Austria travel FAQ: 25 common questions answered

Most US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in any 180. Other nationalities may need a Schengen C visa. Check your own passport against Austria's official rules before booking.

April to June and September to October for cities and hiking, December for Christmas markets, and December to April for skiing. July and August are busiest and hottest; January and February are for winter sports.

Roughly €90–150 per person per day for a mid-range trip in 2026, covering a room, meals, transport and one paid sight. Vienna and ski resorts run higher in peak season; smaller towns run lower.

Yes, generally. Watch for petty theft in crowded tourist areas and on night trains. The main risks are mountain weather, icy trails and avalanches in winter. Emergency numbers: 112 general, 133 police, 144 ambulance, 140 mountain rescue.

No for a first city-focused trip; trains link Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Graz well. A car helps for rural valleys, lakes and some Alpine roads, but motorways need a vignette and some tunnels charge extra tolls.

Yes, tap water is safe to drink throughout Austria. Restaurants will still charge for bottled water if you order it, and some will bring tap water only if you ask.

German, in its Austrian variety. English is common in tourism and among younger people, especially in Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck. A few words of German help in smaller towns and mountain huts.

Round up, or add about 10% in sit-down restaurants, and say the total to the server when you pay rather than leaving coins on the table. Tipping is not compulsory but is expected.

Yes in cities, including contactless on transport and in most cafés. Small mountain huts, some rural guesthouses and market stalls still prefer cash, so carry €30–50 in notes as a backup.

112 for general emergencies, 133 for police, 144 for ambulance, 122 for fire and 140 for mountain rescue. The 112 number works across the EU and can route you to the right service.

A first trip usually works as 3–4 nights in Vienna, 2–3 in Salzburg and 2–3 in Innsbruck or the lakes, with rail between them. A week is a good minimum; two weeks lets you add the Wachau, Graz or a ski valley.

It is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to ski or hike. Mountain rescue and repatriation can be expensive, and standard health cards may not cover them. Check what your policy includes before you rely on it.

Types C and F plugs at 230 V, 50 Hz. US, UK, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand travellers need a plug adapter; most phone and laptop chargers handle the voltage already.

Most open in late November and run through December, with some closing just after Christmas and a few staying open into early January. Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck have the biggest ones; smaller towns are quieter.

Yes, drinking alcohol in public is generally allowed. Be sensible around stations and late at night, and note that some cities have local rules in specific zones.

It is mid-to-upper range for Europe. Vienna and ski resorts are the priciest; smaller towns and rural areas are cheaper. Booking rail tickets early, eating at lunch menus and staying slightly outside the centre all cut costs.

Regional trains do not, but long-distance Railjet services are cheaper if booked ahead on ÖBB. Full-fare tickets are flexible but costly. Seat reservations are optional and only worth it on busy holiday weekends.

16 for beer and wine, 18 for spirits. Enforcement is generally relaxed but ID may be requested, and the rules apply in bars, restaurants and shops.

Yes on marked trails, which are well signposted. Take a map, check the weather, tell someone your route and carry layers. Via ferrata, glaciers and off-piste skiing need proper gear and experience, or a guide.

Train. Railjet services take about 2.5 hours and run frequently. Book ahead on ÖBB for cheaper Sparschiene fares. Driving takes a similar time but adds vignette and parking costs.

Yes for motorways and expressways. Buy a digital or sticker vignette before you join the motorway. Some Alpine roads and tunnels, such as the Grossglockner and certain tunnels, charge extra tolls on top.

In tourism, hotels, restaurants and among younger people, yes. In smaller towns, mountain huts and rural areas, less so. A few German phrases go a long way.

Layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes in any season. Add warm base layers, gloves and a hat for winter, and sun protection and a refillable bottle for summer hiking.

Yes, but they are thinner outside Vienna, Graz and Salzburg. Look for Käsespätzle, spinach dumplings, soups and salads, and check whether dishes use beef stock or bacon.

CET, UTC+1, moving to UTC+2 from late March to late October for daylight saving. That is six hours ahead of US Eastern Time in winter and one hour ahead of the UK.