Country Facts
In the very heart of Europe, Austria is the land of the Sound of Music, the birthplace of Mozart Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, Strauss, Brahms, Mahler and Strauss. Where the Blue Danube flows, where the Austrian Alps rise majestically and tranquil lakes shimmer. Walk through the Viennese Woods; drive past undulating meadows and charming villages which cling fiercely to their architectural traditions. Explore the Habsburg Palaces like the breathtaking Schonbrun Palace in Vienna and admire Salzburg's baroque splendor.
- Capital: Vienna
- Official Languages: German
- Government: Federal Parliamentary Republic
- Currency: Euro
- Time Zone: +1 GMT. (4 ½ hours behind India) Like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Austria, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour;so +2 GMT.
- Telephone Calling Code: 0043
When To Go
Best time to visit: Austria has a temperate continental climate, with warm, sunny summers and cold winters. Spring, autumn and the beginning of summer are the best times to travel to Vienna.
In July, temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C. Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer and snowfall is common in winter. Winters are cold, temperatures hovering just above or below freezing.
What To Do
Austrian cuisine has been influenced by Hungarian, Bohemian Czech, Jewish, Italian, Balkan and French cuisine,. It is most often associated with Viennese cuisine, but there are significant regional variations.
What to eat and drink
- Rindsuppe: Beef soup, a clear soup golden in color
- Tafelspitz: Beef boiled in broth, often served with apple and horseradish sauce
- Gulasch: A hotpot similar to Hungarian Pörkölt. Austrian goulash is eaten often with rolls, bread or dumplings ("Semmelknödel")
- Beuschel: A ragout containing calf lungs and heart
- Liptauer: Spicy cheese spread, eaten on a slice of bread
- Selchfleisch: Smoked, then cooked meat with Sauerkraut (sour cabbage)and dumplings.
- Powidl: A thick sweet and spicy jam made from plums
- Apfelstrudel: apple strudel
- Sachertorte: The most famous chocolate cake in the world, the original available only in Vienna and Salzburg!
- Topfenstrudel: Cream cheese strudel
- Palatschinken: Pancakes similar to French crêpes, filled with marmalade, jam, sprinkled with sugar etc
- Kaiserschmarrn: Soft, fluffy pancake
- Germknödel: A fluffy yeast dough dumpling with a mix of poppy seeds and sugar, filled with spicy plum jam and melted butter on top, often eaten with vanilla cream.
- Austrian Beer & Wines: The most popular types of beer are lager (known as Märzen in Austria), naturally cloudy Zwicklbier and wheat beer. The Grüner Veltliner grape provides some of Austria's most notable white wines and Zweigelt is the most widely planted red wine grape. Schnapps of typically up to 60% alcohol or fruit brandy is also popular
Shopping
High quality goods such as handbags, glassware, chinaware, antiques and art.
Escorted Tours
The best and easiest way to see the highlights is on an escorted tour, where all your travel, accommodation and sightseeing arrangements are well taken care of. A knowledgeable local guide brings history and culture to life as you travel in the comfort of your deluxe coach.
Unmatched selection, more included features, quality first class hotels, and vast experience make Globus the obvious choice for travelers who want more. The world leader in quality escorted travel, Globus delivers memorable vacation experiences with knowledgeable Tour Directors and local guides.