Austria

Austria is a mountainous and scenic landlocked country in central Europe and a very popular holiday destination during winter or summer.  The Austrian Alps and Tauern mountains are famous for excellent skiing and winter sports.  During summer the mountains show their true colours with meadows of beautiful mountain flowers leading to crystal clear lakes – opening up a wealth of outdoor activities to be enjoyed.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AUSTRIA
Find out about European Travel Insurance and Ski Insurance .

Austria is bordered by (clockwise) the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy to the south, Liechtenstein and Switzerland to the west and Germany to the north and west.

The highest peak in the Austrian mountains is the Grossglockner at 3,798 m (12,460’).  Austria is a land of great natural beauty and culture, with its lively cities and scenic mountains, forests, lakes and its rivers.  German is the official language, with Croatian, Hungarian and Slovene spoken in some areas. 

If you plan to ski in Austria you may find the following intersting. Austrian Ski Guide

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

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

The von Trapp family, depicted in the much-loved movie The Sound of Music lived in Salzburg.

Situated in the wide Inn Valley in western Austria, Innsbruck is world famous for its winter sports, with every type of activity from skiing and snowboarding to tobogganing, snow shoeing and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Innsbruck is host to several ski areas and the area is also a popular summer destination for walking, hiking, mountaineering and other outdoor activities.

The historic city of Graz is the second largest city in Austria and capital of the county of Styria in the SE of Austria. It is beautifully situated with hills on three sides and a wealth of historical buildings. A significant attraction is the Schloss Eggenberg (Eggenberg Castle).

Former Mr. Universe and movie star turned former 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 through his marriage to Maria Schriver.

The city of Linz is situated on the banks of the Danube river in northeastern Austria. The 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 the city, and to this day the city still has a very active musical culture.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for updated travel advice for Austria, as part of the ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. Their advice covers many important topics, including the following: Click Here

Driving: Austria has complex driving laws, especially pertaining to motorhome and caravan owners.  It is important to read up on the rules of the road before venturing out in Austria to avoid stressful (and potentially expensive) encounters with the law! There are many things you need to know before using the motorways (autobahns). For Vehicle and Motorcycle Breakdown Cover (including free caravan/trailer cover) click here.  
 
Check for passport validity requirements and visas.  The number to call in an emergency in Austria is the Euro-wide 112. 

It is a requirement by law that visitors must carry their passports at all times.  Single adults travelling with children need to be aware of the documentary requirements for entering and leaving Austria. 

Read the FCO advice to help avoid becoming a target for criminals or victim of a scam.   Watch your valuables and luggage in all public places.  As is the case in most major cities of the world, pickpockets are known to operate in the vicinity of the centre of Vienna. 

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) holders should carry the card with them when visiting Austria.  However, be aware that the EHIC should not be used as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.  The EHIC does not cover ongoing medical treatment, non-urgent treatment, medical repatriation and many other travel-related mishaps. 

If you plan to walk in the woods or forests it is important to take precautions to avoid contracting tick-borne encephalitis. Check that your travel insurance covers all your planned activities. 

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.