Austria, situated in the very heart of Europe, is surrounded by Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Liechtenstein. 8 million people inhabit an area measuring 32,389 square miles, three quarters of which is covered by mountains. Austria's highest elevated point is the Grossglockner (12,454 ft). 1 mile = 1.6 km; 1 foot = 0.3 m.
Passport-holders from countries in Western Europe as well as from North America and Australia will not need a visa to enter Austria. For some nationalities, visas can be issued at the airport in Vienna upon arrival. Others may have to apply before. If in doubt, please check with your nearest Austrian embassy, consulate or with your airline.
Foreign nationals need no customs documents for their own cars when driving into Austria. Recognition is accorded to most driving licenses and registration documents issued in other countries. Motor vehicles must be covered by third-party insurance. Information may be obtained from all automobile clubs.
Vienna, a city with about two million inhabitants, is situated at the heart of Europe. Due to its unique geographic and geopolitical location, Vienna has become a centre of international events as well as a popular conference venue. Vienna hosts one of the United Nations headquarters and is home to a number of other international organizations. History has left an indelible mark on the city and is manifest with a rich cultural heritage.
The city’s appeal stems from merging a truly cosmopolitan spirit with imperial grandeur, a past reminder of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Viennese writers, musicians, artists, and scientists influenced many aspects of our modern world, and the city lived through all major political developments of the 20th century. Shaped over the centuries when it served as capital of a huge empire, Vienna will always arouse feelings of nostalgia.
Today, Vienna offers old historical palaces and modern shopping centres, traditional hotels, Austrian food and haute cuisine, typical Viennese coffee houses and restaurants, outstanding opera performances, classical concerts and open-air festivals, antique shops and elegant boutiques – all joined together in incomparable Vienna.
The official language of the event is English.
The language spoken in Austria is German. However, most Austrians speak English, and are happy to help visitors. Some also speak French or Italian.
In Austria, Central European Time (MEZ) is in use which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). However, in the period between late March and the end of October, daylight saving time is in force (GMT + 2 hours).
Austria uses 220-volt AC current at 50 cycles/second. Adapter plugs may be available at some hotels, but not power converters. However, electric clocks, record players and tape recorders may not function well, even if equipped with an adapter.
Most banks in Austria will change traveller’s cheques as well as cash. Banking hours in general are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 08.00 - 12:30h and 13:30 - 15.00h, Thursday 08.00 - 12:30 and 13:30 - 17:30.
Automated cash dispensers are located outside most banks, cash can be withdrawn there 24 hours a day.
National and foreign Maestro cards (cash cards) are widely accepted. MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Diners are also accepted by numerous hotels, restaurants, shops and gas stations.
However, it is advisable to carry some cash as well.
Money can be changed at the airport, at banks, exchange bureaus and larger hotels. Please ask about charges before changing money – these may vary considerably.
Austrian cuisine is a world-famous blend of specialities from all the countries that once belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire: Hungarian, Serbian, Bohemian and Polish dishes have been adapted and perfected by the masters of Viennese cookery, as well as the excellent - though less sophisticated -genuine Austrian food. Pastries and desserts are superb in Austria and come in a great variety. Austria's white wines are renowned for their fragrant bouquet and highly appreciated by connoisseurs the world over. Beer is popular as well. "Schnaps", distilled from a variety of fruits, is usually fairly potent but can be quite tasty (and inexpensive). Coffee was introduced to the Western world through Austria and comes in a great variety, all worth trying.
Vienna’s restaurants range from gourmet-type restaurants to informal restaurants and Heurigens (wine taverns). There are also many international restaurants in the city, offering a choice of almost any kind of cuisine. In Austria, breakfast is generally served between7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m., lunch between 12:00 and 14:00h, and dinner around 19:00h.
Vienna's many cafés (Kaffeehäuser) are famous cultural institutions, some dating back more than 100 years. For the Viennese people, cafés are a place of social encounter, but of course you can also visit them to sample the delicious Viennese pastry .
As for the Heurigen, these owe their popularity not only to the excellent wine and the relaxing atmosphere, but also to the typical live Heurigen music.
In Austria, the opera and theatre season lasts from September to June; some theatres, particularly in Vienna, continue during July and August. The official concert season extends from October to June, but there are a large number of concerts during the summer months as well.
For foreign tourists Austria is a treasure trove of high quality, pretty and sometimes hand-made articles: Austrian glassware, fancy jewellery, petit-point handbags, chinaware, lingerie, clothing, mountain and ski boots, skis and other sports equipment and traditional garments ("Austrian look") appeal by their tastefulness and the use of the finest materials.
Shopping hours are Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00h and Saturday 09:00 - 17:00h. Except for some tobacconists and small supermarkets at petrol stations and at the main railway stations, shops are closed on Sundays.
In Vienna, luxury shops for a discerning clientele can be found in the pedestrian zone along Graben and Kärntnerstrasse (underground U1,U3/Stephansplatz).
Street entertainers and outdoor cafés contribute to the unique atmosphere of this area. Another wellknown shopping area is Mariahilferstrasse (underground U3/Neubaugasse).
A 10% or 20% value-added tax is included in the list prices of items for sale in Austria.
Tourists of Non-EC-Countries must pay this V.A.T. ("MWSt.") at the time of purchase but may obtain a tax refund on unused merchandise taken with them when they leave Austria.