Austria Travel Guide

Experience Austria’s grandeur

Experience Austria’s grandeur

From the gilded concert halls of Vienna to the fairy-tale castles of Salzburg and the soaring peaks of the Tyrolean Alps, imperial elegance meets alpine splendour in Austria. Steeped in centuries of Habsburg history, world-class music and an unrivalled café culture, Austria offers a depth of experience that few destinations can match. Touring Austria is the ultimate way to unlock this richness – moving seamlessly from one breathtaking destination to the next, with every detail expertly arranged. Explore our perfectly packaged Austria tours and let us take care of all the logistics, so you can simply focus on discovering the world.

A vibrant rainbow arches over Salzburg, Austria, with the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress and baroque architecture reflecting in the calm river below.

Austria quick facts

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Population

9.1 million

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Time zone

UTC+1/UTC+2

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Best time to visit

Year-round

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Capital city

Vienna

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Electricity

230V; Type F plugs

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Flight time

Approx. 22-24 hours from Australia’s east cost with one stopover

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Currency

Euro (EUR)

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Visa requirements

Not required for up to 90 days in the Schengen area

Austria tour packages

View all Austria packages

View all Austria packages

Immerse yourself in Vienna’s grand heritage

Immerse yourself in Vienna’s grand heritage

Vienna is one of Europe’s great imperial capitals, and no visit to Austria is complete without losing yourself in its magnificent old town. Wander the grand Ringstrasse boulevard, marvel at the ornate Hofburg Palace, home to the Spanish Riding School and the Imperial Apartments and explore the treasure-filled Kunsthistorisches Museum. Don’t miss a performance at the legendary Vienna State Opera, or a quiet afternoon in one of the city’s timeless coffeehouses, where Viennese café culture has been perfected over centuries.

A historic opera house in Vienna is illuminated by the warm glow of sunset. A vintage tram passes in the foreground, evoking a sense of nostalgia and elegance.

Things to do while touring Austria

A visit to Belvedere Palace is a must in Vienna, offering a perfect blend of art, history and elegant surroundings. This magnificent Baroque complex is made up of two palaces set within beautifully landscaped gardens, originally built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. Today, the Belvedere is renowned for its exceptional art collection, including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, alongside works spanning medieval art to Austrian modernism. Wander through grand halls, enjoy views across Vienna from the Upper Belvedere, and take time to explore the gardens that connect the palaces – especially atmospheric in spring and summer.

The Austrian Alps offer some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring scenery, and Tyrol is at the heart of it all. Innsbruck, the region’s elegant capital, is ringed by mountain peaks and home to remarkable landmarks including the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace. Beyond the city, the alpine landscape beckons – whether you’re riding a gondola above Innsbruck, cruising through the Ötztal Valley, or marvelling at the sheer scale of the Hintertux Glacier. The region’s mountain villages, traditional farmhouses, and hearty Tyrolean cuisine all add to the immersive experience.

The Wachau Valley, stretching between Melk and Krems along the Danube, is one of Austria’s most picturesque regions and a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape. Cruise past terraced vineyards, riverside villages, and dramatic castle ruins perched on forested cliffs. Stop at the magnificent Melk Abbey, one of the world’s finest baroque monasteries, or explore the charming town of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive. The region is also celebrated for its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines, well worth a taste at a local Heuriger (wine tavern).

The Salzkammergut lake district, stretching across Upper Austria and Salzburg, is a region of extraordinary natural beauty. Hallstatt – perched at the edge of a shimmering alpine lake and reflected in its mirror-like waters – is one of Austria’s most photographed villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a boat across the Hallstätter See, visit the world’s oldest salt mine, or simply wander the village’s narrow lakeside lanes. Nearby, the Dachstein Ice Caves and the Five Fingers viewing platform deliver unforgettable alpine perspectives.

Top destinations

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Vienna

Austria’s capital is a city of extraordinary grandeur and a living museum of imperial architecture, fine art and classical music. From the Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces to the cobblestone lanes of the 1st district, Vienna captivates at every turn. Its world-class museums, vibrant culinary scene and legendary café culture make it a destination that rewards days of unhurried exploration.

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Innsbruck

Tyrol’s capital is a rare blend of alpine drama and urban sophistication. Surrounded on all sides by towering mountain peaks, Innsbruck is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, yet its historic old town, Imperial Palace and world-class Swarovski Crystal Worlds attraction ensure culture and history are never far away. The city’s compact centre makes it ideal for exploring on foot between mountain adventures.

Austria frequently asked questions

Australian passport holders do not require a visa to visit Austria for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area. Entry conditions may change from time to time, so it’s best to check the latest information before you go. Stay up to date with Smartraveller.

Austria is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal scenery, ideal for sightseeing and exploring the countryside. Summer (July to August) is festival season and perfect for alpine activities, though popular destinations can be busy. Winter (December to March) is magical for Christmas markets and skiing, with Salzburg and Innsbruck offering a particularly enchanting experience under a dusting of snow.

Austria has an excellent public transport network, including an efficient intercity train system that connects Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and other major cities with ease and comfort. Within cities, trams, buses and metro systems make getting around straightforward. On a guided tour, transportation between destinations is fully arranged, allowing you to sit back and take in the scenery without the need to navigate unfamiliar routes or rental logistics.

Austria is generally considered a moderately expensive European destination, with Vienna and Innsbruck among the pricier cities for accommodation, dining and attractions. That said, exploring free attractions like parks and markets, and using public transport can help manage costs. Booking an Austria touring package with exclusive Bonus Savings can help stretch your budget further. Led by Touring Experts, My Touring handcrafts perfectly packaged tour holidays, with handpicked accommodation, transportation, and many meals and experiences bundled together for outstanding value.

Austria is widely regarded as one of Europe’s safest countries for tourists, with low crime rates, excellent infrastructure and welcoming locals. Vienna is consistently ranked among the world’s safest cities. Visiting Austria on a guided tour adds an extra layer of comfort and local insight, with experienced guides ensuring safe and seamless travel. As with any destination, safety can vary by location, so it’s important to stay informed, be aware of your surroundings, respect local customs and follow official travel advice during your visit.

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MY TOURING Led by Touring Experts

Delve deeper into Austria with My Touring, with handcrafted itineraries that venture further into the world’s most sought-after destinations. Led by Touring Experts, our Austria tours blend imperial grandeur, alpine magnificence and rich cultural heritage into one unforgettable journey. Start planning your next adventure today.