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Austria is a beautiful country with incredible scenery and a rich culture. If you're planning a trip to Austria, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your visit. Firstly, Austria has an extensive railway system, so travelling by train is a convenient and affordable option. The country also has excellent public transport, making it easy to get around cities like Vienna and Salzburg. If you're driving, don't forget to purchase a road vignette to avoid fines. When it comes to language, German is the official language, but Austrian German varies across the nine states and may be difficult to understand. Embrace the delicious food Austria has to offer, from pastries and sandwiches to the famous Wiener Schnitzel. Respect the local culture, including the work-life balance and the value of public decency. Lastly, don't be surprised by the directness of cashiers in supermarkets and the speed at which they expect you to pack your bags!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | German is the official language. Austrian German, Hungarian, and Slovenian are also spoken. |
| Dialects | Vary greatly across the nine states and some are not understood by other Austrians. |
| Greeting | A handshake is customary when meeting for the first time or in a business setting. Friends and family greet with two kisses on the cheeks, sometimes combined with a hug. |
| Transport | Austria has an extensive and well-connected railway system. Public transport is amazing, but a car is ideal for offbeat nature spots. |
| Food | Austrians love their Gebäck (pastries) in the morning and Jause (open sandwich) in the evening. |
| Water | Tap water is ranked among the best in the European Union. |
| Tipping | Not as aggressive as in North America. For good service, tip around 5-10%, usually rounding up. |
| Culture | Austrians value punctuality and privacy. |
| Supermarkets | Cashiers work quickly, and there is no one to pack your bag for you. |
| Attractions | Beyond famous sights, reading Austrian blogs can help find offbeat things to do in individual cities. |
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What You'll Learn
- Transport: from trains to driving, there are a few things to know about getting around Austria
- Language: German is the official language, but there are many different dialects
- Food and drink: from pastries to sandwiches, there are some tasty Austrian treats to try
- Culture: from tipping to Christmas markets, there are some unique cultural aspects to be aware of
- Nature: from the Alps to the lakes, there are plenty of natural wonders to explore
Transport: from trains to driving, there are a few things to know about getting around Austria
Austria has an excellent transport network, which is safe, extensive, reliable, and fairly cheap. The country is well-connected by rail, with trains being the main way to get around the country. Two companies operate these services – ÖBB and Westbahn. Postbus, the national bus company, operates bus services to smaller towns and rural areas.
If you're planning to travel by train, you can book tickets online through the ÖBB app or website, which includes route planning, timetables, and ticketing. Tickets for all Austrian regional public transport networks are available for purchase from the Ticket Shop. You can also buy tickets from ticket machines at the train stations. Tickets are also available for purchase on-board trains, but they are more expensive. In Vienna, the main transport company is Wiener Linien, which operates buses, trams, trains, and a metro.
If you prefer to drive, Austrian motorways are a pleasure to road trip through. However, you need to purchase a 10-day road badge, which costs €8, from any petrol station before, at, or just after the border crossing. Driving without one can result in fines of over €200.
Bikes are another popular mode of transport in Austria, and each city has its own bike-hire initiative. So, if you're feeling adventurous, you can explore the country by bike!
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Language: German is the official language, but there are many different dialects
German is the official language of Austria, but Austrian German varies greatly from the German spoken in Germany and has many different dialects. In fact, the dialects across the nine states vary so much that Austrians themselves sometimes struggle to understand each other. The German spoken in Austria can sound very different depending on the region, so don't be surprised if you have trouble understanding locals or they have trouble understanding you.
If you're planning to learn some German before your trip, it's worth bearing in mind that the letter "W" in German is pronounced like a "V", so if you're saying any words or names, say them with a "Vuh" sound. For example, the German name for Vienna is "Wien", but it's pronounced "Veen". You'll also need to remember this when ordering the city's most popular dish, Wiener Schnitzel, which is pronounced "Veen-uh", not "Weeeeee-ner".
In addition to German, Austrian German, Hungarian and Slovenian are also spoken in Austria. Some useful German phrases to know are "Hallo" (hello), "Danke" (thank you), "Guten Morgan" (good morning), and "Wie geht es dir" (how are you).
It's worth noting that Austrians can be very private people who don't like having their photo taken. So, while you may be tempted to snap pictures of the beautiful sights, be mindful of the locals and ask for permission before taking photos of people.
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Food and drink: from pastries to sandwiches, there are some tasty Austrian treats to try
Austria is a foodie's paradise, with its delicious pastries, sandwiches, and other treats. Here are some Austrian specialties that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more:
First, indulge in the country's beloved pastries. Austrians love their "Gebäck," and you'll find a vast array of mouth-watering options in any traditional local bakery. Don't forget to try the Apfelstrudel, a sweet and flaky pastry filled with spiced apple, cinnamon, sugar, and raisins. It's a vegetarian delight and one of Austria's national foods.
When in Austria, you must also try the local cheese. The alpine varieties are aromatic, rich in herb flavors, and pair perfectly with cured meats. If you're visiting Styria in southern Austria, indulge in their special soups and stews, such as the pumpkin soup served with pumpkin seed oil.
For a savory treat, explore the world of Austrian sandwiches and meat dishes. The Vienna Sausage, a rich blend of pork and spices, is a must-try. If you're craving something heartier, try the Tiroler Gröstl, a filling dish of sliced potatoes, onions, and beef or pork fried in butter, often topped with a fried egg and served with pickles or horseradish. The Schweinebraten, a classic oven-roasted pork dish, is another favorite, typically served with bread dumplings and sauerkraut.
Austria also has a special treat for sandwich lovers: the Kaspressknödel. These are flat bread dumplings stuffed with flavorful grey or mountain cheese. If you're in Salzburg, try the local pork sausage, usually served as a sandwich in a long bread roll with fresh onions and mustard.
Last but not least, quench your thirst with some unique Austrian beverages. The Almdudler, a soft drink bursting with alpine herb flavors, is considered the national beverage. Beer lovers will relish the local brews, including popular names like Stiegl, Ottakringer, and Zillertal Bier. For a sweet finish, indulge in a cup of Viennese hot chocolate, decadently rich and topped with cream.
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Culture: from tipping to Christmas markets, there are some unique cultural aspects to be aware of
Austria has its own distinct culture, separate from its neighbour Germany. While German is the official language, there are many different dialects across the nine states, some of which are not mutually intelligible.
Austrians are proud of their heritage and can be offended if you confuse their culture with that of Germany. They are also proud of their food, with schnitzel and strudel considered the national dishes. If you order a Wiener schnitzel, be aware that it is only considered authentic if it is made with veal and is never served with sauce. Austrians also love their pastries and open sandwiches, so be sure to visit a traditional bakery to sample the huge variety of bread rolls and pastries on offer.
Tipping culture in Austria is different from many other countries. While tipping is not expected, it is worth leaving a euro or two if you are happy with the service. If you are dining in Vienna, it is worth noting that waiters have a reputation for being unfriendly, but this can be avoided by tipping and being courteous.
Austria is famous for its ski resorts, with Voralberg and Tyrol considered the birthplaces of modern skiing. The country also has a thriving après-ski scene, with day drinking and a lively nightlife. If you are visiting in summer, there are extensive bike-hire facilities for summer touring, and the Swiss Alps are a glorious playground for swimming, hiking, and biking.
Another cultural difference to be aware of is the Austrian attitude towards nudity. It is common to go naked in saunas, and there are often designated nude zones at lakes and swimming areas. It is also fairly common for both men and women to sunbathe topless.
Finally, if you are visiting Austria in the winter, be sure to check out the Christmas markets. While Germany is famous for its markets, Austria has some incredible gems, often with thinner international crowds.
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Nature: from the Alps to the lakes, there are plenty of natural wonders to explore
Austria is a country of breathtaking natural beauty, with towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, lush meadows, and ancient glaciers. The country is crisscrossed by the Alps, which offer a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and mountain biking.
One of the most famous natural wonders in Austria is the Kaisertal Nature Reserve, bordered by the quiet Kaiser mountains and dotted with remote Alpine inns. In 2016, Austrians voted for Kaisertal to be the country's most beautiful spot. Visitors must leave their cars at the nearby town of Kufstein and enjoy the views of the imposing 13th-century Kufstein Castle and the surrounding peaks.
Austria's lakes are also famous for their beauty and water quality. One such lake is the emerald green lake, which is only visible for a few weeks a year after the snow melts. To preserve its magnificent colour, the region educates travellers about the importance of not diving into the water to protect the ecosystem. Another magical lake is the heart-shaped lake, visible only in spring and summer.
If you're feeling adventurous, take a cable car up to the top of Rüfikopf for fairy-tale-like scenery. Along the way, you'll encounter hidden installations and sculptures depicting Austrian folk tales. For a truly immersive experience, spend the night in a wooden bivouac at the foot of Bullhole Head and wake up to panoramic views of nature.
Austria is also home to the largest ice cave system in the world, Eisriesenwelt, located a few kilometres south of Salzburg. This magnificent cave system features more than 40 kilometres of frozen caves and unique ice sculptures, including the "Ice Giants" and the "Ice Organ". To access the cave, be prepared for a bit of a walk—it's a 10-minute walk from the car park to the cable car, and once inside, you'll need to descend (and later ascend) nearly 1,000 steps.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is well-connected by train, with connections to more than 25 cities in seven countries with the ÖBB Nightjet. You can also get around by bus, with Flixbus regularly operating to major cities in Austria from other cities in Europe. If you want to drive, you can purchase a 10-day road badge from any petrol station before, at, or just after the border crossing.
Austria is known for its ski resorts, with many magical resort towns around Salzburg. You can also visit the city of Graz, known for its medieval old town, or Linz, a European city of culture. If you're visiting between mid-November and Christmas, you can check out the Christmas markets.
German is the official language of Austria, but Austrian German can vary greatly across the nine states, with some dialects not even understood by other Austrians.
Austrians are known for their love of pastries in the morning and open sandwiches in the evening. They also have a tipping culture, with good service usually warranting a 5-10% tip. It's also important to note that Austrians value punctuality and privacy.
Yes, Austria's tap water is ranked among the best in the European Union, so there is no need to buy bottled water.
