10 Places to Visit in Austria (That Aren’t Vienna)
To truly experience the best of Austria, hike the rolling hills and hit the lively streets; here are 10 places to visit that aren’t Vienna.
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When most people think of Austria, they think of rolling green hills, skiing, Christmas markets, and The Sound of Music. And while the country does have all of this, it also has so much more!
For music lovers, it’s the home of Mozart. For foodies, it’s home to the Wienerschnitzel. For outdoor lovers, you can paraglide, raft, and hike in every corner of this picturesque country. No matter what your love is, Austria likely has something just for you.
The minute you arrive, the country’s charming villages will take you by surprise and have you feeling like you stepped into a Disney fairytale.
Austria is a country with a wide variety of climates, so when to visit it all depends on the activities you want to partake in. Overall, the best time to visit Austria is during the shoulder season, between April and May, and September to October.
During the spring, you might be met with a rain shower or two, but it’s still a great time to wander around Vienna or Hofburg since the tourist season is just beginning. Come fall, and the mountains become covered in red and golden hues as the leaves change, making it one of the best times to hike.
June through August is high season meaning both crowds and prices increase. The heat can be felt, especially near the lakes, but it’s a wonderful time to take a dip and catch some rays. This is also the season of the Salzburg Festival, Vienna Festival, and the Rainbow Parade!
Winter in Austria can be quite chilly, but there’s something spectacular about the holiday spirit, and walking around the Vienna Christmas market. If you’re an avid skier, this is the time to go skiing in the Austrian Alps before relaxing at one of the stunning ski resorts.
Read more about The Best Time to Travel to Austria!
Language: The official language of Austria is Austrian German though you might run into locals speaking Alemmanic or Austro-Bavarian depending on the location.
Currency: The official currency of Austria is the Euro (EUR). $1 USD is equivalent to 0.90 EUR.
Credit Cards & ATMs: To get the best exchange rate in Austria, it’s wise to use your credit card whenever you get the chance. There’s typically no service charge and are widely accepted throughout the country. If you need some Euros, you will find that ATMs are very prevalent in Austria, even in smaller towns. They are also likely linked to your bank at home so you shouldn’t run into any issues.
Plugs: In Austria, the plugs are type F, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Safety: Austria is an extremely safe country, with the most dangerous crimes being pickpocketing and petty theft. As long as you practice common sense and take precautions, you won’t have any problems during your visit.
*European Travel Alert*
Starting sometime around November 2023, US travelers between 18-70 years old will need to fill out an ETIAS visa-waiver form prior to their trip, and pay a €7 ($7.25) entry fee, to travel to European countries within the Schengen Area. It’s a quick form, and you will most likely receive instant approval—but it’s important to plan and submit ahead.
To truly experience the best of Austria, hike the rolling hills and hit the lively streets; here are 10 places to visit that aren’t Vienna.
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