Austria Vacations

In Austrian society, formalities and etiquette are key. Small greetings are worth it — it's considered rude to enter a shop without saying Guten Tag (hello) or Auf Wiedersehen (goodbye). When drinking alcohol, don't forget to toast with "prost" or "cheers".

You'll hear German being spoken in the streets, as it's the official language of the country. Austria and its people are unique, so avoid comparing it to Germany. Dialects like Alemannic and Austro-Bavarian are also spoken in some parts of the country. Typical, it isn't hard to find people who speak English.

Roman Catholic is the majority religion in Austria, with smaller followings of Buddhism, Protestantism, Orthodox Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. 

There's no bad time to visit Austria, so the most ideal month will depend on what activities you'd like to do. If you're a winter sports enthusiast, most ski resorts are in full swing from December to March. If you're visiting the Alps for hiking, late spring until early fall will give you the most comfortable conditions. In the major cities, you'll avoid large crowds by visiting in April-May or September-October.

Today Austria is famous for its cultural experiences and incredible landscapes. The Alps cover two-thirds of the country, composed of various peaks. From sports to sightseeing, the mountains provide year-round attractions with thrilling winters and peaceful summers.

Austria's culture goes far beyond being the home of Mozart. While it is still known for its classical music and powerful choirs, sculpted architecture, world-class museums, and galleries abound.

Influenced by the vast distances that once made up the Habsburg Empire, the food of Austria props up Eastern European flavour on full display. Tafelspitz, the country's national dish, checks all the boxes. A tender cut of beef is boiled in a spiced vegetable broth, graces the table served with roasted potatoes, apples, horseradish, and chive sauce. While the Austrian palate is surprisingly diverse, Viennese cuisine is the star here, famous for its recognizable dishes like wiener schnitzel, a deep-fried breaded escalope of veal.

Whether coffee, beer, or wine is your drink of choice, you'll have no shortage of options. Cafe culture runs deep, with conversations rolling over cups of specialty coffee. After dinner, sip on thick hot chocolate between flaky bites of apfelstrudel. In Eastern Austria, flourishing vineyards bring forth bottles of Riesling and Veltliner. Breweries with large names like Stiegl or small local brasseries adorn the country, leaving you with a pleasant aftertaste.