Austria Tourism, Europe

Tourism in Austria is about exploring a bit of everything, from Vienna’s astonishing Imperial Palaces, to hiking through the central eastern Alps and spending still moments in Lake Hallstatt. It is a unique mix of culture and nature. Visit Salzburg for Mozart and Innsbruck for panoramic views of the mountains. Austria tourism can be easily enjoyed with Travel Triangle’s custom itineraries. 

Why Visit Austria? 

Visit the fairytale village of Hallstatt, where the lakes in this destination are known as “Mirror Lakes” due to their still waters and calming mountain views. Discover the most “Photographed Village in the World” for its mesmerising beauty. Tour the Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg Palace for their history and beauty. Attend a live opera or a classical musical concert - Music in Austria tourism is taken very seriously. A Danube cruise is a total must—cute towns, green hills, and all the good views.

Quick Overview

 Category   Details  Capital  Vienna  Location  Central Europe   Currency  Euro  Language  German  Top Destinations   Wachau Valley, Hallstatt, Vienna and Innsbruck   Famous Activities   Skiing, mountain biking, snowboarding, Danube boat ride   Ideal Trip Duration  5-6 days typically 

Places to Visit 

Vienna- 

 A super walkable city, go to the Belvedere Palace to admire the magnificent architecture,  Stroll through the vibrant alleys of Naschmarkt and catch a sunset at Karlskirche. 

Hallstatt- 

This tiny lakeside village is a must-visit. Take the skywalk, then tour the salt mine. Wander through the side of the lake and eat local cuisine. 

Innsbruck 

The spectacular mountains meet the bustling city life here. Hop on the Nordkette cable car to discover alpine views, visit the Golden Roof and go to Herrengasse to eat local Austrian food. 

Salzburg 

A compelling destination, it has got Baroque buildings, views of the fortress and an old town charm vibe. Tourism in Austria isn’t complete without Salzburg- try Travel Triangle Salzburg Plans.

Wachau Valley

A quaint valley located on the Danube River, with enchanting views of the castles and endless vineyards. Must-visit spots are Melk Abbey and Dürnstein for beautiful monasteries, ancient ruins and churches. 

Budget and Accommodation

Expect to spend around ?6,000 to ?7,000 per person,  mainly covering accommodations, commute and meals. If you’re opting for a mid-range budget, which will be around ?12,000 to ?16,000 per day, you will get a nice hotel and some intercity transportation options and meals at restaurants. 

If you want to experience luxury in Austria, you can have a budget of around ?24,000 to ?35,000 per person and enjoy upscale events like Opera nights or private lake parties. Travel Triangle has Austria tourism plans that match all budgets. 

How to Reach Austria? 

As of now, there are no direct flights to Austria from India, but airlines offer 1-stop flights from major Indian cities like New Delhi to Mumbai via Istanbul, Frankfurt or Dubai. It’ll land at Vienna International Airport, which is the main hub. 

Once you’re in the main city, grabbing a local pass and commuting via trains and buses is seamless and easy for a tourist. 

Visa and Immigration

As an Indian, if you want to explore tourism in Austria, you would need a Schengen Tourist Visa. You can directly apply via VFS Global, it'll be convenient if you have all your documents ready - passport, flight + hotel bookings, bank statements, ITRs and travel insurance. Book an appointment, pay the visa fee, give your biometrics and apply at least 4-5 weeks prior. 

Best Time to Visit Austria

The best time to take a holiday in Austria is between April and June or September and October for great weather, fewer crowds and hassle-free sightseeing. 

Come between November to March - go skiing at St.Anton, get in the holiday cheer, and go to Christmas markets. 

Slow travel is best possible in May and September. Travel Triangle’s Austria packages often include Hallstatt and Wachau, making slow travel simple to plan

Going to museums and cafe hopping, anytime is suitable, but visiting in the vibrant fall is the best choice. 

July and August are months which are full of energetic festivals, Austrian fleas and open-air concerts. 

Things to do in Austria? 

Go to Hallstatt- 

Wander in the misty mountains, look at crystal blue lakes and unexplored alleys of Hallstatt. 

Hike around the Zillertal Alps

Hiking around the Zillertal Alps will take you through wildflowers and hidden waterfalls. 

Eat Affogato at Café Central, Vienna

This is the most iconic cafe to exist in Vienna, and it is extremely touristy and expects a lot of crowds here, but it is an unmissable spot. Go for the vibe that it has to offer - chandeliers, old-school charm and friendly locals.

Bike ride and Wine Tasting 

Rent a bike, cycle past tiny and cute vineyards in Austria and stop for local white wine. 

Culture and Lifestyle

Language - 

Austrians primarily speak German, but in major tourist cities like Salzburg or Vienna, most people can speak basic English, especially in cafes and hotels. Languages like Croatian, Slovenian and Hungarian are also widely spoken. 

Attire- 

People in Austria love to dress minimally and neatly. Carry smart casual clothes that are comfortable. If you’re planning to go skiing, skip dressy garments and opt for functional gear. ?

Cuisine- 

Tourism in Austria is all about heart and comfort food. Coffee is a culture here, try Europe’s oldest cafes like Demel in Vienna, Billa or Spar Gourmet or Cafe Central. They’re known for their schnitzel, amazing pastries, snacks and ready-to-eat Austrian dishes. Some iconic food dishes are Apple Strudel, St.Martin’s goose and Wiener Schnitzel. 

What to Pack for Austria- 

Pack warm clothes as summers can get pretty cold if you’re visiting the Alps. Keep a good and comfortable pair of shoes, Austrian cities have cobbled streets and hikes are considered pretty common. 

Take offline copies of your visa, bookings and passports in places with no internet. 

Carry a universal power adapter of Type F and a power bank. 

Always keep some Euros handy and your forex card or International cards. 

Shopping 

What to Shop - 

Consider picking up Mozartkugeln (special Austrian chocolate treats). Don’t miss out on local wine, homemade soaps, crystals, Lederhosen and crochet if you’re into that. For those looking to embrace culture, add a traditional Lederhosen to your wardrobe. 

Where to shop - 

Go to Vienna’s most famous markets - For local items, Naschmarkt, Mariahilfer for clothes, home decor and souvenirs and Strasse, for a variety of shops and Goldenes Quartier to shop from luxury brands. 

Tips - 

Delve into a local experience, try Austrian bakeries for your breakfast - cheaper and impeccable taste. 

To explore tourism in Austria, you must travel on foot for the best experience.

For easy train bookings and real-time updates, install the OBB app

Always carry some extra cash 

Most shops close early, so stock up on essentials