Overview

Discover Austria, a land of timeless elegance and breathtaking natural beauty. From the grandeur of the Alps to the historic streets of Vienna, Austria seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modern sophistication. Known for classical music, fairy-tale castles, and world-class skiing, Austria offers something for every traveller, whether you’re exploring its artistic treasures or revelling in its stunning landscapes. Do you want to go to the land where music meets mountains?

• Capital: Vienna

• Visa Requirement: Schengen Visa required

• Best Time to Visit/Weather: Summer (May to September): Perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor festivals. Winter (December to March): Ideal for skiing and Christmas markets.

• Currency & INR Equivalent: Euro (€); 1 EUR ≈ 89 INR (check for latest exchange rates)

• Time Difference from India: Austria is 4 hours and 30 minutes behind IST

• Language Spoken: German (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)

• Flights from India: —

• Major Tourist Cities: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt

Vienna

• City Famous For: Classical music, imperial history, and grand architecture

• Best Locations to Stay: Inner City (Innere Stadt), Leopoldstadt, and Neubau

• Top Attractions: Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Belvedere Palace, Attending a classical concert, enjoying coffee at a traditional Viennese café, and strolling along the Ringstrasse

• Ideal Nights Required: 2-3 nights

• Hidden Gems: Hundertwasser House, Prater Park, and Naschmarkt for food enthusiasts

Salzburg

• City Famous For: Mozart’s birthplace, “The Sound of Music,” and baroque architecture

• Best Locations to Stay: Altstadt (Old Town), Elisabeth-Vorstadt, and Mönchsberg

• Top Attractions: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, A “Sound of Music” tour, exploring Getreidegasse Street, and attending a Mozart concert

• Ideal Nights Required: 2 nights

• Hidden Gems: Hellbrunn Palace with its trick fountains, Steingasse street, and Kapuzinerberg hill for panoramic views

Innsbruck

• City Famous For: Winter sports, alpine scenery, and imperial heritage

• Best Locations to Stay: Old Town, Hötting, and Pradl

• Top Attractions: Golden Roof, Nordkette Cable Car, Ambras Castle, Skiing or snowboarding in winter, hiking in summer, and exploring Tyrolean folk art

• Ideal Nights Required: 2 nights

• Hidden Gems: Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Höttinger Alm hiking trail

Hallstatt

• City Famous For: Picturesque lakeside village and salt mines

• Best Locations to Stay: Hallstatt Village, Obertraun, and Bad Goisern

• Top Attractions: Boating on Lake Hallstatt, visiting the ancient salt mines, and taking the funicular to the Skywalk, Dachstein Ice Caves

• Ideal Nights Required: 1-2 nights

• Hidden Gems: Gosau village for stunning alpine views, the Catholic Parish Church

Insider Tips

• Plan Ahead for Hallstatt: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, as it’s a popular day trip destination.

• Coffee Culture in Vienna: Spend time at iconic coffee houses like Café Central or Café Sacher for a slice of history with your coffee

• Free Walking Tours: Many cities, including Vienna and Salzburg, offer free walking tours to explore hidden historical gems.

Most Instagrammable Spots

• The Twelve Apostles (Great Ocean Road): Majestic limestone cliffs and blue waters