Austria Holidays

How to Reach Austria

• Flight Time: Direct flights to Vienna from London and other major UK airports take just over 2 hours. Flights to Salzburg and Innsbruck are of a similar duration.

• Transfer Time: From Vienna International Airport, the City Airport Train (CAT) reaches Wien Mitte in 16 minutes. From Salzburg Airport, buses No. 2 or No. 10 take you to the city centre in 15 to 25 minutes. Innsbruck Airport is about a 20-minute ride on bus route F to the station.

• Price: The CAT costs €12 one-way. Salzburg's bus is €2.70. Innsbruck buses typically cost around €3.

Best Time to Visit Austria

The best time to visit Austria depends on your interests and the activities you want to enjoy. Austria's climate varies by season, offering something unique throughout the year.

• April to June: Enjoy mild weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, perfect for hiking and exploring landscapes in bloom. Occasional showers are typical.

• July and August: Peak summer, with temperatures averaging around 25°C. It’s a great time for hiking and attending outdoor festivals.

• September to November: Autumn brings cooler weather and stunning foliage. Temperatures range from 20°C to 5°C, with some rain, making it ideal for city breaks.

• December to March: This is ski season in the Alps. Cities like Vienna and Salzburg are famous for their Christmas markets. Temperatures range from 5°C to -5°C, with snow expected, especially in the mountains.

Practical Information

• Spoken Languages: German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Local Habits and Customs: Austrians value punctuality and formality. When entering shops or restaurants, a polite greeting is expected. Tipping is customary, usually around 5-10%.

• Health and Safety: Austria is very safe, but take usual precautions. Emergency numbers: Police 133, Ambulance 144, Fire 122.

• Currency: Euro (€) is used in Austria. ATMs are widely available, and both debit and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting Around: Public transport is efficient, with buses, trams, and trains operating within and between cities. Ticket prices start at around €2, and day passes offer great value, often including free access to museums and attractions.

• Electricity and Plug Types: The standard supply is 230V, with Type C and F plugs. An adapter is necessary for UK devices.

• Time Zone: Austria operates on Central European Time (CET), 1 hour ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Austria

Austria is a land of majestic mountains, charming cities and rich history. Whether you're drawn to its cultural gems or outdoor adventures, Austria holidays offer all kinds of experiences.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Sch√∂nbrunn Palace Gardens, Vienna: The Sch√∂nbrunn Palace Gardens provide stunning views over the city, especially from the Gloriette, a hilltop colonnade.

• Kitzsteinhorn: Near Zell am See, take the cable car up Kitzsteinhorn for breathtaking alpine vistas at over 3,000m.

• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: This scenic drive offers unparalleled views of Austria's highest mountain, Grossglockner, and the Pasterze Glacier.

• Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg: Perched on Festungsberg hill, this massive fortress offers stunning views over the city. You can reach it on Austria's oldest funicular or on foot.

The best districts

• Innere Stadt, Vienna: The heart of Vienna, this district is home to major sights like St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace and the Spanish Riding School.

• Altstadt (Old Town), Salzburg: Wander through the city's historic centre, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with narrow medieval streets, squares filled with impressive architecture and Mozart's birthplace.

• Graz City Centre: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Graz's centre is filled with Renaissance and Baroque architecture, charming squares, and vibrant street cafés.

Parks and gardens

• Stadtpark, Vienna: Famous for its statues, including the golden monument of Johann Strauss, and its beautifully landscaped gardens.

• Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg: Featured in "The Sound of Music", these gardens offer beautiful flowerbeds, fountains, sculptures and city views.

• Sch√∂nbrunn Palace Gardens, Vienna: These expansive gardens are perfect for a stroll. They feature elaborate landscaping, a zoo and the Gloriette hill-top colonnade with its café.

Historical monuments

• Hofburg Palace, Vienna: This sprawling, former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty now houses several museums and the famous Spanish Riding School.

• Sch√∂nbrunn Palace, Vienna: The summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs for 300 years, this 1441-room Baroque palace is an architectural marvel. Tours of the opulent rooms and vast gardens are available.

• Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg: This hilltop medieval castle is one of the largest in Europe and Salzburg's key landmark, providing panoramic views over the city.

• Melk Abbey: A stunning Benedictine abbey overlooking the Danube River near the Wachau Valley, known for its Baroque architecture and impressive library.

Day trips in the area

• The Wachau Valley: A picturesque region along the Danube River, perfect for wine tasting and visiting charming towns like Dürnstein and Krems.

• Hallstatt: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this lakeside village is famous for its stunning scenery and prehistoric salt mines. Arriving by train and then ferry is the most atmospheric way to take in the views.

• Innsbruck: Nestled in the Alps, Innsbruck offers a blend of historical sights and outdoor activities, including the iconic Golden Roof and the Bergisel Ski Jump.

Activities for families in Austria

Austria is a fantastic destination for families, offering a range of activities for all ages and interests.

• Interactive museums: Salzburg's Museum of Natural History and Technology (Haus der Natur) is very popular with kids and adults of all ages. It has interactive exhibits on space, the human body and dinosaurs. Go mid-week to avoid the crowds.

• Aquariums and zoos: Vienna's Tiergarten Sch√∂nbrunn is the world's oldest zoo, home to diverse animals and an aquarium featuring a ‚Äòwalk-through' flooded rainforest.

• Historical monuments and sites: Children will love castles like the fairytale Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg, which has medieval charm and panoramic views.

• Theme parks and adventure: The historic Prater amusement park in Vienna offers various rides and attractions, including the iconic giant Ferris wheel.

Free things to do in Austria

Austria offers plenty of activities that won't cost you a penny, perfect for those on a budget.

• Free events: Austria hosts numerous free cultural events and open-air concerts throughout the year, such as public performances during the Vienna and Salzburg Festivals.

• Free museums: Many museums in Austria offer free entry on certain days or times. Vienna Museum Karlsplatz in Vienna has free entry on the first Sunday of each month and to the permanent exhibition on any day.

• Free guided tours: Vienna offers free walking tours that explore different aspects of the city's history and architecture, such as those around the Innere Stadt.

Wellness in Austria

• Spas and thermal baths: The Alpentherme Gastein in Bad Hofgastein offers thermal waters, saunas and wellness treatments, all set against a stunning alpine backdrop.

• Yoga and meditation: Many resorts and wellness centres in Austria, such as those in the Tyrolean Alps, offer yoga and meditation classes in tranquil, natural settings.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Austria boasts well-marked hiking trails in numerous national parks like Hohe Tauern and Gesäuse, plus several easy walks from the city to places like Salzburg.

• Skiing and snowboarding: The Austrian Alps are renowned for their ski resorts, such as St. Anton and Kitzbühel, offering slopes for all skill levels.

• Watersports: Austria's lakes, such as Wolfgangsee and W√∂rthersee, are perfect for sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.

• Cycling: With its extensive network of bike paths, including the Danube Cycle Path, Austria is ideal for enjoying on two wheels.

Local dishes in Austria

One of the great delights of holidays to Austria is delving into its mix of hearty traditional dishes, delectable desserts and unique local drinks. Particularly renowned for its sweet treats, Vienna is often hailed as the pastry capital of the world.

Some typical dishes

• Wienerschnitzel: A breaded and fried veal cutlet, usually served with a slice of lemon, potatoes and lingonberry jam, is a must-try for any visitor.

• Tafelspitz: Boiled beef, served with horseradish sauce and minced apples, is often accompanied by potatoes or creamed spinach.

• Kasnocken: Small dumplings served with melted cheese and crispy onions, often considered comfort food in the Alpine regions.

Meat dishes

• Schweinsbraten: Roast pork served with sauerkraut and dumplings, a Sunday lunch favourite in many Austrian households.

• Backhendl: Breaded and fried chicken, typically served with potato salad and a wedge of lemon.

• Blutwurst: Blood sausage, often served with sauerkraut and potatoes, and a must-try for those looking to experience traditional cuisine.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Forelle Müllerin: Trout prepared in a simple yet delicious way: coated in flour, pan-fried in butter, and served with parsley potatoes.

• Steckerlfisch: Grilled fish on a stick, popular at outdoor festivals and markets, especially in the Salzkammergut region.

Street food

• Käsekrainer: A type of cheese-filled sausage typically served with a bread roll and mustard at sausage stands (Würstelstände).

• Bosna: A spicy sausage sandwich with onions, mustard and curry powder, originally from Salzburg, is now a common snack nationwide.

Sweets and desserts

• Apfelstrudel: A beloved treat, this famous pastry is filled with apples, cinnamon, sugar and raisins.

• Kaiserschmarrn: For those who enjoy lighter fare, this airy and crisp shredded pancake is sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with fruit preserves.

• Sachertorte: A dense chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam, which epitomises Viennese confectionery craftsmanship.

Local drinks

• Wine: Austria is known for its excellent wines, particularly the white Grüner Veltliner and red Blaufränkisch.

• Beer: Austrian beers are superb, with Märzen, a type of pale lager, being the most common. Local breweries produce a wide variety of beers to sample.

• Almdudler: A popular herbal soft drink that's a perfect non-alcoholic option, often described as the "national drink" of Austria.

• Schnapps: Various fruit brandies, such as apricot (Marillen) and pear (Birnen), are widely enjoyed, especially after meals.