Module 1: Austria - The Essentials
THE BASICS
Location & Capital
Austria is located in the heart of Europe, bordering
Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech
Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. The
capital of Austria is Vienna
Provinces
Austria is divided into 9 provinces (germ. Bunde-
sländer) with provincial capitals:
Vienna – capital: Vienna
Lower Austria – capital: St. Pölten
Upper Austria – capital: Linz
Burgenland – capital: Eisenstadt
Styria – capital: Graz
Salzburg – capital: Salzburg
Carinthia – capital: Klagenfurt
Tirol – capital: Innsbruck
Vorarlberg – capital: Bregenz
Language
German is spoken by 98% of the Austrian popula-
tion. English is by far the leading second language
in the educational system and is widely understood
and spoken fluently by most people working in the
tourism industry.
Currency & Monetary Matters
The Euro is the only accepted currency in Austria.
ATMs are widely used in Austria (germ. “Bankomat”)
and outdoor ATMs can be found at most branches
of Austrian banks. Credit cards are accepted in ho-
tels, restaurants, grocery stores, shops and cafes.
Austr i a n N ational
To u r i s t O f f i c e
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The Austrian climate is moderate with warm sum-
mers (temperatures can reach 35 degree Celsius
or even above) and cold winters (temperatures can
drop below -15 degree Celsius) with significant
amount of snowfall, especially in the Alps. The four
seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter) each
have typical temperature and climatic characters.
Due to the topographical diversity of Austria and
the relatively large West-East expanse, the climate
varies:
East: low precipitation, hot summers, but only mod-
erately cold winters.
Alpine Regions: high precipitation (except inner al-
pine valley regions such as the Upper Inntal), shorter
summers, longer winters.
Remainder of the Country: Transient climate influ-
enced by the Atlantic (in the West) and a continental
influence in the South-East.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time for hiking and walking in the Alps,
cycling along the lakes or the Danube valley is from
May to October. It is also the ideal season to explore
the countryside. The summer peak season is during
July and August.
The best time to enjoy Austrian winter and snow
sports activities is from December to March,
with Christmas markets operating from mid-Novem-
ber to New Year’s Eve. Interesting fact for Aussies &
Kiwis: January is shoulder season in Austrian skiing
resorts. Accommodation and lift passes are gener-
ally cheaper, slopes less crowded and skiing condi-
tions at their best.
Cities are great destinations to visit all year-round.
The opera and theatre season runs from September
to June, while some cultural institutions remain
closed during the summer months July and August.
However, summer is a great time to visit special
events like the famous Salzburg Festival or the opera
performances at the open-air lakeside stage during
Bregenz Festival.
GOOD TO KNOW
Holders of Australian or New Zealand passports
do not need a visa if their stay in Austria does not
exceed three months.
Austria is a majority Catholic country and Sundays
are observed as holidays. Most shops and grocery
stores are closed.
GETTING TO AUSTRIA
Flying into Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Thanks to its favourable location right in the centre
of Europe, Vienna International Airport is an import-
ant hub for a number of European destinations. The
airport is not far from Vienna city centre and can be
reached in less than a half hour by train.
Airport Hotels:
The NH Vienna Airport Hotel and Moxy Vienna
Airport are located directly at the airport.
Airport Transfers:
CAT – City Airport Train to the city centre
With a journey time of only 16 minutes, the City
Airport Train is the fastest way to travel to Vienna
city centre. The City Airport Train operates daily 365
days a year. The city terminal is located at Wien
Mitte station (a 10-min walk from St. Stephen’s Ca-
thedral) and provides easy access to trams, under-
ground lines, buses, and taxis.
A dedicated CAT counter is located in the arrival hall,
where information about CAT services can be found
and tickets can be purchased.
Please note: CAT temporarily suspended operations
from March 19th, 2020.
Public holidays in Austria in 2021
01 January: New Year’s Day
06 January: Epiphany
5 April: Easter Monday (moveable)
01 May: Labour Day
13 May: Ascension Day (moveable)
24 May: Whit Monday (moveable)
15 August: Assumption of the Virgin Mary
26 October: Austrian National Holiday
01 November: All Saints’ Day
08 December: Immaculate Conception
24 December: Christmas Eve
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Boxing Day
31 December: New Year
Local trains (S-Bahn) to the city centre
The rapid transit railway (S-Bahn) is an economi-
cal way of travelling between Vienna City centre and
Vienna Airport.
Ticket counters can be found in the arrival hall; ticket
machines are located in the arrival hall, the passages
to the platforms, and on the platforms.
National trains (ÖBB) to the city centre & be-
yond
Reach Vienna main station (Hauptbahnhof), St.
Pölten, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Bregenz, and
Graz directly by ÖBB Railjet. Transfer at Vienna
main station for Klagenfurt, Brno, Prague, Györ, and
Budapest.
Ticket counters can be found in the arrival hall; ticket
machines are located in the arrival hall, the passages
to the platforms, and on the platforms.
Flying into Regional Austria
Salzburg Airport (SZG)
Salzburg Airport is Austria’s largest regional airport
with connections to some of Europe’s most import-
ant hubs (I.e. London, Frankfurt, Berlin) and other
popular holiday destinations. The airport is located
approx. 10km west of the city centre.
Innsbruck Airport (INN)
Innsbruck Airport is the gateway to the Alps. It is a
busy transport hub, particularly in the winter season
when it serves the popular ski industry in this area.
The airport is located approx. 6km west of the city
centre.
AUSTRIA BY RAIL
Types of trains
ÖBB Railjet
The Railjet (RJ) offers more comfortable wagons,
free Wifi on board, and fast connections. At interval
speeds of 140 mph (230 km/h), you can now reach
Salzburg Main Station from Vienna International
Airport in as little as 2 hours and 49 minutes. Even
services from Vienna airport to St. Anton am Arlberg
- all the way in western Austria - are available.
ÖBB Nightjet
The Nightjet (NJ, EN) train network offers one of the
most extensive overnight connections throughout
Europe. Passengers can comfortably travel while
sleeping in cosy sleeper cars, couchette coaches
and day coaches. Nightjet routes will take you all
throughout Austria including Salzburg, Vienna, Inns-
bruck, Bregenz, and the Arlberg among others.
Within Europe the Nightjet connects Austrian cities
with the following destinations (and more):
- Switzerland: Zurich, Basel
- Germany: Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Frank-
Graz Airport (GRZ)
Graz Airport connects the south of Austria with
important international hubs and popular holiday
destinations in Europe. The airport is located approx.
10km south of the city centre.
Flying into Munich & Zurich
If you plan to visit the western regions of Austria,
such as Tirol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg, flying into
Zurich (Switzerland) or Munich (Germany) is a great
option.
The Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB, offers train con-
nections from Munich and Zurich to any major city in
Austria.
furt, Düsseldorf, Munich
- Italy: Florence, Rome, Verona, Lake Garda, Mi
lan, Venice, Bologna
- Belgium: Brussels
ÖBB Eurocity & Intercity
The Eurocity (EC) und Intercity (IC) are used in addi-
tion to the Railjet for long-distance routes. The Eu-
rocity connects Austria with its neighbouring coun-
tries. Intercity trains are the addition to the Eurocity
and the Railjet for national long-distance travels
Travel Classes
Economy Class
The ÖBB Economy Class is all but basic. Modern,
comfortable seats in perfectly air-conditioned trains
feature power outlets and tables. WiFi is available
on many trains and a small on-board bistro is just a
short walk away.
First Class
In First Class you will get adjustable seats, more
legroom and space on each side, extra wide tables,
and power outlets at each seat. You can also order
food and drinks straight to your seat.
Business Class
Business Class offers ultimate comfort. Maximum
distance between seats, leather covers, leg rests,
reading lights, and plenty of table space make this
not just an ideal place to completely relax.
Travelling Times Between Major Austrian Cities
Vienna - Salzburg = less than 2.5 hours
Salzburg - Innsbruck = less than 2 hours
Innsbruck - Bregenz = approx. 2.5 hours
Vienna - Graz = approx. 2 hours 40 min.
Graz - Linz = starting from approx. 3 hours
Graz - Innsbruck = approx. 6 hours
Tickets
ÖBB Standard-Ticket
Standard single tickets are valid up to 2 days. Prior
to the first day of validity, Standard-Tickets are reim-
bursed free of charge. Please note the special terms
and conditions applicable to reimbursements for
online and mobile tickets.
ÖBB Komfort-Ticket
For connections on night trains, ÖBB offer a Kom-
fort-Ticket which includes the costs for the journey,
the reservation in the category of travel selected, as
well as breakfast in the couchette or sleeper cabin.
The Komfort-Ticket is valid for the booked train
and the booked route on the selected day of travel.
Caution: for further train connections preceding or
following this route, you will need to book separate
tickets.
ÖBB Sparschiene
The Sparschiene ticket is ideal for those who plan
their trips in advance. Travel 2nd class from Vienna
to Salzburg, for example, for as little as €19. Please
note that these tickets can only be booked online
and that they are valid for a specific train, a specific
day of travel and in one direction. The number of
tickets is limited. Exchanges and refunds are not
permitted.
Advanced Seat Reservation
Seat reservations are available for most trains at a
cost of 3 Euro (domestic trips). There are recom-
mended for peak travel times and larger groups.
Night trains include an automatic seat or bed reser-
vation with your ticket.
FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ÖBB,
TRAVEL CLASSES AND TICKTES ONLINE:
www.oebb.at/en
Austria Eurail Pass & Eurail Global Pass
Austria Eurail Pass
The Austria Eurail Pass is a flexi pass valid for un-
limited travel on any 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8 days in 1 month.
Travel days may be used consecutively or non-con-
secutively.
Eurail Passes which are valid in Austria can also be
used in Liechtenstein.
Eurail Flexi Pass
With the Eurail Flexi Pass travellers can explore 33
European countries by train on a specific number
of days (4/5/7/10/15 days) during the validity of the
pass.
Travel days do not have to be consecutive and can
be decided during the trip when to use them. A
day of rail travel is a 24-hour period from midnight
to midnight. This allows for unlimited travel on any
number of trains for each day of use.
Countries you can explore are: Austria, Belgium,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Re-
public, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (Republic),
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedo-
nia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.
Please note: Eurail Passes won’t be available
for redemption from September 2020 until early
2021.
MOSTE SCENIC TRAIN ROUTES
Semmering Pass, Styria
A two-hour journey from Vienna to the southern city
of Graz leads across Semmering mountain pass —
and with that, across an astounding 19th century
viaduct that became a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
About halfway between Vienna and Graz, Semmer-
ing mountain reaches upward with dramatic pitch.
It’s hard to imagine how a train can traverse the
pass today, let alone in 1848 when the Semmering
Railway was built. Made up of 26 miles (41 km) of
tunnels and viaducts, it represents possibly the most
impressive feat of civil engineering in the era of early
railway construction (according to UNESCO). Enjoy
the view of the romantic stone viaduct from your
window and know that by crossing the Semmering
you are still part of its pioneering history.
Arlberg Pass, Tirol/Vorarlberg
The Arlberg Pass is along the main trainline be-
tween Austria and Switzerland. The most scenic
part stretches from the Tirolean town of Landeck
(approx. 45min west of Innsbruck) via the iconic
ski resorts at the Arlberg to Bludenz in Vorarlberg.
With a maximum gradient of 31‰ (3,1m/100m) the
Arlberg line is one of the steepest railway lines with
regular passenger and goods traffic.
Pinzgaubahn, SalzburgerLand
Travelling between Zell am See and Mittersill in the
province of SalzburgerLand, this line has been run-
ning continuously for nearly 120 years. Trains still run
regularly along the foothills of the beautiful Pinzgau
Mountains. More recently, a summer steam service
has been introduced, allowing passengers to enjoy
the nostalgia of a steam train.
Zillertalbahn, Tirol
Completed in 1902, this spectacular stretch of nar-
row-gauge railroad was considered an engineering
marvel in its time. The old-time steam locomotive
travels 32 kilometres between the towns of Jenbach
and Mayrhofen (runs from May until October). It’s an
exceptional way to see the amazingly beautiful Ziller-
tal Valley. Besides the steam train there are also daily
trains (every 30min) between the two towns.
Mur Valley Railway, Styria
The nostalgic Steam Excursion Train of the Mur Val-
ley Railway offers the unique opportunity to experi-
ence the picturesque mountain scenery of the Upper
Mur Valley along the River Mur. The train departs
Murau, Styria and takes passengers to Tamsweg,
SalzburgerLand (runs from June until October).
AUSTRIABY CAR
Toll Sticker
All Austrian motorways (“Autobahn”) and express-
ways (“S” roads) are subject to toll and there-
fore all vehicles with a maximum weight of up to
3.5 t (e.g. motor bikes, cars) require the “Vignette”
toll sticker.
Physical stickers can be obtained from the Aus-
trian Automobile Clubs as well as post offices,
newsagents and petrol stations. You can also pur-
chase stickers in Austria’s neighbouring countries at
petrol stations, borders and Automobile Clubs. Cars
rented in neighbouring countries may or may not
be equipped with the sticker. It’s important to check
with the car rental agency.
Drivers must either display a physical toll sticker
on the inside windshield of the vehicle as entering
Austria or have a valid digital toll sticker. Failure to do
so will mean a heavy, on-the-spot fine.
A digital version of the toll sticker is available online.
Go to the ASFINAG online shop or download the
ASFINAG app to your phone. Please be aware that
the digital toll sticker is not valid immediately after
purchase. Due to consumer rights regulations, the
sticker is valid starting on the 18th day after pur-
chase at the earliest.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE VIGNETTE HERE:
www.asfinag.at/toll/vignette/
International Driving Licence
Only persons over 18 years of age (17 years under
certain conditions) in possession of a valid driving
licence are allowed to drive in Austria. Drivers should
always carry a full valid licence, car ownership docu-
ments, and insurance details.
Holders of Australian drivers’ licences require an
international drivers’ licence to be able to drive in
Austria. The international drivers’ permit (IDP) must
be carried with your valid domestic drivers’ licence
(note: digital drivers’ licences are not valid overseas).
Driving Times Between Major Austrian Cities
Vienna - Salzburg = approx. 3 hours
Salzburg - Innsbruck = approx. 2 hours 10 min.
Innsbruck - Bregenz = approx. 2 hours 20min.
Vienna - Graz = approx. 2 hours 10 min.
Graz - Salzburg = approx. 3 hours
Winter Requirements
Between 1 November and 15 April, drivers of private
cars and goods vehicles up to 3.5t must be suitably
equipped for winter conditions. This means that driv-
ers using the roads in wintry conditions during this
period must have winter tyres fitted.
Cars rented in neighbouring countries between
this period may or may not be equipped with win-
ter tyres. It’s important to check with the car rental
agency.
Snow chains may be used if necessary (only in case
the road is covered by a complete or scarcely bro-
ken snow cover or sheet of ice).
Things to consider
High visibility warning vests are required for all
drivers. They need to be stored within reach of the
driver and must be worn day or night when exiting
the vehicle on the hard shoulder or in the event of a
breakdown. Additionally, a first-aid kit and a warning
triangle needs to be in the car in case of a break-
down.
Drivers are responsible for securing children under
the age of 14 who are shorter than 135 cm in suit-
able child restraint systems (e.g. baby seats, child
seats, booster seats).
Under optimal traffic conditions and if not otherwise
indicated, the following maximum speed limits apply
in Austria for cars and motorbikes:
Within town limits: 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph)
On the open road: 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph)
On expressways: 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph)
On motorways: 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph)
MOST SCENIC ROAD TRIPS
Hohe Tauern Circular Tour - 220 km
(suggested duration 2 days)
St. Johann im Pongau (i.P.) – Grossglockner
High Alpine Road – Heiligenblut – Obervellach –
Bad Gastein – St. Johann i.P.
PThe tour starts in St. Johann im Pongau, and from
here the route leads through the breathtaking scen-
ery of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Not far away
from here is the Liechtensteinklamm, a spectacular
gorge formed by the thunderous current of the wa-
terfalls as they cut deep into the towering rock.
The next stop is Bruck (in SalzburgerLand) where the
Grossglockner High Alpine Road starts – one of
the most scenic roads in Austria. The mountain pass
road with a total of 48 km and 36 turns leads deep
into the centre of Austria’s largest national park that
extends across the provinces of Salzburg, Tirol and
Carinthia. The highest point of the mountain road is
the Edelweissspitze located at just above 2,500 m.
The highlight of driving on the Grossglockner High is
the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. A visitors’ centre, ob-
servation tower and food outlets can be found here,
all of which offer unique views of the snow-covered
Grossglockner (Austria’s highest mountain, and the 8
km glacial lobe Pasterze).
The High Alpine Road ends in the legendary moun-
tain climber village Heiligenblut. In Obervellach the
magnificent Falkenstein Castle awaits before load-
ing the car onto the train for the Tauernschleuse
(tunnel) in Mallnitz. After arrival in Böckstein the next
stop is the Gasteiner Tal and the conveniently locat-
ed spa resorts of Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein
before returning to St. Johann.
Romantic Road - 400 km
(suggested duration 5-7 days)
Salzburg – St. Wolfgang – Bad Ischl – Hallstatt
– Traunsee – Stift St. Florian – Enns - Melk –
Dürnstein – Krems - Vienna
The Romantic Road connects the most beautiful
landscapes of Austria, passing lakes and mountain
panoramas, as well as especially worthwhile villages.
Starting from Salzburg, the road leads through the
provinces of Upper Austria and Lower Austria to the
capital Vienna, past palaces, monasteries, castles
and museums along the way.
Apart from picturesque scenery, the Romantic
Road passes numerous cultural highlights. The mon-
asteries St. Florian, Kremsmünster and Stift
Göttweig can be visited and are remaining evidence
of earlier times. Once it arrives at the Danube, the
road winds through one of Europe’s most beautiful
river valleys – the Wachau. Following the river to the
so-called Schlögener Schlinge, it takes an almost
360° turn, with mystic castles and ruins providing
the romantic atmosphere along the way.
The final stop on your tour along Austria’s Romantic
Road is Vienna.
Austria’s Hidden Treasures - 750 km
(suggested duration 10 days)
Bregenz – Bregenzerwald – Montafon – Inns-
bruck – Zillertal – Alpbach – Salzburg – Graz
The tour starts in the province of Vorarlberg. The
capital Bregenz, located on the shores of Lake Con-
stance, boasts with cultural and natural highlights
like the Bregenz Festival and its floating stage on the
lake.
The next stop is the region of Bregenzerwald, a
true architectural feast for the eyes. The region’s dis-
tinct wood architecture is unexpectedly modern, yet
elegantly simple. Continuing to the nature paradise
Montafon, a walking, hiking and biking heaven.
The next destination is Innsbruck, the Capital of the
Alps, where Imperial elegance meets modern archi-
tecture and natural beauty. From Innsbruck the trip
continues into the Zillertal valley. Here, visitors can
experience unspoilt nature on countless hiking and
(E-)biking trails. The valley is well-known for its local
produce which can be enjoyed at cosy mountain
huts. A short drive leads to Alpbach, one of Austria’s
most beautiful villages. The picturesque wooden
houses decorated with colourful flowers, set against
a backdrop of rugged mountains are breathtaking.
The next stop is the baroque city of Salzburg. In
addition to its beautiful Old Town, Salzburg’s lesser
known modern side surprises guests.
The road trip end in Graz, Austria’s capital of culi-
nary delights. Despite being Austria’s second-largest
city, Graz is pleasantly uncrowded. It is known as
a paradise for foodies and design lovers.
AUSTRIAN THEMED ROUTES
Route of Emperors and Kings (Danube Valley)
The Habsburgs’ near 600-year domination of Europe
had less to do with magic than with political skills.
Today, one can retrace the Imperial family’s footsteps
on the “Route of Emperors and Kings”. The old “roy-
al road” from Frankfurt am Main to Budapest leads
through the former heartland of the Austro-Hungar-
ian Empire and along the Danube, passing Baroque
palaces, monasteries, and splendid residences of
what once were mighty cultural and dynastic capi-
tals.
Styrian Castle Road
Anyone who prefers to bask in the atmosphere of
past centuries should consider one of the many
theme routes devoted to Austria’s colourful history.
Along the Styrian Castle Route there are 15 castles
and palaces from various periods. One fortress that
has resisted invaders is the 850-year-old Riegers-
burg, which looms up from the edge of a 482-me-
tre-high, steeply sloped, volcanic cone. Today, a lift
takes visitors up to what was once known as the
“strongest fortress in the Christian world”, and the
castle gates are open to everyone. Other highlights
along the route include Deutschlandsberg Castle,
Castle Kapfenstein, and Castle Herberstein.
Styrian Wine Route
The Styrian wine route has long ceased to be an
insider’s tip, but there is a good reason for this. The
charm of southern Styria, combined with the
region’s outstanding wines and the hearty local fare,
is something that truly must be seen and, especial-
ly, tasted. The region south of capital city Graz has
even been called Austria’s “Tuscany,” thanks to the
sun-soaked hills that cover its terrain. Stop in at one
of the wine taverns along the wine route to sample
the local varieties and the delicious regional cuisine!
No less pleasurable is a trip along the wine roads
of Burgenland, where - in contrast to their Styrian
counterparts - the red wines are predominant.
The Cheese Road in Vorarlberg
The KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald (Bregenzerwald
Cheese Road) is an association of alpine dairy farm-
ers, cheesemakers, cheesemongers, restaurants
and museums and takes its visitors on a journey of
2,000 years of history in producing cheese in the
Bregenzerwald. One of the most spectacular stops
is the modern cheese cellar in Lingenau where some
33,000 wheels of cheese are stored to ripen. Anoth-
er highlight is the farm of the Metzler family in Egg.
Here visitors can make their own cheese at the dairy
school.
The Perry Road in Lower Austria
The Mostviertel in Lower Austria is a region named
after “most”, a word in Austrian dialect that means
fermented cider, in this case pear cider or perry. This
district completely dedicated to perry resembles a
vast garden with its gently rolling hills, hundreds of
thousands of gnarled pear trees and stately quad-
rangular farmsteads. The Mostviertel is south of the
Danube in the province of Lower Austria about 100
kilometres from Vienna. The 200-kilometer-long
Perry Road (called “Moststrasse” in German) winds
its way through Europe’s largest contiguous area of
fruit-tree cultivation.