Austria. See what "Cities of Austria" are in other dictionaries Cities of Austria by population list

On South. Austria is a federal parliamentary republic, which consists of 9 federal states. The official language is German. The majority of the population is Catholic.

Austria is the heart of the formerly powerful Habsburg empire, which occupied a huge part of Europe and subjugated most of the neighboring states, it is one of the cultural centers of the European continent and a harbor of Western musical traditions. It is a land of stunning nature, from the snowy and forested majestic Alps to the graceful Danube and the ice caves of the Eisriesenwelt. Austria attracts with its rich cultural heritage, the majestic architecture of Vienna and its stunning natural scenery and calm, friendly atmosphere.

Useful information about Austria

1. The official language is German.
2. Currency - Euro.
3. Visa - Schengen.
4. The standard of living is very high.
5. The population is over 8.8 million people.
6. Area - 83 879 sq. m.
7. The capital is Vienna.
8. Time zone +1. Moscow time is -1 in summer and -2 in winter.
9. The form of government is a federal parliamentary republic.
10. More than 70% of the population is Catholic.
11. The electrical network has a voltage of 220 to 230 V, 50 Hz.
12. It would be good practice to leave a tip of 5-10% of the amount, provided, of course, that you liked everything.
13. Austria is one of the safest countries in the world with a very low crime rate.
14. ATMs in Austria are called Bankomat. They are widespread and you can withdraw money even in small villages. Credit cards are accepted by almost all shops and restaurants.

Geography and nature

Austria is a mountainous landlocked country. Mountains occupy more than 70% of the territory, and 2/3 are located at an altitude of more than 500 meters above sea level. More than half of the country's territory is covered by forests. The foothills are covered with deciduous forests (beech and oak), while conifers (spruce, fir, larch, cedar) prevail in the mountains. Above there are alpine meadows and glaciers. The highest peak in Austria is Mount Großglockner (3798 m).

Austria can be conditionally divided into three geographical areas: the Eastern Alps occupy most of it, the other part is the foothills, the Bohemian forest (Böhmerwald) and the Danube valley, and, finally, the smallest part is the Vienna Basin (part of the Central Danube plain). The fauna is typical for Central Europe. Although more wild animals and natural habitats have been preserved in Austria. Here you can find: red deer, elk, roe deer, brown bear, wild boar, mountain eagle, chamois, capercaillie, black grouse.

The largest river in Austria is the Danube. The far west belongs to the Rhine Valley. Other major rivers are the Inn, Ens, Drava and Morava. In the mountains, there are many mountain rivers with fast flow and clear water. More than half a thousand lakes are scattered across the country. The largest of them are Utter, Thrawn, Lake Constance and Neusiedler See.

Climate

The climate is temperate, transitional to continental and highly dependent on altitudinal zonality. Summers are warm and sunny in the plains and foothills, cooler and rainy in the mountains. Winter also has differences. In the mountains, it is usually quite cold and a lot of snow, the plains have mild winters and small freezing temperatures.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Austria for cultural and historical heritage is June and September. During this period it is usually warm and dry. For skiing, it is better to come from November to March.

History

In ancient times, the territory of Austria was inhabited by Celtic tribes. The Celtic kingdom of Noricum was conquered by the Romans and turned into a Roman province. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Austria was conquered by the Franks. In 803, the Austrian brand was formed, which became the Eastern brand at the end of the 10th century.

The name of the country Osterreich is translated from Old German as "Eastern State". "Austria" has been used to name the country's territory since the 10th century.

In the Middle Ages, Austria, Styria, Carinthia and Tyrol were independent states. In 1156 Austria became an independent duchy ruled by the Babenberg dynasty. In 1276 they were replaced by the Habsburgs, who ruled the country until the First World War and under whose rule the state reached its peak.

In the 15th century, the power of the Habsburgs in Europe began to grow rapidly. Since 1438, the dukes of Austria have become Holy Roman Emperors almost continuously. In 1526, the Czech Republic and Croatia became part of the Austrian Duchy, in 1687, as a result of the union, Hungary became part of the state, at the end of the 18th century Galicia, Lesser Poland and Southern Mazovia were annexed. The state of the Habsburgs at that time was one of the most powerful states in Europe.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the Austrian Archdukes lost the title of Holy Roman Emperor, but acquired the title of Emperor of Austria. In 1815, the German Confederation was created, and the Austrian emperors became its presidents. Around this period, Lombardy and Veneto were annexed to the empire. In 1859, after the Austro-Italian-French War, Italian territories were lost, and in 1866 the German Confederation ceased to exist. Since 1867, the empire became known as Austria-Hungary.

After the First World War, Austria-Hungary ceased to exist. Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia left the empire. Austria became a republic. In 1938, the territory of the country was annexed by Nazi Germany. Austria was liberated in April 1945. Since October 1955, the law on permanent neutrality has been in effect. Austria has become a member of the European Union since 1995.

Austria is divided into 9 federal states. Vienna is the capital city.

Federal states of Austria:

• Burgenland is the administrative center of the city of Eisenstadt.
• Carinthia is the administrative center of the city of Klagenfurt.
• Lower Austria is the administrative center of the city of St. Pölten.
• Upper Austria is the administrative center of Linz.
• Salzburg is the administrative center of the city of Salzburg.
• Styria is the administrative center of the city of Graz.
• Tyrol is the administrative center of the city of Innsbruck.
• Vorarlberg - the administrative center of the city of Bregenz
• Capital city Vienna.

Population

Austrians take formalities and etiquette seriously, they are friendly, quite open and have great respect for tradition. Do not compare them with the Germans or consider their language to be purely German. Austrians are a separate nation with their own dialect. The overwhelming majority of the Austrian population is Catholic. Religion and tradition play a big role in the life of an Austrian. Most major church holidays are weekends. Austrians love titles and are very proud of them. In a business letter, they will definitely indicate their academic degree, starting with a master's. Also, there is such a mark in the Austrian passport.

Some rules of etiquette in Austria:

• When greeting, one should say "Grüß Gott", and when saying goodbye, "Wiedersehen" ("Auf" is usually omitted).
• Do not raise your voice or shout in public places - this can be regarded as aggression.
• You should always use the Sie form when talking to seniors or strangers.
• When meeting Austrians, they shake hands and look into each other's eyes. Lack of eye contact can be seen as condescension.

Transport

There are 6 international airports in Austria. The largest is located in Vienna. Others are located in Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz and. The most affordable and easiest way to travel around the country is by train. Austria has a dense rail network that also includes high-speed trains. By train you can get to Austria from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland. Bus service within the country is not very common. Mostly buses are used to travel between small towns and remote villages.

Austria has excellent motorways and you need to buy a vignette to get around. The vignette can be bought at petrol stations or Kantor points.

From Germany:

• Motorway A8 from Munich
• Motorway A93 from Rosenheim via Kufstein to Innsbruck and Tyrol.
• E43 (A96) from Leutkirch via Wangen to Bregenz and Vorarlberg.
• E56 from Regensburg via Passau to Linz.

From Italy:

• Motorway A23 (E55) via Tarvisio to Villach.
• Motorway A22 (E45) via Brenner to Innsbruck.

From Slovenia:

• E652 in Villach.
• E57 via Spielfeld to Graz.

Austrian cities

Vein

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria with a population of almost 2 million. It is the heart of the country and one of the cultural and economic centers of Europe. Vienna is famous for its theaters, music and museums. Mozart and Strauss worked here, talented architects turned Vienna into the pearl of the European continent, and the Habsburgs gathered the richest collections of cultural and art objects. The historic center of the Austrian capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most beautiful cities in Austria. Its old town is a Baroque gem. Also the historic center of Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The genius Mozart was born here, and the mighty Hohensalzburg Castle is the largest completely intact medieval fortress in Central Europe.

A tiny village lost in the Alps has long become one of the symbols of Austria and the most popular destinations. This is a small settlement in a picturesque natural area on the shore of a lake with beautiful houses and stunning landscapes.

Other interesting cities in Austria:

• Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol, known as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, for its historic buildings, charming old town and sports facilities.
• Graz is the capital of Styria and the second largest city in Austria. Famous for its universities and old town.
• Linz is the third largest city in the country and the capital of the federal state of Upper Austria. It is located near the border with the Czech Republic and is famous for its ancient streets and architecture.
• Villach is the second largest city in Carinthia, which is located on the border with Italy. It has a rich history and is famous for its cultural events.
• Bregenz is a small town and capital of Vorarlberg. Located in a picturesque area on the shores of Lake Constance.
• St. Pölten is the capital of Lower Austria and one of the oldest cities in the country.

sights

Hofburg is the imperial palace in Vienna. A huge luxurious building that has been the winter residence of the Habsburgs since the 13th century. Numerous reconstructions have affected its architecture, in which you can find elements from Gothic to Art Nouveau. The palace contains over 2000 rooms and several museums.

Schonbrunn is the summer residence of Empress Maria Teresa. Luxurious 18th century baroque palace with a beautiful garden. Located on the outskirts of Vienna and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Cathedral of st. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna is one of the most significant masterpieces of European Gothic and one of the largest religious buildings in Austria. For a long time, the building of the cathedral with a tower was the highest building in Europe.

Hohensalzburg is a medieval fortress on the Festungsberg mountain, the hallmark of Salzburg. It is the largest building of this type in Europe, which has been preserved in its original state.

The Old Town in Innsbruck is a medieval historical center with unique architecture, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

The Benedictine Abbey in Melk is one of the most famous monasteries in the world. Located on a cliff overlooking the Danube. It houses valuable art objects and historical rarities.

Hohenwerfen is a mighty medieval castle located on a rocky ledge above the Salzach River. It was founded in the 11th century. Located 40 km from Salzburg and open to the public.

Hochosterwitz is a medieval castle east of St Veit on a high cliff. It is considered one of the most important medieval monuments in Austria. The castle has been mentioned since the 9th century. In its entire history, it has never been captured.

Maria Hall Church is a medieval Gothic church above Solfeld, which is one of the most popular places for pilgrims. It stands out for its twin towers and beautiful old tombstones.

Eisriesenwelt is the world's largest ice cave network located in the federal state of Salzburg. One of the most striking natural attractions in Austria.

The Großglockner Alpine Road is one of the most magnificent mountain roads in Europe, built on the site of an ancient Roman route. It has a length of 22 kilometers and passes through the mountains at an altitude of over 2000 meters. The road consists of a long series of bends leading to the top of the tunnel at Hawktor. This path will open up magnificent mountain views and a stunning panorama of Austria's highest peak, the Großglockner Mountain.

St. Anton am Arlberg is a famous ski resort located in Tyrol. This is a legendary destination for all ski lovers.

Residence

Hotels and guest houses can be found in almost every Austrian village. Most of them are significantly more expensive than in other European cities. Housekeeping fees are often charged, so please check your accommodation carefully when booking. Accommodation in Vienna and Salzburg costs much more than a room in a picturesque Alpine hotel somewhere in the Austrian countryside. To register at any hotel, an identity document is required.

Kitchen

Austrian cuisine is delicious and exquisite. She has absorbed the culinary traditions of Bavaria, Hungary, Serbia, Romania and Dalmatia. Desserts are the real star of Austrian cuisine. Bread also plays an important role. Even the smallest alpine village often has its own bakery.

Traditional food and drinks:

• Wiener Schnitzel is a fried beef chop in breadcrumbs.
• Tafelspitz - boiled beef with potatoes and horseradish.
• Knödel is something like our dumplings. Especially popular in Tyrol.
• Palatschinken are thin pancakes with different fillings.
• Liptauer is a cream cheese dish with paprika.
• Strudel is a famous Austrian dessert consisting of thin layers of fried pastries stuffed with apple and raisins.
• Sacher is a legendary chocolate cake.
• Salzburger Nockerln is a baked vanilla soufflé.
• Mehlspeisen - pudding.
• Stroh is a spiced rum.
• Gluhwein is a hot red wine with orange and spices.

Austria (officially the Republic of Austria) is a state in the center of Europe with its capital Vienna. The five largest cities in the country, besides Vienna, also include Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck. The area of \u200b\u200bthe country is 83 879 km², the population is 8 857 960 people (as of October 2018).

Austria is a parliamentary republic with a federal president elected for a term of 6 years. Geographically, Austria consists of 9 federal states: Burgenland, Vienna, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Styria.

In Austria, they speak German, which is both lexically and grammatically different from the German language in Germany. In addition, the numerous dialects spoken by the inhabitants of the alpine regions are very difficult to understand.

The Austrian flag is one of the oldest symbols of statehood in the world. According to legend, it was created with the light hand of Leopold V of Austria in 1191 during one of the battles of the Third Crusade.

The name of the country comes from the ancient German word Ostarrichi - "eastern country", and Austria as a proper name was first mentioned in the annals of 996.

Austria is 70% a mountainous country located, on average, 900 meters above sea level. Most of the country is occupied by the Eastern Alps, which in turn are subdivided into the North Tyrol Alps and the Salzburg Alps in the north; Zillertal and Karnik Alps in the south. The highest point is Mount Grossglockner (3,797 meters) with one of the largest glaciers in Europe - Pasteursee.

Despite its relatively small size, this European country is a popular tourist destination. Austria is a must-see for all self-respecting skiers and fans of other winter sports, fans of active types of tourism and ecotourists, because there are a large number of national natural parks in the country.

Current time in Vienna:
(UTC +2)

Customs regulations

Personal items required during travel can be imported duty free. Persons who have reached the age of 18 can import duty-free for personal consumption 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco), as well as 2 liters of wine or 3 liters of beer and an additional 1 liter of other alcoholic beverages.

Major holidays

• January 1 - New Year
• January 6 - Day of the Three Saints
• May 1 - Easter Monday (public holiday)
• August 15 - Ascension, Spirits day, Assumption
• October 26 - National Day
• November 1 - Feast of All Saints
• December 25 - Christmas
• December 26 - St. Stephen's Day

How to get there

By plane

The main international airport is Vienna. During the ski season, charter flights to Salzburg and Innsbruck are organized. In addition, you can use the airports of neighboring Schengen countries - Munich, Milan or Venetian.

It is most convenient to fly to almost any city in Austria by Austrian Airlines, which operates flights from several cities in Russia - from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov and Sochi. You can read about how to get to Vienna.

By train

A non-stop carriage from Moscow travels for 33 hours through Poland and the Czech Republic. With a transfer, you can travel through Slovakia or Hungary. You can also travel with a transfer through Poland and Germany to the Salzburg and Innsbruck area, but such a transfer will not be cheaper than a flight.

By car

Distances from Vienna by road: Moscow - 1950 km, Berlin - 635 km, Paris - 1265 km, Zurich - 765 km, Prague - 280 km, Munich - 445 km, Bratislava - 65 km, Budapest - 245 km.

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Climate and weather in Austria

Here, two climatic zones converged at once. Wet weather prevails in the west, continental climate in the south and southeast. Therefore, those who like to bask in the sun is best to go to Austria in May or June. Although the Austrians themselves consider autumn the best time of the year, when there is no heat and it is still far from cold weather. They come only in January, and they can be called cold only conditionally: below -2 С ° it rarely happens here, with the exception of mountainous regions.

Cities and regions

The Austrian Republic was created after the First World War on the ruins of the multinational Austro-Hungarian Empire and nine German-speaking lands, which separated from the German principalities in the Middle Ages. Thus, the historical predecessor of Carinthia was the Duchy of Carinthia; Styria - Duchy of Styria, Tyrol - County Tyrol. Vorarlberg was part of the County of Tyrol until 1918, Vienna was part of Lower Austria until 1921. Burgenland was created from four ethnically Germanic regions of Hungary, which were transferred to Austria in the 1920s. Salzburg until 1803 was an independent principality within the Holy Roman Empire. And Upper and Lower Austria were once semi-independent principalities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Today Austria consists of 9 federal states (Bundesland). Each federal state has its own elected legislature - the Landtag (Landtag), the government (Landesregierung) and the governor (Landeshauptmann).

Tyrol is a federal state in the west of Austria, the capital and largest city of which is Innsbruck. The land covers an area of \u200b\u200b12,648 km² and is considered the third largest land in Austria. It is in Tyrol that the highest point in Austria is located - Mount Grossglockner (3 797 m). Tyrol, in turn, is divided into two parts: North Tyrol and East Tyrol, separated, which is remarkable, by a strip (20 km wide) - the territory of the federal state of Salzburg. Tyrol borders on the Austrian lands of Salzburg, Carinthia and Vorarlberg, and also neighbors Germany, Switzerland and Italy. The origin and mentality of the Tyroleans is close to the people of Bavaria - it has developed historically. So, in antiquity, Tyrol was inhabited by the Retes and Illyrians, in the XI-XII centuries its territories were part of the Holy Roman Empire, since 1363 Tyrol was owned by the Habsburgs, and since 1805 (Napoleonic Wars) Tyrol belonged to Bavaria. In 1919 (according to the Saint-Germain Peace Treaty), Tyrol was divided between Austria and Italy. This division continues to this day.

Innsbruck is the European capital of winter sports. For example, the 1964 Winter Olympics and the 1976 Winter Olympics were held here. Next year, 2012, the Youth Winter Olympic Games will be held in Innsbruck. Innsbruck offers many attractions, including the Hovkirche court church (16th century), the Golden Roof, the City Tower, Ambras Castle, the Ferdinandeum Ethnographic Museum with a collection of Gothic paintings, the Alpine Zoo with a circular panorama and the Museum of Tyrolean Art.

In the town of Wattens, not far from Innsbruck, in an underground cave, there is the Swarovski Crystal Museum - the famous Swarovski Crystal Worlds, and in the town of Stans - the interesting Renaissance Trazberg castle with an armory. However, Tyrol has a huge number of beautiful old castles and fortresses. The land of Tyrol is also famous for its mountain lakes, the largest of which is Achensee, located between the Karwendel and Rofan mountains. The lakes Pillersee and Schwarzsee (near Kitzbühel) are very beautiful, and the largest lake in East Tyrol is Tristacher See at the foot of the Dolomites.

Vorarlberg is a federal state located in the west of Austria, with its capital in Bregenz and the largest city of Dornbirn. Vorarlberg, which occupies 2601 km² of Austrian territory (the eighth largest in terms of area among the Austrian lands), borders Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and also neighbors the Austrian federal state of Tyrol.

In the Roman era, Vorarlberg was part of the province of Rezia in the Roman Empire, and since the time of the Great Nations Migration, Germanic tribes have settled on these lands.

Among the sights of Bregenz, it is worth mentioning the town hall, the St. Martinsturm tower (17th century), the Vorarlberger Landsmuseum with a collection of paintings by Austrian artists, the zoo-safari park on Mount Pfander, many ancient castles, abbeys and monasteries of the 11th-19th centuries. The landscapes of Vorarlberg attract many tourists to this region: the picturesque Lake Constance and many mountain sports complexes are located here.

Vienna is both the capital of Austria and one of the nine federal states of the country. Located in the eastern part of the country, it is surrounded on all sides by the territory of another land - Lower Austria. Since its area is only 415 km², Vienna is the smallest federal state in Austria.

Styria is a federal state in the southeast of Austria with the capital and largest city of Graz. This land is the second largest in Austria (16 391.93 km²), it is adjacent to the lands of Carinthia, Salzburg, Upper Austria, Lower Austria and Burgenland, and also has a state border with Slovenia in the south. Almost the entire territory of Styria is indented by mountain ranges. The famous ski center Schladming is located here. This region is also famous for a wide variety of thermal springs; the local resorts of Blumau, Bad Aussee, Bad Waltersdorf, Loipersdorf are popular.

Ancient castles and monasteries are scattered throughout Styria. So, the most interesting are the Baroque fortress Riegersburg, the Kornberg castle (Schloss Kornberg) (XIII century), Herberstein castle (XIII-XVII centuries), Eggenberg palace (1635) in the Graz region. The pilgrimage church Mariazell (1157) with a treasury, a silver altar (1727) and a miraculous statue of the 13th century, the former abbey of the Cistercian order in Neuburg an der Mürz (1350-1612), the oldest Austrian monastery of the Cistercian order in the Rhine (1129).

Salzburg is a federal land located in the very center of Austria, with the capital and largest city of Salzburg. The territory of Salzburg (7154 km²) is the sixth largest among the federal states of Austria. Salzburg borders Tyrol, Carinthia, Styria, Upper Austria and Bavaria (Germany).

Salzburg is famous for its richest culture and annual music festivals.

It is necessary to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress (1077-1861), Salzburg Cathedral (VIII century, rebuilt in 1611-1628), Mirabell Castle and Park, Salzburg Residence, the oldest monastery of St. Peter in Austria (696) and the catacombs ... Among the museums are the Salzburg Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Toy Museum, and two Mozart House-Museum.

In the land of Salzburg, you can also see the interesting Helbrunn Palace (1615) - in the vicinity of the city of Salzburg, considered one of the best examples of gardening art in the world. In Tennengebirge, south of Salzburg, is the Eisriesenwelt Cave ("the world of the ice giants"). In Werfen, be sure to visit the Hohenwerfen fortress (1077) and the ice caves, and in Hallein - the salt mines.

The land of Salzburg attracts tourists with its natural resources: here is the Flachgau lake region with beautiful mountain lakes Obertrumer See, Mattsee, Wallersee, Zeller See, Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee.

Since 1920, Salzburg has hosted famous music festivals that attract music lovers from all over Europe: Mozart Week (last week of January), Easter Festival, Salzburg Trinity Festival, concerts in the Hohensalzburg Fortress (from Easter to the end of October), concerts in the palace ( all year round), Salzburg Festival (late July - late August), Days of Culture in Salzburg (October), Pre-Christmas concerts (December).

Carinthia is a federal state located in the south of Austria with the capital in Klagenfurt. Carinthia's land area is 9536 km², making it the fifth largest Austrian land. Carinthia neighbors Salzburg, Styria and Tyrol, as well as borders with Slovenia and Italy.

Carinthia is a mountainous Alpine region, bordered by rocky chains, in the center of which is the Podravskaya depression (along the Drava river) with the Zolfeld, Krapfeld and Lurnfeld valleys. The Alps in Carinthia are divided into 2 chains: Central and Calcareous. The first, by the way, includes the famous Grossglockner Mountain with a huge glacier (3796 m).

Numerous ancient castles and fortresses, palaces and parks are scattered throughout Carinthia. Local attractions include Portia Castle on the Drau River, Landkron over Lake Osiacher See and the main Carinthian fortress, Hochosterwitz Castle. Among the examples of temple architecture, the Dominican monastery of Frisach with a basilica (XIV century), the Benedictine abbeys of St. Paul im Lavantal (1091), Ossiach (1028) and Millstatt (1060-1068) will be interesting.

The following museums are worth visiting: the Museum of Wooden Architecture in the open air in Maria Saal, the Elli Riel Doll Museum in Treffen, the private Porsche Automobile Museum - more than 30 copies of the legendary brand dating back to the 50s of the XX century - in Gmünd.

The nature of Carinthia is magnificent. In the western bay of Wörthersee, among the covered wooded alpine slopes, Velden is located - one of the best lake resorts in the country with the most modern recreation infrastructure. No less popular are the resorts of Pertchach with a water entertainment center, Warmbad Filiach with thermal springs and a national park (20 hectares), picturesque Krumpendorf and Maria Werth.

For tourists who prefer active holidays, Carinthia provides many opportunities: from cycling routes along rivers, sailing on large lakes, exciting rafting on turbulent mountain rivers, to ski slopes and ice rinks on frozen lakes.

Lower Austria is a federal state in northeastern Austria with the capital and largest city of St. Pölten. Lower Austria covers an area of \u200b\u200b19,178 km² and is the largest land in Austria. Lower Austria is adjacent to the Austrian federal states of Upper Austria, Burgenland, Styria and the capital of Austria, Vienna, which is located in the center of Lower Austria, and is completely surrounded by it. Lower Austria also borders the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The territory of Lower Austria is divided from west to east by the Danube River, which also determined the geographical features of this region. The territories south of the Danube are mountainous, to the north - flat, located on a granite plateau.

Lower Austria is a river region. In addition to the Danube - the main waterway of Lower Austria - many other rivers flow through the territory of the land: Enns, Ibbs, Erlauf, Melk, Traisen, Schwechat, Fish, Light Camp, Krems, Klamm, March, Thaya and Leinsitz, through which (through the Elbe) , Austria is connected with the Baltic Sea.

The territory of Lower Austria is replete with ancient castles, fortresses and palaces, ancient monasteries and abbeys, parks and forest parks, vineyards. By the way, “wine routes” in Lower Austria have recently become quite common among tourists.

Upper Austria is a federal state located in the north of Austria, the capital of which and the largest city is Linz. It has external borders with the Czech Republic and Germany, and neighbors the Austrian lands of Lower Austria, Salzburg and Styria. This land - the fourth largest among the Austrian lands (11,980 km²) - is also divided into two parts by the Danube River.
Most of the territory is occupied by mountains and hills. From north to south, in the territory of Upper Austria, the hilly low mountains of the Mühlviertel, the Infiertel plain, the Eastern Alps with the highest mountain Dachstein (2995 m) replace each other.

Upper Austria is one of the most popular tourist regions in the country. Ski, water, equestrian and hiking types of tourism are widely developed. The main tourism centers are located in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Salzkammergut lakes. Also popular are the resorts of St. Wolfgang, Schallerbach, Hallstatt, Kalkalpen National Park, Sauwald district, etc.

On the territory of Upper Austria, there are a large number of historical and cultural attractions - castles, palaces and fortresses. It is also worth mentioning such historical monuments as the monasteries in Mondsee (748) and Engelszell (1293), the Benedictine abbeys of Lambach (1056) and Kremsmünster (777).

Burgenland is the easternmost and least populated federal state of Austria. The capital of the land is the city of Eisenstadt. Burgenland ranks seventh in terms of territory among the Austrian lands - 3966 km², it stretches from north to south for 166 km, while at the narrowest point - in the area of \u200b\u200bthe city of Siegraben - it is only 5 km. Burgenland neighbors the lands of Lower Austria and Styria, and shares borders with Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia.

The land border with Hungary runs right through Lake Neusiedlersee - the largest lake in Austria, around which the Neuwiedlersee-Seewinkel National Park is formed, a popular destination for ecotourists and surfers, as well as bird watchers. Surrounded by thickets of reeds, salt ponds and bogs, the lake is a habitat for a large number of rare birds. To the southwest of Lake Neusiedler there are many ancient castles and monasteries, including the Baroque palace in Halbturn (1711), the monasteries in Loretto (1651) and in Güssing, the Burg Schlaining fortress (1272).

Cities

The capital of Austria, a city-museum, filled with magnificent monuments of architecture of every imaginable style, and the old city center in December 2001 was even inscribed on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. At the same time, Vienna is a modern metropolis, which houses the headquarters of various organizations such as OPEC and the OSCE. It is in Vienna that one of the three UN headquarters in the world is located, and the International Vienna Center (UNO-City) houses the IAEA, UNODC, and industrial development organizations.

The Austrian capital is also the country's economic center. Here are concentrated enterprises of the metalworking and electrical industries, precision engineering plants, factories for the production of food, clothing and footwear. Vienna is also home to the head offices of the largest Austrian banks, insurance companies and firms, twice a year, the city hosts significant international economic fairs.

Undoubtedly, the architectural wealth of Vienna is worth paying close attention to. On your own or with a guide, but it won't take a couple of days to get to know all the significant sights of Vienna. First of all, this is St. Stephen's Cathedral - a symbol of Vienna and Austria, the main attraction of the city. In addition, you should definitely visit the Hofburg - a grandiose architectural ensemble that unites 18 buildings and 19 palaces, built at different times and designed in different architectural styles.

Innsbruck is a world-famous Austrian city, a "Mecca" of ski tourism. It is in the region of Innsbruck that such wonderful resorts as Akzamer Lycium, Schlick-2000 (Fulpmes), Nordpark, Kyutai, Glungeser, Igls and Patcherkofel, Oberperfuss and the Stubai Glacier are located. In total, 280 kilometers of excellent trails with 81 lifts are laid in the skiing region, free ski buses run between the villages and the same Innsbruck Gletcher ski pass with different variations operates in all resorts of the Innsbruck region.

The city itself is quite ancient - the official city status and Innsbruck received its name in 1239, before that there were small settlements here. Subsequently, the city became the seat of the imperial court of the Habsburg dynasty.

The fourth largest city in Austria, the capital of the province of the same name, which is home to such famous ski villages as Zell am See and Schuttdorf, Kaprun, Saalbach and Hintergleem, Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein, Obertauern, Schladming and others. So in the high season, the flow of tourists to Salzburg is simply huge.

In addition to the excellent skiing opportunities around the city, Salzburg itself attracts many guests, largely thanks to its most famous "son" - Mozart. The house where the famous composer was born and raised has survived in Salzburg. The historic center retains the unique flavor of the old European city - many small streets and squares (Waagplatz and Altermarkt). Salzburg's main cathedral is St. Rupert's Cathedral. Also, tourists often look into the Hellbrunn and Mirabell palaces.

Klagenfurt is the capital of the South Austrian federal state of Carinthia, and at the same time a rather large tourist center, since those who wish to ride on the slopes of southern Austria, most often stay at the airport of this particular city. And not far from Klagenfurt, by the way, there are such wonderful and popular ski resorts as Bad Kleinkirchheim and Nassfeld.

Today Austria is one of the leaders in receiving tourists, skiers and snowboarders. The ingredients for success are simple: a short flight, great slopes and a variety of accommodation options - from luxurious five-star hotels with spas and thermal springs to budget apartments. Thus, this alpine country can satisfy the needs of different categories of tourists in love with the mountains. You can read more about the ski resorts in Austria in our article "Overview of the ski resorts in Austria". Below we list the most interesting skiing regions in the country.

Fulpmes	Fügen	Hintertux	Hopfgarten
St. Anton	Serfaus	Zel am Ziller	Hinterglemm
Neustift	Obergurgl	Hochgurgl	Zurs
Gerlos	Seefeld	Sölden	Lech
Akzamer Litsum	Westendorf	Shportwelt Amade	Galtyur
Mayrhofen	Schuttdorf	Zell am See	Schladming
Eagles	Kappl	Kirchberg	Kitzbuehel
Bad Gastein	Söll	Bad Kleinkirchheim	Ischgl
Dachstein West	Lammerthal	Bad Hofgastein	Nassfeld
Obertauern	Kaprun	Saalbach

What to see

Austria is the 113th largest country in the world, however, despite its modest size, it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations. So, fans of almost all types of tourism - from cultural to sports - will find something interesting for themselves in Austria. And not only in Vienna.

The main attractions of Vienna are listed below, and using the links you can go to a page with detailed information about the object of interest, where, along with a description, you will find contact information, opening hours, travel methods and entrance costs, as well as the location of the object on the map. If you are interested in the sights of Austria in general, without dividing into cities, there is a special section for this.

Vienna attractions

Vienna museums

Innsbruck

• Museum "Swarovski Crystal Worlds"

Salzburg

• Salzburg Cathedral

• Monastery of St. Peter and the catacombs
• The house where Mozart was born , and the house of the Mozarts
• Dachstein caves
  

Graz

Bad Ischl

Where to go in Austria

sights

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Wellness holiday

Private guides in Austria

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Austria in more detail.
Registered on the project Experts.Tourister.Ru.

Treatment in Austria

Austria is famous for its medical traditions, established in the Vienna Medical School, which have migrated to the modern highly developed healthcare system. The country trains professional personnel whose skills are highly valued at the international level.

Getting around the country

All major types of transport are well developed in Austria: air, rail, road, water, public transport in cities.

Trains

To travel around Austria, as well as to neighboring European cities, you can use the railway. The total length of the country's railways is 6399 km.
Trains with an interval of 1-2 hours pass through each more or less large city located on the main routes.

In Austria, there are trains of various classes: high-speed and local. They are designated by letters:

• ICE, IC / EC (EuroCity) - high-speed intercity and international trains
• D - average between local and fast
• E - fast local train
• R - regular local train

The cost of tickets depends on the distance, class, number of people and whether a ticket is purchased one way or both. The class of the carriage is indicated on the carriage itself, on the doors of the carriage compartments, on the walls. One carriage may have first and second class compartments. Regardless of the class, all carriages have soft comfortable seats and a bathroom. Trains traveling at night have sleeper and compartment cars. In Austria there are also trains with car platforms that run between the main major cities of the country.

On regional and express trains, the ticket price is the same. In trains of the EuroCity type, the ticket price is the highest, it is noticeably higher than in trains of other categories. However, a sufficient number of discounts are also provided on the Austrian railways: they are offered to holders of travel passes, people traveling to a certain area, the elderly, groups of tourists, there are discounts for those traveling over 70 and more than 200 km. Children under 6 years old can travel by train for free, children from 6 to 15 years old - with a 50% discount. There is no need to punch train tickets. Ticket availability is checked by controllers.

For exact information on ticket prices, contact ticket offices, travel agencies, car clubs, or on the website of the Austrian National Transport Company (Österreichische Bundesbahnen, ÖBB).

Bus

Buses in Austria are very comfortable. Bus lines are operated by government-owned companies (eg Postbus) and private businesses. There are more than 2000 routes in total, the traffic on which takes place strictly according to the schedule. Buses in Austria play a supporting role in relation to trains. There are no distant routes, only suburban ones. The main function of buses is to transport passengers to railway stations.

The average fare is a few euros, but if your trip is combined with a train transfer, then you should buy a single ticket from start to finish - it will be cheaper than buying tickets for the bus and train separately. Timetables for individual bus lines can be found on the websites of the Austrian National Transport Company and the state carrier Postbus. In order to obtain the necessary information, select the required federal land, then go to the sections Fahrplanauskunft / Linien OEBB-Postbus (on the first site) or Fahrplanauskunft / Fahrplandownload (on the second). Bus fares are cheaper than trains, but not much.

International passenger transportation is carried out by about 200 companies - Austrian and European, among which the main ones are Europebus, Eurolines, Busabout, Berlin Linien Bus, Gulliver’s. For holders of tourist plastic cards there is a flexible system of discounts. On night buses (from 00.30 to 04.00) travel costs from 2 euros, passes do not work. The penalty for travel without a ticket is 40 euros plus the fare.

Car

Driving in Austria is right-hand. The total length of highways in Austria is 200,000 km, all of them are paved. Roads are of three types: autobahn, federal roads and local roads. The maximum permitted speed on the autobahn is 130 km / h, on federal roads - 100 km / h, on local roads - 90 km / h. The speed of movement in the city is 50 km / h.

The use of seat belts is mandatory. The headlights must be on at any time of the day. Children up to 1.5 m tall require a special car seat. Information on road conditions and traffic is constantly available on the English-language Blue Danube Radio on 102.5 FM. Traffic becomes especially busy during the winter holidays and holidays (December and February), during the Easter and summer holidays (July and August), so drivers should be especially careful during this period.

Safety barriers have been installed on almost all mountain roads. Remember it is important to downshift in time on slopes! Also, on narrow mountain roads, the well-known rule of preferential passage does not apply: in the mountains, the driver of the car who has the best opportunity for this passes the oncoming car. On snowy roads in Austria, winter tires are required. Studded tires are only allowed to be used from November 15th until the first Monday after Easter. Chains are sometimes permitted and can be rented from one of the 100 rental locations of two Austrian car clubs (OAMTS and ARBO).

Travel on the roads of Austria is paid. After paying the toll, the driver receives a receipt (sticker label), which is attached to the windshield in the center or left. The amount of the duty for one year is 72.60 euros for cars (including cars with a trailer - a dwelling house weighing up to 3.5 tons) and 29 euros for motorcycles. Tourists who come to Austria by car for up to two months will have to pay a tax of 21.80 euros, for 10 days - 7.60 euros.

A fine of 119.91 euros has been established for evasion of toll payment. You can pay tolls at post offices, gas stations and tobacco kiosks. When traveling in Austria with a car rented in another country, you need to purchase a special card for driving on the Autobahn (about 10 euros per week).

Taxi

Taxis in the big cities of Austria are equipped with meters (taximeters). As a rule, in Austrian cities there are fixed prices for using a taxi, the fare depends on the distance. When traveling outside cities, you should agree on the price with the taxi driver in advance. When traveling to airports, a certain amount is usually added to the fare.

Hitchhiking is easy enough, but voting is not allowed on expressways. It is better to do this before entering the highway, and always with a sign. If you need to get from one city to another by a passing car, it is better not to vote on the highway, but to contact the specialized agency "Mitfahrzentrale" - for a small fee it will find a car.

Bicycle

Bicycles can be rented from 160 train stations and returned to the rental office at another station. There are many cycling routes in Austria, in particular many of them run along the Danube River and from the Black Forest in Germany to Vienna.

Water transport

Austria, being in the center of Europe, and not having its own access to the sea, nevertheless, has a small merchant fleet, numbering 8 vessels (weighing more than 1000 registered tons): 6 cargo carriers and 2 container ships. Access to the sea is carried out from the port of Vienna and further through Rotterdam (Netherlands) through the Rhine-Main-Danube canal. In addition to the port of Vienna, all other ports of Austria are located in the Danube basin: Enns, Krems an der Donau, Linz. Navigation on the Danube is possible from mid-April to late October.

In addition, water transport operates on the large lakes of Austria - from May to September. For more information on river and lake shipping in Austria, as well as for the timetable for motor ships and the cost of trips, visit Schifffahrt.at and Ddsg-blue-danube.at

Air Transport

There are 55 airports in Austria. You can fly directly from Russia to Austria with the following airlines: Austrian Airlines, NIKI, S7 AirLines, Aeroflot, Transaero, Lauda Air. International flights operate from Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz and Salzburg.

Domestic passenger transportation is carried out by a subsidiary of the Austrian national carrier Austrian - Tyrolean Airways (usually small regional aircraft), as well as by Austrian Airlines itself. Domestic flights start at 89 euros round trip excluding taxes. There are six flights a day from Innsbruck to Vienna, five from Klagenfurt and four from Salzburg. However, depending on the season, the number of flights may vary.

Transport in Vienna

Public transport in Vienna is called the Wiener Linien and consists of electric trains (S-Bahn), underground (U-Bahn), trams (Strassenbahn) and buses (Autobus). All transport runs strictly on schedule. If you are going to move around in the Austrian capital on your own, we recommend reading our material "Transport in Vienna", where you will find information about tickets, prices and all types of transport in the Austrian capital.

Communication

The official language is German.

In big cities and resort centers, in hotels it will not be difficult to find a person who speaks English, however, knowing at least a few German phrases will greatly facilitate contact with local residents. All announcements on trains and buses are made in German only.

In any case, we recommend that you study and take with you our Russian-German phrasebook - a useful thing when traveling around the cities and resorts of Austria. By using local words and phrases, you will gain sympathy and respect from the indigenous population.

Kitchen

Austria is renowned for its unusually simple yet tasty and satisfying food. There are also a number of truly Austrian gastronomic delights that cannot be described. However, you should definitely try the following dishes.

• Meat on the bone - dish number 1 in Austria (price - about 20 EUR).
• Gluewein is a hot drink consisting of red wine and water (3: 1), cinnamon, spices; fundamentally differs from Bavarian mulled wine in the absence of zest and the presence of water (costs about 5 EUR).
• Wheat beer (Weizenbier) - absolutely incomparable taste (about 5 EUR).
• Apple pie, or Strudel (Apfel Strudel) - in Salzburg and alpine villages is served very hot: be careful (about 10 EUR).
• Natural sweets "Mozartkugel" - an enchanting invention of the Salzburg confectionery "Fuerst" - the only place where these and other sweets are still made by hand; “Other sweets” include, first of all, the best invention of “Furst” - candies “I. S. Bach "; genuine "Mozartkugel" is sold only in silver-blue packaging and contains more marzipan and cocoa than golden-red counterfeits (from 1 EUR per item).
• Pancakes with jam (Plinsen) are simply an exclusive Salzburg delicacy.
• Mozart's favorite beer is Stiegelbreu (about 3 EUR).
• Coffee, coffee and more coffee: "Merchant" - strong double espresso, "Ferlengerter" - weaker, "Melange" - coffee with milk and whipped cream, "Einspenner" - double mocha in a tall glass.

Purchases

Since February 28, 2002, the euro is considered the only accepted means of payment in Austria. Banking hours in Austria: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 8.00-12.30, 13.30-15.00. Thursday - 8.00-12.30, 13.30-17.30. The rest of the time you can change money at machines (the rate is tolerable) and exchange offices. Exchange offices at railway stations work until 22:00.

Stores in Austria are normally open Monday through Friday from 07:00 to 19:00, and on Saturday until 17:00. At the same time, the actual opening hours of stores vary: most of them work until 18:00 or 18:30. Lunch at the store can last 1-2 hours. In resorts and in tourist centers, shops can be open until 21:00, and railway stations - until 23:00. Every first Saturday of the month, Austrian shops are open until 17.00.

If the store has a sign “Ausverkauf”, you can count on lower prices. In grocery stores "Hofer", "Spar", "Billa" prices are lower than in others. Tobacco products in Austria are sold only in special licensed kiosks or vending machines.

Foreign tourists permanently residing outside the EU, when purchasing goods in the amount of 75 euros or more, can receive a VAT refund if these goods are exported and the necessary export customs formalities are completed. To get a refund of approximately 13% of the price, you should: in shops that have the eloquent sign "Tax Free Shopping" or the silver-black-blue sign "Europa-Tax-Free Plakette", when buying, you must take a check "Tax-free -Scheck "along with the envelope. This check is completely filled in by the seller.

A refund of value added tax is made at the airport if you have a corresponding receipt, which is presented along with the goods when passing through customs control at the airport of departure. The check with the customs officer's mark must be presented in a special window TAX \u200b\u200bREFUND. The money will not be refunded without the customs mark. The money can be returned directly at the points of payment at airports, railway stations and border points indicated on the "Tax-free-Kuvent" envelope.

For most art, collectibles, books and food, the refund minus commission is 6-8% of the purchase amount.

If you are going to shop mainly in the Austrian capital, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the material "", from which you will learn about shopping areas, Christmas markets and much more.

Communication

Post offices open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. The main post offices are open 24/7. At the post office you can change currency, buy a telephone card, receive or send a money order.

Ttelephones Austria included in the automatic telephone communication established by direct dialing both with settlements in Austria and with all European countries. You can call Russia from any telephone booth (it is not recommended to call from the hotel for reasons of economy).

Calls to Russia: 007 - city code - subscriber number

Each of the Austrian cities has its own code, before which you need to dial "0" if you call from Austria itself. The area codes are in the telephone booth.

To pay for telephone calls, it is more convenient and economical to use telephone cards. The card can be of 50, 100 and 200 units. The price of a card in shillings is practically equivalent to the number of units indicated on it.

We strongly recommend that you avoid coin machines: rounding of calls in them is not in your favor. Almost all phone calls are 33% cheaper on weekdays from 18:00 to 08:00, and on weekends from 18:00 Friday to 08:00 Monday.

Roaming in Austria can also be used (there are agreements with all major Russian telecom operators), but this pleasure is not cheap. It is better to get acquainted with the prices in the office or on the website of your operator.

Internet in Austria, as in any other European country, is quite common. In almost every village you will find internet cafes, and in cities you will find Wi-Fi networks in public areas and hotels.

Emergency phones in Austria

There is no need to dial the area code before these phone numbers

Safety

Avalanches

In the mountains of Austria, especially in the west of the country, avalanches are observed. Alpine skiing tourists need to make sure that the chosen route is safe. Information and forecasts about avalanches can be found on the Internet at.

Insurance

It is recommended to purchase medical insurance that provides for the provision of medical care abroad, including the evacuation of the patient by air if necessary. It is also recommended to purchase insurance covering cases such as lost luggage or theft of a credit card. For alpine skiing enthusiasts, extended insurance is needed. Remember that drinking alcohol leads to admission

Crime

Austria is known as a country with a low crime rate. However, the number of such crimes as pickpocketing, theft of bags and other personal property has increased recently. Caution should be exercised in touristy areas, especially at Vienna's two main train stations.

Where to stay

Austria hotels

At the height of the tourist season, we recommend that you get information about the places in hotels in advance and make your room reservations. This is especially true for months such as July and August, as well as during the period of Easter and Christmas. The booking imposes an obligation on both the hotel and the guest (travel agency). In case of non-use of the reservation, a claim for damages is possible (debiting the first night from the bank card). All Austria accommodation facilities are classified and their categories (from * to *****) are strictly controlled.

Classification of Austrian hotels and other accommodation facilities

***** luxury hotels

**** first class hotels

*** high-class hotels, guesthouses and inns

** hotels, guesthouses and inns with an average level of service

* simple hotels, guesthouses and inns

For a fee, you can also rent a room in private houses, relax in a peasant's yard, at a youthful tourist base. If you can get information about hotels in Austria on our website, then information about the classification and cost of other types of accommodation can be obtained from the offices of the Austrian National Tourist Office, as well as from the tourism councils of federal states and cities.

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Books

• Museum of Art History. Vienna, Kalmykova VV .. The book "Museum of Art History, Vienna" will tell the reader about one of the most interesting museum collections of paintings in Europe. It was founded in 1891 by Emperor Franz Joseph, ...
• German-Austrian painting. XVIII XIX, Kalmykova Vera, Temkin Victor. The history of mankind can, if desired, be conditionally divided into periods between global wars (an illustrative example is the small interval between the First and Second World War, from 1919 to 1939). For…
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Charming villages, lush green landscapes, views of blue lakes and magnificent Alps, and elegant Baroque architecture - Austria has everything you need for a fabulous holiday. Good THERE presents to you the 10 best cities in Austria.

1. Salzburg

It is worth agreeing that this is one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Central Europe and it will not be difficult for you to put Salzburg at the top of your list of the best cities in Europe. Salzburg had enough time to achieve the beauty that reigns here now. The well-preserved Old Town is on the UNESCO list and fans of Baroque architecture won't find a better place. Just worth the fact that Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, the great composer of classical music, and it was here that the famous film "The Sound of Music" was filmed. Be sure to visit Salzburg and enjoy the atmosphere of this delightful city.

Situated in the westernmost corner of Austria, Feldkirch borders both Switzerland and Liechtenstein and is worth a visit for its impressive medieval center. The mountains towering around it add to the effect, and you can just wander the old streets and envy the people who are lucky enough to grow up in such a beautiful place. Feldkirch first appeared as a city in 1218, Feldkirch is a fine example of a city that used to be located around the Central European Region. On sunny days, enjoy a drink in the central square and you will feel as if you are in paradise.

Located on the very colorful Wolfgangsee lake, in the vicinity of the Salzkammergut mountain range. St Gilgen certainly has all the natural beauty you could count on. However, the fact that this is a medieval city full of colorful old buildings does not hurt the point. It began to develop as a tourist destination at the end of the 19th century, at a time when the wealthy inhabitants of Vienna began to build their summer houses here. St. Gilgen is a little connected with Mozart, although he never visited this place, his mother was born here, and his other relatives lived here.

Innsbruck really has a lot to see. First of all, this is its position in the Alps, where guests can constantly contemplate stunning views, and there is also a great opportunity to go skiing or snowboarding. Innsbruck is the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol, and there are many stately buildings along the Sill River and in the center. However, after the Anschluss in which Germany took over Austria in the run-up to World War II, Innsbruck was badly damaged by prolonged bombing, so most of the buildings you see now are renovations. Innsburg hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964, 1976 and 2012 (the first Winter Youth Olympic Games).

5. Hallstatt

Hallstatt has become a favorite destination for people from all over the world due to its extremely striking location right on Lake Hallstatter. Until the 19th century, the beautiful Austrian town of Hallstatt could only be reached by boat or along a mountain trail. Today it is a popular tourist destination - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The people of Hallstatt are proud of their history and lovingly care for and support the old houses in which they live today. Visiting Hallstatt is about experiencing a long and fascinating history.

6. Durnstein

Durnstein is one of those charming little towns you will find if you cruise along the Danube, but it is worth stopping to admire it in full. There is a medieval castle that hangs over the river dating back to at least the 10th century, and in the center there are many beautiful buildings of all kinds of architectural styles. It is also worth mentioning that Dürnstein is located right in the center of the main Austrian wine-growing region, so you can taste some of the wine that is popular in Austria. The most famous varieties are dry white wines, especially Gruner Veltliner.

Despite the fact that the town is quite small in terms of population, Alpbach has become very popular due to its beauty. It was voted the most beautiful village in the country in 1983 and named the most beautiful flower village in Europe in 1993. Although hidden in the Alps, a huge number of travelers flock here every year to enjoy its charm. It is also a ski resort, and every year the European Forum "Alpbach" is held here, which for two weeks brings together like-minded people in the world of politics, science, business and art to exchange experience. For those who are fond of the history of science, this is the place where you can see the burial place of Schrödinger, an outstanding figure in theoretical physics.

Krems is located where the Danube and Krems rivers meet; its first mention in writing appears in 996. However, archaeological excavations indicate that the area was inhabited for many millennia before. During the heyday of the 11th and 12th centuries, Krems was almost as large as Vienna. Its magnificent Old Town is well worth a visit. Since Krems is located in the wine region, it is perfect for wine tasting. However, first and foremost, the city is home to the production of apricot cognac, so this is the first drink you should try upon arrival.

While the Bad Gastein area was inhabited and used for millennia for gold mining, it became famous as a spa town in the late 19th century for its hot springs. Kings, kings, queens, and chancellors all enjoyed the healing properties of Bad Gastein. To please royal guests, the city was built in the grand Belle Époque style that you can still see in buildings. You can also drop by the bathhouse to appreciate the local healing treatments that the monarchs enjoyed over a century ago, or you can come in winter to enjoy a variety of winter sports.

Austria (officially the Austrian Republic) is a country in the heart of Europe. It stretches 280 kilometers from north to south, 560 kilometers from east to west and borders with Slovakia, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland.

The flag of the Republic of Austria is one of the oldest state symbols in the world. According to legend, at the time of the battle during the crusade in 1191, the white shirt of Leopold V of Austria was completely soaked in blood. And when the duke took off his belt, a white stripe remained on it. This shirt became the symbol of Leopold, and in the future, the flag of Austria.

Vein,the capital of Austria, filled with romance and art. Here you can find architecture from baroque to postmodernism... You can also enjoy the treasures of the Habsgurgs in over 100 museums.

The cultural center of Austria is no less picturesque - Salzburg... There are a huge number of castles, churches and palaces of the Baroque era. This is the hometown of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, so his image can be found everywhere: on houses, museums, chocolate and liquor.

The whole world knows the beautiful austrian coffee, which is considered a mandatory ritual in Viennese coffee houses, and excellent pastries. The names of the great Austrians are also heard - Johann Strauss, thanks to whom Vienna received the nickname "the capital of waltzes", and, as we have already mentioned, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Capital	Vein
Population	8 404 252 people (2011)
Population density	100 people / km²
	german
Religion	80% - Catholics, 9% - Protestants, 3% - Orthodox, 2% - Muslims
Form of government	parliamentary republic
Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone on the Internet
Electricity

Climate and weather

The climate in Austria is temperate and warm. But there are still noticeable differences in different regions. In the north and east of the country, mild winters (in January up to -5 ºС) and a rather warm summer ( up to + 20 ºС) with an average annual rainfall of 500-900 mm. This weather is very favorable for growing grapes (Burgenland and Lower Austria).

But the alpine part of the country is not spoiled by warmth. Here, the average precipitation rate can reach 3000 mm, and the temperature drops as you climb the mountains (every 100 m by 0.6 degrees). Summer is cold, windy and damp, with average temperatures up to -15 ºС... Winds appear in the Alps in spring and summer - hair dryers... They bring good and warm weather, but often this leads to collapses due to melted snow.

Two seasons are considered tourist: summer and winter. In summer, tourists visit excursions and relax on the lakes. Winter is the ski season. Most of the sports and health resorts in Austria are located in Tyrol. Thanks to such a variety, everyone will be able to choose a vacation to their liking.

Nature

Austria is landlocked, but this is offset by green valleys, rushing rivers, deep mountain lakes and dense forests. Forests are usually coniferous in the mountains, and oak and beech in the lowlands. Mountain forests are rightfully considered the national treasure of Austria. And on the alpine meadows from the very beginning of summer until September, you can admire orchids, poppies and edelweiss.

There are more than 500 lakes in the Republic, of which two are large: Neusiedler See (on the border with Hungary, area - 156.9 km 2, the Austrian part - 135 km 2) and Constance (on the border with Switzerland and Germany, with an area of \u200b\u200bonly 538.5 km 2). The lakes are mainly of glacial origin, so the water in them is cold and clear. Famous and popular lake resorts are the regions of Carinthia and Salzkammergut.

The main river in Austria - Danube... With its tributaries (Inn, Salzach, Ens, Drava), it creates a pool with a large supply of energy. However, the tributaries are not navigable and are only occasionally used for timber rafting. Often during snow melting, the water level rises to 8-9 m.

sights

The main attractions of Austria are, of course, concentrated in the capital. It:

• the well-known Vienna Opera;
• court Burgtheater;
• jewels of the imperial family of the Holy Roman Empire;
• schönbrunn Palace - the Viennese residence of the Austrian emperors;
• the unforgettable Belvedere park;
• the oldest zoo in the world (1732).

It is impossible not to remember one of the most important sights of Vienna - Church of St. Stephen.

Another most beautiful city in Austria is Salzburg. Here you can:

• admire the beautiful baroque architecture;
• visit the house-museum of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart;
• walk through the palaces Mirabell and Helbrunn;
• enjoy castle concerts.

Salzburg hosts numerous festivals every year: Salzburg (since 1917), Easter Festival (since 1964) and Mozart Week.

One of the main symbols of the city is hohensalzburg fortress (1077-1861), to which the city owes its name.

In any city in Austria you can find a lot of interesting things. For example, Graz is known Museum of Forensic Science, in Innsbruck are famous all over the world fürstenburg castle and hofburg Imperial Palace, in Eisenstadt - Haydn House Museum.

Food

At the mention of the words "Austria" and "Vienna", the sounds of a waltz are immediately heard and the smells of hot chocolate and chic Viennese apple strudel can be heard from somewhere.

This is not to say that Austrian cuisine is monotonous - in each region it differs depending on the influence of other countries. For example, Italy strongly influenced Tyrolean cuisine, Germany - Salzburg cuisine. The influence was exerted not only by the neighborhood, but also by long-term conflicts, in particular with Turkey. Few people know that famous strudel actually has Turkish roots. The same can be said for the coffee tradition.

By the way, in some restaurants and cafes in Vienna ( "Schottenring" and Diglas) you can not only taste, but also learn how to bake apple strudel.

An Austrian cannot imagine a dinner without a first course. For the second, meat is usually served:

• boiled beef in Old Rivne or heart and lung delicacies;
• scar;
• pies with meat filling.

But the most basic, popular and favorite dish is goulash.

Since Austria has no access to the sea, fish is not popular here. However, traditionally, Christmas is not complete without carp.

The main culinary clichés that are familiar to any tourist are, of course, Viennese schnitzel, cake "Sacher" and austrian beer.

Residence

Accommodation in Austria is not cheap. The cost for it in the Czech Republic and Slovakia is much lower, so tourists often walk around Vienna, and go to neighboring Bratislava for the night. It is interesting that at the beginning of the 20th century this could be done quite simply: by public transport - a tram.

On special reservation systems you can always book in advance a hotel, hotel, hostel. Be sure to be careful, as each system may have its own cost. You need to book accommodation 1-2 months in advance.

The choice of hotels is large, about 20 thousand. There are even special hotels for staying with children. In them, the level of service is measured not in "stars", but in "rattles".

Accommodation in a 3 * hotel will cost approximately 60-80 € , and in a 4-star - 100-150 € .

But in hostels, prices start from 15 € per day. At the same time, a wide range of services is offered: Internet, telephone, TV, laundry, hairdryer. In addition, a round-the-clock reception of guests is allowed here.

Cottages and apartments are very popular in winter. These are, as a rule, 2 and 3-storey houses with good service and home furnishings. It is best to shoot them with a large company.

Entertainment and recreation

In Austria, everyone can find entertainment to their liking. Those who love excursions and prefers cultural recreation will love Vienna, with its museums, theaters, exhibitions. In between viewing masterpieces, relax in Viennese cafés and pubs.

Salzburg also impresses with the splendor of baroque castles. Here you can learn a lot about Mozart by visiting his house-museum. However, in many Austrian cities you can enjoy the beauty and treasures of this country.

For those who prefer active rest, ski and green tourism is developed in Austria.

The largest and most popular ski resorts are located in Tyrol... The season here lasts from the beginning of winter to mid-April. Innsbruck (capital of Tyrol) is surrounded by a large number of ski areas:

• Patcherkofel;
• Hungerburg-Seegrube;
• Mutterer;
• Gluzenger;
• Axamer Lizum;
• Alm;
• Ranger Kempfl.

In the valley Zillertal there are villages and small towns - Fügen, Finkenberg, Zell am Ziller and Mayrhofen. It is one large space with slopes, lifts and hotels.

Restaurants, casinos, luxury hotels focused on an elite resort Seefeld.

Green tourism is a wellness treatment. Carinthia is best suited for this with its resort Bad Kleinkirchheim... Thermal springs St. Katrain and Thermal Roemerbad. Also, tourists go to Carinthiato see and swim in beautiful lakes.

Purchases

Austria has a large number of small boutiques that offer the work of designers from different countries. Well, for shopping fans there are large shopping centers.

There is a shopping center in Wesendorf, near Vienna « Shopping City Süd» with an area of \u200b\u200b230,000 m2 - the largest shopping center in Europe. There are 300 shops selling everything from children's toys to sportswear and equipment, as well as furniture stores and pharmacies. For those who come by car, it will not be difficult to find a parking place, there are 10,000 of them here.

Shopping center " Shopping Center Nord»Is located on the opposite side of Vienna. Its area is 26,000 m 2. There are 77 shops, restaurants and a cinema center with 8 halls waiting for the buyer. For those who travel with children, there are activities with babies while parents are busy shopping.

« Shopping City Seiersberg»In Graz is the third largest shopping center in Austria. Its area is 55,000 m 2. This center prides itself on its restaurant with gourmet Mediterranean cuisine.

The largest shopping center in Upper Austria, " Plus City", Is located in the suburb of Linz - Pasching. In addition to a large number of shops, this shopping center pleases with the culinary delights of its restaurants and pastry shops, from which you can bring amazing sweet souvenirs.

In Salzburg, tourists can go to « Europark» ... Here they can buy Mozart chocolate and liqueur as souvenirs.

By the way, pumpkin is very revered in Austria, so pumpkin seed oil will be a great souvenir gift for those who like to cook. It is a thick, fragrant, dark green oil used in vegetable salads.

And from the end of November, when Austria begins to prepare for Christmas, tourists can visit the traditional Christmas markets, where they can buy various handicrafts.

Transport

Austria is practically the heart of Europe, in this regard, the transport system, both international and domestic, is very well developed in the country. In general, Austrian transport workers are distinguished by impeccable clarity and composure in their work.

Public transport is represented by more than 2000 routes. Tickets for metro, buses and trams can be purchased at pre-sale ticket offices, tobacco kiosks, and special ticket machines.

Taxis in large cities have a meter. In Vienna, you will have to pay extra for transporting baggage. If you need to get to Schwechat airport, the taxi driver will ask for more 10 € to return to Vienna.

Austrian railways are the longest in Europe (over 6,000 km). The Austrian Federal Railways are renowned for their highly accurate train movements. In addition, there are many different benefits. Children under 6 travel free of charge, and children under 15 have a 50% discount.

The network of state buses is not lagging behind Bundesbus, which Austrians and tourists are happy to use for trips to nature and transfers between cities. Some ski resorts are located in places that cannot be reached except by bus or car.

Renting a car in Austria is a matter of a few minutes. There are a large number of rental companies in the country; all major cities have their branches. The quality of Austrian roads, on which right-hand traffic, can be envied by other European countries.

In addition, there are free parking lots in Austria: the time limit is indicated on a road sign, so the driver installs a special meter, leaving his car in such a parking lot. But keep in mind that if there is no meter, you will be fined.

Shipping along the Danube it is carried out from mid-spring to late autumn, and along the large lakes of Austria - all summer. On the Danube, you can travel not only within the country, but also to the states nearest to Austria.

There are many cycling routes in Austria. At most train stations, you can rent a bike and return it at any other station.

Communication

In Austria, 75% of the population uses the Internet. Wired Internet - DSL and Cable.

Major providers: Telekom Austria, Chello (cable and DSL access), Inode, Tele2, Kabelsignal (offers cable services in the Vienna area).

As for the wireless Internet, it is provided in good hotels and in McDonald's in some cities.

Mobile communication standards GSM 900/1800.

Main operators: T-Mobile, Orange, Drei, А 1 (the cost of a SIM card 15 € , of which 5 € remain in the account).

For those who travel frequently, buying a travel SIM card is a good option. It works on the principle of international roaming, but the price is several times cheaper.

All cities in Austria have an automatic direct telephone connection with all European countries. Telephone booths are located in post offices and on the streets (calls are cheaper at the post office). You can call using Telefonkarte cards or coins. Telefonkarte cards are sold at post offices and tobacco kiosks.

On weekdays, a 33% discount is available from 18:00 to 08:00. Also tangible discounts - on weekends and holidays.

Safety

Austria is a country with a low crime rate. However, you should be careful in crowded places so as not to become a victim of pickpockets.

Austria is a ski country and therefore has strict rules of conduct for skiing. In addition, the skier is tested for alcohol content before going down the slope.

Business climate

There are many reasons for starting a business in Austria. This is facilitated by low taxation, highly developed international trade, a high standard of living, visa-free travel across the EU countries.

In Austria all income is taxed. Legal entities pay 25% income tax. Also, the country has established a minimum that a legal entity is obliged to pay, regardless of whether its activity is profitable or not. This minimum is 1750 € for a limited liability company and 3500 € - for the Joint Stock Company.

For individuals, the income tax is 25 % .

Austria has introduced a property tax in the amount of 1 % from the cost.

The VAT rate in the country is 20 % ... Delay in payment threatens the submission of preliminary tax returns. If, however, in this case delays occur, then fines and penalties are imposed.

The property

When buying a home in Austria, foreigners will face a number of restrictions. For example, if you buy land in Tyrol, then it must perform certain functions. If it was bought as a farm, then there must be at least 5 cows. Each region has its own requirements. The main thing is that everything should be certified by the authorities.

All transactions are made by a notary and a lawyer. After the end of the auction, the buyer transfers the money for the purchase to a lawyer who is a trustee. The parties then await the authorities' approval of the deal. Such a scheme is fully spelled out in the legislation. In case of refusal, the money is returned to the buyer. On average, documents are reviewed 3-6 months (sometimes, consideration can take up to 12 months).

All transactions are recorded with the tax authorities, which charge 3.5% of the value for the transfer of ownership. You also need to pay the following taxes: for land registration — 1%, for registration of a mortgage - 1%.

As for the notary and the agent, their work is paid at 1-2% and 3.6%, respectively.

If the buyer is not a resident of the EU, then he will face additional costs for obtaining a permit from the local authority (the amount can go up to 1100 €).

If the acquired property is sold within 10 years after the purchase, then income tax will be required.

Before the trip, it is advisable to take out medical insurance (including air travel).

Smoking in public places is prohibited in Austria, and fines have been introduced in this regard.

It is worth getting to the Vienna Opera not only to enjoy the performance, but also to look at the interior decoration. You can buy a ticket for such an excursion and find out their schedule to the right of the main entrance.

And purchased tickets for a concert of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra or the Vienna Festival serve as public transport passes a few hours before and after the concert.

Visa information

To travel to Austria, you need a visa. At the moment there are several options for visas: short-term (including to other Schengen countries) - from 90 days to 6 months; national Austrian visa - 3-6 months (allows transit through the Schengen countries).

Documents for obtaining a visa must be submitted no later than 21 days before the trip. They must be in English or German, with a translation certified by a notary.

The collected package of documents must be submitted to the consular department of the Austrian Embassy, \u200b\u200bwhich is located in Moscow at the address: Bolshoy Levshinsky Lane, 7.

You can get information about visas by calling (+7 495) 956 16 60.