Austria

 

Destination highlights

• Luxury

• Music

• Historical palaces

• Apple Strudel/ Wiener Schnitzel/Sacher cake

• Vineyards

• Ideal place for large congresses

• Change from traditional destination to trendy spot

 

 

Destination practical information

 

Official Title 

The Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich)

Government

Federal Republic

Area

83 854 square kilometres

Population

8,139,000

Capital city

Vienna (1.64 million citizens)

Language

German is the official language in Austria but English is widely understood and spoken by most people.

Time

Austria is on Central European Time = GMT + 1 (daylight saving during the European summer)

Currency & Exchange

Euro - EUR (€), 1 euro = 100 cents

Foreign currency and travellers cheques may be exchanged in banks and exchange offices. Banks in Austria are closed on weekends but exchange offices at airports and major city rail terminals are open 7 days a week. Credit cards are widely accepted, though some restaurants and shops in regional areas may only accept cash.

Telephone numbers

The country telephone code for Austria is + 431

Electricity

The electric current in Austria is 220 volts AC at 50 cycles per second (Alternating Current). You will need a two-pin Europe adaptor.

Shopping

Vienna’s “hip” shopping mile is the Mariahilfer Strasse, located between the centre of the city and the Westbahnhof. Here, hundreds of shops are ready to serve you with fashion, jewelry, and accessories. In the centre of the city, around Kärntner Strasse, Graben, and Kohlmarkt, you will find many elegant stores with exquisite offers on display. And every Saturday, the Flea Market turns into a paradise for collectors of the unusual and for souvenir hunters.

Opening Hours

Generally shops are open from 9 am to 6 pm (supermarkets from 8 am) Monday to Friday and Saturdays from morning to 1 pm or 5 pm. Shops in areas frequented by travellers and at transport hubs are usually open longer. Note that most shops are closed on Sundays.

Local dishes

Traditional Austrian food can be stodgy, of the meat-and-dumpling variety. Wiener Schnitzel is Vienna's best known culinary concoction. It's a fried cutlet, usually veal, covered in a coating of egg and breadcrumbs. Also famous are the excellent pastries and cakes, such as strudel, baked dough filled with a variety of fruits and a sprinkling of raisins and cinnamon.

Climate & Clothing

Austria as the Czech Republic has a moderate climate with temperatures varying across the country according to altitude and geographical location. The four seasons are clearly defined and you can expect blooming flowers in spring, warm days in summer, magnificent autumn leaves and a winter wonderland. Winter: December – February, Spring: March – May, Summer: June – August, Autumn: September – November. During winter warm clothing is essential as are closed water-resistant shoes. In spring and autumn a light coat, long-sleeved top or jumper is advisable. Summer in Austria can be very hot with late-afternoon thunderstorms likely in mountain areas.

Public holidays

January 1st - New Years Day

January 6th - Epiphany

Variable - Easter Monday;

May 1st - Labour Day

Ascension day (6th Thursday after Easter);

Whit Monday (6th Monday after Easter)

Corpus Christi (2nd Thursday after Whitsuntide)

August 15th - Assumption day

October 26th - National Day

November 1st - All Saints Day

December 8th - Immaculate Conception

December 25th - Christmas Day

December 26th - Boxing Day