But apart from the gorgeous architecture and art that the cities of Austria proffer, the country also has an abundance of natural beauty. From small villages that hug tiny lakes and huge mountains to the rolling meadows just outside of major cities, Austria tourism is a haven for nature lovers as well.

History of Austria

The region was inhabited by the Celtic tribes before it was claimed by the Roman Empire. Charlemagne introduced Christianity to the area after the fall of the Empire. From about 13th century to the end of the World War I, the country was ruled by the Habsburg emperors such as Sigismund, Leopold I, Charles VI, etc. During the Second World War, the country was annexed to the Nazi Germany in 1938 and remained so until April 1945.

Today, Austria is a particularly enjoyable place for history and art lovers, given the many heritage monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Spots, museums and art galleries here. Being part of the European Union, Austria enjoys the same privileges as all the other countries that are part of the Union, hence the same currency, the same visa and mostly, the same pace of life.

Language in Austria

Spoken by more than 88 percent of the population, Austrian German is the official and the most popular language. Turkish, Serbian, Croatian, and English are other notable languages. Nearly 74 percent of Austrians are Roman Catholics.

Main Food in Austria

Austrian cuisine is mainly influenced by Hungarian, Czech, French, and Balkan cuisine. Wiener Schnitzel, Schweinsbraten, and Sachertorte are some of the typical dishes known to the world. Traditional dishes include variations of beef and pork as well as vegetables. Austria is also famous for its beer, wine, and coffee production. Lager and wheat beer are commonly consumed in the country.

Romantic Places in Austria

The royal monuments in Vienna, the historic quarter of Salzburg, and the lakes near Innsbruck make Austria - a beautiful landlocked country in Central Europe - a major tourist destination. St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna City Hall, Mirabell Palace, and Hohensalzburg Palace are top sights in Austria. Winter in Austria is a popular time to plan a European honeymoon. Be it the modern cities of the country or the quaint little villages, every pore of Austria is full of a rich cultural heritage.

Vienna, the national capital, and Salzburg, the cultural capital, are two of the most popular places to visit in Austria. In between these two, lies a multitude of villages in the picturesque countryside worth exploring on a holiday or a honeymoon. The Vienna Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palace, Salzburg Altstadt (Old Town), Spanish Riding School, Hallstatt, and Innsbruck are famous points of interest.  

Shopping Trip in Austria

The local markets of Austria, home to not just superb bargains and amazing souvenirs, but also to a plethora of bars, pubs, cafés and discotheques is a great place to explore the local way of life. Share a drink with the locals, and you are sure to be warmly welcomed into the Austrian way of life. Before embarking on your journey to this magnificent destination, make sure to read and understand this Austria tour guide so that you can make the most of the trip.

Main Festivals in Austria

Winter is a time for outdoor adventures in Austria. Hahnenkamm Ski Race is organized every January in the Kitzbühel Alps. Tourists can enjoy skiing here from the top of a 1,712-meter-high peak. Donauinselfest, held at Donauinsel in the summer season, is among the largest open-air music festivals in the world. Started in 1920, Salzburg Festival in July celebrates the work and life of hometown hero Wolfgang Mozart. Bregenzer Festspiele, Viennale Film Festival, and Vienna Opera Ball are other notable events in the calendar.

The weather in Austria remains cool all through the year, with very little fluctuations in the overall temperature. The hottest that it gets in Austria is around 19°C to 22°C, whereas the coldest that is gets is around -1°C to -5°C, warranting the requirement for wearing warm clothes almost all through the year.