Austria: Overview
The beautiful Republic of Austria, which goes from the incredible landscapes of the Alps to the Danube River, is one of Central Europe’s landlocked countries. This EU member shares its borders with Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.
Climate
The climate in Austria is tempered as in most regions of Central Europe, with seasonal variations. Summer days are hot and nights are cold, while during winter the temperatures stay below zero, especially during January and February. Climate in Vienna and other lowland cities can be too hot during July and August, while during those same months the mountainous areas are pleasant due to cooling breezes. July and August are also the high tourist season, so prices are far from low and lodging is less available. Because of the high temperatures there are some places which remain closed. Ski season goes from December till end of April.
Important information
Entry requirements for Austria vary according to the visitor's nationality. The only people allowed to up to 3-months stays without a visa are nationals from Australia, Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, the EU, Israel, Japan, Korea Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore, USA, Uruguay and Venezuela. Visitors coming from Africa, the Arab countries, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras Nicaragua, Peru and Dominican Republic must have a visa, which allows them to stay for 3 month top.
The official currency is the euro (EUR). You can easily change foreign currencies in banks and official exchanging offices; however it is more convenient to use the many available ATMs. Although the main credit cards and traveller’s checks are broadly accepted, some small restaurants and hotels may only work with cash.
Although most hotels and restaurants add an extra 10-15% for service to their bills people is used to tip a 5% for a very good meal or service. This extra should be handed to the waiter instead of leaving it on the table. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip.
Concerning health, there are no vaccination requirements for business or tourist visits. However if you are planning on staying for a long period or visiting rural or forest areas during spring or summer, you should consider getting a shot against tick-born encephalitis. Water and food are safe. Medical facilities are very good and citizens from the United Kingdom and the EU who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can get free emergency treatment at public hospitals. Some cases of bird flu have been reported in 2006, so any dish containing eggs or poultry must be eaten well cooked and hot; you are also advised to sty away from birds.
Even though Austrian security level is high, you should take some basic cautions to avoid petty crime or any problem.
Where to go
Vienna, the Austrian capital, is where most of the house of Habsburg’s architectural prints can be seen. Near the city you can visit Hofburg, the Habsburg’s imperial residence until 1918, where many of the Austrian patrimony jewels are exhibited. There you can also see a 16th century Augustinian church among other things. In Vienna you can also visit the Fine Arts Museum, Sigmund Freud’s Museum and two other beautiful palaces, Belvedere and Schönbrunn.
Salzburg, birthplace of the famous composer Wolfgang A. Mozart and center of the Austrian Baroque, offers an interesting landscape to their visitors, since it is surrounded by mountains and crossed by the river Salzach. Some of its attractions are the historical centre, built between end of the 16th century and beginning of the 17th; and the medieval towers. In Hohensalzburg castle, which was built in 1077 and is Central Europe’s best preserved fortress, you can see two museums, several state rooms and torture chambers. You can also visit the important Natural History Museum which offers interactive Physics exhibitions and houses an interesting permanent collection of flora and fauna. Other places you cannot miss in a visit to Salzburg are the catacombs of San Pedro abbey’s cemetery, of the 9th century, and Mozart’s house, which is now a museum. Another option is to visit Hellbrunn palace, located 4 km south of the city and built in Baroque style during the 12th century.
Grossglockner Highway is a 50km-journey enjoying the mountains landscape, one of Austria’s most attractive. This highway was built following an old layout which linked Germany and Italy during the Middle Ages. One of the things you can see here is Hobe Tauern National Park.
San Anton, in the Arlberg region, is one of the best places in the country to enjoy winter sports, especially skiing. This place stands for being one of the biggest and less elitist ski stations and for enjoying a vibrant nightlife and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Caves of Eisriesenwelt, located at 1640 m, are some of the world’s biggest ice grottos open to the public. The guided visit, only way into the caves, is an amazing journey through huge ice caverns, where you can see interesting formations and freeze cascades. You should take warm clothes for the journey. The caves are only open between May and October.
Festivals
Throughout the whole year many musical festivals are carried out, among them the concerts of New Year in Vienna stand out. In this same city you can enjoy the Faschich (carnival) parades, in February and; later on you can see the ones of Corpus Christi. Between May and June one of the main events of the year takes place: the International Festival of Vienna. On June 23rd the bonfires lit for the night celebrations of the summer solstice illuminate the skies. Between July and August Salzburg party with the International Festival concerts, where Mozart's compositions have a special place. Christmas season begins with the parades of December 6, Saint Nicholas day.
