When I arrived in Austria, or rather, in its capital, I saw nothing special. I did not take my breath away; I remained completely indifferent to another European country. After two weeks, I characterized Austria as a young girl who is well versed in art. She has something to surprise you, but she will not go out of her way for this. It is interesting and partly impregnable.
At the end of the trip, I made a simple conclusion: it is a tourist-developed country. Everyone will be able to find a reason to come here. For active and sports recreation there is a ski season, for art and music lovers there are many museums and, of course, the Vienna Opera. If you want to relax, enjoying nature, then be subdued. And the gothic beauty and architecture of its cities are as if created for long walks.
You can fall in love with Austria, or maybe it won’t sink into your soul, but you need to see it!

 

How to get there

Of course, the easiest way is to get to the capital of the country, there are more flights there, and trains run more often. Therefore, consider this option.

 

 

Seven cities have airports: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, Linz and Klagenfurt. The largest, of course, in the capital. Schwechat Airport is 19 kilometers from Vienna.

 

 

The airport map shows taxi, bus and train stops. Look at the arrivals area (the airplane icon, which is pointing nose down). And here is the Vienna airport website to help you . There is an online scoreboard, bus and train schedules (very convenient).

Taxi

  • The trip will cost 35-40 EUR at least. The distance is not at all great, so it’s worth saving and getting there by train or bus.

Bus

  • Buses “Viena Airport Lines” run every half hour to Schwedenplatz metro stations in 20-25 minutes, Westbahnhof (Vienna West Station) in 45 minutes and Donau Zentrum (shopping and entertainment center), the journey takes about 40 minutes.

A train

  • CAT express trains run to Wien Mitte Station (U3 and U4 subway lines) in 16 minutes.

 

Google MAPS

Center map

 

Touristic Regions

Austria is the most tourist developed country, in my opinion. It is extremely difficult to divide the country by type of recreation.

In each of the nine federal states you can enjoy art and history, almost in every ski or swim in the lakes, heal and relax in the thermal waters, and much more. Each federal state has its own center and almost every airport has its own.

 

Lower Austria (Lower Austria on the map)

If you want to get acquainted with world artists, listen to one of the best operas in the world, enjoy gothic architecture – the best option is Lower Austria, it includes the capital of the country – Vienna (it is also an independent federal state, it turns into a nested doll – federal state inside the federal state) . A scattering of sights and various museums. By the way, in Austria, only an Austrian who has passed a special exam can conduct excursions. So all that is said to you is usually interesting and super-credible.

 

I also want to mention Baden. Incredibly sweet city, in which the royal people regained their health. Baden also has a completely magical forest. I was there in the winter and, walking along the paths, easily imagined myself in a children’s fairy tale with adventures and fairies. But most of all, Baden is famous for its Casino. Especially gambling await there.

 

 

Tyrol. Styria (Tyrol and Styria on the map)

In winter, you can and should go to Austria to conquer the mountains. For this there is Tyrol and Styria. The best resorts for extreme people and lovers of comfort at the same time. Alps, snow and ski areas equipped with ski lifts. Major centers are Graz and Innsburg, which have airports. However, many tourists prefer to travel by train with their equipment. Skis or a board can be put on the third shelf of the compartment and save on rent in the resort itself. Saturated days on the slopes you can always dilute with pleasure from visiting the castles in Styria – the second largest federal state in Austria. And in Innsburg, for example, you can drop into the museum of the legendary Swarovski crystals.

 

Carinthia. Burgenland Voralberg (on the map Karinthia. Burgenland. Voralberg)

If Austria has no access to the sea, this does not mean that there is no place to swim in the hot summer season. Lakes and rivers stretch across the country. The water here is really very clean, and these are not just words, but the purest truth. The incredible beauty of nature will keep company with quiet gatherings by the lake, diving (yes, yes, do not be surprised. Aquaculture mixed with sunken medieval structures will impress you), kitesurfing, rafting and canyoning. If you are for water sports, then here you are – Lake Wörther See, Ossiacher See, Millstater See and Weissensee.

 

Salzburg

The federal state of Salzburg, whose center is the city of Salzburg , where Mozart was born. Get to know the homeland of a great genius, whom he did not like so much, from which he always wanted to escape. Poor-poor Mozart in this beautiful and calm city, he will remain forever in the windows of souvenir shops, the names of cafes and many other places where tourist groups lead.

Read more about Salzburg read here .

 

The rich nature will allow you to relax in silence without a crowd of tourists. Part of the Hohe Tauern National Park (which tours are conducted) is located on the territory of this land. You will be offered about 60 thematic routes in the park. Pine forest, picturesque waterfalls, narrow trails. Climb to the first conquered peak of the Alps – Ankogel under the supervision of mountain guides. You can read more about everything on the official website of the park .

 

In Upper Austria you can heal yourself. For example, Alpentherme Gastein is one of the most advanced resorts. Thermal springs and tranquil surroundings offer a relaxing break.

In principle, it is difficult to divide Austria into specific types of recreation. Because thermal springs and spas, like lakes with rivers, are scattered throughout the country.

But all regions of Austria have one thing in common. Even if you choose treatment, skiing or lakes, you will be accompanied everywhere by beautiful architecture, a rich cultural program, beautiful castles and museums. Your vacation will be diverse in any region of the country.

Top cities

Do you know how you can choose the cities worth visiting in Austria? Open a map of the country with the division into federal lands, pick up several darts and, without looking, throw them into the map. Because each city of this country is interesting, each has its own history and its castles, monasteries, museums and famous names. The second option is to choose the capital of all nine lands. If you do not plan to stay in Austria for so long, then here is my list of cities that you definitely need to see.

Vein

 

The first and most favorite of mine (and not only mine) from Austrian cities. Majestic. Interesting. A bit mysterious. Sometimes fabulous. Filled with great creators and their works of art. Vienna is a city for walking: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hovburg. Full of interesting museums: Albertina, Leopold Museum, Freud Museum. And lovely cafes where you can eat coffee with strudel. In Vienna, think of a clear list of what you want to see, otherwise you will not have time. Moreover, I advise you to make a walking route, the city is not so big, you can walk through all the sights without using public transport. But get down early on the subway, where you can find interesting things in souvenir shops.

Salzburg

 

 

According to local guides, this is the only city in Europe that has not hit the plague. That’s because the water came directly from the mountains, clean and uninfected. If you are not going to conquer the Alps on skis, then you must look at them in all its glory. Take a stroll around the UNESCO-listed old town. In this city, everyone can get to the mayor, no matter if you are a tourist or an Austrian citizen. Unfortunately, in fact, I could not verify this. When we arrived in the city, it was already five in the evening, the working day in Salzburg was over. But we freely entered the city hall building, walked along it and, having greeted the cleaners, went on. You can learn more about this historic city here .

Graz

 

 

The second largest student city in Austria. As it’s not hard to guess, it’s worth going there for the nightlife – a lot of clubs, bars and cafes are scattered throughout the city. It is more residential, less historical, in comparison with Salzburg, for example. Read more in this article .

Baden

 

 

You know, in every country there is such a small tourist city, which stands out by any one feature. And you think that going there is not so necessary. It seems interesting, but it seems not. But Baden is worth a visit to get a complete impression of Austria. This city is a casino, the city is thermal springs, the city is calm. In Baden it is not necessary to linger for a long time, a day is enough. I advise you to take a walk in the Vienna Woods if you are not interested in the thermal springs.

Eisenstadt

 

 

The center of the federal state of Burgenland. This city was for a long time under the rule of the Turks, after which it passed into the possession of the Hungarian principality. Following the First World War, he became Austrian. This small town is more Hungarian than Austrian. So here you need to visit the famous Esterházy Castle, which still belongs to representatives of the Hungarian princely family of the same name. The castle constantly hosts festive events. Afterwards, take a walk along Hauptstrasse, which is full of historic buildings, shops and restaurants. Do not miss an important detail – the land of Burgenland is the best region of winemaking. I was not disappointed, I also brought home.

The islands

In the very center of Vienna there is an artificial island Donauinzelfest, or “as it is in Russian” – an island on the Danube. It was made in order to protect the capital from flooding. In fact, this is a strip of land on which discos are currently taking place, there are bars and a beach. This place is popular, so getting there is not difficult. The closest metro stations are Donaumarina (in the west) and Donaustadtbrücke (in the east). From them there is a bridge directly to the island.

Top Attractions

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

 

 

When I first went there, I got goosebumps. Perhaps from a special grace, or maybe from the fact that it was frozen. This is a cover, business card, chip, face of the country. Call it what you want, this magnificent cathedral of beauty and magic will not lose its.

 

And no matter how much it was restored, repaired after the destruction, he still stands and looks at the city from high. But you can also try. Every day from 9:00 to 17:30 there is an opportunity to climb the south tower and capture with your eyes the panorama of Vienna. If you are lucky and you will be there in sunny weather, you will get great pictures. But provided that you place the camera lens between the rods of the grid, which is there for security. Although my made in the gray sky were not so bad.

 

Albertina

 

The museum has more than a million exhibits (of course, not all are on display). Often there are thematic exhibitions. For example, I visited an exhibition called from “Monet to Picasso.” Until now, I have not received as much aesthetic pleasure as at this exhibition. In a calm and quiet environment, you pass from room to room, epochs change, and you almost forget about the outside world. This is not a small merit of the museum. There are no our beautiful grandmothers watching your every breath. There are no frantic lines and people who are not able to perceive art. Albertina as an island of happiness for lovers of peace and beauty. In addition to temporary exhibitions, one of the largest collections of graphics is collected there, I saw Dürer’s paintings “The Hare” and “Hands of the Prayer”, and also the “Madonna and Pomegranate” by Rafael.

 

 

There are several rooms in Albertine with contemporary art.

Vienna Opera

 

 

Here you can stand nearby (preferably in the evening, the building is very beautifully illuminated), but after enjoying the appearance, go forward to the ticket office. One and a half hours before the start of performances, tickets cost 2-4 EUR. They are on standing places, even if it doesn’t sound very good. But imagine that you managed to buy a ticket to Bolshoi for 200 rubles? I think you don’t even have to think. Go ahead to conquer the Vienna Opera, in vain or something. I thought the same thing, and happy went to conquer her. But she was late. It’s about six hours to come to buy these wonderful tickets. Because there are a lot of such smart classical music lovers.
You can buy tickets for seats, the sale begins in two months. There is an opportunity to buy online.

Belvedere Gallery

To my shame, before traveling to Austria, I did not know a single work of Klimt, except for the painting “Kiss.”

 

 

Fortunately, I went there with a friend who is well versed in art. Even before the trip, she firmly decided – Belvedere Gallery is the first on the list. It contains the largest collection of paintings by the famous Austrian artist. Gustav Klimt is the founder of Austrian Art Nouveau and a very interesting personality. The main focus of his painting was a female body. However, I liked his landscapes more than the paintings of the Golden Age. By the way, in 2006 the Gallery lost four of Klimt’s paintings, including Adele’s Golden Portrait, due to a lawsuit with the heirs of the same Adele Bloch-Bauer.

Baden Casino

 

 

You know, it seems to me that every country should have such a nice and small tourist town. When you enter Baden, the last thing you think about is that there is a casino here that can accommodate 1000 visitors at a time. Because few people walk the streets, and only tourist groups create the crowd.
Once on the site of the casino was the oldest thermal Roman spring, but now the healing waters have changed to green cloth tables. And no one complains.

Salzburg Old Town

 

 

Walk along Getreidegasse to the house where Mozart was born. Exit to Residenzplatz – the oldest square in the city, climb the cable car to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is visible from anywhere in Salzburg. Enjoy the view of the whole city and the beautiful Alps.

Green Lake Styria

 

 

This is a must see! Emerald-colored water, cozy benches under the trees, flower beds, lovely bridges. You’ll think nothing special, but there it was! Presented a picture? Now fill it all up with water. With spring thawing, the lake is filled with water, so summer dresses for walks are not suitable. Wear a diving suit, wear cameras in waterproof cases and go for the best shots and experiences.

Swarovski Museum in Wattens

 

 

And again, this must be seen, with words there is little that can be conveyed. The museum does not bear great historical value. But the beauty is indescribable. I would advise you to go there, if only because of how everything is arranged there. You go from room to room like in a fairyland. There is the well-known melted clock of Dali here, and the largest and smallest crystals, and a small path like a kaleidoscope and crystal rooms of immense size.

 

 

And again, this must be seen, with words there is little that can be conveyed. The museum does not bear great historical value. But the beauty is indescribable. I would advise you to go there, if only because of how everything is arranged there. You go from room to room like in a fairyland. There is the well-known melted clock of Dali here, and the largest and smallest crystals, and a small path like a kaleidoscope and crystal rooms of immense size.

Nordkette cable car

 

 

I am a fan of climbing higher and a little bit to enjoy the view from above. If you are the same, then appreciate this type of vacation. In fact, it is a funicular that will take you up to the mountains to a height of 3000 meters. Universal at any time of the year (but I advise you to carefully read the time when the road does not work on the official website ). And nothing else will prevent you from enjoying the cleanest air, nature and walking along mountain paths.

Weather

In Austria, the seasons are pronounced. So it all depends on the purpose of the trip. If you want to ski, you certainly need winter. She’s cold in Austria. The cost of a ski pass does not depend on time at all, and in the busiest season and the deadest it will not change. So focus only on snow, and it is the most pleasant for skiing in the Alps from December to February.

 

 

Off-season is ideal for cultural enlightenment. Of course, you cannot avoid rains and a little slush, but this is not so critical. And if you go, for example, in October, November or in March, April, then housing prices and flights will be lower. So it’s more profitable to get acquainted with the culture of Austria.

In summer, it is hot to walk around the cities, so you should return to the Alps again and conquer them on foot or by bicycle. Or maybe you want to go climbing.

Moving around the country

The most popular way to get from city to city or the nearest cities of neighboring countries is by train.

 

 

Here on this site there is an opportunity to buy tickets in advance. And you can do it at the box office or machine at stations. I ask you to carefully read all the displays on the platforms. They are there for our convenience (honestly, I was convinced myself). From one platform trains can go in several different directions + during the trip, some cars are unhooked. So do not panic and carefully read where you sit. All tickets are checked by the controller, it’s impossible to ride with a hare. But you can find a profitable option. For example, for 28 EUR you can buy a ticket for one day, from which 2 to 5 people will travel.

You can, of course, and ride a rented car. But it will be more expensive. Gasoline and toll roads will create difficulties. And do not forget about international rights. The minimum deposit when renting a car is from 200 EUR, and this is in the best scenario.
So take the train and travel in comfort, well, this is my personal advice.

 

Communication

A wifi network is developed in Austria, I felt quite comfortable using it only. Buying local SIM cards is not so profitable if you are traveling for a short time, and Russian operators, as everyone knows, are ripping off at exorbitant prices. But if wifi does not suit you, carefully read all the rules of your Russian operator. Or buy a local SIM card, for example, the operators “A1”, “T-mobile” or “3 Drei Austria”. Will catch in the mountains. The cost of tariffs is from 10 EUR. Although, I repeat, in almost every cafe, hotel, museum there is wifi. It’s more profitable to use it.

Language and Communication

The official language in Austria is German. A resident of Germany will easily understand a resident of Austria and they will all understand a Russian resident who studied classical German. But to me, as I did not learn German, that is, only by ear I heard the Austrian dialect seemed more pleasant and softer. English is understood in Austria no worse, tourist English (using simple times, seasoned with gestures) is also understood here, so do not worry.
I spoke only English, but when you insert German words, the Austrians smile pleasantly.

The phrase “I am from Russia” I will not offer you to learn, this is usually clear to everyone. But here are a few simple expressions of a tourist:

  • Guten morgen – good morning – guten morgen.
  • Ich verstehe nicht – I do not understand – theirs.
  • Sehr gut, dunke – thanks, good – zer gut, danke.
  • Offen – open – offen.
  • Geschlossen – Closed – Gishlossen.
  • Wieviel kostet es – how much does it cost? – bethil costet eu.
  • Konnen sie mir helfen – could you help me? – Gyeongnan-zi world of Helfeng.
  • Wo ist – where is it? – to the zind.
  • Ich bin vegetarier – I am a vegetarian – their bean is a vegetarian.
  • Sprechen sie English – do you speak english? – sprechan zi english?

Mentality features

By mentality, the Austrians resemble Germans. True, you should not compare these two nations too much, the Austrians do not favor it. But they respect personal space and are very polite to others. Not one of those who, when meeting, rushes to hug or smile for no reason. Residents of Austria are like their country, its full reflection. Sometimes it seemed that these people were cold and closed. But don’t let this scare you, they are friendly and helpful with tourists.

Food and drink

The first and most delicious thing I want to start with is the Vienna Manner waffles. I did not know about them before coming to Vienna. And now these are my favorite waffles. When I found them in Moscow, happiness knew no bounds. But they cost much more in Moscow, and they are presented only in one form. So as you will in Austria, run faster to shops, buy them up. But seriously, this is a small business card of Austria. Manner wafers are sold in many stores + this brand has its own stores where you can walk around in the selection.

Waffles are waffles, but I want to eat tasty and good. Since Austria has no access to the sea, the emphasis is on the other; Austrians cook meat best of all. And it is true. A huge number of meat dishes. However, with all the variety of delicacies from meat, in Austria there are vegetarian cafes, although not in the largest quantity. Nobody will be hungry.

In many places in Vienna, and indeed in any city in Austria, you will find a wide variety of meat dishes. Start with the Vienna Schnitzel.

 

Usually they bring a huge plate with a large portion. I thought it would not fit in, but it was always very tasty, so I did not leave the crumbs.

When you think about meat, wine comes to mind, preferably red semisweet. Vienna residents probably thought the same thing. Because the peculiarity of the city is heurigers – wine taverns on the outskirts. It is a wonderful atmospheric place. Go down to the cellar in the Gothic style or a couple of levels down to the basement and enjoy the wine (and do not forget to order meat).

One of the most famous hoigers is Mayer Am Pfarrplatz. Here he came up with his ninth Beethoven symphony. You can get to Heuriger from the Heiligenstadt Pfarrplatz Underground Station by bus 38A. Lunch will cost you about 25-40 EUR.

Also, small cafes with delicious pastries are scattered around the city. The smell in such establishments is sweet, but pleasant. If you are going to go to Austria in the fall or in the winter, such gatherings should not be neglected. Be sure to try Viennese waffles in the bite with Viennese strudel, stick it all with Sacher’s cake and season with Viennese coffee.

So that you don’t get sick from such a quantity of sweets, divide the pleasure into several days and try goodies in different cafes and bakeries.

5 dishes to try

  • Wiener Schnitzel.
  • Viennese coffee.
  • Original Mozart sweets.

  • Wine Stum (young and sold without cork, just sealed with foil, on sale from September)
  • Strudel.

And as a small bonus, I would recommend Austrian sausages. This is street food, small stalls are scattered throughout Vienna (and in some other cities of the country) and offer a wide selection of sausages with all kinds of sauces. Tasty. The most is for a snack between museums.

Shopping

“Expensive, rich,” I thought after I was visited by the thought of shopping in Austria. My opinion is that it is pointless to go to Austria for big discounts. There are no interesting seasonal discounts for you, there is no serious price collapse. In the cities themselves, a large number of designer brands, especially in Vienna at high prices that are not inferior to Moscow. And outside the city there are outlets where you can find the same designer things (except that the collections are not new) for an interesting price (but these are not Spanish discounts).

What you need to know about shopping in this country

In principle, I would not recommend going to Austria exclusively for shopping. This may be a small bonus to the trip. Walking around Vienna, buy a luxury item or spend a day (it doesn’t work out differently) for shopping in the outlet.

  • The choice is much greater than in Moscow. Collection “fresh.” Almost every interesting designer whose name is known has his own store in the Austrian capital.
  • Go to Austria for luxury items – watches, jewelry.
  • Winter and summer discounts begin and end in the same way as in the whole of Europe. Summer is from the last days of July to the end of August, and winter is from mid-December to the end of February. Moreover, the Christmas sale will be most interesting.
  • And it is very difficult to leave Austria without a Swarovski crystal, so do not forget about their jewelry.
  • The most interesting outlets are located in the vicinity of Vienna. For example, in the first place – Parndorf.
  • Outlets are like small towns. On weekends there are a huge number of people, so plan on shopping on weekdays. Get ready to have to work hard to find the best deal and the right size.

Top Cities for Shopping

Perhaps only Vienna and its environs can be distinguished. I can’t advise you on specific cities anymore. However, in almost every city there are shops where you can find interesting things. As I already wrote, the choice is much wider than in Moscow.

To make a bargain, visit McArthurGlen Parndorf or simply the Pandorf Outlet, located at Straße 1. From the main entrance to the Vienna Opera every day, except Sundays, buses run directly to Pandorf (Friday and Saturday every hour). Round-trip tickets cost 11 euros for an adult and 4 euros for children from 3 to 6 years. The brands represented in the outlet can be found on this site.

What to bring from this country

In Austria, of course, there are all standard souvenirs – from t-shirts to magnets. But what is interesting to bring as a gift or buy a loved one?

I would recommend candied cornflowers, the favorite treat of Empress Sissy, which all Austrians adore so much (you will often see her image in all kinds of souvenir shops). In fact, these are the petals of cornflowers in sugar. The taste is unusual, you can’t eat a lot, but for the present it’s the most. They are sold in small and cute bags. Well, of course, I will advise you Manner wafers, they can be bought in different tastes and in different packages – a great option for friends.

Walking along the tourist streets, you will see t-shirts with the inscription ‘No kangaroos in Austria’ more than once. Also an interesting souvenir. This phrase appeared from the fact that Austria is often confused with Australia, even at an official level. And as a souvenir you can buy any image of the Empress Sissi (postcards, magnets), but this is more likely for yourself or history lovers. Because it is unlikely that a magnet with an empress unknown to a Russian person will be a good souvenir. But the picture with the image of St. Stephen’s Cathedral will fit perfectly into the collection of architecture connoisseur. Postcards, paintings painted or simply printed that are enlightened by this beautiful work of art are also enough.

Of course, you can not ignore the candy Mozart, but there is a small nuance. Those sweets that you will see at every step, in red with gold packaging and the image of Mozart in profile are not original candies. This is just for export, they too, like waffles, can be found, for example, in Moscow. Original sweets are many times tastier, but you can buy them only in Salzburg, in the network of small shops Fürst. In general, this is the oldest cafe and pastry shop in Salzburg. Here you can enjoy delicious desserts, and at the exit you can buy those same, original Mozart sweets as a gift. They are sold in a blue and silver box, tied with a blue ribbon. Taste and beauty – such a souvenir can be brought to the closest and dearest people or to your beloved.

If you like fine art and Klimt or one of your friends, there is a great option. In Austria, you can buy bags, t-shirts, notebooks, pocket mirrors, mugs, lighters and much, much more with reproductions of paintings by this artist, especially with his famous painting “Kiss”.

After all purchases, weigh your luggage. Its weight should not exceed 50 kilograms. Here wine and liquor can be taken out as much as you like, unlike perfume – not more than 250 ml.

And a fairly standard point – you can not take out things that have historical and artistic value.
Also pay attention to tobacco restrictions. 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250 kg of tobacco.

You can apply for Tax free, provided that you bought in stores where there is a blue and white Tax free sign for at least 75 EUR per day. After making a purchase, ask the seller for a receipt with a Tax free envelope. When you leave Austria, you must stamp it at customs by presenting a check, an original invoice and the goods themselves. Only with this customs stamp is it possible to receive a refund. At the airport, train station, at border points, which will be indicated on the very envelopes that they gave you in the store. Plan your time so that everything is in time. Often, a queue is collected at Tax free points.

Vacation with children

You can take your children too. Austria offers several options from zoos to family expeditions. Some museums have excursions on weekends that are aimed exclusively at children. There are even exclusively children’s museums such as ZOOM. Here your child can try on different professions – from a musician and animator to a builder and a sailor.

Family holidays in Austria I would divide into:

  • Amusement parks.

There is in every federal state of Austria. And each in its own way is unique and interesting. There are archaeological and parks where you can find prehistoric creatures, and fight dragons (of course, real ones). I would single out Pilahtal Adventure Country Park. There you can find treasures on the map, solving puzzles along the way. Small (but not so) children will be interested.

  • Thermal resorts.

For the smallest in all resorts with thermal springs there is a corner. For example, water slides of different heights. Some are equipped with beaches so that sand castles can be built. Therme Oberlaa resort has many attractions and slides for children, where the water in the pools undergoes a special treatment for the sensitive skin of children. There you can “pass” your child to carers for entertainment programs, and relax yourself.

  • Family expeditions in nature.

In fact, these are expeditions to the most untouched natural places of the country. Want on a canoe, want on foot. For example, in the Valley of Emeralds, children can try their luck and participate in the extraction of emeralds immediately after the tour with a story about mineralogy. This, of course, is more for children who are always exploring something. And you can go to WilidnisCamp with your whole family – the children will learn to chop with an ax, behave correctly in the forest, make a fire and other pranks.

Safety

This is a safe country, but caution will not hurt. Do not carry large sums of money in bags; put documents in pockets with fasteners. Do not carry expensive phones in your pockets. For all my stay in the country, I have never encountered anything like this. So don’t worry much.

Popular types of fraud

There are no frauds characteristic of this particular country. So keep your wallets closer and strangers away. For example, when you are asked to take a photo, follow the usual precaution.

It is important to know: real Austrian policemen behave very politely, there is no reason to just check your personal belongings, so do not open your bags and do not show documents to everyone in a form reminiscent of law enforcement officers.

5 things that are definitely not worth doing

  • Carry large amounts of money in a bag.
  • Keep phones (small and expensive items) in open pockets of a jacket / bag.
  • Easily accept verification of personal items / documents.
  • Do not behave, rowdy.
  • Smoking in public places. Fine about 250 euros.

5 things to do in this country

  • Drink Viennese coffee with Sacher cake.
  • Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
  • Take a look at the Mozart House Museum in Salzburg.
  • Take a ride on the slopes of the Alps.
  • See Gustav Klimt’s Kiss.

Nearby countries

Austria is surrounded by Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and, of course, Hungary and has no access to water. But it has a well-developed railway network, a ride in the neighbors is easy and simple. All of them, like Austria, are in the zone where a Schengen visa works without problems, so go on to adventure.

I’ll start with a romantic and tasty Italy. The cult of food is their idea (if suddenly you are from another planet and did not know this). It does not make sense to list all the advantages of Italy again and again, so here you will get to know her better. In Italy, you can ride to Venice. For example, from Graz. The most convenient way to get there is by car, it says how.

In principle, it is possible to travel from Austria to any neighboring country by car with comfort. Roads in Europe are good, but do not forget, they are mostly paid. And car rental in Austria is high. So it’s better to preoccupy this issue in advance, otherwise only cars with a manual transmission will remain, and we are people who are used to the machine for the most part.
Other neighbors are easily and easily accessible from Vienna Central Station to major cities of interest. Tickets can be bought at the station itself at ticket offices / machines, or on the official website . But he works in German, even when you switch to English, he often flies and returns to German. And the site itself is a bit complicated to use.

You can choose Switzerland to your liking, read about it here , and about Hungary here . In Germany it is worth getting to know the colorful Bavaria, and how to do this can be found here .

I especially advise you to the beautiful Czech Republic . For a ride, drive to Prague, it will not disappoint you, I promise. Although I may be biased, I admit, this is one of my favorite cities. I fell in love with its red roofs at first sight. I advise you to visit the Old Town Square, it was with her that the Czech Republic began (I think, not only for me). Without exaggeration, the most popular place in the Czech Republic. Here are the famous Prague chimes, or astronomical clocks.

You can also look into Slovenia and check the box “I was here.” For example, all from the same Graz drive to Maribor. It takes only an hour with a little. Read more about this country in this article .

Money

Euros are accepted everywhere here, I have never had any problems. Everywhere you can pay by card, even in gift shops. I already operate a trip according to one scheme, I take cash with me, 30% of the planned trip budget, the rest is on the map. Master card and Visa are accepted everywhere in the country. Remove from the card at the rate on the day on which the purchase is made.