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Austria Travel Guide

Classical music, old-world charm and postcard views
Austria brings forth boundless ways to explore its diverse terrains - choose to stroll through aristocratic palaces, embark on adventurous treks to discover the Alps or just sit back and relax at idyllic little towns. No matter where, bring the legendary music of Beethoven and Mozart along with you to enhance the whole experience.

Convenient Austria tour packages will take you through its mountains, valleys and beyond. Despite its geographical location making it a landlocked country, the abundance of water bodies such as the Erlaufsee lake and the Lake Hallstätt’s pristine glassy waters will make you think otherwise. Start planning your holiday in Austria with a group or travel solo. For nothing’s better than experiencing the joy of listening to Beethoven’s 9th and taking a good long sip of fresh water, straight from alpine mountain springs.

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Austria brings forth boundless ways to explore its diverse terrains - choose to stroll through aristocratic palaces, embark on adventurous treks to discover the Alps or just sit back and relax at idyllic little towns. No matter where, bring the legendary music of Beethoven and Mozart along with you to enhance the whole experience.

Convenient Austria tour packages will take you through its mountains, valleys and beyond. Despite its geographical location making it a landlocked country, the abundance of water bodies such as the Erlaufsee lake and the Lake Hallstätt’s pristine glassy waters will make you think otherwise. Start planning your holiday in Austria with a group or travel solo. For nothing’s better than experiencing the joy of listening to Beethoven’s 9th and taking a good long sip of fresh water, straight from alpine mountain springs.

Location

Austria is a landlocked country, bordering Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the West, Germany and Czech Republic to the North, Hungary and Slovakia to the East, and Slovenia and Italy to the South. If you’re looking at Austria tour packages and flights from India, you have the option to choose direct flights to Vienna which take just under 9 hours! 

When to go

The best time to visit Austria depends on how you want to experience it. Summer (June - August) is ideal for extreme sports, hiking and sightseeing. If you’re looking for snow-related activities, Christmas markets, and a deep dive into the local cuisine, then winter (November - February) is the better option.

On the other hand, Spring (April-May) is a great time to go on hikes in Austria. It is pleasant all along, however, it does get cold when you reach higher altitudes. Lakes and their surrounding areas are also perfect for picnics.

Where to go

There are plenty of ways to explore all the nature and history that Austria has to offer. Start at the cosmopolitan capital Vienna, known for its aristocratic palaces, beautiful gardens and the ever-present old world charm.

The province of Tyrol (where you’ll also find Innsbruck) is a paradise for outdoor and wellness fanatics and is best known for its ski resorts. Every year, thousands of travellers look forward to a break from city life to take part in thrill-seeking snow sports, followed by long après-ski parties or quiet cocoa in a rustic cabin.

If you’re looking for Austria honeymoon packages, consider staying at the pretty village of Hallstatt - live amongst Alpine houses and cute cafes by the lakeside. Or head to the irresistible Burgenland to discover romantic castles and expansive vineyards. 
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At a glance

Currency

EURO
As it’s a part of the European Union, Austria uses the widespread Euro. The Austria currency to INR conversion at this time is 1 Euro = 78.99 INR*

Temperature

In Austria, the temperature can go as high as 30ºC between June and July and as low as -4ºC in the winter months. In the mountains, the temperature tends to be lower throughout the year.

Weather

Austrian weather tends to be cold during the winter and moderate to warm during the summer. Snow can be found abundantly in the mountains during the colder months. If you are planning your Austria travel during the summer, you may still be able to find snowy regions, that is, once you reach higher altitudes. Regardless of the time of the year, it is advisable to bring a sweater and a raincoat.

Language

German
The official Austrian language is German, spoken in a dialect known as Austrian German. In well-travelled areas across the country, you will be able to find many English speakers.

Expert travel advice

Travel tips and insider advice that have made the most difference to us, sourced from our
community of like-minded travellers and global experts.

Visit Stubai Glacier for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking   

Recommended by Nomad is Beautiful

“For the absolute best winter vacation, the Stubai Glacier is where to go in Austria. There are extreme downhill ski runs, ultimate snowboarding opportunities, and amazing cross-country ski trails that will challenge even the best.”

Ivana and Gianni’s platform is studded with useful travel tips, a course for newbie travel bloggers, and useful advice for digital nomads.

Wander around Vienna   

Recommended by Culture Trip

“During the 19th and 20th centuries, many renowned composers called Vienna home – leading to the city earning its current unofficial title as the ‘capital of classical music.”

This whip-smart hybrid of a magazine and travel site is one of the world’s most popular resources for planning trips.

Venture into the World of the Ice Giants   

Recommended by Planetware

“Found on the western edge of the Tennengebirge, the spectacular World of the Ice Giants is the largest system of ice caves in the world. Covering some 30,000 square meters, the caves were carved by an underground river in the Tertiary period.”

Planetware aims to inspire travel, help travelers decide where to go and what to see, and ensure people make the most of their trips.

Eat all the Austrian food   

Recommended by Wonderful Wanderings

“Traditional Austrian food is rich, buttery, meaty and filling food. It’s meant for people who are active outdoors all day long and burn a lot of calories. My favorite dish was probably the Austrian version of pancakes that I tried. Yes, a dessert.”

This Belgian travel blog features personal travel stories, practical trip tips, reviews and resources to plan your next vacation.

Visit the Imperial Palace   

Recommended by The Crazy Tourist

“In the days of old, this would have been the home of the Royal Family who were known as the Hasburgs. Nowadays however the palace is used by the President although parts of it can also be visited by the public.”

The Crazy Tourist is a travel resource that covers destinations all around the world.

Incredible places to visit in Austria

Salzburg

Welcome to the birthplace of Mozart. Peppered with historic gems, a loveable river flowing in its midst and a large castle looming in the horizon, Salzburg definitely makes it on top of our list of places to visit in Austria. It is where fairy-tales and realities of urban life coexist, with beautiful green spaces between concrete roads.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, try taking a cooking class and learn how to make some local delicacies like ‘Apfelstrudel’ und ‘Mozartkugeln’. Or take a day trip to the nearby Eisriesenwelt, the world’s largest ice cave.

Fortress Hohensalzburg

Towering over the cityscape and perched atop a hill, Hohensalzburg is an imposing structure that is easily one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. It’s an 8-acre complex including a courtyard in the centre.
Don’t forget to check out the panoramic terrace, offering you unforgettable views of Salzburg city and The Alps. And of course, visit the prince’s Golden Chamber, adorned with Gothic wood carvings, extravagantly embellished walls, and a ceiling with gold buttons symbolising the stars in the sky.

Mirabell Palace

Considered by many as the most enchanting palace in the country, Mirabell Palace is where couples from all around the world gather for their wedding, thanks to its gorgeous setting and romantic rose garden.
Built by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich in 1606 in memory of his love Salome Alt, today it houses the mayoral offices and the municipal council of the city. 

Hellbrunn Palace

The Hellbrunn Palace served as an amusement park of sorts for the Archbishops of Salzburg. It took only 3 years to build, with alluring grottos, water-powered statues and trick fountains shooting up when you least expect them to. 
Hellbrunn promises a great time, especially during summer evenings, when the palace grounds come alive with an impressive display of water, music and lights.

Mönchsberg

A 500 m tall mountain, the view from atop Mönchsberg is beautiful to say the least, looking over the rooftops of historic buildings and the gardens of Salzburg.
It is named after the monks of the nearby St. Peter’s Benedictine Abbey. There are various exciting hiking routes spread all over the mountain, in addition to the convenient Mönchberg lift that takes you up to the peak in 30 secs. Once you reach the top you can look into the modern art museum and recharge your energy at restaurant M32.

Untersberg

Untersberg is the perfect location for outdoor sports like paragliding and skiing. Bordering Germany, the mountain shadows over Salzburg and peaks at 1853 m. 
Hike up at a leisurely pace and use panorama boards as a tool to identify the mountain ranges. 
If you want your Austria tour package to be based on adventure and the outdoors, Untersberg makes it onto your list.



Innsbruck

Most Austrian holidays rightly include a trip to Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol and one of the most popular skiing locations in the world. The Nordkette range of mountains is so close, that it’s possible to travel from the city centre to alpine pastures in a matter of minutes. Innsbruck has been the proud host of 2 winter Olympics (1964, 1976). It booms with Tyrollean culture, partaking in the annual ‘Almabtrieb', a custom in which cattle, having grazed high up on the mountains all summer, are decorated with flowers and taken back down into the valley. This may just be the best time to visit Austria!

Nordkette Mountains

A part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Nordkette Mountain range can be reached directly from Innsbruck city centre within a few minutes by the Hungerburg cable car, designed by architect Zaha Hadid. There are hikes for every kind of skill and age, taking you around this highly biodiverse park. The lower station of Nordkette is home to a cable car museum. 

Maria-Theresia Street

The Maria-Theresia street is a part of Innsbruck’s New Town. In the olden days, it was made up of just a couple of farm houses. Now it gives you a typical panoramic view of the city, with pavement cafes, chains of little houses and a view from St. Anne’s Column to the North. The Maria-Theresia Street showcases the impressive Nordkette range towering majestically over the Golden Roof tiles. Every now and then, a charming little tram passes by, making the scene utterly perfect.

The Golden Roof

Innsbruck's most famous landmark. Not made of actual gold, it is in fact 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. The shining golden roof can be seen upon entering the historic old town but it is also well worth taking a look up close. The structure below the roof is richly adorned with a wide variety of figures and images. Drop by the adjacent museum, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the time of Emperor Maximilian.

The Innsbruck Old Town

The best view of the Old Town of Innsbruck is from the Town Tower. Photogenic alleys filled with little Tyrollean houses give you a feel of its history. The Old Town is home to the City Museum and the Tirol Panorama, a 360-degree long mural of the struggle for freedom of Tirol in 1809. After a quick history lesson, take your time to shop at Sillpark, peruse local boutiques and take some souvenirs back home. 

Vienna

It’s hard not to fall in love with Austria’s glorious capital- it’s old-world charm, intriguing facades, numerous parks and of course, Sacher Torte! Vienna is where the greatest works of legends Mozart and Beethoven were invented - fall again under the spell of their music, that seems to easily blend with Vienna’s grandeur and character.
Vienna carries the weight of an extensive history on its shoulders. Going down the streets of the inner city is like exploring Europe’s architectural timeline. From Baroque to Art Nouveau, Hundertwasserhaus to the prominent Gasometers, Vienna showcases it all, a ‘museum city’ of sorts. Even those not interested in architecture will be drawn to glorious facades and historic buildings , each exuding an aura of awe and holding a treasure trove stories. Stories yet to be discovered on your Austrian tour.

Belvedere Palace

Sprawling gardens and a glorious palace at the end of it, the Belvedere once was the summer residence of the famous general Prince Eugene of Savoy. It consists of two quarters: The Upper and Lower Belvedere, merged by a magnificent baroque garden, as symmetrical as man-made structures come! 
The palace is now primarily an exhibition space for the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including everyone’s favourite- The Kiss. It also displays Austrian art from the Middle Ages against the more modern counterparts.

The Hofburg

The Hofburg, permanent residence of the Habsburgs, reflects more than 700 years of architectural history, befitting the character of Vienna. Almost every ruler since its erection demanded alterations to the construction. As a result, the Hofburg is a representation of architectural styles ranging from Renaissance, Baroque to Rococo.
Take the opportunity to learn more about one of its most famous inhabitants, Empress Sisi, at the Sisi museum and view the imperial chambers of each member of the royal Habsburgs. The collection of silverware on display will give you the most intimate look into daily life at the Hofburg.

Vienna State Opera

Classical music is the main part of Vienna’s cultural lifeblood, so it comes as no surprise that Vienna hosts one of the world’s greatest operas. 
The Vienna State Opera features 350 performances of more than 60 musical works each season. Its orchestra members also make up the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. If you’ve ever been curious about the opera, this might be the perfect time to attend a performance. Or if you would simply like to have a look at the building’s marvellous interior, go for it. You don’t even need a ticket!

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

An iconic symbol of Austria, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is where Mozart once lived and got married, in addition to  being the final resting place of dukes and princes throughout its existence. Constructed in a gothic architectural style, the cathedral has 4 towers which offer a stunning view of the city’s promenade. Its north tower is home to the massive Pummerin Bell. If your trip to Austria happens to coincide with a festive period such as New Year’s Eve, you might witness a rare spectacle- the ringing of the bell. The cathedral’s best feature is the richly coloured and decorated set of ceramic mosaic tiles, covering its roof. Postcard-perfect.

Schönbrunn Palace

A UNESCO world heritage site, the Schönbrunn Palace served as a summer home to Habsburg monarchs in its heyday. Beloved Bavarian empress Elisabeth, better known as Sisi, spent much of her time in its stables. And if you decide to explore the palace’s interiors, you’ll see the room where a young Mozart is said to have first performed for the empress.
Visit this impressive baroque palace on a guided tour to hear anecdotes and discover authentic rooms, some of which are extravagant, some surprisingly humble. The palace garden is perhaps even more striking than the interior of the complex. It is spread out symmetrically across the area and inhabited by imposing statues of Greek gods such as Neptune.

Top things to do & experience in Austria

Nobody wants to be a tourist. Here are curated experiences in art, music, food, culture and communities
to help you have an authentic and memorable trip.

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