Europe > Austria

The climate is continental in type across a large part of the territory with however moderate changes in temperature, except at altitude, where a more Alpine climate entrains a greater range of temperature with, of course, heavy snowfall at times.

The ideal time for visiting Austria depends on your reasons for visiting the country: Visiting Vienna and Salzburg is very pleasant in autumn or the spring, although the enjoyment of winter sports can continue from December to April.

The mountains and forests are also very pleasant in summer between the showers and summer thunderstorms.

A popular destination for its culture, Austria is however a country with wonderfully well preserved natural resources. Its central European position makes it a destination as easy to reach as it is fascinating.

The capital, Vienna, possesses a distinctive identity, characterised by its rich architecture and famous river, the Danube. Visit the old town centre, the Saint Etienne Cathedral, the Donaupark, the pedestrian road of Kärtner Strasse, the Imperial Palace, the Historical Museum of Beaux Arts and the Opera House to name just a few. A sampling of the Viennese cafés should not be forgotten together with a meander around the town cemeteries with their tombs of famous people.

Salzburg too has many treasures of its own; baroque churches, squares, fountains and various places dedicated to Mozart who was born in this town. If you get the opportunity do not miss the International Festival, from July to August, which is a great celebration of music.

Take the panoramic route of Grossglockner where you will discover awe-inspiring landscapes including the summit for which the route is named together with the Pasterze glacier.

The Tyrol is another jewel of this country with its green valleys and scattered doll-like villages, its emerald lakes surrounded by majestic summits and its winter sports resorts highly appreciated by ski enthusiasts.

Various international airports are served by airlines from numerous countries throughout Europe. It is also easy to get to Austria by train or car, the road and rail systems are very efficient.
An identity card is sufficient for European citizens.

The currency in circulation is the euro.
The budget required for a stay in a reasonable establishment is similar to that of France; a meal will cost less than €30 and a double room around €100. These prices are higher in Vienna and Salzburg. Do not forget to include entry fees for museums and historical buildings in your budget as these can prove to be fairly expensive.

There are no particular health problems that are present here.

For travelling around internally you have several options available to you that you can choose from according to your budget or requirements. These include internal flights, comfortable and frequent trains, the bus for short distances, tramways in the towns, boats on the Danube and not forgetting the bicycles available for rental that you can use on the numerous cycle paths that can be found throughout the country.