Hiking and Adventure Travel in Austria

Austria

Where is Austria: Austria is land-locked in central Europe. It is neighbored by Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, & Liechtenstein. 

Size: 83 879 km²

Population: Approximately 8 822 million people

Capital: Vienna

What is Austria Known For: Austria is well-known for its outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling. The country was once home to the Hapsburgs who were notorious for collecting art and literature with some of the best collections in the world. Vienna was once a hub for musicians such as Beethoven and Mozart and classical music and opera are deeply ingrained into the Austrian culture. 

Austria also has a claim to fame because of Salzburg and its depiction of it in the movie The Sound of Music. 

Places of Interest: There are many places to visit in Austria, each offering a unique and different experience. Some of the best places to visit for relaxation and adventure are the Alps, Wilder Kaiser, Schruns, Grossarl, Zillertal, Mostviertel and Nassfeld. Vienna, Carinthia, Innsbruck, and Salzburg are excellent places for art and culture mixed with some historical palaces and castles as well as active relaxation. 

Accommodation: Accommodation is easy to find and the standards are quite good. Accommodation is quite affordable depending on where you are staying. 

What Is There To Do In Austria: Austria is a hub of cultural and adventure activities. Austria offers some of the best winter sports in Europe, including skiing, ski jumping, and snowboarding. In summer the countryside has beautiful hiking and mountaineering. There are many castles and palaces that are great to explore as well as enjoying cultural aspects including music, folk dancing, and art. 

Getting Around: Public Transport is widely available and reliable. The train and bus systems in Austria are safe and easy to use. 

Safety: Austria is a safe country to travel to. You can easily travel from place to place on your own. Of course, in any place, you should always be vigilant of petty crime and ensure that you keep personal items safe.

Best Time to Visit: Austria is a versatile vacation spot as it offers activities throughout the year. Summers are warm and sunny and the most popular time to visit is from late May to early September. Winters are cold, dry and windy but Austria offers great winter activities such as skiing which makes winter a great time to visit. 

Time Zone: GMT +1

Official Language: German. However, English is widely spoken in most places.

Drinking-Water: The tap water in Austria is safe to drink. 

Vaccinations: No vaccines are required but general vaccines such as hepatitis A & B as well as Rabies. 

Entry: US & Canadian citizens do not require a visa for entry if they intend to stay 90 days or less. Citizens of the European Union have free entry in Austria. Many countries require a Schengen visa. 

Eat & Drink: The Wiener Schnitzel is famous in Austria, it is a thin slice of veal that is crumbed and fried. It is often served with a side of potato salad. As a dessert, you can indulge in traditional Apple Strudel which is layers of pastry and apple which is a delightful baked treat. You will also find Sachertorte which is a chocolate cake with an apricot jam center usually served with whipped cream. Strong coffee and rich hot chocolate are a staple in Austria. You can also enjoy local wine including Riesling and local beer such as Ottakringer beer.

Currency, Cash & Card: The currency in Austria is the Euro. It is easy to exchange money if you need to at several establishments. You will also find ATMs wherever you go. 

Tipping: Some establishments will include a service delivery charge but it is customary to round up the bill even if there is a delivery charge. If the delivery charge is not included then a 5% tip is usually expected. 

Wifi: In Vienna, you will find that public hotspots are available in most popular public places. Most hotels, restaurants and coffee shops throughout Austria also provide Wifi to customers.