Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Austria
 |  | Fact File : Austria |
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| | | Austria | | Did you know?
Mozart, born in Salzburg, had composed 626 pieces of music by the time he died aged 35.
Language
German
Visas
None required.
Getting there
Austria has five international airports. Vienna's airport, Flughafen Wien-Schwechat, handles 8m passengers a year, of which 10% are coming from, or going to, London.
Flying time from London
Two hours
Getting around
Austrian trains are comfortable, clean and frequent. The service is extensive. In more remote or mountainous regions the bus service comes into its own. Austria is a cycle-friendly nation with plenty of bike lanes. The mountains are the domain of the cable car, which can be fun or terrifying, depending on your attitude to heights.
Currency
Euro
Costs
As a rough guide, litre of petrol 50p; pint of beer £1.50-£2; moderate two-course meal from £5; roll of film £3-£3.50; short taxi ride £3-£4.
Weather
Austria is a year-round destination. Temperatures vary according to altitude. The summer high season is in July (max. 25C/77F in Vienna) and August. Winter sports are in full swing from mid-December to late March, but year-round skiing is possible at several glaciers. The hot dry wind known as the Fohn which sweeps down from the mountains in early spring and autumn can be rather uncomfortable for some people.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 43
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Sockets are the round two-pin type standard to most of Continental Europe, so you'll need an adapter for UK appliances.
Opening hours
Most shops open at 8am or 9am until 6pm Mon-Fri and close at noon or 5pm on Sats. Some shops keep limited weekend hours in resort areas. Banks open from 8am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on weekdays except Thursdays, when they open till 5pm. They are closed at weekends.
Health - Before you go
No jabs required. Good travel insurance is important - check your insurance covers you if on a skiing or climbing holiday.
Health - When you are there
Austria is a healthy country. Tap water is drinkable unless you see a sign saying 'Kein Trinkwasser'. Don't drink water from Alpine streams even if it looks inviting - take bottled water if trekking in the mountains.
Warnings
If skiing, don't ignore avalanche warnings - there are several deaths every year. Austrian train stations often attract drunks and vagrants, so beware. If climbing in the mountains, make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to be back. The sun burns quickly at high altitudes - wear sunscreen.
Emergency
Police - tel 133; Ambulance - tel 144 (out of hours - 141).
Customs
Austrians tend to dress up for the theatre or opera - no jeans there. Don't cross the road on a 'Don't walk' sign, even if there's no traffic coming - you could be fined.
Pets
You can take cats and dogs into Austria with the correct veterinary certification under the Pet Travel Scheme. This takes several months to set up. Check with your vet for details.
Tipping
A service charge is included in restaurant and hotel bills but it's usual to round up small bills and add an extra five or 10% to larger ones. Taxi fares don't include tips.
Tourist office
Austrian National Tourist Office, 14 Cork St, London W1X 1PF. Tel. 020 7629 0461.
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| | Available rental properties in Austria |
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| |  | | Ski Chalet, Stadl an der Mur
Traditional Austrian self catering 2 bedroom ski chalet which sleeps up to 8. Close to several major skiing regions. In one of the most snow sure areas of Austria
|  | | Haus Wildling
The large detached house Wildling is situated directly in the friendly village Stumm. You will find an in 2006 completely renovated holiday house on t
|  | | Appartement Erlengrund Type E
This apartment and the accompanying campsite are located in a quiet area in the beautiful Gasteinertal at 900 metre height, from which you have a wond
|  | | Jagahüttl
This beautiful former hunting lodge on the edge of the wood, on a platform above the National park-village Hollersbach (ca. 25 m2), will let you forge
|  | | Landhuis Arbeiter
House Arbeiter is at the end of a cul-de-sac in Tröpolach which lies 54 km. west of Villach. This house contains two somewhat simple, but tidy 2-4 pe
| | Click here for more properties... |
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