8 practical tips for a trip to Austria

Are you going to Österreich soon and want to be well prepared for your trip? In this blog, I share 8 practical tips for a trip to Austria so that you will travel with a good feeling!

1. Get the right travel insurance for winter sports

If you go to Austria for winter sports, it is important to get a good travel insurance that includes winter sports. With a normal travel insurance this is not the case, so you will have to take an extra insurance. After all, medical costs can be high in case of an accident on the slopes.

2. Have cash on hand

In smaller towns in Austria, you will often not be able to pay by credit card and they will only accept cash. So make sure you always have some cash in your pocket. Fortunately, ATMs can be found everywhere, even in the smaller towns in Austria and so you will be able to withdraw cash everywhere.

3. Public transportation is well organized

Austria has a super network of public transportation with trains, buses and streetcars that can take you to any destination. The ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) offers a train system that runs throughout Austria (even to the Alps). Trains in Austria often leave punctually, so make sure you get to the station on time to avoid missing the train.

4. Make sure you have good hiking equipment

If you go to Austria in the summer to hike, make sure you have the right equipment. The Alps has beautiful hiking trails, but sometimes the paths are not as good, so you need good hiking boots. In addition, it is helpful to have a hiking map or use an app for the routes so you don’t get lost. Lastly, it is important to have enough water and food in your pocket and a raincoat is always handy, as the weather can change quickly.

5. Be mindful of local customs

Austrians place a high value on politeness. You can greet them with “Guten Tag” when you enter a restaurant or store. Furthermore, when hiking in the mountains, it is customary to greet other hikers.

6. Plan your visits to museums and sights ahead

If you plan to visit museums, castles or other sights, it is best to get tickets in advance. In big cities like Vienna and Salzburg, the sights can fill up quickly and you won’t be able to get tickets at the door. When you get it in advance, you won’t have a queue and you are guaranteed entry inside.

7. Respect nature

Austrians like to keep their environment clean. This means that as a tourist you have to throw away and take your trash, especially in the mountains and in the nature parks. Austria is very strict when it comes to protecting nature.

8. Use the freeway vignette

If you go to Austria by car, it is important to know that you need a vignette to drive on the highways. This is a kind of toll vignette that you have to buy in advance and stick on your windshield. You can also purchase the vignette at gas stations and post offices close to the border, and there are several options for a vignette. You can buy one for 10 days, 2 months or an entire year. If you don’t drive without a vignette, you can get a large fine for this.

With these tips, you’ll be well prepared for your trip to Austria! Are you visiting the city of Wien during your trip? Then do the SmartWalk Wien to learn all about the city and walk this tour at your own pace and take breaks whenever you want!