EXPLORE AUSTRIA
Your Comprehensive Destination Guide
At a Glance
Total area: 83,879 square kilometers
Capital: Vienna
Religion: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic)
Population: Approximately 9 million
Language: German (official); Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian (recognized minority languages)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–3:00 pm; some banks open later on Thursdays
Telephone/Communication: The country code is +43; Austria has an excellent telecommunications infrastructure and widespread mobile and internet coverage.
Climate: Temperate continental climate—warm summers and cold winters; alpine regions have heavier snowfall and cooler temperatures.
VAT in Austria
If you are a non-EU resident (like U.S. travelers), you may be eligible for a VAT refund on purchases made in Austria:
To qualify:
- You must spend over €75 in a single store in one day.
- The store must participate in the tax-free shopping program (look for signs like “Tax-Free” or “Global Blue”).
- When you purchase, request a VAT refund form and keep the original receipts.
Steps to Claim Your Refund:
- When you leave the EU (airport or border), present your purchased goods, receipts, and refund forms at customs.
- Have your forms stamped by customs before checking in your luggage.
- You can submit your forms to a refund provider (like Global Blue or Planet) at the airport kiosk or mail them in later.
Refund Method:
- You can receive your refund in cash, to your credit card, or via bank transfer.
- Note: Typically, we deduct a processing fee from the total refund.
Travel Requirements
Entry & Visa
Passport Validity
- U.S. citizens must have a valid passport with at least three months’ validity beyond the date of departure from the Schengen area.
- Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years.
- Visa Requirements for short stays (up to 90 days):
Under the Schengen visa waiver, U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for tourism, business, or family visits.
ETIAS Travel Authorization (coming soon)
- We expect the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025. Once in effect, U.S. travelers must apply online for ETIAS before entering Austria or any Schengen country.
Proof of Return or Onward Travel
- Austrian border officials may request proof of return or onward travel, especially for travelers with one-way tickets.
Sufficient Funds
- You may need proof of financial means to support your stay.
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- While it’s not mandatory for U.S. citizens under the visa waiver, we highly recommend obtaining travel insurance with health coverage. (Insurance covering €30,000 minimum is required if you enter Austria with a Schengen visa.)
COVID-19 Regulations
- As of early 2025, there are no pandemic-related entry restrictions, but checking updates from the Austrian Embassy before your trip is advised.
Travel Tips: Austria is well connected by train and air within Europe, making it easy to explore multiple cities. Public transport in cities is excellent.
Getting there from the US
Traveling from the United States to Austria is straightforward. Multiple flight options connect major U.S. cities to Austria’s capital and other key destinations.
Direct Flights to Austria
- Vienna International Airport (VIE) is Austria’s primary international gateway, offering direct flights from several U.S. cities.
- Airlines like Austrian Airlines, United, and Delta offer nonstop service from hubs such as New York (JFK/EWR), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD), Los Angeles (LAX) (seasonal)
One-Stop Connections
- If you’re flying from a city without a direct route, you’ll find plenty of one-stop options via European hubs like Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Zurich (ZRH)
Entry Points Beyond Vienna
- While Vienna is the leading international hub, travelers can also arrive through other Austrian airports such as Salzburg Airport (SZG), Innsbruck Airport (INN)
New York to Vienna: ~8 hours
Los Angeles to Vienna: ~11–12 hours (direct or with one connection)
Airport Transfers in Austria
- You can easily reach the city center from Vienna Airport via the City Airport Train (CAT), S-Bahn, buses, or taxis.
- Most Austrian cities have efficient public transport systems connecting airports to downtown areas.
Travel Safety Tips
Before You Go:
Austria is one of the safest countries in Europe, known for its well-maintained infrastructure, low crime rate, and efficient public services. Still, it’s always wise to stay alert and travel smart. Here are a few safety tips for your trip:
Be Aware of Pickpocketing. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur in busy areas like train stations, tourist sites, and trams in cities like Vienna and Salzburg. Use a crossbody bag or money belt, and avoid keeping valuables in your back pocket.
Use Reliable Transportation. Austria’s public transportation is safe, clean, and reliable. In larger cities, only use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps like Uber.
Weather Awareness in Alpine Regions. Check the weather forecast and local avalanche warnings if you plan to hike or ski in the Austrian Alps. Stick to marked trails and follow all safety signs. Always carry proper gear and water, even on short hikes.
Emergency Numbers: General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112, Ambulance: 144, Police: 133. English-speaking assistance is often available.
Respect Local Laws and Customs. Austria has strict recycling laws, smoking regulations, and quiet hours in residential areas (especially at night). Always carry a valid ID or passport—police may request it for identification.
Health & Insurance. Austria has high-quality healthcare, but it’s smart to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Pharmacies are well stocked, and many speak English.
Seasonal Travel Tips.
- Winter: Watch for icy sidewalks and snow delays.
- Summer: Stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure when exploring outdoors.
Fun Facts
- Austria is known as the birthplace of classical music legends; it produced world-famous composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and Beethoven, who spent much of their lives in Vienna.
- Vienna is the home of the Vienna Philharmonic, one of the most prestigious orchestras worldwide, renowned for its global broadcast of its New Year’s Concert.
- Filming for The Sound of Music took place in and around Salzburg, Austria, showcasing stunning landscapes.
- The World’s Oldest Zoo—Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna, founded in 1752, is still the oldest zoo in the world.
- Alpine Playground—The Alps cover about 62% of Austria, making it a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.
- The Austrian flag is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the 13th century.
- Coffee House Culture—Vienna’s traditional coffee houses are UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, known for being places of conversation, creativity, and comfort.
- Vienna invented the famous Sachertorte in 1832, making it a must-try when visiting Austria.
- No Official Language? — While German is the official language, Austria recognizes regional dialects and minority languages, enriching its linguistic culture.
- The Lipizzaner Stallions—the famous white horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna—perform highly skilled dressage, a centuries-old tradition.
Top Places to Visit in Austria
Vienna, Austria’s capital, is a city of imperial grandeur, classical music, and rich cultural heritage.
Museums & Culture
- Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History)—This museum is one of the world’s most important art museums. It houses Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces by artists like Pieter Bruegel, Raphael, and Vermeer. The grand architecture itself is stunning.
- Albertina Museum—This museum is home to one of the world’s largest and most important print rooms, featuring works by Dürer, Michelangelo, Picasso, and Klimt. It also organizes exhibitions of contemporary art.
- Belvedere Palace Museum – Set in a magnificent Baroque palace complex, it houses the most extensive collection of Gustav Klimt’s works, including The Kiss. The gardens are beautiful for a stroll.
- The Leopold Museum (Museum Quartier) focuses on Austrian modern art, particularly the works of Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, and is situated in a vibrant cultural district.
- Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)—This cultural icon offers world-class opera and ballet performances. Guided tours provide information about its history and architecture.
- Museum of Fine Arts (MAK)—The Museum of Applied Arts features decorative arts and design, including Vienna Secession and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau).
- The Haus der Musik is an interactive sound museum that explores Vienna’s musical heritage, making it an ideal destination for music lovers.
- Mozarthaus Vienna—The composer’s only surviving Viennese residence is now a museum dedicated to Mozart’s life and works.
Seasonal Events & Festivals:
- Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert (January 1): World-famous classical music event broadcast globally.
- Vienna Ball Season (January–March): Over 400 balls across the city, including the prestigious Vienna Opera Ball.
- Vienna Coffee Festival (April): Celebration of the city’s coffeehouse culture with tastings, workshops, and events.
- Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) (May–June): Theater, music, and dance performances across the city.
- Christmas Markets (late November–December): Magical markets like the Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall and Schönbrunn Palace market.
Salzburg, Baroque Beauty and Musical Heritage.
Top Museums & Cultural Sites
- Mozart’s Birthplace & Residence—Dive into Mozart’s early life with exhibits featuring original manuscripts, instruments, and family memorabilia.
- Salzburg Museum exhibits the city’s art, culture, and history, with artifacts from the Middle Ages.
- The Hohensalzburg Fortress Museum, housed within the fortress, showcases medieval weapons, musical instruments, and the fortress’s history.
- The Haus der Natur is a natural history and science museum with interactive exhibits, making it an excellent choice for families.
- Salzburg Festival (July–August)-Although not a museum, this world-class festival is central to Salzburg’s cultural life, offering opera, drama, and concerts in historic venues.
Seasonal Events & Festivals:
- Salzburg Festival (July–August): One of the world’s premier classical music and opera festivals.
- Mozart Week (January): Dedicated to Mozart’s works with concerts throughout the city.
- Advent and Christmas Markets (December): Traditional markets with crafts, foods, and festive atmosphere.
- Sound of Music Tours: Year-round tours visiting film locations.
Innsbruck is a hub for outdoor activities and imperial history in the Alpine region.
Museums & Culture
- Tyrolean State Museum (Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum)—This museum focuses on Tyrolean art, culture, and natural history, with exhibits on local history, traditional costumes, and modern art.
- The Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras) is a Renaissance castle that houses an impressive collection of armor, art, and curiosities, including portraits and an early anatomical theater.
- Ferdinandeum Museum: This museum focuses on Tyrol’s fine arts and history, including medieval and baroque art.
- Bergisel Ski Jump Museum—showcases the history of ski jumping and offers breathtaking views of Innsbruck.
Seasonal Events & Festivals:
- New Year’s Ski Jump (January): An international competition for ski jumping at Bergisel.
- Innsbruck Festival of Early Music (March): Focus on medieval and Renaissance music.
- Christmas Markets (December): Innsbruck’s medieval Old Town offers atmospheric markets.
- Winter Sports Season (December–March): Skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking.
Graz-Renaissance architecture, Schlossberg Hill, and modern art at Kunsthaus Graz.
Museums & Culture
- Kunsthaus Graz-Known as the “Friendly Alien” for its futuristic architecture, this contemporary art museum hosts changing exhibitions of international modern art.
- The Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus) is the world’s largest historical armory, containing over 32,000 pieces of weaponry and armor dating back to the 17th century.
- Eggenberg Palace is a Baroque palace with frescoes, staterooms, and gardens—listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Festivals:
- Styriarte Festival (June–July): Classical music festival founded by conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt.
- La Strada (July): International street performance festival.
- Winter brings Christmas markets.
Linz — Digital Arts and Innovation
- Ars Electronica Center-Known as the “Museum of the Future,” it features cutting-edge exhibitions on digital art, robotics, artificial intelligence, and interactive installations.
- Lentos Art Museum—houses a significant modern and contemporary art collection, including Austrian Expressionists.
Festivals:
- Ars Electronica Festival (September): Cutting-edge media art and technology.
- Linz Fest (June): Diverse music, theater, and dance events.
- Advent markets in winter.
Hallstatt — History & Archaeology
- The Hallstatt Museum is dedicated to the town’s ancient salt mining history and showcases archaeological finds from the Hallstatt culture, which dates back to the early Iron Age.
- e Tours – Explore one of the oldest salt mines in the world with multimedia presentations and slides inside the mountain.
Events:
- During the summer, you can enjoy traditional Austrian folk festivals.
- There are also Christmas and Easter markets in the town.
Austrian Cuisine Highlights
- Sacher Torte: An Iconic Viennese chocolate cake with apricot filling, dense yet rich, and usually served with whipped cream.
- Wiener Schnitzel: A thin, breaded, and fried veal or pork cutlet traditionally served with potato salad or parsley potatoes.
- Apfelstrudel: Warm pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon, often dusted with powdered sugar and served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.
- Tafelspitz: Boiled beef served with horseradish and applesauce, a traditional Austrian dish beloved by emperors.
- Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy shredded pancake dessert sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with fruit compote.
Austria is a country where fairy-tale landscapes meet refined culture—where alpine peaks give way to imperial cities, and every region tells a story through its music, food, and traditions. Whether wandering through Vienna’s Baroque beauty, hiking Tyrol’s dramatic trails, or savoring a slice of Sachertorte in a quiet café, Austria invites you to slow down, look closer, and experience its charm with all your senses.
Austria rewards curiosity, so take the train, linger in small towns, talk to locals, and follow the sound of a violin or the scent of fresh bread. It’s not just a destination—it’s a feeling of timeless grace, natural wonder, and quiet adventure.
As the Austrian proverb goes:
“When the mountains call, you must go.”
Let Austria move you, inspire you, and welcome you back again.