AUSTRIA
Alpine landscapes, clear lakes, and valleys full of quiet and space. Austria is a destination where mountains, nature, and light come together. Ideal for hikers, photographers, and travelers who love the silence of high-mountain terrain.
Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CET / UTC+1
Language
German, English good (tourism)
Payment
Cards everywhere, cash also used
Power Plug
Type F (European standard)
Austria is a dream destination for mountain lovers, hikers, and photographers. This compact Alpine country offers an unparalleled combination of majestic peaks, green valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages. With the Austrian Alps covering 62% of the country and the highest peak – the Großglockner (3,798 m) – as its crown jewel, Austria is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest national park in the Alps, is the beating heart of Austrian wilderness. Here you’ll find the spectacular Krimml Waterfalls (Europe’s highest at 380 meters), the Pasterze Glacier, and endless hiking opportunities. The Alpe-Adria-Trail (750 km, 43 stages) leads from glaciers to the Adriatic Sea, while the Glocknerrunde circles Austria’s highest mountain in 7 days. The Karwendel Mountains in Tyrol, the Wilder Kaiser, and the Dachstein region also offer world-class hiking.
But Austria is more than just mountains. The Wachau Valley along the Danube, with its vineyards, castles, and the impressive Melk Abbey, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picturesque Hallstatt on its namesake lake is one of the most photographed villages in the world. And cities like Salzburg (Mozart’s birthplace), Innsbruck (surrounded by mountains), and of course Vienna combine culture with access to nature.
For hikers, Austria offers an excellent network of marked trails, mountain huts, and cable cars that quickly transport you to high altitude. The Alpine Club (ÖAV) manages hundreds of huts. Whether you choose a day hike to an alpine meadow, a multi-day hut-to-hut trek, or a summit of a 3,000-meter peak – Austria delivers. And after hiking, Austrian hospitality awaits: Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and a cold beer on the terrace of an Almhütte.
Grosser Ahornboden: Photography at the Ancient Maples of the Karwendel
Ancient Maples and Autumn Light in the Karwendel Mountains In the heart of the Karwendel [...]
Destinations in Austria
1. Grosser Ahornboden
Großer Ahornboden is a picturesque alpine valley located in the Karwendel Mountains of Tyrol, Austria. This natural reserve is renowned for its expansive meadows adorned with approximately 2,300 sycamore maple...
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2. Naturpark Karwendel
Naturpark Karwendel is Austria's largest nature park, encompassing nearly the entire Karwendel mountain range in Tyrol. Established in 1928, it spans approximately 739 square kilometers, featuring rugged peaks, extensive forests,...
View locationFrequently Asked Questions about Austria
What is the best time to visit Austria?
It depends on your plans. For hiking: May to September, with June-August as peak season for mountain hikes (all trails snow-free). May and September are ideal with fewer crowds and good weather. For winter sports: December to March. Christmas markets are wonderful in December. The Großglockner High Alpine Road is open from May to October.
Do I need a visa to visit Austria?
EU citizens can enter Austria with a valid ID card or passport. Austria is a member of the EU and Schengen, so there are no border controls from other Schengen countries. Non-EU citizens can typically stay up to 90 days without a visa. Note: The new EES system has been active since October 2025 for non-EU travelers.
Can I pay with euros?
Yes! Austria uses the euro (€). Card payments (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted (often shown as “Eurocard”). Cash is still common in smaller villages and mountain huts, so always carry some.
How do I get to Austria?
By air to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Graz. By train via ÖBB from neighboring countries – the Nightjet sleeper train is a comfortable option. By car via Germany (note: vignette required for Austrian highways!). The digital vignette can be purchased online via ASFINAG. Within Austria, public transport (train + Postbus) is excellent.
Do I need a power adapter?
For most European travelers: No, Austria uses Type F plugs (European standard with two round pins). Travelers from the UK, US, Australia, or other non-European countries will need an adapter. Voltage is 230V, same as continental Europe.
Is Austria expensive?
Prices are comparable to Western European countries. Supermarkets and restaurants are at similar levels. Ski resorts and tourist hotspots (Hallstatt, Salzburg) can be pricey during peak season. Budget tips: eat at local Gasthäuser, use mountain huts (ÖAV members get discounts), and consider a vacation card for public transport.
Do I need a vignette for driving?
Yes, a vignette is required on Austrian motorways (Autobahn) and expressways. You can purchase a digital vignette via the ASFINAG website or app, or a physical vignette at gas stations near the border. Note: some mountain roads (like the Großglockner High Alpine Road) have separate tolls. In winter, winter tires are mandatory in winter conditions (November 1 – April 15).
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Austria has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The Alps create significant regional differences: mountain areas are colder and wetter than the eastern lowlands around Vienna. In summer, thunderstorms can develop in the mountains – especially in the afternoon. The temperatures below are averages for lower elevations; in the mountains, it’s 5-10°C colder.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rainy Days | Sun Hours | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5 to 2 | 8-10 | 2-3 | Skiing, winter sports, Christmas markets |
| February | -4 to 4 | 7-9 | 3-4 | Skiing, carnival (Fasching) |
| March | 0 to 10 | 8-10 | 4-5 | Late winter sports, spring in valleys |
| April | 4 to 15 | 9-11 | 5-6 | Spring hikes, blossoms, cities |
| May | 9 to 20 | 10-12 | 6-7 | Hiking, cities, fewer crowds |
| June | 12 to 24 | 12-14 | 7-8 | Mountain hikes, festivals |
| July | 14 to 26 | 12-14 | 8-9 | Peak season, all trails open |
| August | 14 to 26 | 11-13 | 7-8 | Mountain hikes, lakes, festivals |
| September | 10 to 21 | 8-10 | 6-7 | Autumn colors, wine harvest, fewer crowds |
| October | 5 to 14 | 7-9 | 4-5 | Autumn, cities, wine festivals |
| November | 0 to 7 | 8-10 | 2-3 | Start of ski season, quiet |
| December | -3 to 3 | 8-10 | 1-2 | Christmas markets, skiing |
Tip for photographers: May and September offer the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds. Autumn colors in September are spectacular, especially in the Wachau Valley. In summer, watch for afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains – start early! The Großglockner High Alpine Road is open from May to October and offers iconic photo opportunities.
Useful Links
A collection of helpful websites for planning your trip to Austria.
Official Tourism
- Austria.info – official tourism website
- Tyrol – Tyrolean Alps
- SalzburgerLand – Salzburg region
- Wien.info – Vienna
- Innsbruck – heart of the Alps
National Parks & Nature
- Hohe Tauern National Park – largest national park in the Alps
- Kalkalpen National Park – Upper Austria
- Donau-Auen National Park – river landscape near Vienna
- Großglockner High Alpine Road – spectacular mountain road
Hiking
- Österreichischer Alpenverein (ÖAV) – Austrian Alpine Club with hut network
- Bergfex – hiking routes, weather, and webcams
- Outdooractive Austria – routes with GPS
- Komoot Austria – hiking routes with navigation
- AllTrails Austria – routes with reviews
- Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail – multi-day trek
Transport
- ÖBB – Austrian Federal Railways
- Westbahn – alternative train company
- Postbus – regional bus connections
- ASFINAG – toll roads and digital vignette
Weather
- ZAMG – Austrian weather service
- Bergfex Weather – mountain weather and webcams
Accommodation
- ÖAV Huts – mountain hut network
- Camping.at – campsites in Austria
- ÖJHV – Austrian Youth Hostels