Damon Mcknight
Austria is a country in Central Europe, known for its incredible natural landscapes, delicious food, and rich culture. When visiting Austria, you can expect to be surrounded by soaring mountains, glimmering lakes, and charming countryside. Beyond its natural beauty, Austria offers a range of unique experiences, from exploring historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg to partaking in traditional activities such as visiting Christmas markets and indulging in the famous pastry and dessert culture. It is a safe and well-connected country, with an extensive railway network, making it easy to navigate during your stay. However, it's important to be aware of local laws, cultural norms, and potential language barriers to ensure a smooth and memorable trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Austria is considered one of the safest countries to travel to, with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. However, crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal property do occur. |
| Transportation | Austria is well-connected by train, with extensive railway networks and good deals on tickets. It is also possible to travel by car, but be aware of strict driving laws and regulations. |
| Accommodation | Hotels are plentiful and range from $50-$60 outside tourist areas to up to $70-$130 in busier towns. |
| Food | Austrians enjoy pastries in the morning and open sandwiches in the evening. Expect to spend around $30 per day on meals. |
| Attractions | Austria has fantastic cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt, with beautiful architecture, museums, historical monuments, and nightlife. The country also offers Alpine scenery perfect for hiking and skiing. |
| Health | Ensure you have adequate medical insurance, as U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply, and most healthcare providers only accept cash payments. Be aware of the Austrian Medicine Import Act, which prohibits the import of most prescription drugs. |
| Culture | Austrians have specific table manners and follow certain laws and regulations, such as prohibiting the wearing of face coverings in public places. |
| Costs | Plan to spend around $120 per day, including meals and local transportation. Entry fees for museums and historical buildings can be expensive. |
| Visa Requirements | Prospective residents or those staying longer than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa. U.S. citizens have no COVID-related entry requirements. |
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What You'll Learn
Safety and security
Austria is considered a very safe country to visit, with excellent infrastructure and a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, but there is a higher risk of petty crime, particularly pickpocketing, in big city centres and city parks after dark. To avoid being the target of pickpockets, keep your bag zipped, avoid flashing cash, and be wary of "friendly" strangers. You should also be careful on public transport and in crowded areas, including main stations, and always keep your belongings in sight.
There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Austria, as in the rest of Europe, and attacks could occur anywhere at any time. Terrorist groups have used knives, firearms, and vehicles to target soft targets such as high-profile public events, tourist hotspots, and transport hubs. Always be vigilant in public places, and follow the advice of local authorities. Report anything suspicious to the police.
Driving laws in Austria can be complex, especially for caravans and motorhomes. All drivers must carry insurance and vehicle ownership documents, and all vehicles on motorways and expressways are subject to tolls. If you plan to drive on Austrian motorways, you must display a vignette (sticker) inside your windscreen or risk being fined. During the winter, roads in alpine areas may become dangerous due to snow, ice, or avalanches, and some mountain roads may be closed. Check the local weather forecast and ensure your rental car is properly equipped with snow tires or chains.
Drug laws in Austria are similar to those in the UK, and possessing or trafficking drugs is dealt with severely. Austria also has a face-covering ban in public, with fines of up to 150 euros. Always carry your passport or a copy of it with you, as you must be able to present it to the authorities if requested.
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Transport and travel
Austria is well-connected by train, with connections to more than 25 cities in seven countries via the ÖBB Nightjet service. The country's railway network is extensive, efficient, and usually operates on time. You can purchase Sparschiene tickets for certain days and times at a discount, or, if you plan to take multiple train journeys in Austria, you can buy a Vorteilscard online for €66, which entitles you to a 50% discount on all train journeys operated by ÖBB (except night trains) for a year. You can also hop on any train or tram (and most buses) without showing a ticket, as Austria operates on a trust-based system. You can use the ÖBB’s “SimplyGo!” app to activate your journey before you get on board and deactivate it when you arrive, and you will be billed the next day.
If you are planning a bigger European trip, it is recommended to opt for the train instead of flying, as Austria is well-connected by rail to other countries.
You can also travel by road in Austria. However, you must be 18 years old to drive in the country, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. If convicted of drinking and driving, you can expect heavy fines and the immediate confiscation of your driver's license. Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15, and all vehicles must carry high-visibility vests in the passenger compartment. You must purchase an autobahn vignette sticker to drive on highways, which can be affixed to the car's windshield and bought at border crossings, gas stations, and convenience stores.
Rural or sparsely populated regions in Austria are easier to explore by car, as bus services can be infrequent.
Austria is also known as the winter sports capital of Europe, with tourists visiting its historic cities and villages and hiking in the Alps during the summer. The country's Alpine scenery is perfect for hiking and skiing, and you can also visit the Christmas markets during late November and December.
If you are a U.S. citizen, there are no COVID-related entry requirements, but prospective residents or anyone intending to stay longer than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa. You should also be aware that Austria collects the fingerprints of all visa applicants. Additionally, most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance, so it is important to ensure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. If you are a Canadian citizen, you should be aware that Canada and Austria are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
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Food and drink
Austria is a foodie's dream, with a wide variety of culinary delights to suit all tastes and budgets. The country's dining scene ranges from food stands and bistro pubs to wine taverns and avant-garde restaurants.
Traditional Austrian food is hearty and indulgent, with generous use of meats and root vegetables. Carb-laden dishes, such as the famous Wiener Schnitzel, are a staple, along with dumplings, potato salads, and boiled beef. The Tafelspitz, a tender cut of boiled beef served with roasted potatoes, apples, horseradish, and chive sauce, is considered the country's national dish. It is said to be Emperor Franz Joseph's favourite. Other traditional dishes include Tiroler Gröstl, a filling dish from the Tyrol region, consisting of sliced potatoes, onions, and bits of beef or pork fried in butter, and usually served with a fried egg on top. For dessert, try the Apfelstrudel (a flaky pastry with apples and raisins) or Kaiserschmarrn (shredded fluffy pancake served with a fruit compote).
Austrian meals can last for hours, with conversation and drinks lingering long after the food is finished. This lounge time is referred to as "gemuetlichkeit", capturing the happy, cozy feeling of social acceptance and belonging. Drinking alcoholic beverages with friends and family while eating is common in Austria. In the summer, try a Tipperl, a mixed wine beverage with raspberry lemonade, water, and white wine. During the Christmas market season, be sure to sample a mug of Punsch (a mixture of fruit juice, spices, and liquor) or Glühwein (mulled wine).
Austria also has a thriving cafe culture, with coffee houses and cafes serving specialty coffee and sweet treats. After dinner, sip on thick hot chocolate or a small cup of Schnaps, Austria's preferred aperitif, which can be high in alcohol content.
For wine lovers, eastern Austria is the place to be, with its renowned vineyards producing exquisite Riesling and Veltliner wines. Wine taverns, or Buschenschanks, are a great place to sample these local vintages. If you're looking for something non-alcoholic, try Almdudler, a local soft drink flavoured with alpine herbs.
Beer lovers will also find plenty of options, with local breweries scattered across the country, including popular names like Stiegl, Ottakringer, Egger Bier, and Zillertal Bier.
Austria's farm-to-table movement is more than just a trend; it's a way of life. Restaurants take pride in using homegrown or locally sourced artisanal produce, with menus that change with the seasons. Graz, Austria's "Culinary Capital", and Carinthia, the world's first slow-food travel destination, are at the forefront of this small-scale and biodiverse food movement, showcasing sustainable and local cuisine.
Whether you're dining in a Beisl (bistro) or a Michelin-starred restaurant, Austrian fare is served with soul and a dedication to culinary excellence.
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Health and medicine
Austria is one of the safest places to travel to, with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. However, crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal property do occur, so it is wise to be wary of your belongings, especially on the train from the airport to Vienna Main Station. It is illegal to wear clothing or masks that partially or completely cover the face in public places, and penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Drinking and driving is also strictly prohibited, with severe fines and immediate confiscation of your driver's license.
Regarding health and medicine, it is important to note that medical services in Austria may differ from those in your home country. It is recommended to pack a travel health kit, especially if you plan to venture outside major cities. Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Austria, as most healthcare providers only accept cash payments and U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply. Check the CDC website for the latest travel health information and a list of recommended vaccinations. The Austrian Medicine Import Act prohibits the import of most prescription drugs into the country, but non-European Union residents are allowed to bring medicines as part of their personal luggage, in quantities sufficient for their stay. If a particular medication is not available in Austria, a local physician may be able to prescribe an alternative that can be ordered from a pharmacy in the United States.
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Laws and customs
Austria is one of the safest places you can travel to, whether you're visiting friends and family or travelling solo. However, it is recommended to be vigilant about your belongings, especially on the train from the airport to Vienna's main station. Austria also has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, but crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal property do occur. It is recommended that you carry your passport with you at all times and keep a photocopy or digital copy in a secure location.
In Austria, you can board any train, tram, or bus without showing a ticket, unlike in other European cities such as London. It is a trust-based system, and you can use the ÖBB's "SimplyGo!" app to activate your journey before boarding and deactivate it upon arrival. You will be billed the next day.
If you plan to drive in Austria, be aware that you must be at least 18 years old, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe, and local authorities can confiscate your driver's licence immediately. Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15, and you must purchase an autobahn vignette sticker to drive on highways.
When it comes to health and medication, be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply in Austria, and most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance. Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage for your trip. Additionally, the Austrian Medicine Import Act prohibits the import of most prescription drugs into the country. However, non-European Union residents are allowed to bring medicines as part of their personal luggage, but only in the quantity needed for their stay.
It is illegal in Austria to wear clothing or masks that partially or completely cover the face in public places, and failure to comply can result in arrest and a fine.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is considered one of the safest places to travel to, whether you're visiting with company or travelling solo. However, it's always wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially on the train from the airport to Vienna main station.
Medical services in Austria may differ from those in your home country. It's recommended that you pack a travel health kit, especially if you plan on travelling away from major city centres.
Austria is well-connected by train, with connections to more than 25 cities in seven countries. The country's railway network is extensive and reliable, and there are often good deals to be found on tickets. If you're planning on travelling extensively by train, you can purchase a Vorteilscard online for €66, which entitles you to a 50% discount on all train journeys operated by ÖBB (except for night trains).
It's common for people to go naked in Austrian saunas for sanitary reasons. There are also often designated nude zones at lakes and swimming areas.
Austrians love their pastries in the morning and open sandwiches in the evening. Be sure to visit a traditional local bakery to try the huge variety of bread rolls and pastries on offer. Austria is also famous for its desserts, including strudel and the Sachertorte.
