Essential Information about Austria

Roman Catholicism is the most popular religion in the country. Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists, and members of the Eastern Orthodox Church also have communities. Football, skiing, and ice hockey are common sports in Austria.

Climate of Austria

Austria lies within a temperate climatic zone. In northern and western Austria, temperate Atlantic climate is experienced, whereas in the east the climate is more continental. Summers in Austria can be hot, with day temperatures reaching more than 30°C. Precipitation occurs almost throughout the year. The months of May, September and the first half of October are usually the driest. April and November are the wettest months in Austria. While high-altitude regions like the Alps may receive average rainfall of 2000 millimeters per year, while lower flat regions witness only 600 mm of rain annually. The snowfall in winter snow lasts from late December through March in the higher Alps.

Food of Austria

Viennese cuisine is heavily influenced by Hungarian-Austrian Cuisine. Meat-based dishes are common in Vienna. Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Beuschel, and Selchfleisch are popular dishes in Austria. Some of the most common desserts in the country include Apfelstrudel, Millirahmstrudel, Kaiserschmarrn, and Sachertorte. The coffee house culture and socializing in cafes in Europe began from Austria. Vineyards in Austria produce some of the finest white and red wines in the world.

Fairs and Festivals in Austria

The Vienna International Film Festival or Viennale takes place every year in October. Salzburg Festival in each summer celebrates classical music and theatre. It attracts thousands of visitors to the town around July every year. Pflasterspektakel is an annual festival that celebrates music, improvisational theater, dance, and painting. It is held every year in July for three days in the city of Linz. Almabtrieb, European Bike Week at Lake Faak, Grafenegg Festival, ImPulsTanz Vienna International Dance Festival, Shakespeare in Styria, and Salzburg Easter Festival are other popular events in Austria.