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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. |
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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.
Annual
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