Get To Know Austria

Hey there! So Austria is calling your name? Amazing choice! This is the place that proves coffee houses are cultural institutions, where every village looks like it stepped out of a postcard, and where the Alps make you stop and stare at nature's pure artistry.

Here's everything I've learned about this incredible country that will capture your heart from the moment you step off the plane...

Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna

Time

Austria is in Central European Time (CET), UTC+1. That's 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time, 9 hours ahead of Pacific Time.

The great news: Just one time zone for the whole country - Austrian efficiency at its finest!

My time zone tip: This is actually perfect for staying connected with the U.S. - you can have your European coffee while still being able to catch up on American news!

Visa & Entry

Visa requirements vary based on your nationality. Check your country's embassy or use iVisa to find out what you need.

For example, U.S. citizens will need ETIAS authorization starting in 2025 - a quick online pre-authorization that costs about 7 euros. Requirements may differ for other nationalities – always check in advance.

What you'll need:

• Valid passport for at least 3 months beyond your departure

• ETIAS authorization - handle this online at least a week before travel

• Proof of onward/return travel (they might ask)

• Financial proof, if requested (a credit card usually suffices)

My tip: Don't wait until the last minute for ETIAS! Apply at least a week early - it's usually fast, but why stress about it?

Airports

Austria has excellent airports, depending on where you want to start your adventure:

• Vienna (VIE) - Largest hub, connects globally, perfect base for exploring

• Salzburg (SZG) - Mozart's city, gateway to Sound of Music country

• Innsbruck (INN) - Alpine paradise, ski jumps with mountain backdrops

My strategy: Vienna is most convenient for first-timers - excellent train connections to everywhere, plus you can easily hop to Prague or Budapest too!

Getting Around

Austrian transportation is a thing of beauty:

ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) - Punctual, scenic, covers everywhere

City public transport - U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams working like clockwork

Car rentals - Perfect for Alpine drives (just remember: right-hand drive!)

Uber - Works great in major cities

ClimaTicket - 1,095 euros/year for ALL Austrian public transport

Reality check: Distances in Austria are manageable - Vienna to Salzburg is just 2.5 hours by train. This isn't Texas!

Vienna Landscape View From Danube Tower

Weather

Austria gives you real seasons that actually feel different:

Spring (March-May)

Temperatures: 46-64°F (8-18°C)

The magic: Everything blooms, fewer tourists, and reasonable prices

Perfect for: Sightseeing without crowds, mild hiking weather

Summer (June-August)

Temperatures: 61-79°F (16-26°C, cooler in Alps)

Peak season: All attractions open, festivals, perfect hiking weather

The crowded: Higher prices, lots of tourists, book ahead

Fall (September-November)

Temperatures: 46-64°F (8-18°C)Hidden gem season: Amazing foliage, harvest time, ideal weather

My favorite: This is the perfect time for almost everything!

Winter (December-February)

Temperatures: 28-41°F (-2 to 5°C)

The cozy: Christmas markets, mulled wine, and possible snow magic

Reality: Short days but incredible atmosphere

🎯 When to visit?Late May through early July, or September - perfect weather, manageable crowds!

🚫 When to avoid: Peak summer if you hate crowds, or deep winter if you need sunshine.

My weather wisdom: Even summer can be unpredictable - pack a light jacket. This is mountain country!

Language

German is official, but it has an adorable Austrian accent that just makes everything sound friendlier.

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

Essential German phrases:

• Hello - Guten Tag (GOO-ten tahk)

• Please - Bitte (BIT-te)

• Thank you - Danke (DAHN-ke)

• Excuse me - Entschuldigung (ent-SHOOL-di-gung)

• Where is? - Wo ist...? (vo ist)

Uniquely Austrian:

• Hello (Austrian style) - Grüß Gott

• Casual hello - Servus (SER-vus)

• Bye (local slang) - Baba

My language secret: Austrians absolutely love it when you try to speak German - even just "Danke" with a smile opens hearts instantly!

Culture & Etiquette

Austrians have perfected the art of being properly polite:

How to greet:

• Strong handshake + eye contact + "Guten Tag"

• Stay formal until invited to be casual

• Cheek kisses only with close friends

Cultural golden rules:

• German punctuality is real - being late is actually rude!

• Quiet on public transport - loud phone calls are not cool

• Sunday is sacred - almost everything closes (including laundry!)

• Shoes in homes - always ask whether to remove them

Coffee house culture:

• Order, sit, savor - never rush

• Newspapers are part of the experience

• 10% tip appreciated but not mandatory

My cultural tip: Austrians seem formal at first, but become incredibly warm and generous friends once they get to know you!

Money

Currency: Euro (EUR) - same as most of Europe

ATMs: Everywhere, they work perfectly with American cards

Credit cards: Accepted almost everywhere, even in small markets

Tipping guide:

• Restaurants: 10% for good service

• Coffee houses: Round up (coffee €4.20 becomes €4.50)

• Taxis: 10-15%

• Hotels: €1-2 per bag for porters

Rough costs:

• Good restaurant meal: €15-25

• Coffee and cake: €6-8

• Beer at pub: €4-6

• Train Vienna-Salzburg: €25-35

My money tip: Keep small cash handy - public restrooms, street food, and small markets still prefer coins!

The Imperial Treasury, Vienna

Electricity

Voltage: 230V, 50Hz

Plugs: Type C and F (European round)

Adapter needed: Yes! Bring a universal European adapter

Water

Amazing news: Austrian tap water is excellent everywhere! Especially in Alpine areas - it's practically mineral water.

• Vienna: Excellent tap water from the Alps

• Salzburg: Crystal clear mountain water

• Innsbruck: Literally the best mountain water in the world

Public water fountains in every park - fill your bottles for free!

SIM & Internet

Wi-Fi: Available in all hotels, cafes, and restaurants - usually free.

For SIM cards:

At airports: Convenient but pricier (€20-30/week)

City electronics stores: Better prices and variety (€10-15/week)

Mobile provider shops: Cheapest option in cities

Major providers: A1, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Drei

💡 My recommendation: A1 has the strongest Alpine coverage if you're planning mountain adventures!

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Austria is extremely LGBTQ-friendly! Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2019.

Friendly cities: Vienna (especially), Salzburg, Innsbruck

Events: Vienna Pride in summer

Rural areas: Still accepting but less openly gay-friendly

Eco-Tourism

Austria excels in sustainable tourism:

• National parks: Hohe Tauern, Kalkalpen, Neusiedler See

• Protected forests and nature reserves

• Pristine lakes: Hallstatt, Wolfgang, Attersee

• Marked hiking trails throughout the Alps

• Cycling routes: Amazing paths along the Danube River

Green tourism includes:

• Eco-hotels with renewable energy

• Public transport powered by green electricity

• Organic farms you can visit and support

My eco-tip: Take a hiking trek to an Alpine peak - the most authentic Austrian experience possible!

Major Holidays

Austrians take their holidays seriously - plan accordingly!

Date	Holiday	What Happens
January 1	New Year's Day	Everything closed
January 6	Epiphany	Religious holiday
March/April	Easter	Long holiday, families gather
May 1	Labour Day	Socialist tradition
May	Ascension Day	Moving Christian holiday
May/June	Pentecost	Another moving holiday
August 15	Assumption of Mary	Catholic holiday
October 26	National Day	Independence celebration
November 1	All Saints' Day	Memorial day
December 8	Immaculate Conception	Religious holiday
December 25-26	Christmas	Biggest holiday of the year

Special festivals:

• Salzburg Festival (July-August): World-class classical music

• Vienna Festival Weeks (May-June): Culture in the capital

• Christmas Markets (November-December): Most beautiful in Europe

Holiday tip: On major Christian holidays, everything shuts down - buy food ahead and enjoy the peaceful, empty streets!

Hundertwasser House, Vienna

Emergency Numbers

112 - European emergency number (police, ambulance, fire)

133 - Police only

144 - Ambulance and emergency medicine

122 - Fire department only

Additional useful numbers:

• ÖBB (trains): 05-1717 (information and help)

• ÖAMTC (roadside assistance): 120

• Vienna Tourism: +43-1-24555

Local Food - Way More Than Schnitzel

Austrian cuisine is rich and varied ways beyond stereotypes:

Classic dishes:

• The original schnitzel (veal, not chicken!) - Wiener Schnitzel

• Boiled beef with vegetables - Tafelspitz

• Chocolate cake with apricot jam - Sachertorte

• Hot apple strudel with vanilla sauce - Apfelstrudel

Regional specialties:

• Airy soufflé from Salzburg - Salzburger Nockerl

• Cheese noodles from the Alps - Käsespätzle

• Rich meat stew (Hungarian influence) - Goulash

• Meat loaf (not liver-related!) - Leberkäse

Street food:

• Sausage stands everywhere - Würstlstand

• Balkan sausage with onions and spices - Bosna

• Now part of local culture - Döner Kebab

Drinks:

• Coffee with foamed milk (like cappuccino) - Melange

• Black coffee with whipped cream in tall glass - Einspänner

• Famous white wine - Grüner Veltliner

• Strong fruit brandy - Schnapps

My foodie tip: Try a traditional Viennese coffee house - it's not just coffee, it's a cultural institution that's been perfected over centuries!

Must-See Destinations

Vienna - The empire that never quite died:

• Schönbrunn Palace: Austria's Versailles with amazing gardens

• Belvedere Palace: Art collections with Alpine views

• Historic City Center: UNESCO World Heritage site

• Famous coffee houses: Demel, Sacher, Central

• Naschmarkt: Food market paradise and affordable shopping

Salzburg - Mozart's magical city:

• Old Town: UNESCO World Heritage baroque beauty

• Mozart's Birthplace: The genius composer's birth home

• Salzburg Festival: World-renowned classical music (summer)

• Hohensalzburg Fortress: Fantastic panoramic city views

• Mirabell Gardens: Featured in "The Sound of Music"

Innsbruck - Capital of the Alps:

• Colorful Old Town with a dramatic Alpine backdrop

• Bergisel: Olympic ski jumping with mountain views

• Zugspitze: Peak with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas

• Swarovski Crystal Worlds: Famous crystal museum experience

The Alps and villages:

• Hallstatt: Most photographed village in Europe (seriously!)

• Wachau Valley: UNESCO wine region with vineyards

• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: Most scenic mountain drive

• Eisriesenwelt: Ice caves you can actually visit in summer

• Lake Achensee: Stunning Alpine lake surrounded by peaks

My planning tip: Don't try to see everything in one trip! Choose 2-3 regions and really explore them - every corner of Austria has its own special character.

That's it - you're ready for Austria!

Austria is a country that perfectly balances preserving old-world magic while embracing modern life. The music here lives and breathes, coffee is elevated to an art form, and the Alps will remind you why sometimes you need to just stop and marvel at the world around you. Take your time, embrace the slower pace, and let Austria show you what gemütlichkeit (coziness and good living) really means.

Auf Wiedersehen! (Until we meet again!)

Questions about Austria? I'm here to help! Tell me how that Sachertorte tastes at Café Sacher 🍰