Search Holidays in Austria Online
Austria is a mountainous country in the southern part of Central Europe, often called the "Land of Lakes." The country boasts not only picturesque valleys but also breathtaking mountain peaks. Once you start browsing holidays online, it's hard to think of anything but the famous Vienna Opera, alpine meadows and world-class ski resorts.
The Climate in Austria
Austria's climate is temperate, and since mountainous terrain dominates the country, it varies sharply with altitude. Summers bring warm, sunny weather, with July and August the hottest months. Winters are mild at the foot of the mountains and considerably colder on the slopes, where temperatures can drop to -15°C. Bear in mind that temperatures fall as you gain altitude, and rainfall increases sharply on the northern and western mountain ranges.
When choosing a holiday package, it's worth deciding on the type of trip you want, whether that's:
- A ski holiday;
- A sightseeing and cultural tour;
- A tour of Austria's lakes.
Among the top ski resorts well worth a visit are:
- Ischgl - not only a fashionable and pricey resort but also a great chance to catch concerts by world-famous stars, plus excellent shopping, with official stores of well-known brands;
- Bad Gastein - alongside its ski slopes, this resort offers the oldest high-altitude casino, thermal springs, spa breaks and salt mines;
- Kitzbühel - Austria's oldest ski resort, home to the Streif, the steepest downhill slalom course in the Alps, where world downhill championships are held on a slope with an 85-degree gradient and speeds reaching 140 km/h;
- Mayrhofen - home to the famous Hintertux Glacier;
- Kaprun - quiet, relaxed holidays for families, where classic alpine village architecture and a medieval castle pleasantly round out the skiing.
Austria is a member of the European Union, so entry requirements depend on your nationality — EU citizens can generally travel on a biometric ID, while other passport holders should check whether they need a visa from an Austrian consulate before you book. Searching for the right holiday is an enjoyable task, but don't forget the financial side of things: check with your bank about the commission on withdrawing euros from cash machines in Austria.
Handy Tips for Travellers:
- If you take a taxi, remember to leave a 10% tip;
- Street cafés don't expect a tip;
- Late spring and early autumn are the best times for sightseeing, while the ski season runs from mid-November to mid-April;
- The Vienna Tourist Board office on Albertinaplatz hands out free city maps, public transport routes, tour programmes and brochures.
