Many people know Austria as the homeland of world-famous composers and musicians, as a country with beautiful landscapes and a rich history. At the same time, there are facts that not everyone knows about. Interesting, unusual and unique facts about Austria are collected in our review today.

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Most of the territory of modern Austria is covered by the mountain ranges of the Eastern Alps. They occupy 62% of the total area of ​​this state. The second highest peak in Europe is also located here.

What else is remarkable about the country’s geography? For example, Austria is a record holder for three types of natural water bodies. The first is the largest glacier in the European part of the continent. The highest cascading waterfall in Europe, the Krimml, is also located here. The water falls down from a height of 380 meters.

It is not surprising that this amazing natural phenomenon causes incomparable delight among all tourists who find themselves in its water domain. Well, how can we forget about Lake Neusiedlersee? In Europe, it has no equal among similar reservoirs of natural origin. The lake is so huge that it is located on the territory of two states at once - Austria and Hungary.

Modern Austria is located on territory that for several centuries in a row belonged to the state formation of Austria-Hungary. Nine out of ten indigenous people practice Catholicism. The remaining 10% of the population is either Muslim or considered Protestant.

A little history

An interesting fact is related to the origin of the flag. The red and white fabric is considered one of the oldest flags in the world. According to legend, the flag first adorned the battle banners of the army of Leopold of Austria in the 12th century. After the battle, the leader threw off his shirt, stained with the blood of his enemies, and discovered a white stripe, which turned out to be where a wide belt was tied. From that moment on, the red and white canvas became a constant companion of the Austrian emperor, and then became the official sign of the entire country.

The first mentions of Austria date back to the 10th century and are associated with the nomadic tribes of the Celts, who were soon conquered by the troops of the Roman Empire.

An interesting legend is associated with another event. In the old days, local residents of the modern city of Salzburg were called “bull washers.” There are two versions of the origin of this original name. According to the first, residents traditionally washed slaughtered bulls in the local river. If you believe the second, then the residents of the town began to be called this after they cunningly forced the enemy army, which had besieged the city fortress, to retreat. The residents used an interesting tactic: they painted one bull with a different color every day and randomly showed it to the attackers. They decided that the city was full of provisions and could not be starved out and abandoned all attempts to conquer Salzburg.

First, best, real

The first railway in the mountains was built in Austria. Its construction began in the 19th century. Despite this, the Semmering railway is actively operated to this day.

The Baroque style with an “Austrian flavor” is reflected in the famous cultural monument - Schönbrunn Palace. Just imagine, it has 1441 rooms of different sizes and purposes.

Tell me, how many of you know that the world-famous actor, athlete, holder of all kinds of knowledge from the world of bodybuilding, and simply the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was born in Austria? The celebrity was born in a small village on the outskirts of the town of Graz.

And the cleanest tap water flows in Vienna. Therefore, it is here that you can safely drink water from the pipeline, which is supplied from the cleanest sources in Austria.

Old-fashioned Austria

In the capital of the state, Vienna, you can visit the oldest Ferris wheel in the world. The low altitude of 65 meters is unlikely to give tourists an impressive dose of adrenaline. But it will become another place that is definitely worth visiting for every lover of everything rare and old-fashioned. Also in the main city of Austria is the oldest zoo in the world.

Austria boasts another old-fashioned feature. It was in this state that the world's first newspaper appeared.

Read our guide to learn how to plan an independent trip to Vienna.

Austria has a temperate, transitional to continental climate, but since 70% of the country is occupied by the Alps, temperature changes are inevitable. As an example: the Austrian winter in the flat areas is a ridiculous -2 °C for Russians and a more noticeable -14 °C in the mountainous regions. Forecasters divide Austria into three zones: eastern, alpine and an area with a transitional Atlantic climate. The east of the country is characterized by dry, hot summers and harsh winters with little precipitation. The Alpine region is famous for prolonged rains and snowstorms. As for other areas, the weather in them is controlled by Atlantic and continental air masses.

Winter in Austria is actually the high season and the most party time of the year, thanks to fans of snowboarding, skiing and tubing storming the Alps with the appearance of the first snow. For those who prefer warm relaxation to mountain extremes and invigorating frosts, it is more advisable to celebrate the New Year at thermal resorts, of which there are about 40. Tourists who did not have time to save up for a ski pass and a subscription to expensive spa complexes will have to warm their palms with a mug of fiery gluwein (it aka mulled wine) at the Christmas markets of Vienna, Linz and.

At the end of April, the last adherents of “alpine skiing” leave Austria, passing the baton to fans of museum excursions and ecotourism. This fact does not affect prices in any way, so if you are planning to get acquainted with the May landscapes of Tyrol or a cycling tour in Styria, accept the fact that global savings will not work out. When traveling along the alpine trails in the spring, don’t be too lazy to also take warm clothes – it’s seriously windy on the slopes.

In summer in Austria the air warms up to +25 °C in the shade. There are periodic showers, which disappear by August. Summer is also the ideal time for having fun on lake beaches, crazy rafting, gorging on national dishes at gastronomic festivals and tours of medieval cities. Shopaholics who did not have time to buy trendy outfits during the Christmas sales are advised to save their money until the summer - grand sales in Austrian malls start in July.

September in the homeland of Mozart and Commissar Rex is still a “walking” time: the air is warmed up to +17...+20 °C, the weather is clear, and there is little rain. In the fall, travelers head to Austria to indulge in leisurely hiking, take fun selfies at rural harvest festivals, and revel in provincial heurigers serving new wine and the Austrian variation of apple cider, the bridge. Fans of a more lively party should go to Vienna, to the local Oktoberfest, which here, although not as riotous as in neighboring Germany, is more organized.

Cities of Austria

All cities in Austria

History of the country

The history of Austria dates back to the 4th century BC. e., when Celtic tribes settled in the Danube territories and founded the kingdom of Norik here. Local leaders quickly became friends with Rome, which contributed to the Romanization of Celtic culture, language and architecture. In the 2nd century, the Sarmatians, Ost and Visigoths became interested in Norik, so the inhabitants of the kingdom did not have time to repel the attacks of their neighboring invaders. As an example: in just over a hundred years, the territories of modern Austria managed to become Rugiland, part of the state of Odoacer, and even provinces of the Ostrogothic state and the Avar Kaganate.

In 805, the Austrian lands became part of the Frankish Empire, receiving the status of the Eastern March, subordinate to Bavaria. For more than four hundred years, this state formation was ruled by the Babenberg family, with the extinction of which the Eastern Mark passed to the Czech king. In 1282, the first representative of the Habsburg dynasty, Rudolf II, reigned on the Austrian throne. By that time, Austria had already left the control of the Czech Republic and was already called a duchy.

The most successful period in the life of the country can be called the New Age, when Austria increased its military power, repelled the encroachments of the Turks, and at the same time expanded its own possessions. For example, in 1699 the country received the territories of Hungary, Transylvania, Croatia and Slovenia. Further - more: in 1804, Austria declared itself an empire, and in 1867 it acquired the status of a dual monarchy, called Austria-Hungary. The 20th century was not as successful for the descendants of the Celts as previous eras: the First World War, the revolution, and the forced need to part with the Hungarian, Croatian and Transylvanian territories had an impact on the economy, which undermined the economy.

In 1938, Hitler carried out his famous Anschluss, as a result of which Austria became part of the Third Reich, and religious and nationalist persecution began for its population. It was possible to restore the rights of the once great empire only after the end of the Second World War, and then only formally: until the middle of the last century, Austria remained divided into occupation zones. The Declaration of Independence of the state was signed in 1955 along with the declaration of neutrality. By the way, the Austrian authorities observe this last obligation very selectively and have even amended the Constitution to allow them to cooperate with the Bundeswehr.

Mentality and language

A pronounced feature of the national character of the Austrians remains their loyalty to traditions and the desire for status. If a local resident had an aristocratic ancestor at least in the tenth generation, he will notify everyone about it. In the “land of strudels and schnitzels” they are very careful about innovations, as well as the recognition of various rights and freedoms. As a result: there are far fewer informals on the streets of Vienna than in the capitals of other European countries. At the same time, in everyday communication, Austrians are quite open and friendly, so when traveling through the Alps and coming into contact with locals, you can count not only on sparse instructions, but also on intimate conversations.

Despite the fact that Austrians and Germans speak dialects of the same language and continue to remain neighbors, there is no sign of friendship between the nations. It is unknown whether this is a reaction to the Anschluss of 1938 or whether the proud people have harbored a grudge since the times of the Frankish Empire, but the fact remains: the Germans in Austria are treated so-so and even make up offensive jokes about Goethe’s descendants. The Germans are also not far behind their caustic neighbors, accusing the latter of “appropriating” Mozart, but skillfully disowning the Fuhrer, who was born in Upper Austria.

As for communication, even if you speak Hochdeutsch (literary German) perfectly, it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve complete mutual understanding in Austria. And all because they communicate here in Wienerish, which, although formally considered a dialect of German, is in fact very different from it. To make it clearer: greet an Austrian with the standard “Guten Tag!” it won’t work - people here prefer the greeting “Gruss Goth!” and “Servus!” In large cities and tourist places, the Austro-Russian phrasebook will most likely not be useful - the entire working population speaks English there. But if you're going to stray from the mainstream route, it's best to bring a dictionary.

Money

Austria is part of the Eurozone, so payments in the country are carried out in euros (EUR). Despite the fact that there is no shortage of bank branches and exchange offices that convert foreign currency, it is better to come immediately with cash, since the commissions for such transactions are significant. Keep in mind that Austrian banks have a five-day working week. In addition, they are open on all days except Thursday, strictly until 15:00.

Cashing out funds from an account in Austria is easy - there are enough 24-hour ATMs that accept Russian MasterCard and Visa cards, as well as Maestro and American Express, in every relatively large locality. Cash registers of shops, restaurants and gas stations will accept “plastic” if we are talking about tourist locations or famous winter resorts. But in remote guesthouses and provincial heurigers, guests will be asked to pay with banknotes.

Sights and entertainment in Austria

In Austria, it is difficult to identify top tourist places and regions, because in this regard, each city or resort pulls the blanket on itself. But such a feature can be an excellent reason to return to the country again, and then again and again! And so on until it is possible to collect and organize the impressions of all the objects that the descendants of Austrian composers and margraves are so proud of.

Architecture

The architectural heritage of Austria is a little Gothic, a little more pompous palace Baroque and Viennese Art Nouveau shaded with romantic Biedermeier. Objects of temple architecture will also help you teleport into the past of the great empire: Vienna's Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral), Salzburg Cathedral, the ascetic-Gothic Maria am Gestad, the Cathedral of St. Egidio in, as well as dozens of modest but original provincial churches. If you love ancient legends, a mystical atmosphere and monumentality in all its manifestations, take a look at Austrian castles and fortresses, of which there are more than two dozen. For example, in Hochosterwitz, suspended between heaven and earth, in the harshly impregnable Hohensalzburg, or in the postcard Kreuzenstein, in which Dominic Sena filmed his disastrous “Time of the Witch” with Nicolas Cage.

If the rough scale of medieval architecture leaves conflicting impressions, you can switch to the masterpieces of the imperial era: the Hofburg, Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces (Vienna), the Innsbruck residence of the Habsburgs Hofburg (not to be confused with the Viennese palace of the same name), Eggenberg Castle, which embodied the concept of time and movement in its exterior stars, as well as the Salzburg Mirabell Palace, whose history began with the scandalous affair of Bishop Rathenau with a young merchant's wife. Modern Austrian architects also do not waste time, racing to design something unimaginable, asymmetrical and cosmically large, like the Museum of Modern Art in Vienna (better known as MUMOK), the BTV bank building in or the office of a steel company in Linz. Moreover, almost all Viennese high-rise buildings, built at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, are a complete challenge to the laws of physics and gravity.

Museums

In Austria, every museum is a luxurious palace ensemble, the house of a famous composer, or a futuristic creation of modern designers. The undisputed leaders in this niche, both in terms of attendance and in terms of the wealth of funds, are the Hofburg, which houses the entire imperial history of the country, the Albertina, with its millionth collection of paintings and graphic canvases, and the Belvedere, filled with works of impressionists and medieval sculptors. You can admire Bruegel, Cranach the Elder and Rembrandt, unknown to the general public, in the Ferdinandeum (), and it is better to take pictures in front of the first airplanes and sports cars in the demonstration pavilion with free admission “Hangar-7” ().


To see everything at once, rather than moving from area to area, welcome to the Museum Quarter of the Austrian capital, which unites several art galleries and exhibition halls. If you are drawn to non-standard and magical exhibitions, then “Crystal Worlds” is for you. The museum was founded by the crystal manufacturer Swarowski and is located in the city of Wattens, inside a picturesque hill with a giant's head. The category of the most controversial institutions includes the Innsbruck Bell Museum and the Anatomical Museum, as well as the Vienna Tower of Madmen, tours of which will provide contradictory, but unforgettable impressions.

The Mauthausen museum complex in the vicinity of Linz promises complete immersion in the horrors of World War II. Entrance to the former death factory has been free for everyone for many years. The Austrians have not forgotten about Mozart either, so if you want, go to Vienna to see what apartments the greatest composer of all time rented at the peak of his fame. Or settle in and visit the yellow mansion where Wolfgang Amadeus took his first steps. Continuing the musical theme, you can look into the house-museum of Johann Strauss - an apartment on Praterstrasse in Vienna, where the musician wrote the immortal waltz “On the Beautiful Blue Danube”.

Nature

The first place in the top five natural must-sees in Austria unconditionally belongs to the Hohe Tauern Park. Snow-capped mountain peaks and ice fields through which wild chamois run, charming mini-waterfalls and emerald lawns with relict ferns - all this is just a small fraction of the riches of one of the oldest nature reserves in Europe. In the Donau-Auen National Park, the romantic views are dominated by the handsome Danube, on whose floodplain meadows deer graze, and in the creeks beavers build their amusing structures. To get rare photographs of black storks, try to get into the Tayatal protected area, located on the border with the Czech Republic. Well, for romantic selfies against the backdrop of limestone mountains and nimble rivers, the landscapes of Gezoise, the country’s youngest park, founded in 2002, are ideal.

Fans of relaxed meditation by the surface of the water should not ignore the Austrian lakes, of which there are more than a thousand in Mozart’s homeland. Try, for example, to settle in Carinthia, on the banks of the turquoise Wörthersee, Langsee and Klopeinersee. Or head to the salt mines and tranquil blue lakes of Salzkammergut, where taverns serve fresh catch from local fishermen. The small but industrial Vorarlberg already smells of neighboring Switzerland - the region is located next to Lake Constance. And of course, don’t miss the main natural phenomenon of the Alps - the green lake Grünersee, which floods the neighboring park in the summer season and exposes part of its bottom in the winter.

All sights of Austria

Ski holiday


Even tourists who are far from sports know that Austria has a fantastic alpine skiing scene. One of the most pleasant features of the Alpine slopes is their diversity, so skiing here is convenient for both beginners who have just started snowboarding and extreme sports enthusiasts conquering black slopes. Technical equipment is a separate issue. The Austrians, who do not welcome squandering, are investing in the Alps to the fullest, so even a small village can find a dozen modern ski lifts and a sufficient number of snow cannons to keep the snow on the slopes until the end of April.

There is no point in listing all the ski locations in Austria, especially since there is a tendency towards consolidation - resorts neighboring each other are united into common ski areas, where you can have fun with a single ski pass. The favorite place of the Austrian and foreign elite is the Ski Arlberg region, which ranks fifth in the list of the largest ski resorts of our time. It includes the villages of Zurs, St. Anton, Lech, Oberlech and Stuben, the slopes of which are connected by 87 ski lifts. By the way, Arlberg is so far the only place in Austria where you can try your hand at heli-skiing.

The largest trail for night skiing should be found in Wilder Kaiser-Brixental - the largest ski area in Tyrol. Here, in the Tyrolean Alps, there are other resort associations such as the Zillertal Arena, Sölden, Kirchberg and Mayrhoffen-Hippach. Skiers and snowboarders looking for slopes in the surrounding area should better get a ski pass for the slopes of Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn. The area is famous for its ski schools and extensive range of winter activities, including horse sledding.

A good half of travelers go to ski resorts in Austria not so much for sporting achievements, but because of the stunning après ski in its thoughtfulness. Moreover, hanging out in local bars and clubs means not only drinking and dancing, but also interesting meetings. If you know the “fishing” places, there is every chance of getting a selfie with a world celebrity - stars love to relax after “rides” in the cold no less than mere mortals. So, if you came to Mozart’s homeland with the goal of having fun in the company of media people, move closer to resorts such as Schladming (Styria), St. Anton, Mayrhofen and Ischgl (). By the way, about Ischgl: the location is located on the border with Switzerland, so holders of a ski pass valid on its territory are allowed to “cross the border” and drive along the slopes of the Swiss resort of Samnaun.

Spas and thermal resorts in Austria

Austria is home to a large number of mineral and thermal springs, and where there are healing springs, there are spa complexes. You can often take a steam bath in radon and carbon dioxide baths without leaving the ski resorts, as, for example, in Bad Kleinkirchheim (Carinthia) or the Aqua-Dom balneological complex in Sölden. In Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Burgenland, people not only bathe in mineral water, but also take it internally as part of a treatment course for gout, osteoporosis, diabetes and other ailments. A whole cascade of thermal springs is located near the city of Bad Blumau (Styria), famous for its health center “Rogner Bad Blumau”, built according to the sketches of the “fairytale architect” Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

The southernmost of the mineral thermal resorts in Austria is Warmbad Villach. It is located in Styria, offering, in addition to hot pools and healing waters, proximity to ski slopes, as well as several music and theater festivals. Another Styrian commune where you can pamper yourself with spa treatments is Bad Radkersburg. The pools here are moderately warm (about +25 °C), but super-carbonated, so an interesting sensation while swimming is guaranteed. Young travelers at Austrian resorts are also taken care of - many aquatic complexes have special small areas for children and water slides.

How to save money in Austria

It is possible and necessary to save money in the “land of waltzes, music and alpine skiing,” especially since each region and city issues discount cards for travelers. In Vienna, for example, there are three of them - Vienna Pass, Wien-Karte and Flexi Pass. In , having a Salzburg Card in hand, you can ride cable cars and river boats for free, and also receive significant discounts on the excursion program. Most cards valid in the federal state of Salzburg can be obtained for free - hotels in Zell, Flachau, Lungau and other popular places issue discount coupons to their guests.

Summer lures tourists with guest tickets that promise global savings when visiting museums and swimming pools. For an inexpensive acquaintance with Styria, about 9 tourist maps have been issued, covering natural and cultural attractions, Salzkammergut, Murthal, Schladming-Dachstein and a number of other interesting locations. Lower and Upper Austria, Burgenland, Carinthia, Vorarlberg also offer tempting discounts on a variety of entertainment and gastronomic pleasures, from a free glass of wine in partner restaurants to visits to thermal complexes for a nominal fee.

Important: It is better to look for cards that provide financial benefits for exploring the culture and nature of Austria in hotels and tourist centers that support this program.

Where to stay

The most economical type of Austrian housing is boarding houses, in which the entire range of services, from cleaning to breakfast, is provided by the owner and members of his family. The average cost of living in such places is 60-80 EUR. Accommodation in bed & breakfast hotels located along busy highways will not be available for less than 100-120 EUR. As for the Austrian “fives”, the discrepancy between the degree of star rating and the level of service and comfort of the premises is still noticeable even in the most high-status establishments.

Explorers of the rural hinterland can add a pastoral flavor to their vacation and retire to alpine farms. The obvious advantages of such vacations are organic products straight from the garden, educational agricultural programs for children, the opportunity to contact pets and become involved in the culture of winemaking. Village joys cost from 15 to 35 EUR per day per person, so if you are ready to spend money on such a downshift, take a look at the portal urlaubambauernhof.at, where all the nicest estates that welcome guests from the concrete jungle are collected.

Within the ski resorts you can qualify for both standard hotel rooms and cozy chalets. Moreover, in both cases the costs will be fantastic: the amount of 500 EUR for a wooden cottage is positioned as a mega discount. It costs about one and a half to two times cheaper to stay in a similar “dacha” near thermal springs, but it is also far from budgetary, so the majority of those who come “to the waters” prefer guesthouses.

An option from the “when you don’t know what else to spend money on” category is apartments in historical buildings, for example, in the castles of Leopoldskron (), Raffelsberger (Wachau), Knappenstöckl (Halbturn). Fans of non-standard design solutions can also have a blast: peasant barns, tree huts, and decorated Eskimo igloos are not so difficult to find. If your vacation budget begins to melt away faster than planned, it makes sense to go to hostels. True, you will have to spend the night in a shared bedroom, but for a modest 15-18 EUR it’s easier to put up with the inconveniences.

It is recommended to book rooms in Austrian guest houses and hotels in advance and with an eye to the season. It's winter in Tyrol, when legions of visiting skiers flock to the icy slopes. In glamorous and historical Vienna, summer is conducive to excursions and hiking. Keep in mind that during the “rush” months, prices for accommodation soar sharply, and the number of available places is reduced to a critical limit, therefore, if you dream of being in a slightly more budget-friendly Austria, go to the Alps in June-August, and to the “musical heart of Europe” " - late autumn.

Austrian cuisine

If you think that Austrian cuisine relies exclusively on schnitzels and strudels, then you are not far from the truth - flat cutlets and sweet rolls are really respected here. On the other hand, local cafes are full of less advertised dishes that instantly replenish the calories spent on skiing and surprise the taste buds. Among them are Tafelspitz, regional variations of goulash, soups with pancake noodles, roast beef with onions, champignons and lard, roasted chicken, potato-meat gröstl and other simple but substantial delicacies.

For fans of fast carbohydrates, Austria is a promised land – confectionery shops and bakeries compete to supply the population with amazing pastries. And we are talking not only about the immoderately praised Sacher, but also about the delicious Linz Torte, vanilla nockerln, delicate Kaiserschmarrn, spicy stritzel and rum punchkrapfen. Eating floury delights, washed down with melange, Einschpenner or coffee-orange Maria Theresa, is supposed to be in cozy coffee shops. For example, in Landtmann, where Freud interpreted the waitresses' strange dreams. Or in the “Central”, where Zweig spotted his Mendel the second-hand book dealer, and Trotsky pestered the regulars with an offer to play a game of chess.

There are many haute cuisine establishments in Austria, but the most colorful catering establishments remain heurigers and schanigarten. The first are small taverns where you can taste the products of private winemakers. The latter are reminiscent of German biergartens, where the tables of visitors are taken out into the open air. True, according to indigenous gourmets, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find old-school heuriger - tavern owners rely on tourists, which entails high price tags, and with them a decrease in the quality of food and drink. For proper gastronomy, it is better to go to peripheral places, where you can still find bushenshanki - family restaurants with their own wine and traditional specialties.

Austria is a country where the morning begins with gatherings over a cup of coffee, so coffee shops and pastry shops open their doors as early as 7 am. Lunch in city taverns is served from 12:00 to 14:00, so if you expect to refuel well with schnitzels, try to fit within this period. Or pay tribute to street food - wurstel sausages, ham buns, baked chestnuts and fried potatoes. It is customary to dine in restaurants from 18:00 to 21:30, but if you intend to dine in the center of Vienna, you can stay a little longer - here dinners last until 24:00. Night bars welcome fun lovers until 01:00-02:00. The menu in tourist places is bilingual, that is, English-Austrian, but at ski resorts popular with Russians you can also find its versions in the “great mighty”.

Good to know: In many establishments in Austria, service is included in the bill, and no one will refuse a tip (trinkgeld). The standard reward amount is 5-10% of the account.

Communication and Internet

There are many operators in the Austrian communications market, but if you need a stable signal, contact the A1 and T-Mobile offices. Those who are temporarily staying in cities should make friends with virtual operators who have smaller reception areas, but lower prices, and also have hot promotions. It is convenient to purchase SIM cards in branded stores, grocery stores or at the post office, but they will all be prepaid and require activation (a combination of numbers is entered). In addition, since 2019, all Austrian license plates are registered, so be prepared to show the seller your passport.

In special cases, you can call home or call a taxi from a payphone. You have to pay for communication with coins and telephone cards, which can be found in the same place as the SIM cards themselves. By the way, if you like to save money, try to reschedule conversations for the evening - from 18:00 there is a reduced call rate. The Internet package is easy to get together with a SIM card for calls. The main thing is to carefully read the conditions listed in the advertising brochure, because some companies have limited not only traffic, but also connection speed. There are free Wi-Fi zones at train stations, cafes, shopping centers, and also at ski resorts.

Shopping


Going to Austria for trendy new clothes is not exactly wrong, but rather impractical, because there are so many more tempting things to do here. Gourmets will be the first to leave, since only convinced vegans will be able to leave here without a package of rosy waffles, hyper-chocolate Sacher, marzipan Mozartkugel, apricot schnapps, ice wine, coffee and cheese. However, local farmers also took care of supporters of a healthy diet - in any grocery department you will find 100% organic oil made from giant pumpkins grown in Styria. Alpine salt, herbal tea and honey can also be considered as a vacation reminder, especially since such gifts are not very ruinous for the wallet.

Safety


Austrians are very law-abiding, so the maximum that can threaten a traveler is the possibility of losing the contents of their pockets, as well as colossal fines for behavior and non-payment of tolls. As an example: driving as a “hare”, as well as racing on toll roads without a vignette and receipt, is punishable by a fine of 100-120 EUR. Smoking in public places is also an expensive pleasure, which can empty the bank account of an uninitiated tourist from several thousand euros.

Increased caution must also be observed in the Alps. Rockfalls, avalanches and landslides, although predicted by weather forecasters, sometimes take even such a prudent nation as the Austrians by surprise, so when going hiking or snowboarding, always listen to the recommendations of guides and experienced climbers.

Customs and visa information

To gorge yourself on strudels and walk around Schönbrunn, you will have to apply for a Schengen C-type visa. To obtain the coveted pass, they collect a general Schengen package of documents, including medical insurance with coverage from 30,000 EUR. There are no restrictions on the import of currency, but amounts over 10,000 EUR are required to be declared.

Duty-free import applies to tobacco products (cigarettes - no more than 200 pcs., tobacco - up to 250 g, cigars - 50 pcs.), alcohol (drinks with a strength of more than 22% - 1 l, less than 22% - 2 l, wines - 2 l , beer - 3 l) and medicines, if there is a prescription for them.

We allow the export of cigarettes (up to 1000 pcs.), perfume (up to 250 ml), as well as wines and liqueurs in unlimited quantities. True, in the latter case there is no point in being overly zealous - there are limits on alcohol on the Russian side. Objects of art and rarities will be allowed through Austrian customs only if they have certificates indicating that the purchased paintings and figurines are not part of the cultural heritage.

Transport

The most convenient and cheapest form of transport for moving within Austria is trains. The trains run minute by minute, and you can get to any point with them. For tourists traveling through Mozart's homeland by rail, special Interrail Passes are issued, which can be purchased upon presentation of an ID card. Fans of nostalgic voyages on retro locomotives will be curious to evaluate the operating narrow-gauge railways of Zillertal, Murtau, Mariazell, Simmering and a dozen other ancient routes. Often in such tours to the past there are a lot of additional bonuses that vary depending on the region - in some places passengers are given the opportunity to “steer” a steam locomotive, and in others they boast luxurious imperial-style coupes.

Comfortable Flixbus and Eurolines buses travel around the main locations, resorts and between suburbs, where you can use Wi-Fi and charge your smartphone. In winter, vehicles serving the mountainous regions of Austria also provide free transportation of sports equipment such as snowboards and skis. Taxis are available almost everywhere. The cars are equipped with meters, so drivers have no chance of cheating. In the summer months, it is also interesting to entertain yourself with a boat excursion along the Danube (be sure to sail along the breathtaking Schlögen Loop) and lakes - Constance, Wolfgangsee, Zellersee and others.

In cities, transportation is carried out by buses, trams and in some places trolleybuses. There is a metro only in Vienna, electric trains - in the same place, and also in, and. Bicycles are also in demand - in the capital alone there are more than 1000 km of bicycle paths. You can rent a two-wheeled friend in hotels, bike shops, and also at CityBike parking lots. Proven places where you can organize an exciting bike trip are Styria (don’t miss the country roads leading to wineries and the Mürztal river bed), Upper Austria (paths trodden by Roman legionnaires), (Mozart Radweg bike route) and Burgenland.

Rent a Car


To save money, it is recommended to book a car in advance. You can order a vehicle both from official representative offices and from intermediaries. In this case, the age of the renter must be from 21 years old if a budget model is chosen, and from 25 years old if we are talking about an expensive car. To enter into an agreement with the rental company, present your IDP (International Driver's License) and a credit card (sometimes two if you are renting a luxury vehicle).

Before signing documents, please read the “Insurance” section. Serious companies include insurance against accidents, theft and civil liability to third parties in the price. Traffic rules in Austria are the same as in the rest of Europe. The speed limit in populated areas is 50 km/h, outside them – 100 km/h, on highways – 130 km/h. As for fines, there is no single tariff - each federal state has its own rates. In general, speeding, using a telephone while driving (with a headset is possible), and driving while intoxicated are recognized as unreasonably expensive violations.

There are many highways in Austria, traffic on which is possible only after making a cash contribution. To travel along most toll roads, a vignette pasted on the glass (sold at gas stations) will be enough, but if you are planning to rush through the Felbertauern, Gleinalm, Brenner, Katschberg, Tauern and Karawanke tunnels, you will need to part with a few more euros. You will also have to pay extra for using the high-altitude roads Großglockner, Maltatal, Timmelsjoch and Silvretta. Some of them are considered protected sightseeing and excursion routes, driving along which is strictly permitted in the summer months and in daylight.


, therefore, for those planning to storm snow-covered jumps and halfpipes, it is advisable to look for tickets from Austrian Airlines and Pobeda.

Austria is an amazing country that amazes with its unique mountain landscapes. It is here that tourists come from all over the world to enjoy skiing. Austria has a high standard of living, comfortable resorts and gastronomic delicacies. In this country you can relax your body and soul. Next, we suggest reading more interesting and surprising facts about Austria.

1. The name Austria comes from the ancient German word “Ostarrichi” and is translated as “eastern country”. This name was first mentioned back in 996 BC.

2. The oldest city in Austria is Litz, which was founded in 15 BC.

3. It is the Austrian flag that is the oldest state flag in the whole world, which arose in 1191.

4. The capital of Austria, Vienna, according to numerous studies, is considered the best place to live.

5. The music for the Austrian national anthem was borrowed from the Masonic Cantata, which was written by Mozart.

6. Since 2011, the Austrian anthem has changed a little, and if earlier there was a line “You are the homeland of great sons,” now the words “and daughters” have been added to this line, which confirms the equality of men and women.

7. Austria is the only state that is part of the EU, which at the same time is not part of NATO.

8. Residents of Austria categorically do not support the policy of the European Union, and only two out of five Austrians support it.

9. In 1954, Austria joined the UN international organization.

10. More than 90% of Austrians speak German, which is the official language in Austria. But
Hungarian, Croatian and Slovenian also have official linguistic status in the regions of Burgenland and Carinthia.

11. The most common names for residents of Austria are Julia, Lucas, Sarah, Daniel, Lisa and Michael.

12. Most of the population of Austria (75%) profess Catholicism and are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church.

13. The population of Austria is quite small and amounts to 8.5 million people, of which a full quarter lives in Vienna, and the area of ​​this amazing mountainous country covers 83.9 thousand km2.

14. It will take less than half a day to drive the whole of Austria from east to west by car.

15. 62% of Austria's area is occupied by the majestic and mesmerizing Alps, of which Mount Grossglockner, reaching 3798 m, is considered the highest point in the country.

16. Austria is a real ski resort, so it is not surprising that it ranks 3rd in the world in terms of the number of ski lifts, of which there are 3,527.

17. Austrian climber Harry Egger set a world skiing speed record of 248 km/h.

18. Hochgurl, an Austrian village, is considered the settlement that is located at the highest altitude above sea level in Europe - 2150 meters.

19. The most famous natural attraction of Austria is rightfully considered the enchanting beauty of Lake Neusiedler, which is the largest natural lake in the country and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

20. A favorite place for divers in Austria is Lake Grüner, surrounded by mountains on all sides and whose depth is only 2 meters. But when the thaw comes, its depth reaches 12 meters, flooding the nearby park, and then divers dive into the Grüner to swim near benches, trees and lawns.

21. It is in Austria that you can visit the highest waterfall in Europe - Krimmlsky, whose height reaches 380 meters.

22. Due to the similarity of names, tourists often confuse this European country with the entire continent - Australia, so local residents came up with a funny slogan for Austria: “There are no kangaroos here,” which is often used on road signs and souvenirs.

23. Austria has the largest European cemetery, founded in 1874 in Vienna, which looks like a real green park where you can relax, make a date and get some fresh air. More than 3 million people are buried in this Central Cemetery, the most famous of whom are Schubert, Beethoven, Strauss, and Brahms.

24. Such famous composers of classical music as Schubert, Bruckner, Mozart, Liszt, Strauss, Mahler and many others were born in Austria, so to perpetuate their names, music festivals and competitions are constantly held here, attracting music lovers from all over the world.

25. The world-famous Jewish psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud was also born in Austria.

26. The birthplace of the most famous “Terminator”, Hollywood actor and governor of sultry California Arnold Schwarzenegger, is Austria.

27. Austria is the birthplace of another world celebrity, Adolf Hitler, who was born in the small town of Braunau am Inn, which is also famous for the fact that the events of the first volume of Leo Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace” take place there.

28. In Austria, a man named Adam Rainer was born and died, who was both a dwarf and a giant, because at the age of 21 his height was only 118 cm, but when he died at the age of 51, his height was already 234 cm.

29. Austria is one of the most musical countries in the world, where composers from all over Europe began to come in the 18th-19th centuries for the patronage of the Habsburgs, and there is still not a single theater or concert hall in the whole world that could compare in beauty and greatness with the Vienna Philharmonic or the State Opera.

30. Austria is the birthplace of Mozart, so he is everywhere in this country. Candies are named after him, in museums and exhibitions at least one room is dedicated to the outstanding composer, and men dressed in his uniform stand near theaters and concert halls, inviting them to a performance.

31. It was at the Vienna State Opera that Placido Domingo received the longest applause, which lasted more than an hour, and in gratitude for which this opera singer bowed about a hundred times.

32. Music lovers can visit the Vienna Opera for next to nothing by purchasing a standing-room ticket for just 5 euros.

33. Residents of Austria love their museums very much and often visit them. Once a year, Museum Night occurs in this amazing country, when you can buy yourself a ticket for 12 euros and use it to visit all the museums that open their doors to tourists and city residents.

34. In each region of Austria you can purchase a seasonal card, valid from May to October, which costs 40 euros and allows you to ride the cable car and visit any museums and swimming pools once per season.

35. In the capital of Austria there is one public toilet where gentle and lyrical classical music is constantly playing.

36. To tickle your nerves, tourists visit the Vienna Museum of Paleontology, which is located in a former psychiatric hospital, where you can see the creepiest exhibits in the world.

37. Austria is home to the very first zoo in the world - Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which was founded in the capital of the country back in 1752.

38. In Austria, you can ride on the oldest Ferris wheel in the world, which is located in the Prater amusement park and was built in the 19th century.

39. Austria is home to the world's first official Haslauer Hotel, which was opened in 803 and is still operating successfully.

40. The most famous attraction in Austria that every tourist should visit is Schönburnn Palace, consisting of 1,440 luxurious rooms, which was previously the residence of the Habsburgs.

41. In the Hofburg Palace, which is located in Vienna, there is an imperial treasury where the largest emerald in the whole world is stored, the size of which reaches 2860 carats.

42. In the Austrian town of Innsbruck, those same Swarovski crystals are produced, which can be bought in many shops at an affordable price.

43. In Innsbruck you can visit the Swarovski Crystal Museum, which is like a huge fairyland consisting of a store, 13 exhibition halls and a restaurant where you can eat gourmet dishes.

44. The world's first railway running through the mountains was created in Austria. The construction of the Semmerin railway lines began in the middle of the 19th century and continued for a long time, but they still function to this day.

45. In 1964, the first Olympic Games were held in Austria, which were equipped with an electronic counting and timing system.

46. ​​In the winter of 2012, the first Youth Olympic Games were held in Austria, in which the country’s team took third place.

47. Bright greeting cards were invented and first used in Austria.

48. The world's first sewing machine was invented in 1818 by Austrian resident Joseph Madersperger.

49. The founder of one of the most famous and prestigious automobile companies, Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche, was born in Austria.

50. It is Austria that is considered the “Country of Bigfoot”, because in 1991 the frozen mummy of a 35-year-old man with a height of 160 cm, who lived more than 5,000 years ago, was found there.

51. In Austria, children must attend kindergarten for at least two years. In most regions of the country, these kindergartens are completely free and are paid for from the treasury.

52. There are no orphanages in Austria, and children from disadvantaged families live in Children’s Villages in families - in one such family “parents” can have from three to eight children.

53. In educational institutions in Austria there is a five-point system, but here the highest grade is 1.

54. School education in Austria consists of four years of basic school followed by 6 years of secondary school or gymnasium.

55. Austria is the only EU country whose citizens receive the right to vote at the age of 19, while in all other EU countries this right comes at the age of 18.

56. In Austria, higher education is highly valued, and relations between students and teachers in universities are very friendly.

57. Austrian universities do not have separate dormitories, but there is one organization that is responsible for all dormitories at once.

58. Austria is a country where citizens highly value their academic degrees, which is why they even have it listed on their passports and driver’s licenses.

59. The Austrian nation, according to Europeans, is famous for its hospitality, goodwill and tranquility, so it is completely unrealistic to piss off an Austrian.

60. Residents of Austria try to smile at every passerby, even if they are going through very difficult times in their lives.

61. The population of Austria is distinguished by its workaholism; residents of this state work 9 hours a day, and after the end of the working day they often stay late at work. This is probably why Austria has the lowest unemployment rate.

62. Until the age of 30, residents of Austria are only concerned with professional growth, so they get married late and the family is usually content with having just one child.

63. At all Austrian enterprises, managers always listen to the needs of employees, and employees themselves often participate in solving global company issues.

64. Although half of the female population in Austria works part-time, nevertheless, every third woman in the country holds a leadership position in companies.

65. When it comes to flirting, Austrians occupy a leading position in Europe, and Austrian men are considered the best sexual partners among the entire male population of the earth.

66. Austria has the lowest obesity rate in Europe - just 8.6%, although at the same time half of the country's men are overweight.

67. One of the very first countries in the world to switch to more than 50% energy-efficient equipment is Austria, which currently receives 65% of its electricity from various renewable sources.

68. In Austria they are very concerned about the environment, so they always separate garbage and throw it in different containers, and order and cleanliness always reign on the streets of the country due to the fact that there is a garbage can every 50-100 meters on every street.

69. Austria pays only 0.9% of GDP for its defense, which is the lowest in Europe and amounts to $1.5 billion.

70. Austria is one of the richest countries in the world, because its GDP per person is as much as 46.3 thousand dollars.

71. Austria is one of the largest railway countries in Europe, with a length of railway tracks of as much as 5,800 km.

72. In many large cities in Austria there are amazing sobering machines that work on the principle of coffee machines - just throw a coin into their slot, and the intoxication immediately disappears, thanks to a shock stream of ammonia right in the face.

73. People in Austria simply love coffee, so in this country there are many coffee shops (Kaffeehäuser), where every visitor can drink coffee, choosing it from among 100, or even 500 types, which will certainly be served with a glass of water and a small cake.

74. January-February in Austria is the season of balls, when balls and carnivals are held to which everyone is invited.

75. Famous for its beauty and sophistication of movements, the “Viennese Waltz” was created in Austria, and music from Austrian folk dance was taken as its basis.

76. In addition to traditional holidays, Austria also celebrates the end of winter, in honor of which they burn a witch at the stake, and then walk, have fun, drink schnapps and mulled wine.

77. The main national holiday in Austria is the Day of the Adoption of the Neutrality Law, celebrated on October 28 every year since 1955.

78. Austrians treat church holidays very carefully, so on Christmas Day in Austria no one works for three whole days; at this time even shops and pharmacies are closed.

79. There are no stray animals in Austria, and if there is a stray animal somewhere, it is immediately delivered to an animal shelter, from where anyone can take it home.

81. Most residents of Austria have a driver's license, and almost every Austrian family has at least one car.

82. Despite the fact that almost all residents of the country drive cars, they can also often be found riding bicycles and scooters.

83. All parking in Austria is paid and paid for with coupons. If the ticket is missing or the parking time expires, the driver is issued a fine of 10 to 60 euros, which then goes to social needs.

84. Bicycle rental is common in Austria, and if you rent a bike in one city, you can return it in another city.

85. Austrians do not suffer from Internet addiction - 70% of residents of this state consider social networks a waste of time and prefer “live” communication.

86. According to a public opinion poll in Austria, it was revealed that health is in first place among Austrians, followed by work, family, sports, religion, and, finally, politics takes last place.

87. In Austria, there are “Women’s Houses” where any woman can turn for help if she has problems in the family.

88. In Austria they take great care of people with disabilities; for example, there are special notches on the roads here that allow blind people to find the right path.

89. Austrian pensioners most often live in nursing homes, where they are cared for, fed and entertained. These houses are paid for by the pensioners themselves, their relatives, or even the state if the pensioner does not have money.

90. Every Austrian has health insurance, which can pay for any medical expenses, except for visits to the dentist or cosmetologist.

91. When visiting Austria, tourists should definitely try apple pie, strudel, schnitzel, mulled wine and meat on the bone, which are considered the culinary attractions of the country.

92. Austrian beer is considered one of the most delicious in the world, so tourists visiting the country always try to try Weizenbier and Stiegelbreu wheat beer.

93. In order to buy beer or wine in Austria, the buyer must be 16 years old, and stronger alcohol is only available to those who are 18 years old.

94. The famous Red Bull company was founded in Austria, because young people here really like to drink refreshing and invigorating energy drinks in the evenings.

95. Although in many Austrian restaurants, hotels and cafes the service is already included in the bill, it is still customary to leave a 5-10% tip on top of the bill.

96. Shops in Austria are open from 7-9 am to 6-20 pm depending on opening time, and only some station shops are open until 21-22 pm.

97. In Austrian stores, no one is in a hurry. And even if there is a huge queue there, the buyer can talk to the seller for as long as he wants, asking about the properties and quality of the product.

98. In Austria, fish products and chicken are very expensive, but pork can be purchased several times cheaper than in Russia.

99. Every day you can see the latest issue of the newspaper on store shelves thanks to the existence of as many as 20 daily newspapers, the one-time circulation of which is more than 3 million.

100. Despite its small area, Austria is one of the most visited countries by tourists, where everyone will find something to their liking.

The homeland of great musicians, enveloped in the aromas of fresh baked goods and the strongest coffee, a beautiful European country where centuries-old traditions coexist peacefully with the latest achievements of science and technology, brought to life to the sounds of Viennese waltzes - all this is Austria. So, make yourself comfortable, the most interesting facts about Austria await you.

  1. The official language of Austria is German, but the local dialect is very different from the German used in Germany. Moreover, the language differences are so great that often a German and an Austrian have difficulty understanding each other. Perhaps this is why there is some tension between the Austrians and the Germans.
  2. Residents of Austria treat holidays with great trepidation, especially church holidays. For example, during Christmas, not only all institutions are closed, but also shops and even pharmacies. The streets are empty at this time, because Christmas is usually celebrated with family. New Year, on the contrary, is usually celebrated in large groups, having fun until you drop. Stores, by the way, are operating as usual, except that breaks are kept to a minimum.

  3. Although Austria looks quite impressive on the map, you can drive all of it from edge to edge in literally half a day. By the way, the inhabitants of Austria have a completely different attitude towards time and distance. Our compatriots, accustomed to traveling several hours to work, are initially very amused by the complaints of Austrians that they live “terribly far from work - it takes a whole 20 minutes to drive.”

  4. The clothes of ordinary people are not particularly beautiful - the emphasis here is not on beauty, but on convenience. Here it is not customary to go to the store or to work in the best clothes. The most common clothes are jeans and sneakers.

  5. Austrians are very proud of their great compatriots, such as Mozart, who lived most of his life in Austria. Without exaggeration, Mozart is everywhere in Austria - in the names of cafes and restaurant dishes, on store windows and hotel signs. Almost every castle or museum can boast of some exhibit related to the great musician.

  6. Austrians love to visit museums and the opera and even purchase special passes for this.

  7. In all of Austria you can literally count on one hand the number of people who cannot ski. Children are taught this skill literally from the first steps. And there are not many ski lifts in Austria, not a few - three and a half thousand! It is not surprising that in this country.

  8. The most interesting, “most-most” attractions await guests of Austria literally at every step: the oldest Ferris wheel, the largest emerald, the world’s first zoo, the largest natural lake in Europe,

Austrians, like most Europeans, perceive distance differently. Traveling to work or school for half an hour is perceived as an ordeal.

Austria has many mountains. Children learn to stand on skis from an early age. So ski holidays are one of the most favorite for Austrians.

Austrians don't like Germans. In their own words, they simply do not fully understand each other. Students in Austria, quite understandably, do not have the warmest feelings for their neighbors, because students from Germany often come to study in Austria if they do not receive enough points for admission in their home country.

Getting higher education in Austria is very convenient. You make your own schedule, and in fact you can study as much as you like.

Fish products are very expensive in Austria, as is chicken, which is raised with love and care. But pork may be cheaper than in Russia.

In Austria, bread is eaten everywhere. There are bakeries and bakeries and things like that on every corner. There are a lot of varieties of bread and other baked goods, and the smell from these bakeries calls you from a block away.

Austrians are very sensitive to holidays, especially church holidays. During Christmas, nothing works for three whole days. Even pharmacies. And there is almost no one on the streets, because the holiday is considered a family holiday.

The New Year is celebrated with a noisy, friendly company, and there are almost no interruptions in the work of shops.

In the evenings there is almost no one on the streets. After 8 pm people either sit at home or in cafes and pubs. Spending time on the streets is not so popular.

Austrians mainly drink beer, wine and spritzer, which is a mixture of wine with soda or mineral water.

Austria produces different types of wine, but, according to the Austrians themselves, white is much better. In addition, one of the most popular wines in Austria is the sweet Eiswein wine, whose grapes are harvested in cold weather. And this wine is actually sweet, like syrup.

By the way, Vienna itself has vineyards and its own wine culture.

A mixture of vodka and energy drink is very popular in Austrian clubs. In general, energy drinks are consumed quite often in Austria; moreover, Red Bull is an Austrian company.

Austrian women don't pay much attention to how they look or dress. The most popular clothes are jeans, T-shirt and sneakers.

Austrians love to go to theaters and exhibitions; metro stations are mostly full of advertisements for these very events. And in Austria it is very popular to buy museum passes.

Mozart is everywhere in Austria. At museums, men dressed in Mozart costumes are invited to concerts, Mozart candies are sold everywhere, and every museum or castle has at least one exhibit or room related to Mozart.

Along with Mozart, Princess Sissi and Maria Theresa are revered in Austria.

Strudel and schnitzel are served in almost every establishment. Everything is according to the rules: strudel is served with vanilla sauce, and schnitzel with a slice of lemon and potato salad.

There are many immigrants in Austria, in particular from Turkey. There are entire areas populated by immigrants from different countries.

The most common eateries are Turkish, all because there are really a lot of Turks.

Swarovski crystals are produced in the Austrian city of Innsbruck, so in many cities there are stores selling products with these crystals, and the installations inside look like a work of art.

In Vienna, there are no student dormitories that are tied to one university, but there is a separate organization that is responsible for all dormitories at once.

Austrians, unlike Germans, are less punctual and less committed to rules.

Perhaps everywhere in Austria there are special notches on the roads along which blind people walk.

Many people in Austria ride scooters, even adults. It is very interesting to watch an adult man in a suit and with a diplomat riding down the street on a scooter.

Large banknotes are not favored in Austria. 200 euros are unlikely to give change in a store, and 500 euro bills are not in use at all. The bank will ask you several times if you ask to withdraw money from your account in exactly these bills.

Government institutions work using coupons and very quickly. All processes are automated and queues are not typical for Austria.

Standing at a traffic light for 5 minutes is already considered a traffic jam.

The streets in the cities are very clean; leaves or dust are constantly swept away. As soon as even a little snow falls, snow removal equipment goes out onto the street. A couple of times I watched the street being vacuumed.

Austria has a very convenient transport system, including night buses. In addition, the metro operates 24 hours a day from Friday to Sunday.

But motorists have a hard time. Parking is paid, and prices in the center are very high. In addition, you need to keep track of where and when you can park, and be sure to put a note under the glass with the time when you parked.

In Austria, tea is not a cheap pleasure and, apparently, is not in demand among local residents. Austrians drink coffee more often, and often drink water or a spritzer with meals.

The grading system in educational institutions is five-point. But the highest score is 1, and if you get a 5, it means you failed.

Beer and wine in Austria can be consumed from the age of 16, stronger alcohol - from 18.

The tap water is drinkable.

The Austrian Foreign Minister is 27 years old and still a student.