Austria is located in the central Europe, and has 8,5 Million inhabitants. The climate in Austria is greatly influence by presence of Alps, therefore there is extensive snow during the winter throughout the country. When we observe the Austrian history we can see that through the past Austria was imperial force. All the way from Austro-Hungarian empire and the Habsburg dinasty well known to the people in this part of Europe.
During the recent past Austria also had turbulations especially during the second world war prior which was annexed to Germany in 1938. That has lasted till the end of the war, and in 1955 Austria regained its sovereignty. In 1955 Austria also became a member of European Union and today Austria is one of the smaller European countries but yet famous for its skiing destinations as well as classical Music thanks to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart but also a economically very powerfull country with high living standard.
Popular destinations
Vienna – the capital of Austria and also the biggest city. The city population is 1.7 million people and is education, science and economy centre of Austria. Vienna is 10th largest city in the European Union but as well among the top ones when it comes to hosting many international organizations such as United Nations and OPEC.
Salzburg – city is most famous by the fact that this is the place where world’s most famous composer was born here – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is one of those places that you must not avoid when visiting Austria. Old Baroque city that is so preserved that gives the feeling like you have travelled back in time. The city is also listed in the UNESCO’s heritage list.
Innsbruck – located in Tirol presents one of the most famous skiing spots in this part of Europe, the city hosted a winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. Mountain is almost touching the city so besides the Great skiing opportunity you are still close to the city centre and its great offer.
Airports
Austria has 6 main airports:
Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Slazburg, Linz,
Spoken languages
German language is the official language in Austria but though due to the developed tourism English is spoken as well. Other local official languages are Croatian, Hungarian and Slovenian.
Currency
Euro is official currency in Austria.
Drivers licence and drivers age
Driver must be at least 18 years of age and have 1 year of driving experience in order to hire a car in Austria although it differs when renting a car.
Travel tips
1. When driving on Austrian highways vignette is neccesary to purchase, it costs approximately €7,50 for 10 days
2. There are bus systems in all the other main towns, and also tramways in Linz, Innsbruck and Graz, and trolleybuses in Linz, Innsbruck and Salzburg.
3. Breakdown service numbers are 120 or 123.
4. Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere.
Drivers lane
In Austria cars are driven on the right side as in most of the European countries.
Traffic
Traffic infrastructure is well developed in Austria in both aspects, air or road. Vienna is connected with other airports in the country on regular basis. Speed limit while driving in Austria are the following: 130 km/h on the highways, on local roads 70 km/h and in the urban areas 50 Km/h.
Borders
Austria borders with following countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy.
