Introducing Austria
Austria is a highly developed capitalist country with abundant tourism resources and is a renowned mountainous country in Europe. Its per capita GDP reached US$44,177 in 2016. Its Human Development Index ranked 19th in the world in 2011. Its industry is characterized by a high degree of nationalization, with state-owned enterprises controlling 95% of basic industries and over 85% of the power industry, accounting for 70% of both output and employees. Austria joined the European Union in 1995 and is a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It signed the Schengen Agreement in 1995 and adopted the euro in 1999.
Climate and best time to travel
The temperate broad-leaved forest climate is best for travel from May to September.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Schönbrunn Palace
The second largest palace in Europe, second only to the Palace of Versailles in France, is known as the winter and summer palace of the Austro-Hungarian royal family of the Habsburg dynasty, along with the Hofburg Palace.
Schönbrunn Palace takes its name from a spring. Originally a green expanse, it was here that Emperor Matthias, while hunting, drank from the spring, feeling refreshed and thus named it the "Beautiful Fountain." In 1743, Queen Marie Theresa commissioned the construction of a palace on the site, resulting in the magnificent palace and Baroque gardens. The palace boasts 1,400 rooms, a dining hall for imperial banquets, and a magnificent ballroom.
The most eye-catching of these is the portrait of Marie Antoinette, the queen who later became King Louis XVI of France, in her youth. The elegant and delicate brushstrokes fully express the grandeur and luxurious atmosphere of the dynasty at that time, and it is well worth a visit.
Tips:
There are carriages outside the palace, and you can take a carriage to tour the palace at your own expense.
Lake Hallstatt
The most spiritual of the 14 lakes in the Salzkammergut region, Hallstatt is a tourist destination. Mornings often shroud the lake in a thin mist, and the occasional arrival of a small boat creates ripples across the tranquil surface. The lakeshore is even more captivating in the evening, with red trees and yellow leaves strewn across the hills, swans and ducks grazing for food, and cafés nestled among the blossoms along the shore, all adding to Hallstatt's stunning scenery.
Hallstatt also holds a Corpus Christi procession every June. Because the city's streets are very narrow, mass is usually held on the lake by boat. A salt barge, decorated with flowers, houses an altar, the bishop, deacons, and a choir. The barge is hung with church banners depicting people in various traditional costumes.
Most Popular FAQs for Austria
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Austria is a Central European country with a rich cultural heritage, formerly the core of the Habsburg Empire. It is known for its contributions to music, arts, architecture, and science, as well as its alpine landscapes.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Location: Central Europe, bordering Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, and Switzerland.
- Air travel: Main airports include Vienna International Airport (VIE), Salzburg Airport (SZG), and Innsbruck Airport (INN).
- Public transport: Vienna and other major cities have metro, tram, and bus networks.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Available in cities; recommended to use official services.
- Walking: Historic city centers like Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt are best explored on foot.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Most attractions open 09:00–18:00; museums may vary.
- Best visiting periods: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Vienna attractions: Schönbrunn Palace ~25–35 EUR, Hofburg ~15–20 EUR.
- Salzburg Hohensalzburg Fortress ~15 EUR.
- Tickets available online via official websites or at the entrance; some offer guided tour packages.
- Discounts for students, seniors, and children often available.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
For major sites and concerts, book at least 1–2 weeks in advance during peak season (spring and summer). For smaller attractions, same-day booking is usually sufficient.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
2–3 weeks recommended to cover Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, Graz, and national parks. Shorter visits (5–7 days) focus on Vienna and Salzburg.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Belvedere Palace, museums.
- Salzburg: Old Town, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart’s birthplace.
- Alps/Tyrol: Ski resorts, hiking trails, alpine villages.
- Hallstatt and Graz for historic charm and scenic views.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Guided tours available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.
- Audio guides offered at major palaces, museums, and tourist sites.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Vienna: Stephansdom tower, Belvedere Palace gardens, Danube Tower.
- Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens.
- Hallstatt: Lake Hallstatt viewpoint, alpine terraces.
- Tyrol/Alps: mountain peaks, cable car stations.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Vienna: Old Town → Schönbrunn Palace → Museums → Danube Cruise.
- Salzburg: Old Town → Fortress → Mozart sites → Gardens.
- Day trips: Hallstatt, Wachau Valley, Tyrolean Alps from main cities.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- Vienna offers evening classical concerts, opera, and light shows.
- Salzburg hosts Mozart concerts and evening fortress visits.
- Alpine towns may have seasonal light festivals and evening walks.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Peak season: Summer (June–August) and Christmas holidays.
- Least crowded: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), weekdays preferred.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Toilets, cafes, and restaurants widely available.
- Souvenir shops at major attractions.
- Rest areas in parks, gardens, and city squares.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Most museums, palaces, and public transport are wheelchair-accessible.
- Family-friendly facilities including stroller access and children’s activities.
- Historic streets may have cobblestones; mobility planning recommended.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Credit/debit cards widely accepted; mobile payments supported in most urban areas.
- Cash (EUR) recommended for small towns, markets, and rural areas.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Traditional Austrian restaurants serving schnitzel, strudel, and local specialties.
- Cafes offering coffee, pastries, and cakes (Viennese coffee houses).
- International cuisine available in major cities.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian and vegan options widely available; halal options mostly in major cities like Vienna and Salzburg.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Luxury hotels, boutique accommodations, and budget hostels in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.
- Guesthouses and alpine lodges in Tyrol and Hallstatt.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey from Vienna.
- Salzkammergut region including Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang from Salzburg.
- Tyrolean Alps and ski resorts from Innsbruck.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenirs include crystal products, Mozart-themed items, local handicrafts, schnapps, and Austrian chocolates.
- Available in city centers, tourist attractions, and alpine towns.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Train: ÖBB and regional trains for domestic and international travel.
- Bus: Long-distance bus services across Austria and neighboring countries.
- Car rental: Convenient for exploring the Alps, lakes, and rural towns.
- Domestic flights: Limited but available between major cities.
