Austria Travel Guide
Austria Essentials
Language: German
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Rate:
Time Zone: GMT +2
Capital City: Vienna
Population: 8.3 million
Layout: See Map
Travel to Austria
Former centre of the Hapsburg Empire, the small landlocked country of Austria is a haven for cultural treasures, historical wonders, and amazing Alpine scenery. Home to Mozart and an impressive legacy of Baroque art, music and architecture, this Alpine country makes a fantastic holiday destination.
Vienna boasts the beautiful River Danube, grand opera houses, and the enormous Hofburg (Imperial Palace). For excellent city views, head to the Stephansdom, recognised by its multicoloured chevron tiles and latticework spire. The Schloss Schönbrunn, just outside the city, provides some relaxing gardens and the oldest zoo in the world.
Most visitors travel straight to Salzburg, possibly Austria's biggest attraction, it offers a wealth of history and cultural delights. Set along the Salzach River, Salzburg is teeming with museums, churches, plazas, fountains, and medieval buildings, all of which can be easily explored on foot. During the summer months this small town can become crowded with Mozart fans, however, even when it's busy, it still retains its traditional charm.
Overlooking the town is the 11th century Hohensalzburg Castle where you can enjoy excellent views of Salzburg's picturesque spires. Mozart enthusiasts will take pleasure in the nightly classical concerts held in the town and the museum dedicated to the musical maestro.
Other places of interest include the cities of Linz and Gras that provide visitors with a quieter and less touristy insight into the Austrian way of life. The most spectacular, breathtaking scenery is found in the southwest of the country in the Alberg region. Its main town, Innsbruck, makes an excellent base from which to explore the nearby ski resorts or embark on a hiking adventure. If you are planning to indulge in some winter sports, it is advisable to make sure your travel insurance provides adequate cover should you have an accident on the slopes.
