Austria Travel Guide

States of Austria

TOP cities in Austria

Interactive Map of Austria

Sightseeing In Austria

Taking into consideration that Austria is loaded with fascinating history, stunning views, and amazing culture, it is recommended to pay attention to sightseeing tours in this country. First of all, it is essential to remember that Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are the main cities of the country where you can enjoy local traditions and a variety of interesting attractions.

For instance, as the capital Austria, Vienna impresses its guests with countless museums and music venues around the city. If you come here, you can simply walk around the city and enjoy the architecture of Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, Hundertwasser House, and Hofburg.

In turn, Graz is the city that offers the opportunity to admire abundant parkland, numerous red rooftops, and a narrow but fast-flowing river. The second-largest city in the country is famous for many attractions, such as Eggenberg Palace, Church of the Sacred Heart, the Styrian Armory, and Murinsel (Island in the Mur).

If you plan to stay in Salzburg, also known as the birthplace of Mozart, you will definitely experience a vast amount of positive emotions. In fact, this city is tremendously popular for the mix of palaces, parks, museums, churches, and nature. For example, it is here that you can explore the Mirabell Gardens, visit the DomQuartier Museum, find Mozart's birthplace, and hike up to Untersberg.

Simultaneously, Innsbruck is famous for the combination of historical churches with breathtaking viewpoints and scenic cable-car rides. If you visit this tourist destination, make sure to find the Golden Roof, visit Ambras Castle, and walk across Maria-Theresien-Strasse street.

Hot Springs In Austria

In addition to breathtaking nature and majestic buildings, Austria is tremendously popular for local hot springs. They are associated with a variety of wide-ranging benefits, such as the opportunity to improve your health status and relax after a stressful day. Therefore, in order to refresh and rejuvenate your senses, it is advised to take these attractions into account.

As a municipality in Burgenland in the district of Oberwart, Bad Tatzmannsdorf is significantly popular among tourists who are fond of hot springs. It is here that you can take advantage of natural thermal water with a temperature of 34 degrees, as well as carbonic thermal water. Besides, Bad Ischl is a famous spa town that provides the opportunity to float through the lazy river, relax in the warm brine pool, and enjoy a pampering massage. If you want to spend time in one of the best spa resorts in Europe, head to Baden. Nowadays, this tourist destination has 14 protected springs where guests can relax, swim, and benefit from the healing of sulfur water. Bad Gastein is worthy of attention as well, as this spa town has thermal spring water that positively impacts the body. Moreover, it aids in relieving numerous ailments through its natural mineral and radon levels.

Ski Vacation In Austria

There is no secret that Austria is considered one of the best European spots for a ski vacation. It can be explained by proximity to the Alps, a well-developed infrastructure, and the highest quality services. As a result, Austria is mainly visited from early December to late March when over 400 ski resorts operate. At the same time, if you make the decision to come here for a ski vacation, it is recommended to pay attention to Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Kitzbühel, and Sölden.

Mayrhofen has been visited by tourists for more than 100 years, which is the result of good local infrastructure (over 140 km of slopes and almost 9 km of ski routes) and perfect mountain slopes. In fact, the main sports area is represented by the Penken, the Ahorn, the Rastkogel, and the Eggalm.

Zell am See is often perceived as an unusual ski resort because it is situated between a big lake and the local ski mountain (the Schmittenhöhe). Subsequently, it is visited by tourists all year round. At the same time, it has routes for people regardless of their skills in skiing and snowboarding (beginners and experts will be able to satisfy their expectations there).
If you are looking for one of the best ski resorts in Austria, head to Kitzbühel. Nowadays, it boasts 188 km of perfectly groomed slopes flanked by 57 ski lifts. Furthermore, the Solden ski area is expected to impress tourists and locals with three mountains over 3000 m in altitude, known as the "Big 3."

Best Time To Visit Austria

It is essential to understand that the best time to visit Austria depends on the kind of vacation that you prefer. For instance, if you aim to enjoy the architecture of ancient buildings, it is better to visit this country in the spring or autumn. These periods are characterized by excellent weather conditions (around 15-25°C) and the lack of crowds of people. Simultaneously, if you want to dedicate your time to a ski vacation, it is advised to visit Austria from November onwards to April.

Foods To Try

On the one hand, traditional Austrian dishes seem to be rich and heavy. However, on the other hand, it can impress people with its unique flavor.

Tafelspitz

As one of the most popular dishes in the country, Tafelspitz can be found in the majority of local restaurants and bars. In fact, it is boiled beef broth, which is served with horseradish, root vegetables, spices, and minced apples. In spite of the fact that it is based on specific ingredients, Tafelspitz can be served in different variations. Therefore, in order to get acquainted with Austrian cuisine, you should taste this dish.

Wiener Schnitzel

It is a thin, breaded, and pan-fried veal cutlet that can be served with different elements. Most frequently, people order this dish in a combination with a dollop of lingonberry jam or lemon wedges. By the way, Wiener Schnitzel is protected under Austrian law, which demonstrates the significance of this dish.

Wiener Würstchen

This dish is widely known as a German sausage that is typically prepared with a mixture of pork and beef. Its name refers to the place where the production of these sausages initially began. Additionally, it can be prepared in different variations, whether heated in boiling water, roasted, or grilled.

Apfelstrudel

Apple strudel is a typical Austrian dessert that is famous in the whole world. In fact, it consists of an oblong strudel pastry jacket with an apple filling inside. Ordering this dish with a cup of tea or coffee is one of the best ways to end the day in Austria.

Kaiserschmarrn

Based on a variety of legends, this dessert was a favorite dish of Kaiser Franz Joseph I, after whom it was named. The pancake is usually served with whipped cream, blueberry, and fruits, thereby becoming a favorite dish of children.

Best Ways To Get Around Austria

Austria has a well-developed transport network that is represented by planes, trains, and buses. When it comes to domestic flights, they are very expensive, although this kind of transportation is the best option for people who aim to save time. These individuals can take into consideration Austrian Airlines that provide services on the territory of the whole country.

In turn, train travel can be considered the most popular and efficient way to explore different corners of the country. They operate under the name of the Austrian Federal Railways. It is recommended to visit their official website in order to find the information regarding schedules, travel times, prices, and ticketing.

Simultaneously, despite the considerable popularity of trains, buses are widely used as well. This transport is often used by individuals who want to reach remote regions and villages, including ski resorts. The price for bus travel varies throughout the territory of Austria, although a single Vienna ticket costs nearly €2.40.

Nevertheless, it is also recommended to take into consideration car rental and taxi services. The average price for a rented car on the territory of Austria is approximately $59 per day. In turn, the average price of a taxi trip across the city varies between 7 and 12 euros.

Accommodation Options

Austria is the country that is visited by millions of tourists all year round, which is why the authorities take appropriate measures in order to develop tourist infrastructure. For example, you can consider these options:

● If you are looking for luxurious services in the heart of Vienna, pay attention to the Radisson BLU Style Hotel.
● Located in Linz, Park Inn by Radisson provides services according to international standards maintained in different parts of the world.
● If you want to spend time in Graz, take into account Das Weitzer that is popular due to its restaurant serving traditional and international dishes, outdoor pool, banquet facilities, and business center.

● Individuals with a limited budget have the opportunity to stay in Itzlinger Hof (Salzburg), as this hotel offers high-quality services with adequate prices.
● Those looking for a hotel that includes a ski school can stay in Weisses Kreuz (Innsbruck) where people can also enjoy a lot of outdoor and indoor recreation amenities.

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