Austria's Tourism Openings: What You Need To Know

Austria is open for tourism and has been welcoming an increasing number of visitors since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, Austria welcomed 45.2 million visitors, with 30.9 million being international tourists and 14.3 million domestic travellers. This marked an 11% increase from the peak pre-pandemic year of 2019. Austria is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg, making it a top destination for travellers seeking both natural beauty and cultural experiences. The country offers impressive nature and rich culture, with marvellous Alpine landscapes, historic cities, and first-class ski resorts. Austria also boasts delicious cuisine, including Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte, and a well-developed network of public transport and sustainable travel options.

Entry requirements

Austria is open to tourists, and visitors can enter the country without a visa if they are a citizen of an EU country or a country in the Schengen area. For citizens of other countries, a tourist visa is not required for stays under 90 days within each 180-day period. Prospective residents or anyone intending to stay longer than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa.

Austria is part of the Schengen area, meaning that in some cases, you can enter the country without a visa. The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date has not been announced.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. It is recommended to contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Austria for the latest details and to ensure that you meet all entry and exit conditions.

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country.
• You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket.
• There is a currency restriction for entry and exit: you must declare funds of more than 10,000 euros or the equivalent when travelling between Austria and a non-EU country.
• You must have your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area.
• If you plan to drive in Austria, be aware that an international driving permit or a German translation of your licence is required if you are not a resident.
• It is illegal to cover your face in public places to hide your identity.
• Always carry your ID.
• Dual nationals may have to complete national service. Check with the embassy or consulate of Austria.

Vienna and other cities

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a major tourist draw, attracting visitors all year round. The city is known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), and the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, which offers panoramic views of the city. The city also boasts beautiful green spaces, such as the Ringstrasse, a circular road around the city's first district, and the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, Austria's most popular tourist attraction. Vienna is also renowned for its cultural offerings, including the Vienna Opera Ball, the Vienna International Film Festival, and the Ars Electronica Festival, a celebration of technology and new media art.

In addition to Vienna, Austria has several other charming cities that are worth visiting. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is a popular destination, known for its medieval history and attractions such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is surrounded by the majestic Alps and offers easy access to ski resorts and hiking trails. Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is home to the largest cathedral in the country and boasts modern cultural highlights, while also being known for its medieval castles.

Austria's western province, Vorarlberg, reaches Lake Constance, while the eastern part boasts the Neusiedler See. The country is famous for its lakes, including Wolfgangsee, Wörthersee, and those in the Salzkammergut region east of Salzburg. For nature lovers, the Austrian Alps offer skiing, hiking, and mountaineering opportunities, with Ski Arlberg being the largest connected ski area in the country.

When it comes to accommodation, Austria offers a range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Transportation is made easy with the country's efficient public transport system, and train travel is a convenient and affordable way to get between major cities. Austria is known for its delicious cuisine, including Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte, and its wine pubs ("Heurigen") offer a unique cultural experience.

Overall, Austria is a safe country to visit, with a low rate of serious crime. However, petty crimes, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, are common in tourist areas and on public transportation. It is important to always be vigilant and follow local safety advice.

Activities and attractions

Austria is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some activities and attractions to explore:

Museums and Galleries

Austria boasts impressive museums and galleries that showcase its cultural and artistic heritage. The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is one of the world's foremost museums, featuring masterpieces from Ancient Egypt to the modern era. The Natural History Museum in Vienna is also noteworthy, with its collection of dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, and insects.

Abbeys and Monasteries

Austria is home to centuries-old abbeys and monasteries that serve as sanctuaries for those seeking peace and reflection. The Benedictine monastery on the Danube, for example, is renowned for its baroque architecture and historical collections.

Castles and Palaces

Experience a fairy tale come to life by visiting Austria's castles and palaces. The Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, the summer residence of the Habsburg royals, is a vast and exuberant complex. Schloss Schönbrunn, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another summer palace that is a must-see. Schloss Belvedere, with its beautiful gardens, houses the famous painting, "The Kiss," by Gustav Klimt.

The Fortress Hohensalzburg in Salzburg is an impressive 11th-century castle that overlooks the city. Another castle, the Hohenwerfen Castle, is a medieval rock castle with a spectacular position overlooking the Salzach Valley.

Natural Wonders

Austria's diverse landscapes offer stunning natural attractions. The Krimml Falls, with a height of 380 meters, is the highest and most beautiful waterfall in Austria. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a scenic mountain road that showcases the magnificence of the Austrian Alps. The Eisriesenwelt cave, located in Werfen, is the world's largest ice cave, stretching for 26 miles along the Alps.

Cities and Towns

Austria has many charming cities and towns worth exploring. Vienna, the imperial and modern capital, offers a blend of magnificent architecture, music, and culture. The historic center of Vienna, with its beautiful Baroque castles and gardens, is a must-see. Salzburg, known for its musical heritage and stunning Alpine backdrop, is another popular destination. The Old Town of Salzburg, or Salzburger Altstadt, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is intertwined with the spirit of Mozart.

Innsbruck, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offers a mix of pristine landscapes and a sophisticated urban center. The medieval town of Innsbruck, or Innsbruck Altstadt, is unique in its architecture and shops. St. Wolfgang, a beautiful market town in the Lake District, features colorful houses along the shoreline of Wolfgangsee Lake and the towering Mount Schafberg.

Outdoor Activities

Austria provides a range of outdoor activities, especially in the Austrian Alps. Hiking through the Hohe Tauern National Park is an unmissable experience. Tyrol is a popular destination for outdoor pursuits, offering year-round glacier skiing, hiking, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. St. Anton am Arlberg is renowned for its challenging ski areas and active nightlife. Zell am See is another excellent spot for skiing, with over 80 miles of slopes.

Transport

Austria has one of the most highly developed transport networks in the European Union, with an extensive bus and rail network. The country's federal capital, Vienna, boasts an excellent public transport system, including a metro system.

Trains

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operates a network of over 5000km (3107 miles) that connects the nine federal states in Austria. The Railjet (RJ) trains are high-speed and best for travelling across the country, while the faster Xpress (RJX) stops only at main city stations (Hauptbahnhof). Amenities on these trains include free wi-fi, comfy seats, luggage racks, power sockets, a restaurant car, and designated Quiet and Family Zones.

Intercity-Express (ICE) trains are the second fastest option, and ÖBB Nightjets (NJ) can save on accommodation costs, leaving Vienna in the evening and arriving in Innsbruck early in the morning.

The regional (R) and regional express (REX), Intercity (IC) and Cityjet (CJ) trains are slower, stopping or interchanging at smaller towns between the main cities. S-Bahn (S) trains connect regional capitals to the surrounding provincial areas.

Private rail operator WESTbahn operates a standalone intercity connection between Vienna Westbahnhof station and Salzburg, Innsbruck and Bregenz. The high-speed, double-decker trains are packed with similar comforts to ÖBB, but the supersaver and flexible tickets are often cheaper than the ÖBB equivalent fare.

Tickets

Tickets for ÖBB trains can be booked online or at train stations. While standard fare tickets offer flexibility, advance-purchase Sparschiene tickets with a fixed time are often half or a third of the cost. Seat reservations cost €3.00 more each way but are worth booking on popular intercity routes or when travelling at peak times.

City Tickets are valid for one to seven days and allow unlimited travel on public transport, including regional R, REX, CJX and S-Bahn trains, trams and buses in the city core zone; single-day Leisure Tickets offer the same but within a specific state or region.

Buses

Austria's most extensive bus service is Postbus, a subsidiary of ÖBB, which is often combined with a rail transfer, connecting harder-to-reach places on alpine passes, lake region byroads, and hiking and biking trailheads.

Cable Cars

Austria excels in its funicular, lift and gondola cable car fleet, moving you from ground to vista in minutes. Outside of ski season, mountain regions can have from half a dozen to 20 summer operations. The Hintertuxer Gletscher cable car in Tirol and Styria's Dachstein-Gletscherbahn full-glass panorama gondola are standout experiences. Pay at the cable car station or utilise the discount or free travel from city, regional and resort cards.

Roads

Road conditions in Austria are excellent. During the winter, roads in alpine areas may become dangerous due to snow, ice, or avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods. Snow tires or chains may be required in certain provinces or mountain towns.

There is a toll for using motorways in Austria. If you are using the motorways, you must obtain a motorway sticker (Autobahnvignette) at the Austrian border. You can buy this motorway sticker at any post office or tobacconist’s shop (Trafik) in Austria and at border posts and motorway service areas.

Boats

Passenger ferry routes and boat tours operate along the Danube on a route between Passau, Linz, Wachau and Vienna. There are also daily boat services on several larger lakes in Austria’s Salzkammergut region, including Wolfgangsee, Hallstätter See and Tirol’s Achensee. You can also take to the water in Wörthersee in Carinthia and Austria’s largest, Neusiedler See in Burgenland.

Accommodation

Austria offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here is a guide to help you find the best places to stay during your visit:

Hotels

Austria boasts a diverse selection of hotels, from stylish design hotels in cities like Vienna and Salzburg to rustic chalets in the Alps. The Austria Hotel Collection showcases the best of Austrian hospitality, with hand-picked hotels in both urban and mountain settings. Hotels in larger towns and cities, such as Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, offer a high standard of excellence while maintaining their unique identities.

Bed and Breakfasts

If you're looking for a more intimate and budget-friendly option, consider staying at a Bed and Breakfast (B&B). Outside popular tourist spots, you can find good-value B&Bs in small, family-run hotels known as "Gasthöfe" and "Gasthaüser." These typically offer double rooms from €60, and you may even find cheaper options in rural areas, with roadside signs advertising "Zimmer Frei" (vacancies).

Hostels

For an even more affordable option, Austria has a network of HI hostels (Jugendherberge or Jugendgästehaus) with rates as low as €20-27, often including breakfast. Non-members pay a small additional fee. There are also independent hostels in cities like Salzburg and Vienna, providing unique and cost-effective accommodations.

Camping and Glamping

For those who want to connect with nature, Austria's numerous campsites offer a wonderful experience. Many campsites are equipped with laundry facilities, shops, and snack bars. Most are open from April to September, but some accommodate visitors year-round. If you're looking for a more glamorous camping experience, glamping tents combine the beauty of nature with modern amenities for a relaxing getaway.

Eco-Certified Accommodation

Austria also caters to climate-conscious travellers with eco-certified accommodations. Many Austrian hotels are committed to energy conservation, resource saving, and organic quality, ensuring that guests can enjoy sustainable holidays without compromising on comfort.

Ski-in-Ski-out Accommodations

For ski enthusiasts, Austria offers the convenience of ski-in-ski-out accommodations. These lodgings are located directly on the piste, allowing you to maximise your time on the slopes and providing easy access to and from the ski areas.

Farm Holidays

If you're seeking a blend of nature, relaxation, and sustainability, consider a farm holiday. Guests can immerse themselves in country life and experience the rural idyll of Austria while enjoying stylish and comfortable accommodations.

Unusual Accommodation

Austria also offers exceptional and unusual accommodations for those seeking a truly unique experience. From treehouses in the middle of the woods to designer chalets and glamping tents, these places create a special atmosphere of relaxation and offer an extraordinary holiday experience.

Frequently asked questions