AUSTRIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Located in Central Europe, Austria evokes images of scenic panoramas punctuated by deep valleys and lofty mountains – think “Sound of Music”. On that note, some of the world’s greatest composers have come from Austria… Mozart, Haydn and Strauss. As a visitor destination, it offers an abundance of attractions, with history and culture the presiding themes. For anyone in search of more than just museums and old buildings, the Austrian Alps and snow-covered slopes offer excellent skiing opportunities in the winter season.
The beauty of Vienna is the highlight of the country for many visitors, with its magnificent Baroque architecture telling stories of the era of the Hapsburgs. Graz and Linz are popular among visitors with cultural leanings, while Innsbruck is a firm favourite with outdoor types, offering both winter and summer recreational possibilities.
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AUSTRIA WEATHER - When To Go
Austria’s climate is of a temperate continental nature and brings the country four seasons a year, with distinct weather patterns. The summer season is warm and dry, the winter is cold with plenty of snow, and spring and autumn are typically transitional, offering a mix of mild temperatures with both sunshine and rain possible.
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AUSTRIA HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
- Vienna: Austria’s capital is often hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities and indeed few who visit is are not in awe of its classical architecture, elegant squares and majestic landmarks. Sightseeing tours offer views of buildings left from the city’s Hapsburg days and can include great sights such as the Hofburg Palace and St Stephan’s Cathedral. For visitors with cultural leanings, the city has a good selection of museums covering topics such as art and military history, while in the evening theatre venues such as the Staatsoper and Burgtheater offer a variety of cultural performances. Shopping enthusiasts won’t be disappointed by the city’s retail selection, especially the outlets found in the Graben and Kärntner Straße areas. To analyse afterwards why you bought what you did, the Sigmund Freud Museum may offer you some insights. [Also see our separate Vienna travel guide website for more info and useful web links]
- Salzburg: this UNESCO World Heritage city can be reached in around three hours by train from Vienna and less than two from Munich. The city is perhaps most famous for its associations with “The Sound of Music” and various day-tour options are available around this theme. Visitors can also visit the birthplace of the composer Mozart and view artefacts related to his childhood. 17th century Salzburg Cathedral is also a must-see, as is the 11th century fortress of Festung Hohensalzburg, overlooking the city. The old town is suitably picturesque and home to busy markets, elegant plazas and pretty fountains.
- Graz: the country’s second largest city can be reached in three hours by train from Vienna and is surrounded by great natural beauty, including rolling mountains and roaring rivers. In and around the city there are plenty of sightseeing attractions, including the magnificent Eggenburg Castle overlooking the urban area from the Schlossberg. The city is known for its rich cultural scene, with its various theatre venues presenting a variety of seasonal events and shows. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to fine old buildings as well as a plethora of excellent restaurants. Must-see attractions apart from Eggenburg Castle include the Kunsthaus for some modern art and the even more memorable Zeughaus Armoury, containing the world’s largest collection of the old town armoury featuring 1000s of metal swords, shields, weapons, helmets and plenty more. Definitely worth seeing!
- Innsbruck: enjoying the beautiful scenery created by the three mountains that surround it, Innsbruck offers excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities come wintertime and a variety of architectural treasures that can be enjoyed in the warmer seasons. The Axamer, Igls, Lizum and Seefeld resorts are among the best for winter sports, with slopes to suit all abilities. In summertime, the same areas that are snow-covered in winter are ideal for hiking.
- Linz: the third largest city in Austria is located midway between Vienna and Salzburg and is easily reached by plane or train. The city offers a wealth of attractions, including fine architecture, galleries and museums. The old town is the place to head if you enjoy viewing old buildings; here you’ll find a wealth of visual treasures tucked away on the many narrow lanes. Don’t miss out on the Old Cathedral, the New Cathedral, the Pöstlingbergkirche and St Martin’s Church. The ancient Linz Castle is also not to be missed if you’re on a sightseeing tour of the city.
- Klagenfurt: the capital of the Austrian state of Carinthia is often overlooked by visitors but for those who make the effort to visit the city, the rewards are great. Attractions are many, including the Christalnig Palace, the Bishop's Palace, the Klagenfurt Cathedral and the Carinthian Provincial Botanical Gardens. Family visitors will enjoy the Reptile Zoo and Dino Park, while culture enthusiasts will find something of interest at the Carinthian Provincial Art Gallery, the Carinthian Provincial Museum and the Carinthian Open-Air Museum. From Vienna, the train to Klagenfurt takes just three hours.
- Other Austria highlights: the world famous ski resort of St Anton am Arlberg; Sankt Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria; and Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland.
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AUSTRIA HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: Austrian cuisine is highly diverse, drawing influences from its days under the Austro-Hungarian Empire as well as from Bavaria, Italy, the Czech Republic and modern-day Hungary. Eating out therefore is rarely a dull experience, especially in the capital where the selection of dining establishments is greatest. You can’t go wrong with Wiener Schnitzel or Apple Strudel, and if you’re over 18 try some Jaegermeister!
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Austria is not the first place you’d think of visiting if you are a party animal; however, the country does have some reasonable night venues and the fantastic domestically brewed beer can help you have an enjoyable experience. Head for the capital for the best nightclubs.
- Accommodation in Austria: The major cities are home to big names such as Hilton, Radisson and Le Meridien, as well as a wealth of independent hotels. Hotel prices err on the high side, although there are a few hostels available for budget travellers. Try Booking.com and LateRooms.com for hotel deals in Austria.
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AUSTRIA FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
To compare flight prices from UK airports to Austria, try the useful Skyscanner website.
Also try travel sites such as Expedia.co.uk or Netflights for flight deals to Austria.
If you are heading to Vienna, Bratislava is only one hour away by train, so check flight options to Bratislava as well if saving money is more important than saving time.
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