The Alps occupy 62% of Austria's territory. The Central Alps have areas covered with snow and ice all year round, such as the Otztal Valley Alps in Tyrol, on the Italian border, the Hohe Tauern in East Tyrol and Carinthia. The highest mountain in Austria is Großglockner in Carinthia. Its height is 3797 m.
Austria is located in the central European temperate zone, but thanks to the Alps, the country has many climate zones. The weather in Austria is always very varied. In the summer, for example, you can go skiing here, and then go down to the valley and swim in the warm lake. It is impossible to predict what winter and summer will be like. Sometimes the snow melts very early in low-lying ski resorts (including Kitzbühel), and the hot summer makes you think you're in Italy.
Population
Austria is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Western and Central Europe. In the Alps, the population density is only 93 people per 1 km². More than 90% of the population are ethnic Austrians, 4% are from the former Yugoslavia. Three out of four Austrians are Catholics, one in twenty is Muslim. Austria's population is rapidly aging - the average age in the country is 40 years.
Cities of Austria
A quarter of the total population of Austria lives in Vienna or its suburbs (2 million). In , and there are 220,000 inhabitants, and in Linz - 185,000.
All cities in Austria
Economy
Austria's gross national product is one of the highest in Europe.
The main income comes from tourism, banking and forestry.
After the fall of the Iron Curtain, new investment opportunities opened up in Eastern Europe.
Territory
The size of the Republic of Austria is slightly larger than the American state of Maine or Scotland. The country's area is 83,870 km³.
Sights of Austria
All sights of Austria
Country of resorts
Austria has a huge number of resorts, located from Bad Hall in Upper Austria to Salzkammergut, from the magnificent Gasteiner Ache valley to Solebad Hall in Tirol. People from all over the world come to Austrian resorts to improve their health and pamper themselves. Resort holidays can be combined with golf, hiking, skiing and educational excursions. Or with wine tasting - Baden bei Wien, located in the Vienna Woods, is surrounded by hundreds of vineyards and dozens of wine taverns (Heurigen).
Various mineral waters - ferruginous, mineral-salt, water from radioactive and sulfur sources, which also contain iodine or bromine, are supplied to Finnish saunas and steam baths (Dampfbaden) and hot pools. These waters are used for drinking and bathing, inhalation or medical wraps. The Tyrolean Treatment and Rehabilitation Center Bad Häring offers the first cold chamber in Austria, where the temperature drops to 120° below zero. The so-called cryotherapy relieves pain and improves appearance.
In Austria, you will also be offered a variety of esoteric treatments - from sea salt massage and lymphatic drainage to salt water bathing while listening to relaxing oriental music. In Bad Eisenkappel, located in the southwestern Austrian province of Carinthia, you can soak in the bubbling dark waters or enjoy a chocolate wrap (cocoa butter protects the skin from wrinkles).
Baden bei Wien lies between wooded hills and the vast vineyards of the Vienna Woods. Wienerwald and its sulfur springs were valued by the ancient Romans. Exquisite villas, well-kept parks and promenades make this city a favorite vacation spot for politicians and artists. This town was especially popular in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Bad Gastein, located among the Salzberg Tauern mountains, has become Austria's most famous medical resort, offering a wide range of treatments. There are villas and modern hotels located above a natural amphitheater created by the foaming and stormy Gasteiner Ache river. The mountain sun and clean air enhance the effect of radioactive thermal waters.
Some Austrian spas offer special treatments for children and even babies. At the Sonnenterme Baths Lutzmannsburg (www.sonnentherme.at) The longest water slide in Europe is located. There is also a “children’s world” and a children’s steam room. Oberlaa Baths (www.oberlaa.at) Children are also welcome in the center of Vienna. There are special, especially clean children's pools, and babysitting services are offered.
Burgenland
www.thermenwelt.at
Gastein Valley
www.badgastein.at
www.badhofgastein.at
www.hoteldorf.com
Lower Austria
www.baden-bei-wien.at/english.htm
Salzkammergut
www.thermenhotei-badischl.at
Styria
www.thermeniand.at
Story
44-49 million years ago The Alps rose from the bottom of the vast Tethys Sea.
30,000 years ago Stone Age people settled in the Tischoferhöhle cave near the Kaiser Mountains in Tyrol.
2000-700 BC e. The Celts give the Alps their name (in Celtic the word "alp" means "mountain" or "high place").
15 BC-500 AD The Romans capture Austria. The Roman provinces of Noricum and Raetia appear.
550 AD After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Germanic tribes of the Bavarians (Bavarians) and the Alemanni invade Austria.
1273 An Austrian nobleman from the Habsburg family becomes Holy Roman Emperor.
493 Maximilian I - Holy Roman Emperor. Innsbruck becomes the center of a European empire.
1519 Maximilian's grandson, Charles V (ruled 1519-1556), rules Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, part of Italy, Spain and part of the New World.
1529 The Turks besiege Vienna. The beginning of a two-century conflict. Austria conquers Hungary.
1556 Charles V retires to a monastery and divides his kingdom between his son (King Philip II of Spain) and brother (Ferdinand I of Austria).
1683 The Turks besiege and almost capture Vienna. Their pressure is repulsed. In the same year, the first Viennese coffee shop opened.
1805 Napoleon defeats the Austrian army at Austerlitz and forces Holy Roman Emperor Francis II to renounce his imperial crown. Napoleon marries Franz II's daughter, Marie Louise.
1815 Congress of Vienna.
1816 Salzburg becomes part of Austria.
1866 Prussia defeats the Austrian army. Austria is losing influence on the development of the German states.
1914 Austria fires the first shot of the First World War. The reason for the war was the murder of the heir to the Habsburg throne
1919 After defeat in World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was divided into separate democracies. Austria becomes a small landlocked country.
1921 Adolf Gitler (1889-1945) , an Austrian by birth, creates the German National Socialist Workers' Party (members of this party were later called Nazis).
1938-1945 German troops invaded Austria on March 11, 1938, without encountering any resistance. Austria became part of the German Reich after the Anschluss (annexations), held on March 13. From 1939 to 1945, Austrians served in the German army. Not only Hitler, but also other Austrians, including Ernst Kaltenbrunner, played a prominent role in the Holocaust. In Lower Austria, the concentration camps of Mauthausen and Gusen were organized, which were considered the most sinister in the Third Reich.
1945-1955 After the liberation of Austria, its territory was temporarily occupied by troops of the USSR, USA, Great Britain and France. After their departure, Austria remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. But in just a generation, Austria has managed to become one of the ten richest countries in the world.
1964 and 1976 Twice in 12 years Innsbruck hosts the Winter Olympic Games.
1987 The United States is adding Austrian President Kurt Waldheim's name to its list of wanted "subversives, terrorists and criminals." The explanation for this is Waldheim's Nazi past.
1995 Austria is part of the European Union.
2000 The right-wing Freedom Party wins seats in the Austrian parliament. This party conducted the election campaign under the slogan “Uberfremdung” ("Too many foreigners"). One of the reasons for its success is disappointment in the ruling political parties, which are corroded by corruption.
2004 Left-wing politician Heinz Fischer becomes President of the Republic of Austria. Austrian-born Arnold Schwarzenegger is elected governor of California.
2006 Austria celebrates 250 years since the birth of Mozart. The country is literally engulfed by “Mozartomania.”
Policy
At the beginning of the 21st century, the Republic of Austria is a stable federal republic with a constitution based on the principles of representative democracy and the rule of law. Despite its small size, Austria's federal structure is similar to that of Germany or the United States. Austria is divided into 9 federal states, including the capital of the country. These are Vienna, Upper Austria, Burgenland, Lower Austria, Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg.
Today, Austria is a small but prosperous state, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which ended in 1918. Attempts to form a stable democracy between the two world wars completely failed. In 1938 the country adopted National Socialist totalitarianism. After the defeat of National Socialism in 1945, Austria gradually, step by step, began to move towards democracy.
In 1948, the Iron Curtain was erected, and Vienna became a refuge for those who fled the suppression of the Hungarian revolution in 1956, the Prague Spring of 1968, and for Jews who fled the Soviet Union. In the summer of 1989, Austrian Foreign Minister Alois Mock and his communist Hungarian counterpart Gyula Horn worked together to cut the barbed wire at the border post dividing Western Europe from Eastern Europe. This act had more than just symbolic significance: 700 East Germans defected to the West without being shot. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, tens of thousands of East Germans fled the country and the Berlin Wall came down, ending the Cold War.
In 1995, Austria joined the European Union. The federal government transferred some powers to supranational government institutions. However, Austria's relations with the European Union deteriorated noticeably after the right-wing Freedom Party formed a coalition government in 2000. The party leader, Jörg Haider, the son of a Nazi, repeatedly emphasized the “good sides” of the Nazi regime. He came to the elections with the slogan “Austria for Austrians,” which was very attractive to people disillusioned with the country’s two main political parties, which were corroded by corruption. Other EU members responded to this choice with diplomatic sanctions. However, Austria's relations with other states returned to normal after an independent commission reported that violence against refugees and other foreigners "is much less common in Austria than in many other EU countries." Two years later, the Freedom Party was no longer able to achieve such electoral success.
In 2006, the Greens performed successfully, winning 21 seats in parliament. Environmental issues were discussed very actively during the elections. The election result confirmed the importance of addressing the environmental problems of the Republic of Austria. Today Austria gets 20% of its energy from renewable sources.
Culture
Culture plays a huge role in the life of Austria. Emperors, kings, princes, prince-bishops and dukes in positions of power have, over the centuries, created and collected the country's greatest cultural heritage. Even small towns sometimes amaze tourists with their exquisite art collections. Post-war prosperity and significant cultural subsidies support this wonderful tradition.
Origins
Although the Romans controlled Austria for five centuries, there are few significant Roman ruins left in the country. Only Carnunt is of interest (just below Vienna along the Danube), Teurnia (Carinthia) and Agunt (near Linz, in East Tyrol). The construction boom, which left its mark on the life of the country, began in the 10th century. from the construction of vaulted churches and monasteries similar to Melk. The great gate of St. Stephen's Cathedral also dates back to the same period. (Stefansdom) in Vienna.
Gothic and Renaissance
The late Gothic style in Austria is characterized by hall churches (Hallenkirchen). The nave and side aisles are of the same height and are separated only by columns. Examples of such churches are the Augustinian Church and St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. In general, late Gothic architecture remained rather gloomy. In Austria you will not find examples of the flaming Gothic style that France is so rich in. But Gothic painting and sculpture underwent major changes. The suffering of Christ was depicted in a very human way - just remember the magnificent altar by Michael Pacher in the Church of St. Wolfgang.
The influence of the Renaissance in Austria was weakly felt. A rare exception was Salzburg. The Prince-Archbishop tried to build a “new Rome” at the foot of the Alps. The most significant examples of Renaissance sculpture are the statues surrounding the tomb of Maximilian I in Innsbruck.
Baroque and Rococo
The Baroque style originated in the middle of the 17th century. and immediately eclipsed everything that existed before it. A construction boom has begun in Austria. Interior decorators received many orders. Any community that had money invested it in rebuilding Gothic and Romanesque churches in the Baroque style. The Baroque style is characterized by passion, sensuality and theatricality. In Baroque palaces, mirrors were widely used to create the illusion of infinity. Collegium Church in Salzburg, built by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach (1656-1723) , became the quintessence of the new style. In the Rococo style, decorative ornaments inherent in the Baroque reached their highest peak. Buildings and interiors were now decorated with garlands, medallions and floral motifs. In Austria, Rococo was called “Maria Theresa Baroque.”
Neoclassicism and Art Nouveau
After the extinction of the Rococo era, the pendulum swung in the opposite direction. The lush, decorative style was replaced by strict neoclassicism, the basis of which were columns and porticos. In 1887, a group of Viennese artists, led by Gustav Klimt, left the conservative Academy of Fine Arts to create an entirely new art movement called Jugendstil. The basis of the new movement was the smooth, fluid motifs of Art Nouveau and the more geometric English Arts and Crafts Movement. The Vienna Secession Artists' Association held its first exhibition in 1898. In the same year, construction of the new Secession building was completed. This building is considered the first example of 20th century architecture in Europe.
Festivals and holidays
The Austrian calendar is full of local holidays and festivals. Patriotic and religious. Very often, the festival program includes a procession, the participants of which wear folk costumes. And holidays are always accompanied by delicious food and abundant libations. Some local festivals are Christian in nature, but it is clear that their roots are in pagan traditions.
January February
(Fasching) begins in January, but its main events occur in the week before Lent, that is, in February. Costume parades, fireworks, fairs, and performances by street performers are held throughout the country. The carnival in Vienna is especially hectic. “Ghost processions” are held in Imst (Schemenlaufen - every four years), Telfse (Schleicherlaufen - every five years) and Nasseray (Schelleriaufen - every three years).March, April
Palm Sunday processions.
May June
On May 1-2, the beer festival Gauderfest is held in the Tyrolean city of Zell am Ziller. (Gauderfest). Men in traditional leather pants compete in finger wrestling (this is an indispensable attribute of beer festivals), and also in who drinks more beer or sniffs tobacco.
July August
Police holidays are celebrated in Tyrol (Schiitzen) and firefighters (Feuerwehrfeste).
September October
In the fall, a festival is held to celebrate the return of livestock from the alpine pastures. (Viehscheid or Almabtrieb). Such celebrations are held throughout the country, but they are especially colorful in Pfunds and St. Johann in Tyrol.
Wine festivals are held in villages located in the Danube Valley, Styria and Burgenland.
November December
(Christkindlmarkt) open throughout the country during Lent. Markets are most often held in front of cathedrals. In the evenings, local choirs and brass bands perform Christmas carols. In the markets you can buy Christmas tree decorations made of wood and straw or woolen products. Join the locals as they brave the cold and crowd around eating sausages (Bratwurst) or potato pancakes (Reiberdatschi) washing them down with mulled wine (Gliihwein)- hot wine with spices and (optional) rum. Most churches hold concerts in the run-up to Christmas and after the holiday.
In many villages and towns, Nativity scenes are displayed and Nativity scenes are played out. (Krippen).
St. Martin's Day. Children with paper lanterns and candles enter houses and sing songs and receive candy for it. (a tradition reminiscent of American Halloween). The holiday ends with a traditional roast goose meal.
Public holidays
The date changes annually - Ascension of the Lord
May June (date changes annually)- Spiritual Day
June (date changes annually)- Feast of Corpus Christi
October 26 - National holiday of the Republic of Austria, anniversary of the signing of the declaration of neutrality
Weekend routes
Burgenland. Visit Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland. Start your tour of the city from Esterhazy Castle. Haydn's house has been turned into a museum open to the public. The great composer is buried in Bergkirch (mountain church) located outside the city. Stop at the quarries of St Margaret's, where you can see artists from around the world at work. In the summer, go see a performance of The Passion of the Lord. Admire the Renaissance and Baroque houses in Rust, where storks have taken up residence on their roofs. In the small town of Neusiedl, take a walk along the promenade of the lake of the same name.
Explore Altstadt (Old city), literally crammed with churches, palaces, museums, fountains and shops. Take the funicular up to Salzburg Fortress. Explore the local museum and attend a concert in the Golden Hall. Experience the Austrian respect for death at St. Peter's Cemetery, one of the oldest and most beautiful cemeteries in the world.
Walking for two days
Danube. Travel from Vienna to Salzburg along the Danube Valley. Cruise from Krems to Melk and cycle back on Europe's most popular cycling trail, passing through beautiful valleys, wine-growing villages and majestic monasteries.
Großglockner. A trip along this high alpine road can be combined with a trip along Felbertauernstrasse (B108)- and you will have an excellent circular route. This road passes through the Hohe Tauern National Park and is surrounded by classic mountain landscapes. From here you can enjoy magnificent views of the rugged Dolomites. This route will allow you to get acquainted with the mountain world of East Tyrol.
Take a cruise through the Oetztal valley and neighboring valleys. Take a break from the car and once again be amazed by the mighty forces of nature that created this beauty at the end of the last Ice Age. Visit the Stubai Falls, the highest in Tyrol, and visit the tiny mountain village of Rofenhof (2014 m), is the highest mountain village in Austria, whose residents do not leave their homes all year round.
Travel along the Ringstrasse, the magnificent boulevard ring around Vienna's historic center. Leave a whole day for the museums and the Hofburg (Imperial Palace). Dedicate half a day to Schönbrunn. Spend an evening at the Opera and the next in the MuseumsQuartier, where DJs throw courtyard parties surrounded by contemporary art.
Excursions for a week
Kitzbühel and Ziller valleys, Krimml waterfall. Combine exploring the Kitzbühel and Ziller valleys with a tour of the federal state of Salzburg. Visit the foot of the highest waterfall in Europe - the Krimml. Take a cable car ride in Zell am See or a gondola ride on the Penkenbahn from Mayerhofen to the Zillertal Alps. Be sure to take the toll mountain road to get to Hirschbychlalm. Escape from the ever-present tourists in the high-altitude Wildschönau Valley in the heart of Kitzbühel.
Innsbruck and the Lower Inn Valley. Visit Innsbruck, Kufstein Castle, Rattenberg, the historic center of Hall and the open-air museum in Kramsach. Take an old-fashioned train up to Achensee. Take a walk along the picturesque Wolfsklamm gorge, which will lead you to the St. Georgenberg monastery. Take a look at the Alpbach Valley, where the most beautiful, according to the Austrians themselves, alpine village in the country is located.
Lakes of Salzkammer. Visit Salzburg, then cruise through turquoise lakes and historic villages like Hallstatt. Spend a couple of days in the small historical town of Gmunden or Bad Ischl. Whenever possible, take advantage of alternative modes of transport - 19th-century ferries, vintage trains and breathtaking cable cars that take you to the Alpine peaks.
When to go
If you are not planning to ski, the best time to travel to Austria is late spring and early autumn. May, September and the first half of October are the driest months of the year. The weather is wonderful, there are fewer tourists, and it is very easy to find a place in a hotel. In autumn, wine festivals and harvest festivals are held throughout the country. April and November have the most rainfall. The amount of rain depends on the altitude. In some areas of the Alps the average rainfall exceeds 200 cm per year, while on the plains around Lake Neusiedler See it is only 60 cm.
Summer time is ideal for climbers. Daylight hours at this time are very long (light until 21.00). This time of year is a good time to explore the remote mountains of the Hohe Tauern Nature Reserve (the largest in Central Europe) and admire (or storm it) the highest mountain in Austria, Großglockern. Of course, at high altitudes you need to be careful.
From June to August there are frequent thunderstorms, and even snow storms occur above 2000 m. Summer is the peak tourist season in Salzburg and Vienna, but opera houses are closed during this time and you won't be able to hear the Vienna Boys' Choir perform or see the Vienna Spanish Riding School perform. On the roads of Salzkammergut (Lake District) traffic jams occur. In some cities it is difficult to find a parking space.
In winter, most tourists come to Austria to ski. In normal years, snow lies in the valleys from December to March, and in the mountains from November to May. In most areas above 2500 m the snow does not melt at all. Naturally, sightseeing at this time is associated with certain inconveniences. The days are short, the parks are empty, the fountains do not work. Museums close earlier and some attractions, such as castles and caves, are closed altogether. However, in other respects, winter is the ideal time to visit Salzburg and Vienna. There are almost no tourists, the opera and concert seasons are in full swing. Both cities are very beautiful under the snow, especially on Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Transport
Public transport
Vienna is divided into 23 districts called Bezirke. The public transport system in the Austrian capital is considered one of the best in Europe. There are trains, trams and buses in the city. The S-Bahn is a high-speed underground train; U-Bahn is the metro, and Strassen-bahnen is the trams. For convenience, it’s a good idea to purchase Tageskarte (day pass) or Wochenkarte (weekly pass). These tickets give you the right to use any public transport. Night buses run from 0.30 to 5.00, when trains and metro are not operating. The same ticket is valid for tram, bus and metro. It is often more convenient to leave your car in the parking lot and use public transport to see the sights in large cities. In Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna there are combined tickets that can be purchased at tourist offices (valid 1-3 days). They give the right to unlimited use of city public transport, free or discounted visits to museums and other attractions.
Austria has an excellent railway system. For timetables, visit www.oebb.at or call the central information desk (tel.: 05-17-17). At most stations you can always order a timetable and print it out for yourself. At some local stations you can rent a bicycle and combine a train journey with a bike ride.
The Eurails Austria Pass is the best travel option for North American travelers who only intend to visit Austria. For visits to neighboring countries, it is better to purchase a Eurail Selectpass, which allows you to travel for 15 days over two months in three, four or five neighboring countries. If you want to take a grand tour of Europe, buy a Eurailpass, valid in 18 countries.For all the options, check out www.raileurope.com (tel.: 888-382-72-45).
Automobile
On autobahns the speed is limited to 130 km/h, on class B roads - 100 km/h, and in cities - 50 km/h. Compliance with speed limits is strictly monitored, and very significant fines are levied for violations. Austria has very strict blood alcohol limits. Only 0.5 mg of alcohol per 1 ml of blood is allowed (in the UK, for example, this figure is 0.8 mg). Seat belts must be fastened in both the front and rear seats. Be sure to also turn on your headlights at any time of the day. On motorways you must have a tax sticker. Such stickers are sold at border gas stations in neighboring countries, at car rental agencies and at OAMTS offices. (Osterreichischer Automobil, Motorrad und Touring Club). At the entrance to the high alpine roads you will also have to pay. The roads through the Brenner and Gerlos passes, the Felbertauernstrasse and Großglockner roads are toll roads.
River transport
Cruises on the Danube run from the beginning of April to the end of December (Donau Schiff Wurm & Kock, www.donauschiffahrt.de). A boat is the best way to explore Austria's thousand lakes. On large lakes (Achensee, Bodensee, Wolfgangsee and Attersee) Ferries are operating. Some of them were built back in the 19th century.
Accommodation
Austrian authorities assign categories to hotels and guesthouses based on strict criteria and regular inspections. However, the classification does not determine the category of the hotel. With the exception of luxury, the standards in all others are almost the same. Most rooms are absolutely clean and comfortable. Hotel service is always good and often cordial. The room rate includes all taxes and duties, as well as, with rare exceptions, breakfast. Prices are often quoted pro person (per person, pay attention to the abbreviation pp), so you should check the price of a double room.
Gasthof is something like an inn or boarding house. These hotels are often family run. Guests are served by the owner himself and his family members. Many of these hotels have a Gasthaus, Gaststcitte or Weinslube, where you can drink local beer or wine and sample local cuisine. There are not always TVs and telephones in the rooms, but in most of these hotels the rooms are always equipped with bathrooms. Small guesthouses may not have a restaurant (but breakfast is still served), and the most inexpensive rooms are equipped only with a washbasin, and the rest of the amenities are located in the corridor.
Private houses
Private houses and farms are a very comfortable and inexpensive way to stay in Austria. But to find such accommodation, you will have to overcome the language barrier. Hosts register with the local tourism office and the agency staff will be happy to reserve a place for you. Where rooms are rented, you will see signs saying "Frem-denzimmer" or "Zimmer Frei". Rooms in private houses are clean and usually have a bathroom and toilet. Most houses rent rooms for a minimum of three nights, with an additional charge for shorter stays. A room for the weekend on a bed and breakfast basis can be reserved via the website www.privatvermieter.at.
Weekend on the farm
If you're willing to spend three nights in one place, you can take a weekend on the farm. This is a great way to get to know the locals and their way of life. Information can be obtained from the organization "Urlaub am Bauernhof" (Brixnerstrasse, 7, A-6020 Innsbruck. Tel.: 0512-56-18-82. Fax: 0512-56-73-67).
Campings
Austria has a huge number of campsites. Camping outside the campsite is prohibited. Information can be obtained from the Osterreichischer Camping-Club (OCC) (Schubertring, 1-13, 1010 Wien. Tel.: 01-711-99-27-51. Fax: 01-71-99-27-54. www.campingclub.at).
Hostels
Austrian hostels (Jugendherberge) accept people of all ages. Many hostels have a few double or family rooms, but these need to be reserved in advance. (www.oejhv.or.at).
Room rates
During festivals, trade fairs and peak ski season, prices for accommodation almost double, and it is difficult to find a room. On the other hand, in cities prices go down on weekends and during the low season. This decline is especially noticeable in the Alps.
Food and drink
Austria is not a place for those who want to go on a diet. More than 300 pork and sausage dishes are prepared in Tyrol. Due to its imperial history, Austrian cuisine includes national dishes from various territories - whether we are talking about Hungarian goulash or Italian ravioli (Schlutzkrapfen). Wiener schnitzel is just one of three dozen varieties of breaded veal cutlets. And coffee in Austria is prepared in 40 different ways. It is best to quench your thirst with wonderful Riesling Griiner Veltiner or dessert wines. And Austrian beer is not inferior to wines in quality.
Food
Many Austrian hotels serve breakfast that will keep you full until the evening. A typical breakfast consists of coffee or tea, fruit juices, sliced boiled and smoked ham, liverwurst, cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, jams and several types of bread. Gabelfriihstuck is a hot snack served around midday. As a rule, these are sausages or sausages. The main meal of the day is lunch. Jause is a sort of high tea where cakes, sandwiches and coffee are served. In the evening, Austrians most often have dinner at home. A typical dinner is very modest and usually consists of sandwiches.
The main dish of Austrian cuisine is dumplings, Knodel. They are made from potatoes, stale bread (Semmelknodel) or with liver (Leberknodel). Dumplings are often served in a clear broth, such as Markknodelsuppe, which is made from bone marrow. Spatzle (Nockern in Tyrolean)- These are thin dumplings that resemble noodles. Germknodel – dumplings steamed and topped with vanilla or sweet fruit sauce. Tafelspitz is a beef stew served with horseradish. Hirsch and Wildschwein (venison and wild boar meat) Most often served on the table in autumn and winter. This meat is stewed or cooked with wild mushrooms. On St. Martin's Day (In November) and at Christmas, Austrians bake goose with herbs, apples and red cabbage. Wiener Schnitzel is a veal cutlet (Kalb) or pork (Schwein), rolled in a mixture of milk and eggs, breaded and simmered in a frying pan. If there is a purely national dish in Tyrolean cuisine, it is Tiroler Grostl - a kind of peasant stew made from pork, veal and/or beef, onions, marjoram and potatoes.
Portions in Austria are reminiscent of medieval feasts. Think twice before choosing the three-course Tagesmenu (appetizer, main course and dessert). Fish is the only exception to the very rich Austrian cuisine. In cafes and restaurants you can order fresh trout, carp or pike. Fish is prepared in two ways: either boiled (blau), or lightly stewed and breaded (Mullerin). Frankfurters and sausages are offered as fast food in Austria. They are sold on street stalls and served in pubs and eateries. There are a lot of sausages and sausages in Austria. Weisswurst is made from veal and served with sweet mustard. Blutwurst - blood sausage. Bratwurst are pork sausages that are grilled or pan-fried and served with bread and medium mustard. Naturally, such dishes will not please vegetarians, but Austria has something for them too. The menu always has a lot of huge fresh salads (ask for salad without Speck - no bacon). Many dishes are prepared with mountain cheeses - for example Ktisespatzle (noodles with melted cheese and caramelized onions). Austrian bread is a gourmet's delight. Even in the most ordinary church bakery you will be offered a dozen varieties - from simple rolls to loaves made from three to six grades of wholemeal flour.
There are many exquisite restaurants in Austria, where they offer both national, traditional dishes and the highest achievements of international cuisine. Neue Kuche, for example, is the Teutonic answer to French nouvelle cuisine. Snack bars Gaststatte, Brduhaus, Weinstube are not restaurants. Purely national dishes are served here - Gutbiirgerliche Kuche. In them, just like in cafes or bars, you can just drink and not eat anything. It is enough to order only beer or coffee. At Gaststatte, people are often seated at communal tables if all the individual ones are already occupied. Following the rules of etiquette, first ask if you can sit down. Foreigners often break the taboo by sitting at tables with Stammtisch signs. This should not be done, since such tables are intended for regulars, and other visitors are not allowed to sit at them. Austrian cafes fall into two categories: sophisticated, fashionable places decorated in an ultra-modern style, and elegant, pre-war coffee shops, Kaffeehaus, where Austrians come for coffee and cake - Kaffee und Kuchen. Some butcher shops and bakeries have “standing cafes” - Steh-cafe, where you can have a quick bite at high tables without sitting down. Imbiss is another place for a light snack. People eat here either standing or sitting at plastic tables.
Beverages
The main hot drink in Austria is coffee. Drinking coffee at Kaffeehaus or Cafe Konditorei is an old tradition, a great opportunity to chat with friends or read a newspaper taken from a wooden shelf. Coffee in Austria is prepared in a variety of ways: a large espresso with the addition of milk or cream (ein Grosser Brauner), coffee with milk (Melange), small, very strong espresso (ein kleiner Mokka). Coffee is often served with dessert or sweets - strudel or the famous decadent chocolate Sacher torte. (Sachertorte). Tea is most often in the form of regular boiling water with a tea bag on a saucer. Tap water (Leitungwasser) You can drink it almost everywhere. Water comes to Vienna from the mountains. Still, many Austrians prefer bottled water. Beer is the most traditional Austrian drink. During the spring Gauderfest in Tyrol, beer flows like a river, just like during the famous Oktoberfest in Munich. Pilsner is the most popular, but there are many other varieties in different shades (Hell means "amber", Dunkel means "dark brown") and strength - be careful with beer that contains the suffix “-ator” in its name. Weiienbier or Weissbier (wheat beer) especially popular in summer. This beer is often served with a slice of lemon. Radler is a refreshing mixture of beer and lemonade.
The main wine regions of Austria are Burgenland, Wachau and Styria. The number of white wines significantly exceeds the number of red ones, which is explained by the relatively northern location of Austria. Cheap Austrian wines are labeled as Tafelwein or Landwein. Qualitcitswein is the next level, followed by Pradikatswein and Qualitcitswein Kabinett. The Spatlese and Auslese brands are made from grapes harvested much later, resulting in a naturally sweet wine with a unique aroma. Traditional restaurants in wine regions usually serve local Offene Weine wines (glasses and decanters). People sharing a meal are not required to order a carafe of the same wine. They can order wines of their choice by the glass: achtel (0.125 l) or viertele (about 0.25 l). This wine is served in a large glass or small decanter. In autumn they drink young, freshly prepared wine. (Sturm), and summer is the time for Schdrle - wine mixed with mineral water or soda.
Entertainment
Entertainment in Vienna is not limited to symphony concerts and balls. If you want to waltz, remember that the season in Vienna runs from December to March. But club life in Vienna is in full swing all year round. There are many bars here that are open until late, or even until the morning. Salzburg and Innsbruck also have many bars, clubs and discos. At major ski resorts, nightlife is in full swing. There is entertainment for every taste - from discos to folk concerts.
The Staatsoper and the Volksoper are Vienna's two main opera houses. Performances are held here every day except July and August. The Vienna Boys' Choir can be heard every Sunday and also on religious holidays (January 1 - end of June; mid-September - December 31). Tickets for cheap standing seats are most often sold shortly before the start of the performance. At the theater, you can place a sweater or tie a scarf on the balcony railing to “reserve” your seat, and then go down to the buffet. The Spanish Riding School performs on Sundays (beginning of March - end of June; September - end of October).
In the coffee houses of Vienna and Salzburg, fierce debates continue to this day - just as in the days when Trotsky and Freud took part in them. Another Viennese tradition - balls - is still alive today. From December 31st until Ash Wednesday, Vienna is a huge ballroom. Viennese balls cater to every taste - from the famous Opera Ball to the Ball of Bad Taste. To avoid disgrace, you can sign up for short-term courses where you will be taught the basics of the waltz.
The so-called Bermuda Triangle (Bermuda Dreieck) (south of the Danube Canal, near the Church of St. Ruprecht) full of bars and clubs. Some of these establishments offer live music. Most bars are open until 4 o'clock or even until the morning, and on weekends bars do not close at all. The Volks Garten is located on the territory of the palace park. There are several concert venues, a garden bar and a dance floor open to all winds.
In Mozart's homeland, Salzburg, music festivals are held almost every month. The festivities culminate in a five-week grand festival of opera, theatre, church music, folk music, symphony concerts and performances by the Austrian Marionette Theater (from the end of July to the end of August). The best way to experience the atmosphere of the Hohensalzburg Fortress is to go to one of the almost nightly chamber music concerts (www.mozartfestival.at). Concerts take place in the Golden Hall or in the Prince's Chambers, a wood-paneled room built in 1500. Salzburg hosts many jazz and rock concerts. The schedule of concerts, performances, music festivals and other events can be found on the website www.salzburginfo.at.
In Innsbruck, classical music concerts are held in the Ambras Palace in the summer, and medieval brass bands perform on the balcony of the Golden Roof. "Tyrolian Evenings" are concerts of folk dancing, yodelling and brass music. The opera and ballet season at the Landestheater lasts all year round.
After-ski fun
After a long, hard day on the slopes, skiers from all over the world fill the bars and clubs of Austria's many Alpine resorts. Many towns and villages turn into a miniature globe for two months. There are a large number of clubs, bars, restaurants and eateries throughout. In Mayrhofen or Kitzbühel you will find entertainment for every taste. In numerous pubs you can sing in chorus; Germans and residents of other German-speaking countries love to come here. At the resorts there are traditional English pubs, jazz clubs, clubs where blues or techno are performed.
Casino
Entrance to the casino is free, but you must present an ID at the entrance. Although Vienna cannot be confused with Las Vegas, it is here that two of the largest poker rooms in Europe are located - the Concord Card Casino and Poker World. For more traditional entertainment, take the train to the spa town of Baden bei Wien (Baden-bei-Wien). Baden Casino (www.casinos.at) is located in a restored palace, richly decorated with frescoes, gilding and crystal. There are fountains in the garden. The casino has an excellent restaurant.
Purchases
Austrians and visitors to the country love to shop. The pedestrian Karntnerstrasse in Vienna is crowded even on days when the temperature drops below zero. Locals can't resist strolling past the luxurious displays and admiring the wares offered by the many department stores and boutiques.
The most popular Austrian souvenirs are embroidery, knitwear, traditional coats and jackets, Tyrolean hats, dresses (Dirndls), quilts, hand-painted porcelain, wood carvings, dolls, woolen and leather goods, crystal.
Art lovers will enjoy visiting the magnificent antique shops and frequent auctions. The Dorotheum, the famous Viennese auction house, operating since 1707, is the largest in Central Europe.
Local markets sell handicrafts and the freshest food for a picnic right on the street. Check out the flea markets on Saturdays. Here you can find the most unusual gifts for family and friends.
Christmas markets are an old tradition in Austria. They work in most cities. Christmas markets sell handmade Christmas tree decorations and mountain cheese (Bergkcise), candles (Kerzen), carved wooden figurines on religious themes (Schnitzfiguren), strong alcohol (Obstbrand, Schnaps), crystal (Kristallglas), smoked ham (Schinkenspeck) and jewelry made of semi-precious stones (Halbedelsteinen).
Folk costumes (Trachten) They are not cheap and are never sold in souvenir shops. There you can only buy cheap fakes from China or Korea. If you want to buy a real Tyrolean hat, shawl (Schultertuch), dress (Dirndl) or leather pants (Lederhosen), go to your local tailor.
The price of most goods and services includes value added tax. In theory, non-EU visitors can get this tax back if their purchases in a single store exceed €75. In practice, obtaining this compensation is quite difficult. Pay attention to “Tax-Free Shopping” signs in store windows and ask sellers to fill out the necessary documents. Before leaving Austria, you will be stamped by customs and can then collect your money from a special cash desk at the airport or border checkpoint. Without correctly completed documents, it is impossible to receive a refund. You may also be asked to present purchased goods, the value of which will be tax refunded.
Sports and recreation
Austria is one of the most sporting countries in the world. Thanks to its alpine slopes, Austria makes it easy to find places where you can ski, golf and swim on the same day. Local guides and travel companies will help you climb or jump from a mountain, raft down one of the many mountain rivers, or simply fly like a bird.
Air sports
Austria offers a wide variety of air sports, from gliding and paragliding to hot air ballooning. It offers the best conditions for hot air balloon flights over the Alps, the alpine lakes of the Salzkammergut and the steppes around Lake Neusiedl. Paragliding conditions are also first class. If the wind allows, an experienced paraglider can fly from one mountain to another.
Cycling
Bicycling is very popular in the Inna and Danube valleys. Austria has many scenic mountain biking routes. There are excellent trails in the Hohe Tauern National Park and in the Tyrolean Alps.
Golf
Most of Austria's 150 golf courses have been built in the last 15 years. The Zell am See Golf Club is located at the foot of the 3,000-metre Kitzsteinhorn mountain. The Mondsee Golf Club is located on the shores of the lake of the same name at the foot of the Drachenwand. Gold Egg is an 18-hole course nestled between dairy farms.
Mountaineering and hiking
In Austria, mountaineering and hiking are no less popular than alpine skiing. The program of long hikes often includes overnight stays in mountain huts. Thousands of kilometers of plain and mountain trails are clearly signposted. You will always find a detailed map of any area. In Tyrol, trails are shown on maps in different colors depending on their difficulty. Ski slopes are marked in the same way. The easiest ones are shown in blue, the moderately difficult trails in red, and those where climbing skills may be required in black.
Very often the best way to start a hike is by taking the cable car. Many dangers await tourists in the mountains - from sunburn (they are especially dangerous in the snow) and mountain sickness (the first symptoms are headache, nausea and dizziness) to hypothermia (decrease in body temperature). Ticks are found in mountain forests. If you notice a tick on your body, do not pull it out, but lubricate it with oil or sprinkle with salt. The insect will fall off on its own. You can swim in alpine rivers, but the water from them is not always safe to drink. Boil this water for ten minutes or use iodine tablets such as Potable Aqua.
Austria is a paradise for skiers. There are slopes for every taste here - from the simplest to the most difficult. Some high mountain glaciers can be skied all year round (for example on the Stubai glacier in Tyrol). When planning a vacation, find out everything in advance. At lesser-known resorts, a holiday can cost you half as much as at those that enjoy international fame and popularity. Winter activities include ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and local curling.
Water sports
Water sports include swimming, scuba diving, sailing, surfing, water skiing and rowing.
Most rivers and lakes are clean enough to swim in. Swimming in such places is free, but many lake beaches have an entrance fee. At lake resorts you can rent a rowing, sailing or motor boat. You can go rafting on mountain rivers in the Alps. Isel and Drau in East Tyrol and Lammer and Salzach in the federal state of Salzburg are particularly suitable for this purpose. Fishing permits can be obtained through the local tourism office.
Osterreichischer Alpenverein (Austrian Alpine Club).
www.bergsteigen.at
Hiking
www.wanderdoerfer.at
www.europasportregion.info
Water sports
Alpinschule Club Monte, Salzburg.
www.montee.com
Oesterreichischer Kanuverband.
www.kanuverband.at
Osttirol Adventures (canoes and kayaks).
www.osttiroi-adventures.at
www.fischwasser.com
www.radtouren.at
Golf
Gold Egg.
www.seehof-goldegg.com
Mondsee Golf Club
www.goifclubmondsee.at
Osterreichischer Golf-Verband (Austrian Golf Club)
www.golf.at
Zell am See Golf Club at Kaprun.
www.europasportregion.at/golfclub
Hot air balloons and paragliding
OAEC, Osterreichischer Aero-Club (Austrian Aero Club).
www.aerociub.at
Children
Austria can inspire any child. Go on a river walk along the Danube, admire the wonderful dancing horses, listen to the Vienna Boys' Choir, taste the legendary chocolate cake - your child will not be bored. Austria has excellent conditions for children of any age. Hotels offer a crib and babysitting services, and teenagers can take a ski course with an instructor.
Accommodation
Most hotels and guesthouses welcome families with children. There is a special association of family hotels (Kinderhotels). Most of these hotels are located in rural areas (one in Vienna). Some have swimming pools and spas, others have winter ski schools, and several hotels are located right on farms. All of these hotels have developed programs designed for parents and children of different ages. There are nannies, toys and baby care items. English is not spoken everywhere, so check beforehand. www.babyhotel.at www. kinderhotels.co.uk
Nutrition
In pubs and cafes, children are welcome in the same way as the adults who accompany them. But not everywhere is smoking prohibited. Almost everywhere there are special highchairs for children.
Transport
In Austria, children under 13 must sit in the back seat of a car. (if it exists). For children under four years of age, it is better to use special safety seats. If you rent a car, make sure to bring a child seat with you, as rental companies charge extra for this service.
In Vienna, children under 15 years old can use public transport free of charge during school holidays, Sundays and public holidays. On all other days you can buy a cheap children's ticket from tobacco kiosks or ticket machines.
Things to do
Austria has many castles, museums and zoos that children love so much. There are cable cars, steam locomotives and ferries. Many ski resorts offer special family weekends. There are schools for children on the slopes (check if the instructors speak English). Qualified babysitters can keep your kids entertained while you ride. Among the hundreds of museums in Vienna, there are also those that will interest children. Besides the fun fair (www.prater.at), children will love Minopolis (www.minopolis.at) and the butterfly house (www.sehmetterlinghaus.at), where sometimes it gets too crowded. In Innsbruck, head to the Alpine Zoo (Alpenzoo) and the armory at Ambras Castle. These are just two of the many different activities available. To introduce children to opera, head to the Marionette Theater in Salzburg, then relax among the fountains in Hellbrunn Castle Park. Easy mountain hikes, salt mines (Hallstatt), ice caves (Dachstein)- great fun and a great introduction to the basics of geography.
Arrival
By plane
Regular flights between Moscow and Vienna are operated by Aeroflot and Austrian Airlines. Flight duration Moscow - Vienna is 3 hours 20 minutes. Every half hour between Vienna Schwechat Airport and Central Station (district 3) trains are running. Travel time is 16 minutes.
Customs regulations
Citizens of the European Union can import an almost unlimited number of goods into Austria for personal consumption. (within reason: if you bring a truckload of whiskey, customs officers may have questions). Citizens of other countries can bring with them 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1 liter of strong alcohol (more than 22°) or 2 liters of wine, 500 g of coffee, 50 g of perfume or 0.25 liters of cologne.
Electricity
Electrical voltage - 220 V, 50 Hz. The plugs are European style, with two round pins.
Currency
The official currency of the country is the Euro. In Austria, you can pay with debit and credit cards at gas stations, chain hotels, expensive restaurants and tourist shops. But, to the surprise and confusion of many foreign tourists, other places only accept cash.
Opening hours
Working hours are established by law and in accordance with traditions. The situation in Austria is very ambiguous. Large stores open early and close on weekdays at 20.00, and on Saturdays at 17.00. These stores are closed on Sundays. Small shops in Austria close on weekdays at 18.00. They have a lunch break. On Saturdays, such stores are open until 13.00, and on Sundays they are closed. (Some stores are open longer on Saturdays.) During those hours when other shops are closed, some products and small items can be bought at train stations in big cities. Banks are open from Monday to Wednesday and on Fridays 8.00-12.30 and 13.30-15.00, on Thursdays 8.00-12.30 and 13.30-17.30 (head offices are not closed for lunch). Tourist offices are open 9.00-18.00 on weekdays and until 13.00 on Saturdays (in tourist centers such bureaus work longer). Gas stations on the highways are open 24 hours a day. Restaurants usually open at 11.00 and close around 23.00. Many restaurants are closed during the day. Traditional taverns serve food during the day (durch-gehend means "open during the day") or late in the evening.
Passports and visas
Austria is part of the Schengen zone. To enter Austria, Russian citizens need a foreign passport valid for at least three months from the date of entry, as well as a Schengen visa. If you purchase a tourist package, all visa processing will be handled by the travel agency. Otherwise, you will have to contact the Austrian embassy yourself.
Post office in Austria is open from Monday to Friday 8.00-18.00, and on Saturdays 8.00/9.00-12.00. The post offices provide different services, so immediately check to see if you are in the right queue. Postage stamps are sold at the counter marked Briefmarken, and parcels are accepted at the counter marked Pakete. You can also exchange money at the post office. Large post offices have public telephones and fax machines that accept calling cards.
"Mozart" with a telephonePhones
Payphones in Austria work with cards - you can buy them at tobacco kiosks or at the post office. A pre-paid telephone card for international calls can be used both at a pay phone and at a hotel (but in a hotel it will cost you much more). Austria has an excellent mobile phone system. Of course, it is better to choose the most favorable communication conditions before departure. The international code for Austria is 43. For a phone call from Austria to Russia, dial 007 + the corresponding city code (Moscow - 495)+ subscriber number.
Time
Austria lives according to Central European Time, which is 2 hours behind Moscow (when it’s noon in Moscow, it’s 10 a.m. in Austria). At the end of March, Austria switches to summer time, and at the end of autumn - to winter time.
Toilets
At highway gas stations and public restrooms, you must leave 50 cents with the attendant. Men's toilets are designated Herren, women's - Damen. Outside the tourist centers, you can always go to a cafe to use the toilet.
Tourist information
There are tourist offices in almost every Austrian city and in many villages. They are usually located at or near the main station, as well as in the market square. In such a bureau you will find maps of the city indicating parking locations. Here they will help you find a room (sometimes there is a small fee for this). This is especially convenient for those who want to stay in a boarding house or private house.
Information for disabled people
Many museums, theatres, cinemas and public buildings have wheelchair ramps. More and more trams are equipped with special devices. Tourist offices are happy to help disabled tourists find a suitable hotel, public toilet, etc. Large chain hotels always have all the amenities. Parking for disabled people is free in blue zones. To do this, it is enough to have an international disability sticker on your car.
Language
The official language in Austria is German (with characteristic English pronunciation). However, most hotels, restaurants and sports stores that sell or rent sports equipment have English-speaking staff. Here are some useful German words and phrases to help you feel calmer.
Emergency help
Accidents
If you have a serious accident in Austria, you must wait for the police to arrive. Emergency services in Austria are very efficient and arrive on the scene quickly, even by helicopter if necessary.
Car breakdown
If a breakdown occurs, you should roll the car off the road if possible. Then place an emergency triangle 100 m behind the car. If you are on the autobahn, find an emergency number (they are located at intervals of 2 km), pick up the phone and wait for the operator to answer. You can also dial 120. You will have to pay for towing and spare parts. However, if you are a member of a car club in your country, you will be able to obtain documents for reimbursement of expenses incurred in Austria.
Crime
Crime is not a serious problem in Austria. Vienna is considered one of the safest European capitals. Just use common sense: lock your car, avoid dark streets and shady areas, and keep an eye on your purse and wallet. It is best to carry your bag in front of you rather than on your shoulder, and keep your wallet in a fanny pack. If a robbery occurs, report it to the police immediately. To obtain insurance, you will need an official report. By law you must carry identification with you at all times (passport).
Insurance
When leaving your own country, you must have travel insurance. However, EU citizens can receive free emergency care in public hospitals. To do this, citizens of the European Union and citizens of other countries living in the EU must have a European insurance card EHIС, which has replaced the old E111 since January 2006. We also advise you to stock up on travel or private health insurance.
Drivers must carry liability insurance (American Express and other credit card companies provide this insurance if you rent a car with their card and provide an insurance policy). The driver also needs personal insurance to cover medical expenses. (such insurance is usually included in the road insurance) and liability insurance that protects you from claims (most rental companies charge an additional fee for this insurance).
Pharmacies
In Austria, pharmacies are called Apotheke. The nearest pharmacy may not always be open, but there is sure to be a duty station nearby that is open 24 hours a day. The addresses and telephone numbers of the nearest open pharmacies are usually posted on the doors of all the others. Once you see the "open" sign, you will have to ring a bell to be admitted and served.
Emergency numbers
Emergency services (Rettungsdiens): 144
Ambulance (Arztenotdienst): 141
Fire Department (Feuerwehr): 122
Police (Polizei): 133
Snow information: www.lawine.at
Mine rescuers (Bergrettung): 140
Austrian Automobile Club (OAMTS - Osterreichischer Automobil, Motorrad und Touring Club): 120
Austrian Automobile Association (ARBO - Auto, Motor und Radfahrerbund Osterreichs): 123
brief information
Austria is a small country in Central Europe, but with a big past, and probably an equally interesting future. The former Habsburg rulers of Austria had a huge influence on European and world history. However, even Emperor Franz Joseph I, the famous founder of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, did not at all imagine that a hundred years later Austria would become an independent state, where more than 20 million tourists would come annually to ski at beautiful ski resorts.
Geography of Austria
Austria is located in the center of Europe, in the north it borders with the Czech Republic, in the northeast with Slovakia, in the east with Hungary, in the south with Slovenia and Italy, in the west with Liechtenstein and Switzerland, and in the northwest with Germany. The total area of this mountainous country is 83,858 square meters. km.
The landscape of Austria can be divided into five regions: Eastern Alps (occupying 62.8% of the country's territory), Alpine and Carpathian foothills (11.4% of the territory), Central Danube Plain (11.3% of the territory), Vienna Basin (4.4% of the territory ), and the Czech Massif (10.1% of the territory). The highest Austrian mountain is Grossglockner (3,797 meters).
Almost half of Austria's territory is covered with forests, dominated by fir and larch.
Capital of Austria
The capital of Austria is Vienna, whose population now amounts to more than 1.7 million people. The history of Vienna begins in the 9th century AD, although the first Roman settlements on this site appeared in the 1st century AD.
Official language
The official language in Austria is German. However, the German language in Austria is noticeably different from the German language in Germany. In addition, different regions of Austria have their own dialects of the German language.
In Southern Carinthia, where many Slovenians live, most residents speak Slovenian, which is recognized as the official language. There are many Croats and Hungarians living in Burgenland, and therefore Croatian and Hungarian are considered the official languages there.
Religion
More than 70% of Austrians belong to the Roman Catholic Church. All Austrian Catholics are required, by the way, to pay a tax of 1% to the church. In addition, many Protestants (about 5%) and Muslims (more than 4.2%) live in Austria.
Austrian government
According to the Constitution of 1920, Austria is a federal, parliamentary, democratic republic. Austria consists of 9 states - Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Vienna.
The head of state is the Federal President (Bundespräsident), who is elected by direct universal suffrage.
The Federal President appoints the Federal Chancellor, who is the Chairman of the Federal Government.
The Austrian parliament consists of two chambers - the Federal Council (Bundesrat) and the National Council (Nationalrat).
The Nationalrat has the legislative initiative in Austria, although the Bundesrat has limited veto power. The Austrian political system is significantly influenced by the Constitutional Court, which has the power to prohibit laws that do not comply with the Constitution.
Climate and weather
Considering that most of Austria is in the Alps, it becomes clear that the Alpine climate prevails here. In the east of Austria and in the Danube River valley the climate is temperate, continental. Winter in Austria is cold (-10 - 0 °C) with rain in the lowlands and snow in the mountains.
Rivers and lakes
The largest river in Austria is the Danube, which flows through the entire country (about 360 km), and eventually flows into the Black Sea.
There are a lot of lakes in Austria (more than 500), the largest and most beautiful of them are Attersee in Salzkammergut, Wörther See, Millstatter See, Ossiacher See, and Wolfgangsee (all of which are located in Carinthia), as well as Lake Fuschlsee near Salzbzurg.
History of Austria
There were people on the territory of modern Austria back in the Bronze Age. In the pre-Roman period, various tribes lived here, including the Celts. In the 1st century BC. Roman legions conquered the local Celtic tribes, and annexed this territory to their provinces of Noricum and Pannonia.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the territory of modern Austria was conquered by Bavarian tribes and Avars (scientists classify them as Slavic tribes). In 788, these territories became part of the empire of Charlemagne.
Since 1276, Austria has been in the possession of the Habsburg family, and is thus part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1525, the Czech Republic and Croatia were annexed to the Archduchy of Austria. During this period, a long and bloody confrontation between Austria and the Ottoman Empire began. Things got to the point where the Turkish army besieged Vienna twice (in 1529 and 1683), however, without any success.
At the end of the 17th century, Hungary and Transylvania were annexed to Austria, and thus the beginning of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was laid, but this would formally happen only after several centuries.
After the era of the Napoleonic Wars, during which the Austrians actively fought against the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, Austria became one of the most influential states in Europe. After defeat in the 1866 war against Prussia, in 1867 Austria and Hungary united into the Austro-Hungarian Empire led by the Habsburgs.
After defeat in the First World War, the Austro-Hungarian Empire broke up into several independent states. In 1918, an independent Austrian state emerged (the monarchy was abolished in 1919).
On March 12, 1938, German troops occupied Austrian lands and Adolf Hitler proclaimed the Anschluss (reunification) of Germany and Austria.
After World War II, Austrian statehood was only restored in 1955. Austria is now part of the European Union.
Austrian culture
The culture of Austria was formed under the strong influence of its neighbors - the Germans, Italians, Hungarians and Czechs. Ancient Roman monuments have been preserved on the territory of this country. During the Middle Ages, the culture of Austria was under noticeable (and decisive) German influence. Only in modern times did talented national Austrian artists, writers and musicians begin to appear.
In the first half of the 19th century, Austrian literature was completely influenced by romanticism and national consciousness. However, these trends were also characteristic of other national literatures of that time. In the first half of the 19th century there were many interesting Austrian writers and poets, among whom we should highlight Franz Grillparzer, Adalbert Stifter and Peter Rosegger. Apparently, largely thanks to their work, Franz Kafka and Stefan Zweig then appeared in Austria in the first half of the 20th century.
In 2004, Austrian Elfriede Jelinek, working in the direction of social criticism, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Like literature, the visual arts in Austria began to develop rapidly in the 19th century. This flourishing is associated primarily with the names of Georg Waldmüller, Adalbert Stifter and Hans Makart. At the end of the 19th century, the most famous Austrian artists Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka began to work. By the way, in 2006, at Christie’s auction, Gustav Klimt’s go-kart “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II” was sold for $87.9 million (Gustav Klimt painted it in 1912).
However, for some reason it just so happened that Austria is most famous for its composers and musicians. Yes, it was on Austrian soil that Joseph Haydn, Michael Haydn, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss Sr., Johann Strauss Jr., Gustav Mahler, Arnold Schoenberg, and Alban Berg were born. In addition, Mozart worked in Vienna for a very long time. In general, many composers and musicians from other European countries moved to Vienna in the 17th-18th centuries, receiving the patronage of the Habsburgs.
The Austrians highly respect their customs, and still organize various festivals and processions every year. The most famous creature from Austrian folklore is Krampus, who accompanies St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. However, Krampus is his antipode, capable of even kidnapping children.
Austrian cuisine
Austrian cuisine is considered one of the most diverse in Europe. Indeed, the cuisine of Austria has been significantly influenced by the Germans, Hungarians, Czechs and Italians.
Austrians usually start their day with a light breakfast (bread with butter and jam, coffee or milk). Lunch, of course, is the main meal. It consists of soup, a main course of meat, sausage, schnitzel or fish, as well as the obligatory salads. Potatoes or pasta are served as a side dish for the main dish.
The Austrian dinner usually consists of light snacks, perhaps meat, cheese, or smoked fish with bread. All this is washed down with beer or wine.
The most famous Austrian dish is Wiener Schnitzel, a potato salad with mustard, vinegar and lemon. You should also definitely mention “Viennese chicken”, boiled beef “Tafelspitz”, veal stew “Beuchel”, “Vienna chicken”, as well as apple strudel.
In Burgenland, where many Hungarians live, goulash is a traditional dish. People in Salzburg love freshwater fish and know how to cook excellent trout dishes.
Austria is famous for its desserts and baked goods. The most popular of them are the Vanillekipferl Christmas shortbread cookies made from ground almonds, flour and a few spoons of cognac, as well as the Sachertorte chocolate cake, named after its creator Franz Sacher.
The most popular drinks in Austria are wine and beer. By the way, Stiegl beer, which was created back in 1492, is still produced in Austria. As for wines, the Austrians make excellent both white and red wine. The main Austrian wine regions are Vienna, Styria, Wachau and Burgenland.
People in Austria drink coffee all the time. In general, coffee shops are a typical attribute of the Austrian way of life. We also recommend that tourists try the local hot chocolate (“Heisse Schokolade”) in Austria.
Sights of Austria
Austria is visited by millions of tourists every year. Most of them are attracted by Austrian ski resorts, however, they should not forget about local attractions, of which there are a lot in Austria. In our opinion, the Top 10 best tourist attractions in Austria are as follows.
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna
The castle was built around the 16th century. It later became the summer palace of the emperors of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Near the palace there is now a zoo, one of the oldest in the world.
This fortress was built in 1077. Now it houses the Fortress Museum and the ancient Princely Chambers. At one time, the Hohensalzburg fortress was considered the most fortified castle in Central Europe.
Großglockner high mountain road
Mount Grossglockner, whose height is 3,797 meters, is the largest peak in Austria. The Großglockner high mountain road connects Salzburg and Carinthia. Its length is 48 km. During the winter (October to May) this road is closed to travel and excursions.
Basilica Mariazell
The Basilica of Mariazell is located in the town of Mariazell, Styria. It is sometimes also called the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. In 1983, Pope John Paul II visited the Basilica of Mariazell. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI also visited here.
Giant Ferris wheel in Vienna
This Ferris wheel is located in the Prater holiday park in Vienna. It was built in 1896-1897 and has recently been modernized. The maximum height of this Ferris wheel is 60 meters.
Urturm clock tower at Schlossberg Castle
This tower offers an amazing and unique view of the city of Graz (its population is now more than 350 thousand people).
Thematic exhibition Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Innsbruck
This thematic exhibition was built and opened in 1995 according to the design of the Austrian artist Andre Heller. Swarovski products are presented here.
Monastery in Melk
Melk is located on a rocky hill about 100 km west of Vienna. This monastery was built by Benedictine monks in 1089. The local monastery library is famous throughout the world.
Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna
This museum is located in Vienna on the Ringstrasse. The museum first received visitors back in 1891. Now it houses works by famous artists (for example, Rembrandt and Durer).
This Baroque palace complex was built at the beginning of the 17th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Nowadays the Belvedere also has a large collection of paintings.
Cities and resorts of Austria
There are five large cities in Austria - Vienna (population more than 1.7 million people), Graz (more than 250 thousand people), Linz (about 200 thousand people), Salzburg (more than 160 thousand people) and Innsbruck (more than 120 thousand people).
Ski resorts in Austria are considered among the best in the world. Indeed, there are not only beautiful Alps here, but also a well-developed skiing infrastructure. It’s not for nothing that the world alpine skiing championships are held in Austria every winter.
The most popular ski resorts in Austria are Bad Gastein, Sölden, Millstatt, Ischgl, Kaprun, St. Anton am Arlberg, Kitzbühel-Kirchberg, Mayrhofen and Zell am See.
Souvenirs/shopping
In Austria, tourists have a large number of souvenir shops. This is not surprising, given that millions of tourists visit this country every year. We recommend that tourists bring various sweets (sweets, chocolate) and alcoholic drinks (schnaps, wine, beer) from Austria.
An interesting place to buy souvenirs is the Graben square in Vienna. Here you can buy coffee, Viennese porcelain, and other tableware. Perhaps someone will be interested in Swarovski products (there is a Swarovski factory in Austria).
Office hours
In Austria, on weekdays stores are open from 9.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 12.00 (some until 17.00), and on Sundays - closed.
Bank opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 8.00–12.30, 13.30–15.00
Thursday - 8.00–12.30, 13.30–17.30
By the way, Austrians enter restaurants and shops with the greetings “Guten Tag” and “Grüss Gott”, and leave these establishments with the obligatory “Auf Wiedersehen”.
Visa
Austria is one of the countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, Ukrainians need to obtain a Schengen visa to visit Austria.
Currency of Austria
Austria is a highly developed European country with high standards of living and GDP. The population of Austria in 2016 is 8.75 million people. However, despite economic prosperity, the country is experiencing significant demographic problems. Population growth in Austria stopped in the 70s. XX century.
This was due to a decline in the birth rate caused by the consequences of the Second World War. The number of births and deaths is approximately equally low.
Austria is a highly urbanized country; cities with a population of more than 2 thousand people account for about 77% of all residents. Moreover, every fourth citizen of Austria is an inhabitant of its capital. The population of Vienna is more than 1.6 million people, and with its suburbs - 2 million. Compared to the capital, the remaining Austrian cities are small, their population does not exceed half a million. The largest are: Graz - 305 thousand, Linz - 180 thousand, Salzburg - 145 thousand, Innsbruck 120 thousand.
The average population density of Austria is 90 people per square kilometer, which is significantly higher than in other developed European countries: Germany, Great Britain, and the Netherlands. However, the population of Austria is distributed very unevenly: in the eastern regions adjacent to Vienna, this figure is 150-200 people, and in the Alps - only 15-20. The rural population mainly lives in farmsteads or individual courtyards, due to the lack of convenient land. Every year there is a decline in the Alpine population; due to harsh conditions, people leave the mountains, which is called “Bergflucht”. Only 2% of the population permanently lives above 1000 m above sea level.
National and religious composition of Austria
According to statistics from 2011, the largest ethnic group in Austria is German-speaking Austrians, who make up 89% of the population. Most of them speak Austro-Bavarian dialects of the Austrian language, and 4% speak Alemannic. Among the 11% of foreigners living in Austria, the largest number come from the former Yugoslavia - Serbs, Croats, Slovenes, Bosnians: they account for 4%; the Turkish diaspora is also represented in the country - 1.6% of the population.
The religious composition of the population of Austria is dominated by Catholics, who number 85%. Also widespread in the country are Orthodoxy, Judaism, Islam and Protestantism. It is not typical for Austria to settle based on religion, but in recent years, due to the growth of the Muslim population, areas of their compact habitat have appeared. The majority of Catholics live in the right bank of Lower Austria - 91%, the least in Salzburg - 39% and the left bank of Lower Austria - 61%.
Demographic policy
Modern Austria is characterized by demographic problems that are associated with a decrease in the birth rate and an aging population. Modern Austria is experiencing the problem of a lack of young working population and the growth of older citizens. The chart shows the age composition of the Austrian population. To solve existing problems, the Austrian government is pursuing a special demographic policy, which has 2 directions.
The chart shows the age composition of the Austrian population
The state provides assistance in raising children. It allocates funds for financial benefits to families, which can be monetary or material. Cash includes insurance benefits, various bonuses and benefits, as well as discounts and loans on preferential terms. Benefits in kind relate to the social institutions of health care and education, thereby creating favorable conditions for families with children. In Austria, a special policy is being pursued aimed at helping the family and stimulating the birth rate. Moreover, this program pursues not only the second goal. It is aimed at a whole range of tasks: strengthening the family, improving social development, solving the demographic problem. To implement them, the following practical measures are used:
- one-time payments to mothers upon the birth of a child;
- providing postpartum leave to mothers;
- increasing wages through family benefits;
- tax and housing benefits;
- reducing the working hours for working mothers;
- provision of free or preferential preschool education, etc.
All these measures should lead to the fact that the population of Austria will begin to increase steadily.
The situation with migrants
Migrants have helped solve demographic problems in Austria in recent years. They make it possible to replenish natural population losses. However, if earlier this Alpine country was a stronghold of calm in Europe, today it is one of the opponents of the “open door” policy. The migration crisis and the influx of refugees have led to the fact that native Austrians are sharply opposed to newcomers. There have always been many migrants in Austria, but when they came from Serbia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, this did not cause concern, because these peoples have similar cultures and traditions. The emergence of Muslims with different values and worldviews led Austria to mass protests.
The reasons for dissatisfaction are quite serious. First of all, these are concerns for safety. Among the refugees there may be many Islamic fundamentalists and terrorists, from whom many European powers have suffered. In Austria, migrants carried out attacks on women, which occurred in Salzburg on December 26, 2015. Events worsened on New Year's Eve, when dozens of women were mugged and sexually assaulted in central Salzburg. The number of similar events is only growing, they took place in other Austrian cities, including Vienna. Today, not a single Austrian resident feels completely safe. These problems have caused active political discussions. In March 2016, the speech of Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann, representing the Social Democratic Party, became known throughout Europe. He sharply criticized Angela Merkel's refugee policy. He expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that Austria had become a large transit station for hundreds of thousands of people wishing to reach Germany. Faymann demanded that the German authorities allocate a quota for refugees of 400 thousand per year, threatening to expel everyone who entered Austria illegally.
The problem with migrants requires a solution, since in the long term it threatens not only the safety of Austrians, but also the loss of national identity. This is due to the fact that the birth rate in migrant families is much higher than that of native residents. Therefore, the Austrian authorities need to think about solving the existing problem today. At the same time, the migration crisis has quite deep roots, so it cannot be solved in one summer; the country will need several years to solve existing problems.
Conclusion
Modern Austria is experiencing significant demographic problems. Due to low birth rates and high life expectancy, the burden on the working-age population is increasing. The state is trying to solve these problems by pursuing a special demographic policy. It is aimed at supporting families and stimulating birth rates.
Another way to maintain the population was to attract migrants, but today it brings a huge number of problems associated with the threat of crime and terrorism.
The number of overnight stays in hotels has increased, mainly due to foreign citizens. Russians showed the greatest increase among foreigners. And the largest flow is Germans.
In 2017, 144 million overnight stays were recorded in Austrian hotels and other tourist accommodation establishments by both residents and foreigners. This is 3.58 million overnight stays or 2.5% higher than in 2016. Resident overnight stays amounted to 38.51 million and increased by only 1.3% over the year. The majority of overnight stays were made by non-residents – 105.84 million, 3% more than recorded a year earlier.
As for the number of arrivals, it increased by 3.8% to 43.06 million. Of these, residents account for 13.62 million people, which is 2% higher than a year earlier. Foreigners - 29.45 million people, 4.7% more than in 2016, reports.
The most active visitors to Austria are the Germans. German citizens made more than half of all foreign overnight stays - 53.55 million - 0.9 million or 1.7% more than in 2016. Although the number of overnight stays by German citizens increased by almost a million, the result still failed to beat the record set in 1981, when Germans spent 65.99 million nights in hotels in Austria.
Citizens of the Netherlands took second place in terms of overnight stays in Austria. They spent 9.76 million nights in the country, 2.6% more than a year earlier. Nationalities that actively visit the country include citizens of Liechtenstein and Switzerland, but in 2017 these countries showed a negative dynamics of overnight stays - -0.4%.
If we talk about the highest increase in the number of overnight stays among foreign guests, then the maximum result was given by Russian citizens. The number of their overnight stays increased in 2017 by as much as 18.3% compared to 2016.
The largest number of overnight stays were concentrated in the central-western region of the country – the Bundesliang, Salzburg and Tyrol – 52.7% of all overnight stays and 45.1% of all arrivals into the country. If we talk about the demand of foreign guests, the rates become even higher - 62% of all overnight stays and 53.9% of all arrivals.
Almost all destinations in the country showed an increase in the number of overnight stays, except Vorarlberg, which ended the year with a result of -0.2%. The largest increase was shown by Lower Austria - +4.1%, Upper Austria - +4%, Vienna - +3.7%
The share of overnight stays during the winter season has increased significantly. In its first two months of November and December 2017, 15.35 million overnight stays were recorded, which is 5.9% higher than the same period a year earlier.
Being one of the richest in the world. The area of the country is almost 84 thousand square kilometers. The largest cities are Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, Salzburg and Linz. German is the official language. The population of Austria, according to the latest data, is about 8.4 million people.
City dwellers
The last time it was held in the country was in 2009. According to its results, it turned out that more than 25 percent of the state’s residents live in its capital, Vienna. In principle, there are no large cities in the country, with the exception of the above-mentioned ones. About 77 percent of Austrians live in them. The rest of the population of Austria lives in small villages and towns. In this regard, the state can hardly be called a country of city dwellers.
National and religious composition
Almost 99 percent of the country's inhabitants are Austrians. The remaining share comes from Slovenes, Hungarians, Croats, Czechs, Turks, Jews and Roma. The Slovenian minority was territorially concentrated in federal states such as Carinthia and Styria, while Croats and Hungarians predominantly settled in the eastern regions of the state.
As for religion, about 85 percent of local residents are Catholics. In addition, Orthodoxy, Judaism, Islam and Protestantism are widespread in the state.
Settlement
The population of Austria is distributed very unevenly. The reason for this lies primarily in the fact that a significant part of the country's territory is mountainous. There is a shortage of high-quality soil in the country, and therefore the rural population mainly lives in individual households or farmsteads. The number of people in the alpine regions is constantly decreasing due to difficult living conditions. It should be noted that less than 2 percent of Austrians live at an altitude of more than one thousand meters above sea level.
Density
The Austrian average is 90 people per square kilometer. This figure is significantly higher in other developed European countries - Great Britain, Germany and Holland. As noted above, the country's population is distributed extremely unevenly. In this regard, the density indicator for each square kilometer in the areas adjacent to Vienna reaches 200, while in the Alps - up to 20. As for the capital of the state itself, here the indicator is the largest in the country - up to 4 thousand people per one square kilometer.
Duration and standard of living
Austria boasts one of the highest populations on the planet and a long average population. In particular, women live about 80 years, and men - about 74. First of all, this is due to the developed healthcare system: any local hospital can provide qualified medical care. Eloquent is the fact that the state annually allocates about 4.5 thousand US dollars for each of its residents. Serious infectious diseases (including HIV) have been virtually eradicated here.
Customs and traditions
The population of Austria is very religious. The country reveres major church holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, which are usually celebrated in the family circle. The Austrians themselves have an excellent sense of humor and are happy to welcome guests. Coffee customs are of great importance to them. Among the country's residents, it is common to visit so-called coffee houses, which are considered here to be unique cultural institutions. During a feast, it is not customary for Austrians to talk about personal life, family, religion, business and politics.