Exploring Austria: Entry Requirements And Essential Information

Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country is known for its scenic beauty and well-maintained roads, making it a popular destination for road trips. When entering Austria, it is important to be aware of the driving rules and regulations, such as keeping your headlights on at night and when entering tunnels, and having the necessary safety equipment in your vehicle. Additionally, if you plan to drive on motorways or highways, you will need to purchase a vignette, and if you have a non-EU driver's license, you will need an International Driving Permit. Austria can also be accessed by air or rail, with several airlines offering combined air and rail tickets to select destinations within the country.

Driving in Austria: rules and requirements

When driving in Austria, there are several rules and requirements that must be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your trip:

Documents and Equipment

It is essential to have the necessary documents and equipment when driving in Austria. Make sure to carry your full, valid driving licence at all times. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted, and international driving permits are recognised but not required. If you are from the UK, your vehicle must display the letters 'UK' when driven in Austria. It is also compulsory to have certain equipment in your vehicle, including a warning triangle, a reflective jacket or vest, and a first aid kit. These items may be supplied with your rental vehicle, but it is always good to confirm with your rental agent.

Road Rules and Regulations

In Austria, motorists drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. Overtaking is prohibited on or near pedestrian crossings and when crossing a continuous white line. Trams can be overtaken carefully, but only when there is sufficient space and without endangering passengers. As a general rule, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless otherwise indicated. Emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails always have the right of way. It is important to yield to pedestrians at zebra crossings and to follow the speed limits posted for the specific areas you are driving through. Additionally, when driving on the Autobahn, it is important to maintain the flow of traffic and be mindful of other drivers.

Insurance and Vignettes

It is recommended to have adequate insurance coverage when driving in Austria. While some credit cards may provide insurance, it is best to check with your insurance company beforehand. If you plan to drive on the Austrian autobahns or four-lane roads, you will need to purchase a vignette, which is a window sticker. This can usually be provided by the rental company or bought at drive-in markets and gas stations.

Winter Driving

From November 1 to April 15, winter equipment is mandatory in Austria. Your vehicle must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels. It is recommended to carry snow chains for trips into high-alpine regions and to check the weather and road conditions before setting out.

Alcohol and Drug Regulations

Austria has strict laws regarding drinking and driving, with a legal limit of less than 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood for most drivers. Provisional licence holders, lorry, and bus drivers have a lower limit of 0.1 milligrams. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in heavy fines and the confiscation of your driving licence.

By following these rules and regulations, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Austria. Remember to stay informed, be prepared for various driving conditions, and always put safety first.

Travel by train to Austria

Austria is a beautiful country with incredible natural beauty, elegant cities, and a rich history. One of the best ways to discover Austria is by train, as the country has a well-developed public transportation network that makes it quick and easy to get from place to place. Here is a guide to help you plan your train journey to Austria:

Train Types and Routes

Austria's train network is extensive, with high-speed trains, night trains, and local trains connecting various destinations within the country. Most of the Austrian network is operated by ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen), offering different types of trains such as Railjet, IC trains, and Nightjet.

The Railjet trains are the most common option for express routes, providing fast, comfortable, and stylish journeys. These trains operate on the main Wien-Linz-Salzburg-Innsbruck route, with some services skipping stations for faster travel times.

Nightjet trains, operated by ÖBB, offer comfortable and relaxing journeys to various destinations within Austria and internationally. These trains are a great option if you want to travel while you sleep, and they offer different accommodation types, including seats, couchettes, and sleeping cabins.

Local trains within cities are usually the S-Bahn services, which are especially convenient in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.

Tickets and Reservations

Tickets for ÖBB trains can be booked through their website or the ÖBB app, which provides a seamless digital experience. Seat reservations are optional on express trains for journeys within Austria, but it is recommended to reserve during peak season (May to September) and for public holidays.

Discounted tickets, known as Sparschiene tickets, are available for adults travelling in first or second class, and they allow up to four children aged 15 and under to accompany them at no extra cost.

International Travel

Travelling to Austria by train from other European countries and the UK is also possible. Direct trains are available from many European cities, and from the UK, you can take the Eurostar to Brussels or Paris and then board the Nightjet sleeper train to Salzburg and Vienna.

Itinerary Ideas

If you're looking for itinerary ideas, consider starting your journey in Vienna, exploring Schönbrunn Palace, and then taking the train to Graz, known for its old town and fantastic views. From there, you can continue to St. Anton am Arlberg for hiking and upscale entertainment or explore the medieval town of Hall in Tirol.

With its stunning scenery, charming cities, and efficient train system, Austria is an ideal destination for those seeking a unique and sustainable travel experience.

Travel by air to Austria

Austria is a member of the Economic and Currency Union, and the common currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted at main hotels, shops, and restaurants, but smaller establishments may only accept cash. If you are carrying 10,000 euros or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must declare this to customs when entering or leaving the European Union.

Vienna Airport is the main flight hub for Eastern Austria, but many airlines also fly into Bratislava Airport in Slovakia, which is only 50 km from Vienna. If you plan to visit the western regions of Austria, such as Tirol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg, flying into Zurich, Switzerland, or Munich, Germany, are great alternatives, with flights offered by Lufthansa and Swiss, among others. ÖBB Austrian Railways offers train connections from Munich and Zurich to all major cities in Austria.

The City Airport Train (CAT) connects Vienna Airport with the city center (Wien Mitte station) in just 16 minutes. It is the fastest option, running non-stop between the airport and the city center. The cheapest option, with intermediate stops, is the S-Bahn, which runs every half hour. ICE trains also stop regularly at Vienna Central Station. In addition, the Vienna Airport Lines run buses to various important transport hubs.

When entering Austria, you must declare certain goods to customs, including goods purchased outside the EU that exceed the allowances for tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, non-sparkling wines, beer, and medicines. You can find more information on the Central Customs Enquiry Office website or by calling their hotline.

It is recommended that all eligible travelers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses before traveling to Austria.

Austria's neighbouring countries

Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe. It borders Switzerland to the west, Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and the principality of Liechtenstein to the west. In total, Austria's borders stretch for 2,534 km (1,574 mi). The westernmost third of the country is a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy, while the majority of the country lies to the east.

Switzerland, which is not an EU member state, shares a 158-km (98-mile) border with Austria. The two countries form the neutral core of Europe, despite Austria's membership in the European Union since 1995. Together with Liechtenstein, also a non-EU member state, Switzerland is one of only two of Austria's neighbours that do not belong to the EU.

Austria's border with Germany is 801 km (497 mi) long. Germany and Austria share a common language, and the two countries have historically been closely linked.

The Czech Republic shares a 402-km (249-mile) border with Austria to the north. Slovakia, to the northeast, shares a much shorter border of 105 km (65 mi).

To the east, Austria borders Hungary, with the two countries separated by 331 km (205 mi) of border. To the south, Austrian territory stretches as far as the marshy Neusiedler Lake, which lies partly in Hungary and partly in Austria.

Austria's border with Slovenia to the south is 330 km (185 mi) long, and its border with Italy to the southwest is 404 km (251 mi). Italy also borders the Austrian province of South Tyrol, which was ceded to Italy after the First World War.

Liechtenstein, a small Alpine country, shares a 34-km (21-mile) border with Austria to the west.

History of Austria

The history of Austria is a rich and complex one, stretching back thousands of years. The region has been a site of human settlement since the Lower Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age), with the first traces of human habitation dating back more than 250,000 years. The area's mineral-rich Alpine lands and fertile Danube Valley plains attracted prehistoric settlers, and by the 1st century BC, a prosperous Celtic population had emerged as an important trading partner of the neighbouring Roman Empire.

The Romans arrived in 200 BC and by 15 BC, they dominated the entire area. They ruled over the region for almost 500 years, establishing numerous settlements, including Carnuntum, the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia in present-day Lower Austria. However, facing pressure from tribal migrations, the Romans eventually withdrew from the Danube region, abandoning their once-thriving cities.

In the centuries that followed, various groups migrated across the area of present-day Austria, including Germanic peoples, Hunnic horsemen, Avars, Baiuvarii, and Slavic peoples. In the 8th century, Charlemagne, the king of the Franks and eventual Holy Roman Emperor, established a territory in the Danube Valley known as the Ostmark (Eastern March) to protect against Avar advances. In 976, the Ostmark came under the rule of Leopold von Babenberg, also known as Leopold the Illustrious, marking the beginning of the extensive feudal possessions of the Babenberg family. The first recorded instance of the name 'Austria' appeared in a document written by King Otto III in 996 as "Ostarrîchi", a clear forerunner of the modern German word "Österreich".

The Babenbergs pursued a policy of expansion, clearing forests, and founding towns and monasteries. By the 12th century, Henry II had moved his residence to Vienna, which has remained the capital of Austria ever since. The Babenberg dynasty reached its first culmination point under Leopold III (1095-1136), who played a pivotal role in the struggle between emperor and pope, carefully navigating alliances to consolidate his position in Austria.

Following the death of Leopold III, the Babenbergs faced a period of conflict and political upheaval, with internal power struggles and military excursions against neighbouring lands. In the mid-13th century, the male line of the Babenberg family came to an end, and the Duchy of Austria passed briefly to the Přemysl ruler Otakar II before being enfeoffed to the Habsburgs in 1282. The Habsburgs, known for their skilled marital policies, constantly expanded their sphere of influence, adding neighbouring provinces and far-flung territories to their domain.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Austria faced frequent conflicts with the expanding Ottoman Empire, successfully defending Vienna against Ottoman sieges and pushing back their advancement. This led to Austria's emergence as a great European power, with significant territories acquired through treaties and military campaigns. The French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon in the late 18th century posed a significant threat to Habsburg rule, leading to a period of censorship and reduced civil liberties.

In the 19th century, following Napoleon's defeat, Austrian Chancellor Metternich attempted to reconsolidate Austrian power during the Congress of Vienna. However, the country continued to face social and political unrest, with the ideas of middle-class revolution spreading from France in 1848. The end of World War I marked a significant shift in Austrian history, as the multinational Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed, leading to a quarter-century of social and economic turbulence. In 1938, Austrian-born Adolf Hitler annexed Austria to Germany, but after Germany's defeat in World War II, Austria regained its independence as the Second Austrian Republic in 1955. The country established permanent neutrality, withdrawing from occupying Allied troops, and later joined the European Union in 1995.

Frequently asked questions