Austria
Europe · Vienna · AT
Austria is a land where imperial grandeur meets alpine wilderness, a country that seems to have been designed by composers and sculptors. Vienna's Ringstrasse boulevard encircles a core of palaces, opera houses, and coffeehouses where a literate culture has persisted for centuries. Beyond the capital, Salzburg's hilltop fortress and baroque spires frame a city that still hums with Mozart and chocolate shops. The Wachau Valley rolls south with terraced vineyards spilling into the Danube, while the Tyrolean Alps surge upward into glaciers and timber chalets. Austrian food is hearty and seasonal, from Wiener Schnitzel pounded paper-thin to Apfelstrudel pulled flaky by pastry chefs trained over decades. Villages like Hallstatt perch on mirror-still lakes, and thermal towns like Bad Ischl invite unhurried soaking. The country rewards slow travel, where the morning train to Innsbruck is itself a scenic event and every village church seems to hold a surprise.
Overview
Austria is a country in Europe. Its capital is Vienna and the international dialling code is +43. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include German. Local currency is the Euro (EUR). Our guide covers 1 airport, including Vienna International Airport. We also list 1 city in Austria: Vienna.
Getting around Austria
Austria has a dense, punctual rail network run by ÖBB. The Railjet fast trains link Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck every hour or two, and the S-Bahn and U-Bahn system in Vienna is the easiest way to move around the capital. A valid ticket is required for trams and buses in every city you board a service.
If you plan several trips, the transfer network covers city zones and regional trains; major stations and the ÖBB app sell machine and digital tickets that are valid countrywide. Driving is on the right and takes a vignette (motorway toll sticker).
When to visit Austria
Winter (December to February) is alpine-skiing season in Tyrol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg, and Vienna is famous for its Christmas markets. Spring and autumn bring milder weather and fewer crowds in the cities. Summer (June to August) is festival season, especially in Salzburg and at open-air concerts, and lake swimming in Salzkammergut and Carinthia is popular. Some mountain passes close during heavy winter weather, so check driving conditions if you travel by car in the mountains.
Eating and drinking
Viennese coffeehouse culture is part of everyday life: an espresso or Melange with a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel is a classic. Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz and hearty dumpling and sausage dishes are the kitchen staples, and the city has many casual Heurigen wine taverns where a glass of local Grüner Veltliner comes with cold platters.
Table service in Austria normally includes a small service charge, and rounding the bill up is a polite habit. Tap water is safe to drink in Austrian cities.
Money and local customs
Austria uses the euro. Card payments are widely accepted in cities, but smaller mountain guesthouses, local Heurigen and weekly farmers markets often work cash-first, so keep a little cash for remote areas. Shops usually close on Sundays.
Greet people informally with "Grüß Gott" when entering a shop or café. Austrians appreciate orderly, quiet behaviour on public transport, and punctuality matters for appointments.
Compare hotels, cover your trip and stay connected.
- Capital
- Vienna
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- German
- Calling code
- +43
- Internet TLD
- at
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Austria.
Which nationalities can enter Austria?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (1)
All airports →Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Austria?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Austria visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Austria?
Vienna is the capital of Austria, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Austria?
You pay with Euro (EUR) in Austria. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Austria?
The languages we list for Austria are German. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Austria?
The dialling code for Austria is +43 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Austria?
Vienna International Airport (VIE) in Vienna is the airport we cover for Austria.
Which cities in Austria do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Austria: Vienna (capital).