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Innsbruck Card

Innsbruck Card – is it worth it?

The Innsbruck Card is a card that offers visitors to the city many discounts and presents the city and the surrounding area in a very special way. This card is the key to a variety of attractions and experiences that will make your stay unforgettable.

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Bergisel ski jump

Bergisel ski jump – the place where sporting legends are born

Sitting in front of the TV, I admire the daring ski jumpers who jump off the Bergisel ski jump every year and always achieve incredible distances. Now it was time to see this ski jump in Innsbruck live.

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Welcome Card Innsbruck

The Welcome Card Innsbruck is one of two tourist cards that Innsbruck offers its visitors. This card is issued by various accommodations to guests staying at least 2 nights in the city.

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Goldene Dachl von oben

Golden Roof of Innsbruck

Innsbruck’s most famous sight is certainly the Golden Roof in the old town. It is not only a landmark of the city, but also an interesting place to learn about the history of Tyrol. Together with the adjacent Golden Roof Museum, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the past and experience the splendor of the imperial era.

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Stage 12 Hotel by Penz

Innsbruck Hotel Stage 12 by Penz – quiet hotel in the old town

Innsbruck offers its guests many different accommodation options. The Stage 12 Hotel by Penz is definitely one of the most beautiful hotels. It is centrally located, easily accessible, stylish and modern – a feel-good place for us during our time in Innsbruck.

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Stephansdom in Wien

The roof of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the inverted coat of arms

One of the most striking landmarks of Vienna is St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the city centre. It is considered the most important Gothic building in Austria and I think you should not miss visiting this church.

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Franz-von-Assisi-Kirche

Almost like a fairytale castle: Franz von Assisi Church

On our way through Vienna, we arrived at Mexikoplatz and stood with our mouths open in amazement in front of a building that reminded me a lot of the fairytale castles in Disney films. At first glance, I didn’t immediately realise that I was standing in front of a church.

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Kirche aud dem Zentralfriedhof in Wien

Central Cemetery in Vienna a special excursion

Besides architecture, nothing says so much about a city or country as a cemetery. Here you look at the history, the culture, the faith – yes almost a little into the soul of people. We enjoy the tranquility of cemeteries and were therefore thrilled to be able to discover the Central Cemetery in Vienna together with Gudrun from “Reisebloggerin“.

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Hinweisschild zum Grab von Mozart Friedhof St Marx in Wien

Mozart in Vienna – in the footsteps of the composer

Hardly any other city is associated with Mozart as much as Vienna. Here he lived for many years and here the composer died on 5.12.1791.

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Vienna City Card

On the road in Vienna with the Vienna City Card

During our stay in Vienna, we were able to take advantage of the Vienna City Card. We don’t often travel with a card of this type during our city trips. This is not because of the offer that these cards provide, it is more because of the nature of our trips.

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Gasometer Wien

Gasometer Vienna – old gas works revived

Do you know the Gasometer Wien? During a walk in Simmering we discovered the really eye-catching buildings and went on a discovery tour.

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Sattelkammer Spanische Hofreitschule ien

Visit to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna

For me, one of the highlights of our stay in Vienna – the Spanish Riding School. Equestrian sports have been part of our family life for years, so I was very excited to see what was in store for us.

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Essen in Wien - HK Curry Bowl

Where did we eat in Vienna?

We love good beer and hearty food as much as vegan food or the “quick” sausage on the hand. We enjoyed the food in Vienna and would like to present some of our visited restaurants.

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JUFA Hatel Wien Blick Atrium

JUFA Hotel Vienna

We spent the night in Simmering during our visit to Vienna. The JUFA Hotel Vienna was the venue for a conference for Patrick on our first 3 days in the city, so we took a room there as well.

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Verkehrsmuseum Wien - remise

remise – Transport Museum of the Vienna Lines

Sometimes chance finds are simply some of the most beautiful discoveries. We actually wanted to go for a walk when we discovered the Vienna Transport Museum (remise – Transport Museum of the Vienna Lines). And then we were lucky, the museum was open and we could go on an exciting discovery tour.

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Fussweg zum Donauturm

High above Vienna on the Danube Tower

What could be more beautiful than discovering a city from above? For us, it is always an experience to get a completely different view of a region from vantage points. The Danube Tower in Vienna is simply ideal for such a city view.

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Mozart - Wohnung von Mozart in Wien - Mozarthaus Vienna

Mozarthaus Vienna – where Mozart lived and worked

Mozart lived in several apartments in Vienna for several years of his short life. From 1784 to 1787 he lived in the house in Domgasse in the most beautiful and also most expensive apartment of his Viennese time. Today, this is his only surviving apartment in Vienna and can be visited in Mozarthaus Vienna.

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Dritte Mann Museum

On the trail of the Third Man in the “Third Man Museum”

Do you still know the film “The Third Man” by Carol Reed? I admit, the black and white film from 1949 is not exactly current in the cinema, but it belongs to the classics for me and it is always fun to watch it again.

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Wien

Dom Museum Vienna – an interesting museum in the heart of the city

I love going to museums and was really looking forward to the Dom Museum Vienna. Right next to St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Austria’s most important museum for historical sacred art and I was really excited to see everything.

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Hundertwasser House in Vienna

A touch of Hundertwasser in Vienna

For me, Friedensreich Hundertwasser is one of the artists who never fails to impress with his choice of shapes and colours. It goes without saying that I had to see the Hundertwasser House on our trip to Vienna.

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Residence Square in Salzburg

City stroll through Salzburg

Salzburg is a really beautiful city, full of history and tradition. We strolled through the city and found some places that we just loved.

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fortress Hohensalzburg

High above the city: The fortress Hohensalzburg

High above the city of Salzburg lies the fortress Hohensalzburg. You should absolutely not miss out on what is a view over the city that is most definitely worth seeing.

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Hellbrunn Palace

Day trip to Hellbrunn Palace

If you are visiting Salzburg, you should not miss out on a visit to Hellbrunn Palace. Although it is a true tourist magnet, the water features were an unforgettable experience for me.

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St. Peter Abbey

Visit to the cemetery and the catacombs of St. Peter Abbey

If you look closely you will quickly find this true oasis of calm in the city – St. Peter Abbey in Salzburg. We have passed it on a walk and the place magically attracted us. The Abbey is located on the bottom of a hill, the Mönchsberg, in the middle of Salzburg. Benedictine monks still live and work here, so only a small part of the site is open to the public. Standing above the castle gives you a very good impression of the size of the complex.

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SchafbergBahn

Experience cogwheel railway Schafbergbahn at Lake Wolfgang

During our holiday at the Lake Wolfgang we stayed in a small b&b directly on the route of the „Schafbergbahn“. Of course, we had to take the cogwheel railway.

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path of the pilgrims

A small walk along the path of the pilgrims along Lake Wolfgang

We are not big hikers and do not have the right shoes or suitable weatherproof clothing. Nevertheless, we did not want to only stay on the shores of Lake Wolfgang. After researching about the area some more, we discovered a small tour, which was described as family-friendly, the way of the pilgrims. Only one steep climb over the altitude of about 200 meters was described. Well, we should be able to do that in our trainers.

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Ferris wheel

My impression of the Viennese Prater

The Prater in Vienna is one of the must-see attractions, therefore the Prater was high on our to-do list. Unfortunately, it did not live up to our anticipation. We were not impressed and should I be again in Vienna again, I will certainly not visit the Prater.

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