About Place
- Vienna : "A city of music, art, and grand imperial history."
- Salzburg : "The birthplace of Mozart and a treasure trove of baroque architecture."
- Austrian Alps : "A paradise for skiers and nature lovers, with breathtaking landscapes."
Reasons to Visit
- Cultural Heritage : Austria is a cultural hub, home to classical music giants like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Vienna, the capital, boasts world-class museums, historic palaces, and an unparalleled music scene, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
- Stunning Landscapes : The Austrian Alps offer some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. From skiing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer, the region provides a year-round outdoor playground. Places like Innsbruck and Zell am See are perfect for adventure seekers.
- Historical Significance : Austria's history is rich with the legacy of the Habsburg Empire. Palaces such as Schönbrunn and Hofburg in Vienna are testament to its imperial past. Salzburg’s well-preserved baroque architecture and historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, add to the country's historical allure.
Visa
- EU/EEA and Switzerland : No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
- USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand : Visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Other Countries : A Schengen visa is required, which allows travel to Austria and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days.
Travel Expenses
1. Travel to & from destination : Round trip flights from a major metro city to Vienna for two people : $1,200.
2. Hotel Cost :
- Vienna : 2 nights at $150/night = $300
- Salzburg : 2 nights at $130/night = $260
- Innsbruck : 1 night at $140/night = $140
- Zell am See : 1 night at $120/night = $120 Total hotel cost : $820
3. Food Cost :
- Lunch : $30 per meal x 5 days x 2 people = $300
- Dinner : $50 per meal x 5 days x 2 people = $500 Total food cost : $800
4. Activity Cost :
- Schönbrunn Palace : $20/person
- Kunsthistorisches Museum : $16/person
- Mozart's Birthplace : $12/person
- Hohensalzburg Fortress : $15/person
- Hallstatt Skywalk : $18/person
- Hallstatt Salt Mine : $35/person
- Golden Roof : $10/person
- Nordkette Cable Car : $40/person
- Schmittenhöhebahn Cable Car : $35/person Total activity cost : $201/person x 2 people = $402
5. Near destination travel cost : Rental car for 5 days : $70/day = $350 Fuel costs : $100 Total near destination travel cost : $450
Total Estimated Travel Expenses : $4,172
Best Itinerary
Day 1 : Vienna Start your day with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace (9 AM - 12 PM), exploring the opulent rooms and beautiful gardens. For lunch, try traditional Viennese schnitzel at Figlmüller. In the afternoon, visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum (1 PM - 4 PM) to admire its vast art collection. Enjoy a classic Sachertorte and coffee at Café Sacher in the evening. For dinner, head to Plachutta for Tafelspitz, a Viennese boiled beef specialty. Walk around the illuminated St. Stephen's Cathedral and explore the city center by night.
Day 2 : Salzburg Travel to Salzburg, arriving by late morning. Begin with a tour of Mozart's Birthplace (10 AM - 12 PM). Have lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, one of the oldest restaurants in Europe, offering traditional Austrian cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress (1 PM - 3 PM) and its panoramic views. Spend the evening wandering through the Mirabell Gardens and the Old Town. For dinner, visit Zwettler's for authentic Austrian dishes. Finish the night with a stroll along the Salzach River.
Day 3 : Hallstatt Take a day trip to Hallstatt, starting with a visit to the Hallstatt Skywalk (10 AM - 12 PM) for breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch at Gasthof Zauner, known for its fish dishes. In the afternoon, explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine (1 PM - 3 PM) and its underground wonders. Spend the evening walking through the picturesque village, admiring its charming houses and lake views. For dinner, try local specialties at Restaurant am See. Return to Salzburg for the night.
Day 4 : Innsbruck Travel to Innsbruck in the morning. Visit the Golden Roof (10 AM - 12 PM) and the adjacent museum. For lunch, try Tyrolean dishes at Stiftskeller. In the afternoon, take the Nordkette Cable Car (1 PM - 4 PM) to enjoy the stunning alpine views and possible hiking opportunities. Spend the evening exploring the historic Old Town. Have dinner at Weisses Rössl, offering traditional Tyrolean cuisine. End the night with a walk along the Inn River.
Day 5 : Zell am See Head to Zell am See, arriving by mid-morning. Begin with a scenic boat ride on Lake Zell (10 AM - 12 PM). Enjoy lunch at Seevilla Freiberg, with its lakeside views. In the afternoon, take the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car (1 PM - 4 PM) for hiking and panoramic vistas. Spend the evening relaxing by the lake or exploring the town. For dinner, visit Steinerwirt for traditional Austrian fare. Enjoy a peaceful night by the lake.
Safety Tips
- Keep emergency numbers handy.
- Carry a copy of your passport and visa.
- Be aware of your surroundings in crowded places.
- Use reputable transportation services.
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Keep your valuables secure.
- Respect local customs and laws.
- Purchase travel insurance.
- Stay hydrated and dress appropriately for the weather.
- Inform someone of your itinerary.
Flights
- Austrian Airlines : Non-stop from New York to Vienna, $600 per person, 8 hours.
- Lufthansa : One stop via Frankfurt, $550 per person, 10 hours.
- British Airways : One stop via London, $580 per person, 11 hours.
Hotels
- Vienna : Hotel Sacher, Hotel Imperial, 25hours Hotel, Motel One, The Ritz-Carlton.
- Salzburg : Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Hotel Sacher, Imlauer Hotel Pitter, Hotel Elefant, Star Inn Hotel.
- Innsbruck : The Penz Hotel, NALA Individuellhotel, Hotel Innsbruck, Stage 12, Austria Trend Hotel Congress.
- Zell am See : Hotel Tirolerhof, Seevilla Freiberg, Hotel Salzburgerhof, Grand Hotel Zell am See, Hotel St. Georg.
Country
Closet Airport
- Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Nearest City
- Vienna
Heritage Sites
- Historic Centre of Vienna
- Historic Centre of Salzburg
- Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Lufthansa
- British Airways
- Air France
- Emirates
Currency
- Euro (EUR)
Languages Spoken
- German
Contacts
- Indian Embassy in Austria :
- Phone : +43 1 505 8666
- Email : amb.vienna@mea.gov.in
- Police : 133
- Ambulance : 144
- Firefighters : 122
Real Story
The Birth of the Salzburg Festival
The Salzburg Festival, one of the most prestigious classical music and drama festivals in the world, had its inception in 1920. It was founded by a group of artists and intellectuals, including Max Reinhardt, Richard Strauss, and Hugo von Hofmannsthal. Their vision was to create a cultural event that would celebrate Austrian artistry and revive the city’s cultural heritage.
The first performance was Hofmannsthal’s play "Jedermann," staged in front of Salzburg Cathedral. This setting, with its stunning baroque architecture, provided a dramatic backdrop that set the tone for the festival’s future. The festival quickly gained international acclaim, attracting audiences from around the globe.
Over the years, the Salzburg Festival has grown in scope and reputation. It features a diverse program, including opera, drama, and concerts, showcasing both classic and contemporary works. The festival has hosted some of the greatest artists and performers, cementing its status as a cultural landmark.
The festival’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of Austrian culture and the vision of its founders. It continues to be a symbol of artistic excellence and a celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Cuisine
Austrian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and traditions, influenced by its neighboring countries. One of the most iconic dishes is Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet, often served with potato salad or lingonberry sauce. Another favorite is Tafelspitz, a boiled beef dish served with horseradish, apple, and chive sauce.
For dessert, the Sachertorte is a must-try. This rich chocolate cake, layered with apricot jam and covered in dark chocolate icing, is a Viennese specialty. Apple strudel, a pastry filled with spiced apples and raisins, is another beloved treat, often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream.
Culture and History
Austria’s culture is deeply rooted in its historical and artistic traditions. As the cradle of classical music, it has produced some of the world’s greatest composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The Vienna State Opera and Musikverein are testament to this rich musical heritage. The country is also known for its contributions to art, particularly the Secessionist movement led by Gustav Klimt.
The Austrian way of life emphasizes Gemütlichkeit, a state of warmth and good cheer. This is evident in the country’s café culture, especially in Vienna, where coffee houses serve as social hubs. Traditional festivals, such as the Salzburg Festival, celebrate music and drama, while the Viennese Ball Season showcases the elegance of Austrian high society.
Austria’s history is marked by the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled for over six centuries. The architectural splendor of palaces like Schönbrunn and the Hofburg in Vienna reflect the grandeur of this era. Salzburg, with its baroque architecture and historic significance, adds to Austria’s rich historical tapestry.