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Panoramic view of Vienna © Austrian Tourist Board |
Landlocked in the heart of Europe, Austria runs from the Alps in the west down to Vienna and the Danube in the east. For six centuries it was the heart of the mighty Hapsburg Empire, which at its peak included what is now Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic along with much of Romania, Bulgaria and the Balkans. The country's imperial inheritance is particularly striking in the grand buildings and cultural institutions of the Baroque-flavoured capital, Vienna, resplendent with palaces and captivating churches, cosy coffeehouses and inns, and grand ballrooms where Strauss waltzes still draw dancers onto the floor.
Another of the great classical composers spawned by Austria was Mozart, born in Salzburg, a beautiful historic city where stunning Baroque churches rise up against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps. The Alps stretch west to Switzerland and in winter skiers come from all continents to carve the slopes and experience the charm of the alpine villages and their welcoming inhabitants.
The charm of Austria may lie in its preservation of a romantic classical past, but this does not mean modern Austria has stood back from development. Behind the stunning scenery and antique architecture a vibrant industrial and commercial society goes about its business in the cities and towns. Austrians work hard, but they also know how to play hard. Austrian hospitality and cuisine are legendary. From a cruise on the magnificent Danube River to a cycle tour through the Alpine meadows or a breath-taking day's sightseeing in busy Vienna, visitors to Austria find it impossible to fit in a dull moment.
VIENNA
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Belvedere Palaces, Vienna © Vienna Tourist Board | It is difficult not to be moved to hum a Brahms lullaby or a Strauss waltz as you explore the sights of Austria's beautiful Baroque capital, Vienna, which for centuries was the centre of the splendid Hapsburg Empire. The city remains infused with the grand imperial spirit in the form of magnificent palaces and grand mansions peppering the Innerestadt. The city's cultural heritage is mainly musical, the great classical composers like Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and Mozart all having lived and performed here. Today the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Opera House help keep alive the city's tradition by offering more classical music performances a year than any other city in the world.
Vienna is a city of music, but it is also synonymous with gourmet fare, cream cakes, superb coffee, the angelic strains of the Vienna Boys' Choir and the proud prancing of the Lippizaner stallions at the world-famous Spanish Riding School.
Vienna started out as a Celtic settlement on the banks of the Danube and became one of the Roman's most important central European bases. Its central location on the strategic river contributed to the city becoming a mighty empire, reaching its peak during the tumultuous reign of the dazzling Hapsburg dynasty. At the end of the 19th century the golden age of empire began to decline as Vienna's coffee houses filled with radical intellectuals like Freud, Klimt and Mahler. The Second World War Nazi occupation left scars, but Vienna survived it all to remain a captivating capital that blends Italian romanticism with a Germanic orderliness.
Most of the city's tourist attractions are within the largely pedestrianised inner city area which was once enclosed by the city walls. The walls have been replaced with the Ringstrasse, a wide ring road. Further out in the suburbs is the thrilling Prater amusement park with its massive ferris wheel, and the opulent Schonbrunn summer palace. Visitors also should not miss a trip to the Vienna Woods, peppered with ancient 'heuringen' (wine taverns).
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Hofburg
The Hofburg Palace, or Imperial Palace, was the home of the Austrian Hapsburgs for 600 years. The first fortifications were erected by King Ottakar Premyst in the 13th century and were added to by every generation until it became the monumental structure it is today. As well as housing the president's offices, the palace now encompasses 22 separate museums, the National Library, a 14th-century Augustinian church, the famous Spanish Riding School and the Royal Chapel, where every Sunday the Vienna Boy's Choir sing Mass (they have performed for the Royal Court since 1498). It will be impossible to even catch a glimpse of everything on display at the Hofburg, so visitors should be selective. The most popular of the museums is the Kaiserappartements, which takes visitors on a tour of the Kaiser's imperial apartments. Also worth visiting is The Treasury, which houses the magnificent crown jewels, including St Stephen's Crown which dates back to the 12th century and was used to crown all Hungarian and subsequently Austrian Kaisers. The silver and Porcelain Treasury contains exquisite hand painted porcelain from all over the world. |
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Address: Innerer Burghof 1, Kaisertor; Telephone: (01) 587 5554; Transport: U-Bahn to Stephansplatz, Herrengasse, or Mariahilferstrasse. Tram D, J, 1 or 2 to Burgring; Opening time: Imperial Apartments and Court Silver: daily 9am to 5pm; Treasury: Wednesday, and Friday to Monday 10am to 6pm, Thursday 10am to 9pm; Admission: €6 (Imperial Apartments or Court Silver); €8 (Treasury); €7 (both attractions) |
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Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is the oldest and last riding school in the world where classic dressage is still practised in its purest form. This Institute was founded in 1572 and named for the Lipizzaner horses, which are of Spanish origin. The Imperial Court Stud was originally situated near the village of Lipizza (hence the name of the horses) but since the collapse of the Danube Monarchy in 1920 have been bred at the Federal Stud in Styria. The horses perform their tricks in the Winter Riding School, which was commissioned by Emperor Karl VI. Performances take place between February and June, September and December but are in high demand and booked up months in advance (details on their website). The easiest way to see the horses is during their training sessions. Tickets are only available at the door, and cannot be booked in advance. Situated in the stables is the Lipizzana Museum, which displays the history of the school. |
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Address: Michaelerplatz 1; Telephone: (01) 533 9031; Website: www.spanische-reitschule.com; Transport: U-Bahn to Stephansplatz; tram D, J, 1 or 2 to Burgring; Opening time: Museum: daily 9am to 6pm; training sessions: Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 12pm; Admission: €5.09 (museum); €12 (training sessions); concessions available. Performances range from €26 to €160 |
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Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
This museum was built between 1872 and 1891 to house the vast collections then owned by the Hapsburgs who were enthusiastic patrons and collectors of the arts. With its magnificent renaissance architecture and superbly decorated ceiling, the museum is a masterpiece in its own right. It is one of the richest and most important in the world; its collections range from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman Antiquities to the Collections of Medieval Art and the splendid Renaissance and Baroque Collections. It houses the works of Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Dürer, Raphael, Titian, Bruegel and Van Dyke, to name just a few. |
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Address: Maria Theresien Platz; Telephone: (01) 525 24-0; Website: www.khm.at; Transport: U3 to Volkstheater station; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm; Thursday 10am to 9pm. English guided tours from entrance hall, Tuesdays 11am, Friday and Saturday 3pm.; Admission: €10 (adults); concessions available. Guided tours cost €2.00 |
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Schönbrunn Palace
The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace was used as the summer residence of the Hapsburgs from the 18th century onwards. Set amongst superb gardens this vast, symmetrical structure is everything you would imagine an imperial palace to be. A tour of the palace offers visitors the chance to view the superb assortment of Baroque and Rococo State Rooms and to admire the famous ceiling frescoes of the Great Gallery and the Hall of Mirrors where Mozart once played. The vast gardens are popular with locals and tourists alike, and include a zoo and a maze. Also within the grounds, the Orangery plays host to classical concerts during the summer season. |
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Address: Schönbrunner Schloss Strasse 13; Telephone: (222) 8111 3239; Website: www.schoenbrunn.at; Transport: U4 to Schönbrunn station, trams 10 or 58, bus 10A; Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 5pm (April to June, September, October); 8.30am to 6pm (July, August); 8.30am to 4.30pm (November to March); Admission: €11.50 (adults), €6.00 (children 6-15) for the Grand Tour. Various other options available. |
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Giant Wheel
One of Vienna's most recognisable attractions, the Giant Wheel is located in a large wooded park and playground known as the Prater. It was built in 1897 by an English engineering firm and is the only one of its era still standing (the ferris wheels in Chicago, London, Blackpool and Paris have long since been destroyed). The wheel with its 15 gondolas takes twenty minutes to manoeuvre around and offers magnificent panoramic views of the city. |
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Address: Prater 90; Telephone: (01) 729 5430; Website: www.wienerriesenrad.com; Opening time: Daily 9am to midnight (May to September); daily 10am to 10pm (March, April and October); daily 10am to 8pm (November to February); Admission: €7.50 (adults), children 3-14 €3.00, concessions available |
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Belvedere
The Belvedere consists of two splendid rococo mansions, designed in the early 18th century, which face each other across formal, sloping grounds which offers excellent views over the city. From the outside it is Vienna's finest palace complex, built by Prince Eugène of Savoy (1680-1735), the famous general who saved Vienna from the advance of the Ottoman Empire. The museums in the two palaces house some of Vienna's most renowned art galleries, offering excellent examples of Austrian art from the middle ages to present day. Their displays include an unrivalled collection of paintings by Klimt as well as famous works by Schiele and Kokoschka, Renoir and Monet. The Medieval and Baroque works are presented in the Lower Palace where many rooms have been preserved in their original state. |
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Address: 27 Prinz Eugen Street; Telephone: 79 557-0; Website: www.belvedere.at; Transport: Tram D to Schloss Belvedere or Trams 18 or 0 to Südbahnhof; bus 13A or 69A to Südbahnhof ; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm; Admission: €7; includes entry into both parts of the Belvedere |
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Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera performs a repertoire of near-one hundred operas, operettas and ballets every day from September to June. The opera house was founded in the early 18th century (it was rebuilt in 1955 after being all but destroyed in 1945) and makes for a romantic and regal setting in which to enjoy the performances. As seating tickets are not easily available, an alternative is to buy standing-room tickets, which are well priced and can be purchased on the same day (but expect long queues). The State Opera collaborates closely with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and their famous New Year concert requires advance bookings of up to one year. The waiting list for the subscription concerts is 13 years! |
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Address: Hanuschgasse 3; Telephone: (01) 5144 42250; Website: www.wiener-staatsoper.at; Opening time: Guided tours are offered most days at 2pm and 3pm. Check dates online or via telephone.; Admission: 4.50 Euro for adults, guided tour. |
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Vienna Ball Season
Vienna is the only city in the world where balls still dominate the social calendar during the winter season, and a Viennese ball is a unique opportunity to experience the sophisticated charm of the city and the famous Viennese waltz. The official ball season offers about 300 public balls for every taste and pocket, of which the most famous are the Opera Ball, the social elite highlight of the European ball season, the Philharmoniker Ball, and the glamorous Kaiserball (Imperial Ball) at the imperial Hofburg Palace, which is the traditional opener and is a glittering New Year's Eve celebration which attracts tourists and Viennese alike. Numerous rental services in the city specialise in ball gowns and formal wear. For more information contact Vienna Tourism on (0)1 24 555 or email info@wien.info |
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Date: 31 December to mid-March |
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New Year’s Day Concert
Performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the annual New Year’s Day concert is seen by millions of viewers worldwide and is a traditional start to the New Year. The orchestra is considered to be one of the finest in the world and this most famous of concerts features some of the most popular waltzes by the celebrated composer, Johann Strauss. |
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Venue: Vienna Musikverein; Date: 1 January; Time: 11.15am; Website: www.wienerphilharmoniker.at |
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Vienna Festival (Festwochen)
One of Vienna’s summer highlights, the Vienna Festival is a cultural spread of art, music, dance, theatre and opera performed by top international artists at main venues around the city. There are a huge variety of events, ranging from classical to modern, with shows, concerts and exhibitions for every taste. The annual International Music Festival coincides with the Vienna Festival, traditionally opened by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. |
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Venue: Various; Date: 7 May to 19 June 2005; Website: www.festwochen.or.at |
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Donau (Danube) Island Festival
The Danube Island Festival has become one of the largest youth parties in Europe and attracts millions from around the world to take part in a weekend of entertainment, music and dancing. Besides local bands and DJs there are world-famous international artists, and numerous open-air performances that take place on various stages around the island. For more information contact the event organisers on +43 (0)1 535 3535 or office@donauinselfest.at |
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Venue: Donauinsel (Danube Island); Date: 24-26 June 2005; Time: From 10am |
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SALZBURG
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Salzburg © Austrian National Tourist Office | Until 1816 Salzburg was a city-state, independent of the Hapsburgs and ruled by powerful prince-archbishops. It is situated on the northern border of Austria, 70 miles (113km) southeast of Munich, in a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains. Mozart was born here and the city's fascination with its most famous son is best demonstrated during the Salzburg Festival (www.salzburgfestival.at), which presents world-class performances of opera, drama and concerts over a period of five to six weeks each summer. Even the non-musically minded will find it difficult to avoid Mozart's impression on the town - his image is on every postcard and chocolate box and both his birthplace and family house are now museums offering detailed insight into his life and work. The city is also the home town of Baroque, the south side of the river is a Baroque masterpiece of charming churches, squares, houses and fountains. The original buildings were cleared in the late 1500s by Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau in order to create a 'German Rome'. All sights are within walking distance from the spacious old city (Altstadt), which is now largely pedestrianised. A few miles to the south of the city are the historic towns of Hallein and Werfen and to the west are the lakes of Salzberger, which are especially worth visiting during the spring and summer when the wild flowers are out.
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Hohensalzburg Castle
The 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle stands on a rocky outcrop approximately 394ft (120m) above the city. Although originally built by Archbishop Gebhard to repel attacks from the neighbouring Bavarians, the present-day fortress was largely rebuilt in the early 16th century by Archbishop Leonhard Von Keutschach who added the grand state apartments. Visitors can walk around the courtyard and outskirts of the fortress at no cost unless they take the guided tour around the state apartments. The tour finishes at two small museums (this is optional) that display a selection of weapons, uniforms and armour together with instruments of torture - such as the Schandmasken - which petty criminals had to don as punishment for their crimes. |
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Address: Mönchsberg 34; Telephone: 842 43011; Website: www.salzburg-burgen.at; Transport: It is possible to walk, or there is a funicular; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm; Admission: €3.60 (adults) |
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St Peter's Abbey
If you only have time to visit one of Salzburg's many churches, make sure its the 9th-century St Peter's Abbey (Peterskirche), one of Salzburg's most impressive Rococo buildings. The Peterskirche was built at the beginning of the 18th century on the foundations of the former church which was founded in 792. The ornate interior is more impressive than the exterior with high marble pillars and a magnificent frescoed ceiling. The ancient catacombs that were carved into the rock face by the early Christian inhabitants are accessible only through a short guided tour. |
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Telephone: 84 45 76-0; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10.30am to 5pm (May to September); Wednesday and Thursday 10.30am to 3.30pm, Friday to Sunday 10.30am to 4pm (October to April); Admission: €1 |
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THE ALPS
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Kitzbuehel © Austrian National Tourist Office | The vast majority of tourists visiting Austria head straight for one of its cosy alpine villages in the Tirol region. Among the wooded mountains is some of the world’s best skiing. Unlike many French and Swiss resorts, most resorts in Austria are real, friendly villages on the valley floor and despite expanding enormously over the last 20 years the development has generally been in good taste, with traditional-looking chalets perched among the ancient, domed churches. Austrian resorts are also more fun and welcoming than many in the Alps; the Austrians know how to enjoy themselves and don’t find it demeaning to speak their guest’s language. However many Austrian resorts lie fairly low and experience unreliable snowfall. To ensure guaranteed good skiing it is best to head for the western edges of the Tirol, to St Anton, Lech or Zürs, which all have extensive skiing and more reliable snowfall. The ski season runs from December to April but the villages remain bustling in the summer, when the valleys are filled with climbers and walkers who come to enjoy some of the breathtaking scenery.
St Anton is a top destination for British skiers and snowboarders, attracted by both the first-class skiing and the beer-fuelled après ski sessions. Along with its neighbours, Lech and Zürs (only a short bus ride away), St Anton offers extensive skiing for intermediate and advanced skiers but is possibly not the best choice for beginners or non-skiers as lower slopes can get crowded and there are not many off-slope facilities. The resort, which sprawls along the bottom of a narrow valley, is a Mecca for ski-bums attracted by the excellent off-piste runs - the best Austria has to offer. St Anton's south-facing slopes can get slushy by the end of the day, particularly in spring, and partly for this reason the collection of bars on the slopes above town get packed by around 3pm. The most famous is the Krazy Kanguruh, which has live bands and is filled by Austrian and English revellers dancing in ski boots till the bar closes, when the short run home in the dark becomes a challenge to some.
Among Austrian resorts Kitzbuhel is the most commercial, glamorous and expensive. The beautiful alpine town, which dates back to the 9th century, has remained fairly unspoilt. In the winter you will hear the jingle of bells as a horse-drawn sleigh is pulled through its cobbled, traffic-free town centre. There is an extensive and varied skiing area offering excellent skiing and snowboarding both on and off-piste, but be prepared for a lack of snow in places. Due to the low altitude the lower slopes are rarely open. If the skiing in Kitzbuhel doesn't tire you out, the nightlife certainly will. The atmosphere is bright, boisterous and fun and doesn't stop till the not-quite-so-early hours. This is also Austria's winter entertainment capital and attracts performers from all over the continent throughout the season.
Saalbach and its close neighbour, Hinterglemm, have united in the picturesque Glemmtal Valley to form one of Europe's liveliest ski resorts, which is particularly popular with Dutch, German and Scandinavian visitors. The valley sides offer numerous ski slopes, but its low altitude means that snow conditions can deteriorate quickly. Nevertheless the resort has excellent snowmaking equipment, which ensures good coverage in the sunshine. There are more than 125 miles (200km) of ski trails linked by lifts, mainly suited to intermediate level skiers. There is, however, a two-mile long (3km) expert mogul descent on the north facing Zwolferkogel, and more than 60 miles (97km) of off-piste terrain. The pretty Tyrolean style villages are fairly new, but the ambience is traditional with chalets and sleigh bells adding to the charm.
Basics
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The European round 2-pin plugs are standard.
Money: The unit of currency is the Euro (€), which is divided into 100 cents. Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change available in all towns, but it may be easier to use the ATMs. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but exchange offices at airports and major city rail terminals are open seven days a week. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted though some small hotels and restaurants may only accept cash. Travellers cheques are also accepted.
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Currency Exchange Rates |
| EUR 1.00 |
EUR 5.00 |
EUR 10.00 |
EUR 100.00 |
EUR 1,000.00 |
| GBP 0.68 |
GBP 3.39 |
GBP 6.78 |
GBP 67.82 |
GBP 678.18 |
Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only. Language: The official language is German.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Austria. Those with passports designated 'British National (Overseas) do require a visa. A passport is required.
Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that, in principle, allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.
Health: No vaccinations are necessary for business visits or general tourism. There is, however, a risk of tick-borne encephalitis for long-term visitors who expect to be visiting rural or forested areas in spring or summer. These travellers should consider vaccination and ensure they take precautions against tick infestation. Water and food are safe. Medical facilities are excellent. Medical insurance is advised unless from the UK - citizens of EU countries can get free medical treatment at public hospitals in Austria on production of passport.
Tipping: A 10-15% service charge is automatically added to hotel and restaurant bills, but it is usual to leave another 5% if satisfied with the service. It is customary to give the money to the waiter rather than leave it on the table. It is usual to leave small change for most service personnel. Taxis expect a 10% tip.
Climate: Austria enjoys a temperate Central European climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot with cool nights. In Vienna and other low-lying cities temperatures during the day can get uncomfortably hot over July and August. Winters are cold, below freezing in January and February. The ski season in the Alps runs from December to April but the mountains are also popular with hikers and climbers over the summer when the weather is usually warm and bright.
Safety: Travel to Austria is generally trouble-free, however visitors are advised to take sensible safety precautions particularly in larger cities.
Communications: The international access code for Austria is +43. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Public telephone boxes can be used for direct dial calls within the country and overseas. Internet cafes are widely available.
Austria Contacts
Austrian National Tourist Office, Vienna: +43 (0)1 588 660 or www.austria.info
Embassy of Austria, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 895 6700
Austrian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 3731
Austrian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1444
Embassy of Austria, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6295 1533
Consulate General of Austria, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 421 1441
Austrian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 4577
Consulate of Austria, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 489 8249
US Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 313 390
British Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 716 130
Canadian Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 531 38 3000
Australian Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 512 8580
South African Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 320 6493
Embassy of Ireland, Vienna: +43 (0)1 715 4246
New Zealand Consulate-General, Vienna: +43 (0)1 318 8505
Emergencies: 112
Ministro Pistarini International Airport (VIE)
Location: The airport is located 11 miles (18km) southeast of Vienna. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between April to October). Contacts: Tel: +43 (0)1 7007 0 or (0)1 7007 22233 (24 hour telephone information service). Transfer to the city: Local trains (€3) and buses (€6) leave regularly for Vienna. There is also a City Airport Train (€9), which provides a fast and direct service to the centrally-located City Air Terminal that is connected to the underground, bus and tram networks. Taxis are also available. Car rental: Car hire companies include Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt and Thrifty. Facilities: There are several shops, duty-free, restaurants and bars in both terminals. Bureaux de change and ATMs are available all hours. Other facilities include airline lounges, business centre, Internet cafes and a medical centre. Parking: The parking lots and multistorey car parks are connected to the terminal by signposted footpaths. Departure tax: None. Website: www.viennaairport.com
All rights reserved. None of the information may be reproduced without prior permission. By its very nature much of the information in this guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they"re relying with the relevant authorities. Travelup cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. |
