 Austria is located in the high Alps , alongside the Danube Valley . It is one of the most scenic countries of the world. Previously being the part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this picturesque country dates back to the end of World War I (1918). The architectural beauty of Vienna, the art and year-round musical festivals of Salzburg draw tourists from all over the world.
When?
Austria can be visited throughout the year. November–April is the ideal time to indulge in winter sports and Christmas festivities, while in the summer months, various events like the Salzburg festival can be enjoyed.
How to Reach
?
Vienna international airport, VIE is served by all major flight companies. The national company Austrian airlines offer particularly suitable offers. The airport is connected with the city centre via CAT (City Airport Train), a shuttle trains operating with a 24h service.
Visa
Except for EU citizens, all other nationals require a visa to enter Austria.
Currency
Single European currency, the Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states including Austria. Foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and exchange counters at the airports and railway stations at official exchange rates.
Things To Do in
Austria
Vienna
Austria 's capital city Vienna has a whole lot of tourist attractions. There are more than 50 museums open to the public, including the Natural History Museum , the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts, the Museum of the 20th Century, the Museum of Modern Art , the Künstlerhaus, the Clock and Watch Museum and the Technology Museum.
Haas House
Haas House is one of the most exciting buildings in Vienna and the city's pride. Images of St. Stephen's Cathedral reflected by the straight glass facade of Haas House are a popular motif.
Ring Boulevard
The Vienna Ring Boulevard is 4 kilometres long and circles the city centre. The construction of the Ring Boulevard was initiated by Emperor Franz Joseph I in December 1857.
Vienna Opera House
(Oper)
The Vienna Opera House is situated in the frist district of Vienna at the southern end of the Kärntnerstrasse. August von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll built the Court Opera House from 1861 to 1869.
Belvedere Palace
The two magnificient palaces on the Belvedere grounds lie in the middle of a splendid park. They were constructed for Prince Eugene of Savoy by J.L. von Hildebrandt, a famous Baroque architect.
Albertina Graphic Arts Collection
The Albertina Graphic Arts Collection is perhaps the largest and most important graphic collection in the world. It owns about 60.000 drawings and about a million graphic reproductions.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral is situated in the city centre, and for centuries it has been the heart of Vienna. It is one of the most famous Viennese sights and was built in 1147.
Salzburg
The going can never get any better than Austria , for all the lovers of arts. Salzburg is the most elegant city set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery. Austria is home to a marvelous culture, with its classical music festivals in Vienna , Salzburg and Bregenz. The Salzburg International Festival takes place in late-July and August and includes plenty of music by the city's favourite son, Mozart.
Mount Untersberg
Mount Untersberg dominates the city and provides a scenic backdrop to many views, being the tallest peak in the area. At over 1,800 metres / 6,900 feet in height, those who follow the long and steep pathways to the very top will be greeted with some extraordinary views of the Salzburg cityscape below, stretching as far as the Austrian Alps.
Monchsberg Lift / Funicular Railway
The Monchsbergaufzug is an interesting and unusual attraction in the Old Town area of Salzburg. This lift transports passengers to the very top of the Mount Mönchsberg in a matter of seconds, where the Alpine attractions, fresh mountain air and scenic views are well worth experiencing, along with the much-visited Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Stiegl's Brauwelt (Stiegl's Brewery World)
An established brewery and amongst the biggest of its kind in the whole of Austria, Stiegl's Brauwelt is filled with interesting beer-related attractions and historical equipment, charting the development of the country's brewing industry. Of course, no trip to Stiegl's Brewery World would really be complete without actually sampling the produce, with two glasses of fresh Austrian beer being included in the price.
Tiergarten Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Zoo)
The Tiergarten Hellbrunn, often referred to as Salzburg Zoo, is home to many exotic and colourful creatures, who appear to enjoy their spacious habitats and landscaped enclosures. Particularly popular at Hellbrunn Zoo are the big cats and the vast African Savannah, where you can observe everything from rhinos to antelopes.
Waagplatz
The Waagplatz is often of great interest to visiting tourists and is actually the city's most historic of all its market places. Sandwiched by both the Mozartplatz and the Judengasse, the Waagplatz is surrounded by a number of attractive buildings and is just a stone's throw from some great shops, cafes and churches, which line the interconnecting passageways. A number of interesting attractions are close by, including St. Michael's Church
(Michaelskirche).
Volksgarten (Folk Garden)
Those visiting the city and in need of a little respite should search out the extremely tranquil and beautiful Volksgarten, a landscape garden situated in the very heart of Salzburg. The Folk Garden enjoys a scenic setting and boasts many seating areas, shaded from the summer sunshine by large trees.
Innsbruck
Austria 's town Innsbruck is the centre of internationally renowned ski complex having six major resorts. Innsbruck is the ancient and an 800-year-old town having number of popular buildings dating from Austria 's cultural Renaissance in the 16th-18th centuries, and a 12th-century castle.
Skiing
Many tourists flock to the city during the snowy, winter months, to enjoy the world-class skiing at the doorstep of Innsbruck. One-day skiing passes are extremely inexpensive and ski equipment rental too is quite affordable, and if you have purchased the Club Innsbruck Card, then you will be able to use the ski buses completely free of charge. Worth noting, it is actually possible to ski and snowboard throughout the year at the nearby Stubai Glacier, which is just over one hour away by bus.
Alpine Zoo
About 1km/0.75mi north of Innsbruck's St Nikolaus district we come to the 15th century Schloss Weiherburg and the Alpine Zoo with its aquarium. All kinds of mountain animals from the Alpine regions are to be seen, and the beautifully situated zoo has become very popular with both experts and tourists alike.
University Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Garden was established around 1911 and has more than 5000 species from different plant communities and climates of the world.
OlympiaWorld Innsbruck
The Olympiaworld Innsbruck with its unique concentration of different sport facilities and event locations belongs to the most important event centres in Austria.
Stadtturm
The Stadtturm is right next to Goldenes Dachl, and they are both in the Old Town like many of the other attractions in the city. It's quite easy to recognize the tower and you can easily see it from the surrounding areas.
Triumphpforte (Triumphal Arch)
The marble friezes were created by Balthasar Moll in 1744. One side of the Arch symbolizes the joyful aspect of the event, the other side the sadness.
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