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Austria

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Austria is a landlocked country located in the central part of Europe, north of Slovenia and Italy.


Travel Insurance for Austria:
Area: Europe *

Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for Austria
 

Its bordering countries are Slovakia , Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein , Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and the Czech Republic . It is a popular tourist destination year-round, with sightseeing in the beautiful mountains in the summer and skiing the Alps in winter. The Alps comprise a large part of the country with the highest peak being the Grossglockner at approx. 12,500’. Austria also has a lot of forest land and the main river is the Danube.

The population is mainly comprised of Germans, with approximately ten percent being immigrant groups of Bosnians, Serbians, Croatians and Turks. German is the official language, with some Croatian, Slovene and Hungarian spoken in certain areas. Roman Catholic is the dominant religion with some Protestant, Islam and others.

Vienna , the capital city, was home to the ruling Habsburgs for approx. six hundred years. The Imperial Palace is a popular attraction as are many of Vienna ’s famous museums and palaces, Opera House and world-famous Spanish Riding School .

Salzburg , birthplace of Mozart, is another popular city to visit with its many museums and palaces. It is a very picturesque city, located on the River Salzach, between two mountains. Salzburg has many castles, palaces, museums and other cultural places of interest.

The true story of the famous von Trapp family of the movie The Sound of Music fame lived in Salzburg . During the 1920s the nun, Maria, went to work for the widowed Captain von Trapp as governess to his children. When Captain von Trapp refused to be a part of Hitler’s military the family had to flee to Italy , and then ended up in New York . Maria eventually wrote a book of their story whilst living in America, which then went on to become one of the most loved and watched movies of all time.

Located in the wide Inn valley in the western part of Austria , Innsbruck is world famous for its winter sports with every type of activity from skiing and snowboarding to tobogganing, snowshoeing and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Innsbruck has several ski areas, including the closest, Nordkette. Other popular areas close by are Stubai Valley , Axamer Lizum and Igls. The area is also a popular summer destination for mountaineering and other outdoor activities.

The city of Graz is the second largest city in Austria and capital of the county of Styria in the SE area of Austria . It is beautifully situated between hills on three sides and has a wealth of historical buildings and baroque architecture. The most significant attraction is the Schloss Eggenberg and the fortress situated on the Schlossberg is a dominant feature.

Former Mr. Universe and movie star turned California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was born and raised in Graz . He moved to America and rose from rags to riches, living the American Dream. He is affiliated with the famous Kennedy family via his marriage to Maria Schriver.

The city of Linz is located on the Danube river in the northeaster part of Austria . It is also the capital of the state of Upper Austria (Oberosterreich). Composer, Anton Bruckner, lived in Linz for over a decade and has a concert hall named after him, the ‘Brucknerhaus’. Mozart wrote his Linz Symphony, Symphony No. 36 in Linz . and today the city still has a very active musical culture. The area was also home to Adolf Hitler and his family.

Weather
Austria is located in a temperate climatic zone with a Central European climate influenced by the Atlantic climate. The four seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) each have typical temperature and climatic characters. Due to the topographical diversity and the relatively large West-East expanse, there are three differentiating climatic regions: East: Pannonian climate with a continental influence – low precipitation, hot summers but only moderately cold winters. Alpine Regions: Alpine climate - high precipitation ( except inner alpine valley regions such as the upper Inntal), short summers, long winters. Remainder of the country: transient climate influenced by the Atlantic (in the West) and a continental influence in the South-east.

Austria driving guide
The public transport system in Austria is well organized and efficient. In general, people are encouraged to use it especially in Vienna. The International Drivers Permit (IDP) is valid for one year. An IDP serves as an official, internationally recognized translation of your license. Carry this with your current license. EU/EEA nationals can use their driving licence in Austria. If your Drivers  License has been issued by a country not having a recognition agreement with Austria, the Austrian driving test will have to be taken. Speed limits: 100 km/h on highways; 130 km/h on freeways (Autobahn); 50 km/h in residential areas between the signs marking the city limits, if not otherwise posted.
Toll roads: Since 1 January 1997 it has been compulsory for vehicles to carry a toll label, the so-called Vignette, on Austria’s highways. If driving without a valid toll label, or a label which is not affixed, you will be subject to high fines. The Gendarmerie and Customs are authorized to collect the toll evaded, together with an additional sum as a substitute fine. Driving while under the influence of alcohol (or drugs)
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense---fines begin at €400 and violators may also lose their licenses.


Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure this information is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy.

* Inclusion on this guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in this country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries for which the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

** At the time of writing, the F.C.O. advised against travel to countries, or areas thereof, marked thus at the time of writing. Travel Insurance is not available in areas where the F.C.O. advise against travel to
.

You are strongly advised to visit the F.C.O. web site for up to date information and general travel advice before you travel.


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