Austria

Located in Central Europe, Austria is a country bordering with Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.

This alpine nation is well known for its imperial cities, breathtaking landscapes and grand palaces.

I’ve been lucky to visit Austria various times: first, with my family in 2002 on a road trip with our recreational vehicle (RV), then on a work trip to Vienna in 2015 and lastly on the occasion of a friend´s wedding in the summer of 2025.

How do you like Austria? Have you already visited this European nation?

WELCOME TO Austria!

Basic facts

Population: 9.2 million (as of 2025)
Currency: Austria belongs to the Eurozone, hence the euro (€) is its official currency.
Language: German is the official language in the country.
Territories: Austria is a federal Republic made out of 9 autonomous provinces.
Main cities: Vienna (capital), Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck.
Fun fact: did you know that the Austrian Alps cover 62% of the country’s territory?

Things to do

In the Austrian capital of Vienna, visit imperial palaces, world-class museums and markets

Explore Salzburg, a baroque jewel surrounded by mountains and Mozart heritage

The Austrian Alps are a dream come true: think alpine lakes, wooden chalets and scenic mountain trails

SOME TIPS

✈️ Best time to visit Austria

Spring (April to June): mild, perfect for city trips and early hikes.
Summer (July and August): warm and lively — great for lakes & mountains (also peak travel season).
Fall (September through October): golden colours and cooler temperatures; fantastic for hiking.
Winter (from December to March): Christmas markets, skiing, and alpine spa retreats.

🚆 Getting around Austria

While trains are the easiest way to move between major cities thanks to OBB, Austria is also incredibly car-friendly — especially if you’re exploring the Alps, lakes or scenic routes like the Großglockner High Alpine Road. In cities and resort towns, cycling is another great option thanks to well-marked bike lanes, flat riverside paths, and plenty of rental options.

💳 Travel costs

Austria is mid-to-high budget compared to other European destinations, so expect:

Coffee: €3–€4
Restaurant meal: €15–€20
Transport: €2.50 for local buses or trams
Hotels: €70–€150+ depending on the season

FOOD & DRINKS IN AUSTRIA

Austrian cuisine is hearty, comforting and rooted in centuries of Central European tradition. Expect generous portions, seasonal ingredients and warm, welcoming taverns where regional dishes are still prepared the old-fashioned way.

Traditional Austrian dishes & desserts

Apfelstrudel: delicate layers of thin pastry wrapped around apples, cinnamon, raisins and breadcrumbs

Bosna / Bosner: a spicy sausage-in-a-bun speciality beloved in Salzburg

Kaiserschmarrn: a fluffy, caramelised shredded pancake served warm with powdered sugar and fruit compote; it became my instant favourite in Austria!

Käsespätzle: soft egg noodles melted with alpine cheese, Austria’s comforting take on mac & cheese

Leberkäse: warm meatloaf-style slices served in bakeries or snack stands

Sachertorte: rich chocolate cake layered with apricot jam — a Viennese classic

Tafelspitz: slow-cooked beef served in broth with potatoes, vegetables and freshly grated horseradish

Wiener Schnitzel: Austria’s most iconic dish — thin, breaded veal or pork fried to golden perfection.

Food & drinks locations

Austria’s historic cafés and pastry shops (called Konditoreien) are an essential part of the country’s cultural identity. They’re perfect for sampling cakes, enjoying long breakfasts, or simply sitting back with a melange coffee while watching local life go by.

For homestyle meals and generous portions, look for a Gasthaus or Gasthof — traditional taverns serving classic Austrian comfort food in cosy, often wood-panelled rooms. Many also offer simple guest rooms upstairs, especially in alpine regions.

Warm days are best spent in a Biergarten, sipping a cold beer under shady chestnut trees. You’ll find beer gardens throughout the country, with Augustiner Bräu and Stiegl among the most beloved names. Austrian wines — especially from Burgenland, Steiermark and Wachau — are also well worth trying.