Austria Holidays

Austria is a year-round destination. For skiing and winter landscapes, visit between December and February. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June to August) is ideal for exploring, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours.

Austria has many attractions, including:

• Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and St. Stephen's Cathedral.
• Salzburg - Mozart's Birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and Mirabell Palace.
• Innsbruck - The Golden Roof and the surrounding Tyrolean Alps.
• Hallstatt - The picturesque lakeside village and its stunning scenery.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and many others can enter Austria without a visa for short stays. If you are from a country outside the EU/EEA, you may need a Schengen visa. Always check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality before travelling.

Austria experiences a range of temperatures depending on the season and region.

Winter (December to February): Temperatures range from -1°C to 4°C. In mountainous regions, temperatures can drop well below freezing, often ranging from -5°C to -15°C, especially at higher altitudes.

Spring (March to May): In the lowlands, temperatures typically range from 6°C to 15°C. In the mountains, it's cooler, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C, and snow may still be present in early spring.

Summer (June to August): Summer is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C in the lowlands. In some areas, particularly in the south, temperatures can occasionally exceed 30°C. The alpine regions are cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn sees cooling temperatures, with lowland temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C in September and dropping to 0°C to 10°C by November. In the mountains, temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, with the possibility of early snowfall in November.

Austria is famous for its festive Christmas markets. Some of the top ones include:

Vienna: The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is renowned for its beautiful setting and extensive selection of crafts and treats. The market at Schönbrunn Palace is also spectacular.

Salzburg: The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt offers a charming atmosphere with its historic setting and a wide array of traditional Christmas goods.

Innsbruck: Known for its picturesque Alpine backdrop, the markets here, especially the one in the Old Town, are a festive highlight.

The official language is German. However, in tourist areas, English is widely understood. It's always helpful to learn a few basic German phrases to enhance your experience.

Austria uses the Euro (€). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaux, and ATMs throughout the country.

Your packing list will depend on the season:

Winter: Warm clothing, including thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and a hat.

Summer: Light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.

Spring and Autumn: Layers, as temperatures can vary, and a rain jacket.

Austria has an excellent public transport system, including trains, buses, and trams. Cities are well-connected and easy to navigate. Bicycles are also popular in many areas, especially in Vienna.

In restaurants, it's customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip. The Austrian way of telling a waiter to keep the change is to hand over payment and say thank you or 'danke' (pronounced dank-uh). If you expect change wait until you receive it before thanking your waiter.

Austrians greet each other with a hand shake. While you may see some Austrian men bowing to kiss the hand of a lady this is considered ostentatious and is not expected from guests visiting Austria on holiday.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Austria, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases and in more rural areas.

Austrian cuisine features hearty dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Apple strudel. Each region has its own specialties, and there are also plenty of international dining options available. No visitor to Austria should resist the opportunity to try the world's greatest chocolate cake; the Sacher Torte.