Lyla Lindsey
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing its borders with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. To the west of Austria lie Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with the westernmost point of Austria being the River Rhine, at the tripoint border of Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Switzerland and Liechtenstein |
| Border with Austria | 158 km (98 mi) with Switzerland; 34 km (21 mi) with Liechtenstein |
| Population | 8,401,120 residents in Switzerland; 37,877 residents in Liechtenstein |
| Area | 15,940 sq miles in Switzerland; 62 sq miles in Liechtenstein |
| Bordering States | Switzerland borders Austria to the west; Liechtenstein borders Austria to the west and north |
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What You'll Learn
Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west
Switzerland and Liechtenstein are the two countries that lie to the west of Austria. Switzerland is a landlocked country with a population of over 8 million people. It is geographically split between the Jura, Swiss Plateau, and the Alps. The country shares a 158-kilometre border with Austria, with the River Rhine marking the westernmost point of Austria at the tripoint border of the two countries and Liechtenstein. The current border between Austria and Switzerland is the outcome of the establishment of the Helvetic Republic around 1798.
Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest European state, occupying an area of about 62 square miles and sharing a 21-mile border with Austria. It is a double-landlocked country, surrounded by land on all sides and bordered by Switzerland to the south and west. The principality is a constitutional monarchy under the Liechtenstein Prince and joined the Schengen Area in 2011, meaning that none of its neighbouring countries, including Austria, perform border controls towards it.
Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein are German-speaking countries, with the people and culture closely related to neighbouring Germans and Austrian nationals. The Alpine landscape and climate are predominant in both countries, with the Alps giving way to lowlands and plains in eastern Austria. The countries' shared Alpine border features important north-south transit routes, including the Grison Alps and the Alpine Rhine, which runs into Lake Constance.
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Germany to the northwest
Austria is bordered by Germany to the northwest. The boundary between the two countries is about 497 miles long, making it the longest border for both Austria and Germany. The border runs from east to west, with the western point at the tripoint border of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, and the eastern end where the two countries meet with the Czech Republic near the Schwarzenberg-am-Bohmerwald village. The states of Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Tyrol in Austria, and Bavaria in Germany, all lie along the border.
The Ammer Saddle is a mountain pass on the Alps that serves as a border crossing between the two countries, connecting Bavaria and Tyrol. The Alpine Rhine and Lake Constance also lie on the border between the two countries, with the former separating Austria and Germany from Switzerland and the latter marking the tripoint border of the three countries.
Austria and Germany have a shared history, with the two countries unifying in 1938 under Nazi Germany. After World War II, Austria declared independence from Germany on April 27, 1945, and Austrian national identity has been important to Austrians since then. Today, Austrians consider themselves ethnic Austrians rather than Germans, although they may be described as a homogeneous Germanic ethnic group closely related to their German neighbours.
Both countries are also members of the European Union, with Austria joining in 1995. Germany, which is a sovereign state occupying an area of about 137,988 square miles, is significantly larger than Austria, which covers an area of roughly 32,000 square miles.
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Czech Republic to the north
The Czech Republic lies to the north of Austria, with the two countries sharing a 249-mile (402 km) border. This border region is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Bohemian Massif extending across the border into Lower Austria. The northern border of Austria also includes the state of Upper Austria, with the border extending eastwards to meet Germany near the village of Schwarzenberg-am-Bohmerwald.
The Czech Republic is a central European landlocked country with a unitary parliamentary system. Covering an area of about 30,450 square miles (78,867 square km), it has a population of over 10.6 million people. The landscape of the Czech Republic is mostly hilly and mountainous, with the Bohemian Massif forming a significant geographic feature.
Austria, meanwhile, is a landlocked country in south-central Europe, characterised by its mountainous terrain. The country covers an area of approximately 32,383 square miles (83,871 square km) and has a population of about 8.7 million people. Its capital, Vienna, is located in the country's northeastern region, where the Alps meet the beginnings of the Pannonian plains.
The border region between the Czech Republic and Austria is influenced by the geography of both countries, including the mountains and forests that characterise the area. The Bohemian Massif, a significant geographic feature, extends across the border, contributing to the hilly and mountainous landscape of the region.
The Czech Republic and Austria share a history of being part of larger empires before establishing their independence. After World War I, the Austrian monarchy dissolved, and the country became known as the Republic of German-Austria, seeking unification with Germany. However, this unification was forbidden by the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, imposed by the victorious Allies. Similarly, the Czech Republic was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until it gained independence in 1918 with the establishment of Czechoslovakia.
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Slovakia to the northeast
To the west of Austria lies Switzerland, but to the northeast is Slovakia, a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes. Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordering Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary. The country is known for its picturesque mountains, vibrant cities, and well-preserved medieval architecture.
Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, is a dynamic city situated along the Danube River. It serves as the country's economic and cultural hub, offering a unique blend of old-town charm and modern attractions. Bratislava Castle, towering above the city, is a prominent landmark with a history spanning centuries. The Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, provides a glimpse into the past.
Beyond Bratislava, Slovakia boasts several captivating destinations. The High Tatras National Park, located in the north, presents a stunning display of nature with majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. This area is popular for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring the pristine surroundings.
Slovakia is also renowned for its rich folklore and traditional villages. Places like Cicmany, with its distinctive wooden architecture and intricate folk art, provide a window into the country's cultural heritage. The country further showcases its history through numerous castles and medieval sites scattered across the landscape, such as Spiš Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic town of Banská Štiavnica, known for its mining history and well-preserved historical center.
The country's diverse landscape also includes scenic rivers, caves, and karst formations. Rafting and canoeing are popular activities on the Dunajec and Váh rivers, offering a unique perspective of the country's natural beauty. Moreover, Slovakia is home to several wine-growing regions, where visitors can indulge in wine tastings and experience the local viticulture.
With its blend of cultural and natural attractions, Slovakia offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. Its proximity to Austria makes it an ideal destination for those seeking to explore the diverse cultures and landscapes of Central Europe. Whether it's the vibrant cities, breathtaking natural parks, or historical treasures, Slovakia is a captivating country that leaves a lasting impression.
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Hungary to the east
Austria is bordered by several countries, one of which is Hungary, which lies to its east. The two countries share a border of approximately 331 kilometres or 205 miles. This border can be found in the east of Austria in the state of Burgenland, which was established after World War I. In fact, most of Burgenland had been part of the Kingdom of Hungary, but it became Austrian due to its predominantly German-speaking population.
The landscape of Austria and Hungary is diverse. The westernmost third of Austria is a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy, while the landscape in the east, where Hungary is located, is characterised by the Neusiedler See on the Austrian-Hungarian border and the Little Hungarian Plain. The Little Alföld, or Little Hungarian Plain, is a lowland area east of Vienna and the northern part of Burgenland.
The climate in eastern Austria, in the Pannonian Plain and along the Danube Valley, is continental and less rainy than the alpine areas in the west of the country. The Danube Valley has been an important route for east-west transit for centuries, connecting Central Europe with the Balkan Peninsula.
Hungary is not the only country that borders Austria. To the north, Austria is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. To the south, it shares borders with Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Additionally, the small country of Liechtenstein, with an area of only about 62 square miles, borders Austria to the west.
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Frequently asked questions
Switzerland and Liechtenstein lie to the west of Austria.
The Austria-Switzerland boundary is 158 kilometres or 98 miles long.
Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest European state, occupying an area of about 62 square miles.
Other countries that border Austria are Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy.
