Lexi Webster
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe that borders eight countries. These are Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country's landscape is largely mountainous, with the Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. Austria's geographic position has long made it a crossroads for trade routes between major European economic and cultural areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries that border Austria | Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy |
| Total area of Austria | 83,871 square kilometres (32,383 sq mi) |
| Austria's population | 8.7 million |
| Austria's capital | Vienna |
| Austria's landscape | Mountains, forests, lakes, valleys, foothills, plains, rivers |
| Austria's climate | Central European, maritime, damp westerly winds in the west and north, dry continental with hotter summers and colder winters in the northeast and east |
| Austria's economic and cultural significance | Crossroads for trade routes, geographic centre of Europe, diverse cultural influences from neighbouring countries |
| Austria's history | Established in 1918, experienced social and economic turbulence, Nazi dictatorship, permanent neutrality since 1955, member of the European Union since 1995 |
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What You'll Learn
Germany and Austria share the longest border between them
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing its borders with eight other countries. These are Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. The country is predominantly mountainous, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country.
The modern border between Germany and Austria was established in 1955, and it was confirmed in a treaty between the countries in 1972. The relationship between the two countries is close, with cultural similarities, shared values, and a commitment to European integration. They also have strong economic ties, particularly in the tourism and infrastructure sectors, and Germany is Austria's largest trading partner.
The border between Germany and Austria is of historical and cultural significance, reflecting centuries of shared heritage and cooperation. The Alpine landscape and the rivers that flow between the two countries contribute to the geographic diversity of the region. The border has also played a role in shaping the regional culture and traditions of the people living on both sides.
In addition to the geographic and cultural significance, the Germany-Austria border is also important from a functional perspective. The border serves as a gateway for trade and economic exchange between the two countries, with both nations benefiting from strong trade partnerships. The close proximity and shared border have also facilitated cross-border regional cooperation, which is crucial for countering any potential disadvantages that may arise from living in a border region.
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Switzerland and Austria share a boundary in two places
The countries that share borders with Austria are Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, and Germany. Switzerland and Austria share a boundary in two places, with a total length of 180 km (112 miles) divided by Liechtenstein. The border between the two countries is the outcome of the establishment of the Helvetic Republic around 1798. The longer, southern stretch runs across the Grison Alps and the shorter one follows the Alpine Rhine. The ski areas of Ischgl in Austria and Samnaun in Switzerland are connected at high altitude, forming a combined cross-border ski area.
Switzerland is a landlocked state on the eastern side of Austria. It occupies an area of about 15,940 square miles and is made up of 26 cantons. The majority of its residents live in large cities like Geneva and Zurich, which are located on the Swiss plateau. Switzerland is geographically split between the Jura, Swiss Plateau, and the Alps.
Austria, on the other hand, is a predominantly mountainous country in Central Europe, with a total area of 83,871 square kilometres (32,383 sq mi). It shares borders with eight countries, including Switzerland, to the west. The westernmost third of Austria is a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy, while the eastern part of the country extends to the Neusiedler See on the Austrian-Hungarian border.
The border between Austria and Switzerland has a unique feature: it is divided into two segments, with Liechtenstein, a landlocked country, causing a brief interruption in the border demarcation. The northern segment of the border starts at the tripoint where Austria, Switzerland, and Germany meet. The second portion begins south of Liechtenstein and ends near the Resia Pass, at the geographic tripoint of Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, which sits at 2000 meters above sea level.
The transnational operational programme "Alpine Space" aims to improve the attractiveness and encourage the development of the Alpine region shared by Austria and Switzerland. It seeks to increase competitiveness, promote the use of new technologies, and preserve the traditional activities of the mountainous region, which is an essential part of its cultural identity.
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The Austria-Hungary border is about 205 miles long
Austria is a predominantly mountainous country in Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. The Austria-Hungary border, which is about 205 miles long, was established in 1920 by the Trianon Treaty, following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I. This border has been a site of historical tension and underwent significant changes in the aftermath of World War I and during the Cold War.
The process of demarcating the Austria-Hungary border was influenced by the ethnic composition of the region, with a significant German-speaking population in western Hungary. The border dispute between the two countries lasted for three years after World War I, reflecting the general turmoil in East-Central Europe during that period. The final border deviated from traditional river boundaries, such as the Leitha, March, and Lafnitz rivers, which had previously formed the border between the "Habsburg hereditary lands."
The Austria-Hungary border has played a significant role in the history of both nations. The integration of Hungary into the Eastern Bloc in 1949 turned this border into a section of the Iron Curtain, marked by barbed wire and watchtowers. During the Cold War, the border restricted movement and separated the two countries, impacting their economic and political relations. However, with the collapse of communism in Hungary in 1989, the border fence was dismantled, and new crossing points were established, facilitating cross-border cooperation and the development of a thriving tourism industry.
Today, the Austria-Hungary border extends from the River Danube in the north, with a mostly north-south orientation, to the Austria-Hungary-Slovenia tripoint near the village of Felsőszölnök. This border region is known for its natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and thermal springs, attracting tourists from both countries and contributing to the economic development of the area. The strong growth of tourism has led to increased cross-border cooperation, with initiatives focused on eco-mobility and improvements to the transport network.
In summary, the Austria-Hungary border, stretching approximately 205 miles, is a product of historical events and has undergone transformations over time. It has evolved from a symbol of separation during the Cold War to a dynamic cross-border region, fostering cooperation and economic growth through initiatives in tourism, transportation, and environmental sustainability.
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The Austria-Italy border has numerous passes
Austria is a predominantly mountainous country in Central Europe, sharing borders with eight countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. The westernmost third of the country is a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy, and the rest of Austria lies to the east.
Another important pass on the Austria-Italy border is Birnlucke, situated between the Zillertal Alp and Venediger Group. Birnlucke forms the boundary between the valleys of Ahrntal and Krimmler Achental in South Tyrol, Italy, and Salzburg in Austria. Before the Schengen Treaty, this border pass was crossed at the Krimmler Tauern checkpoint.
The Alpine landscape along the Austria-Italy border is complex and rugged, with the highest elevation being Grossglockner, rising to 3,798 meters (12,460 feet) above sea level. The Central Alps, which include the Ötztal Alps on the Tyrolean-Italian border, are the largest and highest ranges in Austria. The Northern Calcareous Alps and Southern Calcareous Alps also contribute to the mountainous terrain along the border.
The Austria-Italy border has a total length of 404 kilometers (251 miles) and has evolved over time, with the biggest changes occurring in 1920 when southern Tyrol was ceded to Italy under the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The border's modern form was largely established after World War I, and it has been an EU internal border since 1995.
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Liechtenstein is bordered by Austria to the north and east
Austria is a predominantly mountainous country in Central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries in total, including Liechtenstein to the north and east.
Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland and Austria. It is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, the other being Uzbekistan. The country is situated in the Upper Rhine Valley of the European Alps, with the Rhine forming its entire western border. The eastern two-thirds of the country is composed of the rugged foothills of the Rhätikon Mountains, part of the Central Alps. The highest peak is Grauspitz, which rises to 8,527 feet (2,599 meters). The country is approximately 15 miles long from south to north and is bordered by Austria to the north and east.
The principality of Liechtenstein is bordered by the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, which is one of the western Austrian states. Vorarlberg is characterised by majestic mountains and magnificent scenery. The border between Liechtenstein and Austria is 21 miles long. The Samina River begins in Liechtenstein and flows into the Ill in Austria. The single railway line in Liechtenstein is the Feldkirch-Buchs railway, which connects Feldkirch in Vorarlberg with Buchs in Switzerland. The railway is served by a regional train, the S2 of Vorarlberg S-Bahn, which runs between Feldkirch and Buchs on working days only.
Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy, with a prince who serves as the head of state. The country is divided into 11 communes, or Gemeinden, which are governed autonomously but under government supervision. The communes are further divided into two traditional regions: the Upper Country (Oberland) and the Lower Country (Unterland). The Upper Country is more industrial and contains the communes of Vaduz, Balzers, Triesen, Triesenberg, Schaan, and Planken. The Lower Country is made up of the communes of Eschen, Mauren, Gamprin, Ruggell, and Schellenberg.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria shares its borders with eight countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy.
The Austria-Switzerland boundary is about 158 kilometres (98 miles) long.
Germany has the longest border with Austria, stretching about 497 miles (801 kilometres).
