Lexi Webster
Austria is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe, boasting stunning natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. The country is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic cities of Salzburg and Vienna, as well as the Cultural World Heritage Site of Schönbrunn Palace. Beyond its cities, Austria's natural wonders include the Alps, Hohe Tauern National Park, and the Danube River. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to enjoy, from hiking and skiing in the Alps to white-water rafting in the rivers Inn and Sanna. Austria is also known for its music, history, and food, with Vienna's famous cafe culture and delicious cakes. So, whether you're looking for breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, or delicious treats, Austria has something for everyone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | German |
| Dialects | 9 distinct dialects |
| Culture | Similar to Germany but distinct |
| Cuisine | Hearty, sweet, Wiener Schnitzel, strudel |
| Greetings | Handshake, hug, two kisses on the cheek |
| Transport | Public transport is amazing |
| Attractions | Schönbrunn Palace, Kunstkammer Vienna, Belvedere palaces, Steyr, Leoben, Lake Millstatt, Salzburgerland, Tyrol's nature parks, Carinthia, Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg |
| Shopping | Most shops are closed on Sundays |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the countryside beyond the cities, including Lake Millstatt in Carinthia
- Learn some German phrases and be aware of the different dialects across Austria
- Try the national dishes, schnitzel and strudel, but remember to never pour sauce on your schnitzel
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace, Austria's most-visited tourist attraction, and wander the gardens
- Take public transport to get around cities, but consider hiring a car to reach nature spots
Explore the countryside beyond the cities, including Lake Millstatt in Carinthia
When people think of Austria, Vienna often comes to mind. But there's so much more to the country than its incredible capital. One such place is Lake Millstatt in Carinthia, situated at 588 metres above the Adriatic. With a depth of 141-142 metres, it is the deepest lake in Carinthia and the second-largest by surface area. The lake is surrounded by mountains, including the Millstätter Alpe mountains in the north, which protect it from cold winds, allowing the water temperature to reach 25°C in summer.
There are five free access points to the lake, which are ideal for a quick dip. If you're planning a full day of swimming, you can enter one of the 12 lidos for free with the Millstätter See Inclusive Card. There is also a 28-kilometre walking and cycling trail around the lake, as well as designated running, Nordic walking, and trail running routes in every lakeside village.
Lake Millstatt is easily accessible via the Spittal-Millstättersee station of the Tauern Railway line, with passenger train services provided by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). The B98 Millstätter Straße highway runs along the northern shore of the lake, connecting it to the Tauern Autobahn (A10) motorway from Salzburg to Villach.
When visiting Austria, it's important to be mindful of cultural differences. For example, Austrians take their Highway Code very seriously, and jaywalking in Vienna can result in fines. While German is the official language, Austria's dialects across its nine states vary greatly, and some are not mutually intelligible. It's also worth noting that Austrians take pride in their cuisine, and while schnitzel and strudel may be similar to German dishes, there are rules—Wiener schnitzel, for instance, is only considered authentic when made with veal and is never served with sauce.
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Learn some German phrases and be aware of the different dialects across Austria
Austria is a German-speaking country, but there are several dialects and variations to be aware of. Austrian German, or Österreichisches Deutsch, is the variety of Standard German written and spoken in Austria and South Tyrol. It is the most prestigious form of the language in Austria and is used in the media and other formal situations. In less formal contexts, Austrians use Bavarian and Alemannic dialects, which are rarely written down.
Austrian German has its roots in the mid-18th century, when compulsory schooling was introduced by Empress Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II. The standard written language at the time was Oberdeutsche Schreibsprache (Upper German written language), which was influenced by the Bavarian and Alemannic dialects of Austria. However, Austrian German also has a complex history due to the influence of the Habsburg Empire and Austria's exclusion from the development of a German nation-state in the late 19th century. As a result, there are many official terms that differ from their usage in Germany, particularly in culinary, administrative, legal, and political terms. For example, "January" is "Jänner" in Austrian German, rather than "Januar" in German.
While most Austrians will understand and speak Standard German, it is worth learning a few German phrases to help you get by and make a good impression on the locals. Here are some essential phrases to know:
- "Hallo" (hello)
- "Guten Tag" (good day)
- "Auf Wiedersehen" (goodbye)
- "Danke" (thank you)
- "Bitte" (please)
- "Ja" (yes)
- "Nein" (no)
- "Entschuldigung" (excuse me)
- "Prost" or "Zum Wohl" (cheers)
- "Lecker" (tasty)
If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try some Austrian German phrases with a more local flavour. For example, "Servus" is a very common greeting in Austria, and "Mahlzeit" is used to wish someone a good meal.
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Try the national dishes, schnitzel and strudel, but remember to never pour sauce on your schnitzel
When in Austria, be sure to indulge in the country's culinary delights. Two of the most famous Austrian dishes are schnitzel and strudel.
Schnitzel is a thin slice of meat, usually thinned by pounding with a meat tenderizer, and breaded before frying. It is made using veal, pork, chicken, mutton, beef, or turkey. Wiener Schnitzel, made with veal, is one of the best-known specialties of Viennese cuisine and is one of the national dishes of Austria. It is traditionally garnished with a slice of lemon and either potato salad or potatoes with parsley and butter. In Austria and Germany, Wiener Schnitzel must be made of veal, and it is considered unacceptable to pour sauce on it. If you do so, be prepared for stares from the locals! Other types of schnitzel, such as Jägerschnitzel (hunter's schnitzel) and Rahmschnitzel (cream schnitzel), are often served with sauce already on top.
Strudel is a type of layered pastry with a filling that is usually sweet, but savoury fillings are also common. It is made from flour with a high gluten content, water, oil, and salt, with no sugar added. The dough is worked vigorously, rested, and then rolled out and stretched very thinly. The thin dough is laid out on a tea towel, filled, and then carefully rolled up with the help of the tea towel before being baked in the oven. Strudel fillings can be sweet, such as apple and raisin, or savoury, such as spinach, cabbage, potato, pumpkin, or even meat.
In addition to these two iconic dishes, there are many other Austrian specialties to try. These include Marillenknödel (apricot dumpling), Sacher Torte (a type of chocolate cake), Bergkäse (mountain cheese) from Vorarlberg, and Linzer Torte, which is unique in being the world's first cake recipe to appear in written form.
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Visit Schönbrunn Palace, Austria's most-visited tourist attraction, and wander the gardens
Schönbrunn Palace, a grand and luxurious palace, is Austria's most-visited tourist attraction. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Austria. The palace is a Baroque architectural marvel, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and has over 1,441 rooms. The palace has a rich history spanning over 300 years, reflecting the changing tastes and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs.
The palace grounds offer a unique synthesis of Baroque art and provide a popular recreational area for locals and tourists alike. The gardens are free to visit and offer a peaceful escape from the city. Visitors can wander through the vast gardens, taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying the fresh air. The gardens have also served as a filming location for many films and television productions, including the Sissi trilogy in the 1950s, A Breath of Scandal with Sophia Loren, and the Bond movie The Living Daylights.
The palace itself offers a fascinating glimpse into the imperial lifestyle of the Habsburgs. The residential and state rooms feature original furnishings and decorations, showcasing the power and prestige of the imperial family. Visitors can opt for a guided tour, such as the Grand Tour or the Imperial audio tour, to learn more about the history and culture associated with the palace. The palace also houses a children's museum, where young visitors can dress up as princes and princesses, and a maze, offering fun activities for the entire family.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Schönbrunn Palace also boasts stunning architecture and decorative arts. The exterior of the palace is designed in the neoclassical style, while the interior features spectacular rooms, each more magnificent than the last. One notable highlight is the original velvet and gold embroidered bed of state used by the Queen for important ceremonies. The palace also has a tragic history, as it is the place where Napoleon's young son died.
Overall, a visit to Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens is a must when in Austria. The palace offers a wealth of history, culture, and architectural beauty, while the gardens provide a peaceful retreat and a chance to explore the natural surroundings. With its grand scale, fascinating narratives, and recreational opportunities, Schönbrunn Palace is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
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Take public transport to get around cities, but consider hiring a car to reach nature spots
Austria has a lot to offer, from its famous cities to its incredible nature spots. While planning your trip, it's a good idea to consider how you'll get around, especially if you want to explore beyond the typical tourist destinations. Here are some tips to help you navigate Austria's transport options:
Public transport in Austrian cities is generally very good, so getting around by bus, train, or tram is convenient and affordable. Vienna, for example, has an extensive network of trams, buses, and an U-Bahn system, making it easy to navigate the city without a car. The historic centre of Vienna, with its beautiful Baroque architecture, is best explored on foot or using public transport. The same goes for other cities like Graz, where you can easily walk or take public transport to explore the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum and other attractions.
However, if you're interested in exploring the countryside and nature spots, hiring a car is recommended. Austria is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including soaring mountains, picturesque lakes, and charming countryside. There are the valleys and waterfalls of Salzburgerland, the stunning nature parks of Tyrol, and the beautiful lakes of Carinthia. These places might be harder to reach with public transport, so having your own car gives you more flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace.
It's worth noting that driving in Austria comes with its own set of rules and challenges. Austrians take their Highway Code very seriously, and jaywalking is even fined in Vienna. So, if you plan to drive, make sure you're familiar with the local traffic rules and regulations.
Additionally, consider combining the two approaches. You can use public transport in cities and then book day tours from these urban centres to the nature spots. This way, you can relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria's capital, Vienna, is home to the Cultural World Heritage Site of Schönbrunn Palace, the historic centre with its Baroque castles and gardens, and the Kunstkammer, which features unique works by Dürer, Raphael, Titian and Velázquez. The city of Salzburg is known for its music history, being the birthplace of Mozart, and the filming location of The Sound of Music. Innsbruck is a great base for outdoor pursuits in the Austrian Alps, and the city of Graz boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Status for its Old Town.
Austria is known for its mountains, lakes, and rivers, which provide plenty of outdoor activities. The Austrian Alps offer hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting. Hohe Tauern National Park is the country's highest point and features glaciers, ice-capped peaks, lakes, and waterfalls. The Danube River, which runs through most of Austria, is a great option for a river cruise.
Austria is home to several unique experiences, such as visiting the world's largest ice cave, the last occupied European hermitage, and the oldest restaurant in the world. The country also has famous Christmas markets, which are worth visiting during the winter season.
Due to its central location in Europe, Austria is a great starting point for multi-country trips. Neighbouring countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and the Czech Republic are easily accessible and can be combined with a tour of Austria.
