Why visit
Austria blends Vienna's imperial palaces, Salzburg's Mozart and Alps, the Wachau Valley, Hallstatt's lakeside postcard, and some of Europe's best ski infrastructure.
Country · Europe
Austria
culturehistorycitynaturefood
At a glance
Location
47.3°, 13.3°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
83,871 km²
32,383 mi²
Country population
9.0 million
107/km²
Subregion
Central Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+43
Language
Austro-Bavarian German
Demonym
Austrian
Internet
.at
UN
Member state
ISO code
AT / AUT
Where in the world
47.3° · 13.3°
Austria
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Did you know
- Austria's capital Vienna has ranked as the world's "most livable city" in multiple recent Mercer / Economist surveys.
- The Austrian flag is one of the oldest national flags still in use (dates to 1230).
- Austria is where the croissant was invented (originally called "kipferl") before France adopted it.
Bordering Austria
Traveler notes
- Vienna + Salzburg + Hallstatt one-week loop
- Schengen visa
- Coffeehouse culture is UNESCO-listed
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Vienna, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Signature travel cities in Austria
Salzburg
Salzburg is Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens, and a summer festival (Festspiele) that's one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is Alpine city living. Cable cars from the center to 2,334 m, Maria-Theresien-Strasse's baroque, and ski resorts 20 minutes out.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Austria
What is the capital of Austria?
Vienna is the capital of Austria.
What currency does Austria use?
Austria uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Austria?
The primary language is Austro-Bavarian German.
Is Austria landlocked?
Yes, Austria is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Austria?
Austria borders Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.
What is the international calling code for Austria?
The calling code is +43.
When is the best time to visit Austria?
Apr–Oct, Dec–Mar for skiing. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Europe destinations
Finland
Finland is a destination in Europe where the landscape is the point. National parks, coastlines, forests, or mountain travel anchor most itineraries.
France
France is the most-visited country on earth for good reason. Paris's museums, Loire châteaux, Provence lavender, Alpine skiing, Normandy beaches, and the Riviera, all linked by the TGV.
Germany
Germany mixes Berlin's history and counter-culture, Bavaria's Alps and beer halls, the Rhine Valley's castles, and Hamburg's harbor. ICE trains link everything.
Greece
Greece pairs Athens's Acropolis with island-hopping. Santorini's caldera, Crete's gorges, Mykonos nightlife, Naxos beaches, and Corfu's Ionian green.
Hungary
Hungary is Budapest's Danube panorama, thermal baths, ruin bars, and the most underrated food scene in Central Europe. Countryside wine regions add a Tokaj detour.
Iceland
Iceland is raw geology. Golden Circle waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and the Blue Lagoon. Packed into a country you can circle in a week.