Austria travel guide

Fact file

Location & geography

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary (East), Italy (South), and Switzerland. Austria is a largely mountainous country due to its location in the Alps, and only 32% of the country is below 500 meters. The greater part of Austria lies in the cool/temperate climate zone in which humid westerly winds predominate. With over half of the country dominated by the Alps the alpine climate is the predominant one.

Capital City

The capital, Vienna, exceeds a population of 1.6 million, representing about a quarter of the country's population and is known for its vast cultural offerings and high standard of living. Famous for its many parks, history and architecture.

Natural world

In Austria there is a predominantly Central European fauna: deer, stag, rabbit, pheasant, fox, badger, marten, and partridges. Native to the alpine regions are the chamois, groundhog, eagle and mountain jackdaw.

Austria is one of Europe's most heavily wooded countries. Characteristic are the deciduous forest (oak, beech) and the mixed forest (beech, fir) and in the higher altitude regions fir, larch and pine. Especially diverse and colourful is the alpine flora: edelweiss, gentian, alpine carnation, arnica, alpine rose and heather.

Food & drink

• Wiener Schnitzel (a thin slice of veal coated in breadcrumbs and fried)
• Kaiserschmarren (shredded, caramelized pancakes with raisins and fruit)
• Knödel (dumplings made from grated raw and/or mashed potatoes)
• Sachertorte (A traditional chocolate cake)
• The famous Apfelstrudel (Apple strudel as we know it!)
• The Eierschwammerl are the native yellow, tan mushrooms.

Health & safety

Travellers should consider vaccinations and ensure they take precautions against tick infestation. Water and food are safe, and though the country as a whole is pretty safe - take care in larger cities. Click here for information on travel to Austria.
Relevant vaccinations and other health precautions 

Travelling

Austria is one of the world’s premier skiing regions. It is compulsory that vehicles are driven with their lights on throughout the year and smoking is not allowed in many public places. Austria is ahead +1 hr (GMT) and a flight from the UK is approximately 2 hours.

Places of interest

• Mozart’s Birthplace in the middle of the Getreidegasse - Salzburg's famous medieval shopping Alley
• The Museum of the Future, in Linz
• Eisriesenwelt Caves
• The Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Walk) Visitor Centre
• The Hohe Tauern National Park
• Schonbrunn Palace