Austria
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Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Austrian landscapes, architecture and culture, which offer a rich variety and incomparable beauty. From the majestic Alps and idyllic lakes to historic cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, Austria offers a wealth of photo opportunities that will delight any photography enthusiast.

Vienna

Capital city

9.104.772

Population

German

Language

83.871 km²

Surface area

From Vienna to Salzburg

Photo spots in Austria

Welcome to the land of music and majestic Alps – Austria, where photo spots invite you on a journey through the many facets of culture, history and breathtaking landscapes. From the impressive Alps and idyllic lakes to the vibrant city life in Vienna and Salzburg and historic cities such as Graz and Innsbruck – the architecture and nature in Austria reflect a fascinating diversity that inspires every photographer.

Explore the magnificent palaces and castles, the charming villages in the Alps and the idyllic vineyards along the Danube. Austria is a country full of contrasts, characterized by its rich history and cultural diversity, which enchants its visitors with every photo spot. From the small hidden gems to the vibrant cities, Austria offers an almost endless range of photo opportunities just waiting to be discovered. Get ready to be captured by the beauty of this country and start your photo journey through Austria.

Good to know

Here you will find important information for your visit to Austria or for your trip through this fascinating country in the heart of Europe. We’ll give you everything you need to get the most out of your stay in Austria. Let’s go on a journey of discovery together and experience the best photo spots with Fotogoals.

Regions

Austria is divided into nine federal states: Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Vienna. These regions each offer their own unique sights and cultural highlights. From the majestic Alps and idyllic lakes to historic cities such as Vienna and Salzburg and charming villages in the Alps - Austria offers a rich variety to explore.

Currency

The official currency in Austria is the euro (€), which is accepted as a means of payment throughout the country. The country’s largest banks include Erste Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, UniCredit Bank Austria and BAWAG P.S.K. ATMs can be found in banks as well as in many public places such as shopping centers, train stations and airports, making access to cash convenient and easy.

Mobile radio

Austria has the country code +43 and the leading mobile providers are A1, Magenta Telekom and Drei. Other providers (e.g. supermarket chains) offer tariffs. HoT from Hofer, for example) use one of the networks of the three major providers. The mobile network is generally well developed and offers extensive network coverage, even in rural areas. In general, 4G LTE is readily available. 5G is largely available in urban areas.

Grocery

In Austria, most supermarkets and discount stores are open from Monday to Saturday from around 7 or 8 am until 7 or 8 pm. Some supermarkets are also open on Sundays, especially in tourist areas. The most popular retailers include Spar, Billa, Hofer (Aldi) and Lidl. They offer a wide selection of food and other products at affordable prices.

Transportation

There are a variety of transportation options in Austria. ÖBB offers an extensive train network for national and international travel. Cities have public transportation such as subways, streetcars and buses. Flixbus offers inexpensive long-distance bus connections. There are also ride-sharing services such as Uber, traditional cabs and car rental companies such as Europcar and Sixt for flexible transportation options.

Restaurant

Austria has a diverse restaurant landscape that offers something for every taste and budget. In addition to traditional restaurants serving Austrian cuisine, you will also find a large number of international chains and snack stands offering a wide range of dishes, from Wiener Schnitzel to apple strudel. Prices for main meals average between 10 and 25 euros. It is customary to tip about 10%.

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Austria - FAQ: Travel

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Austria

If you want to visit Austria, the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and the activities you are planning. Summer (June to August) offers warm weather and is ideal for hiking in the Alps and visiting the lakes. Autumn (September to November) offers mild weather and colorful autumn landscapes, which is perfect for sightseeing and wine tasting. Winter (December to February) is ideal for winter sports in the Alps and visiting the Christmas markets. In spring (March to May), nature awakens and the cities blossom, which is perfect for walks and sightseeing tours. When planning your trip, consider your personal preferences and interests to find the best time to visit Austria.

If you wish to enter Austria, the need for a visa depends on your nationality, the purpose of your stay and the intended duration. Nationals of many countries do not require a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. However, a visa may be required for longer stays or other purposes. It is important to check the current entry requirements and apply for a visa in good time if necessary.

If you are planning a vacation trip to Austria, the choice of airport depends on your destination and your personal preferences. Most international flights land at the larger airports such as Vienna-Schwechat (VIE), Salzburg (SZG) or Innsbruck (INN). Vienna-Schwechat is the largest and busiest airport and offers a wide range of connections. All airports are well connected to the public transport network. If you have a specific destination in Austria in mind, it may make sense to choose the nearest regional airport. Find out about the various options in advance and choose the airport that best suits your travel plans.

If you are traveling to Austria, no special vaccinations are usually required. However, it is recommended that you keep your standard vaccinations up to date according to your home country's vaccination calendar. If you are traveling from countries with yellow fever infection areas, you may need to provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination. It is advisable to find out about current health and entry regulations before you travel and to seek medical advice if necessary.

Yes, many people in Austria speak English, especially in urban areas, tourist centers and among the younger generation. English is a widely spoken foreign language and is often learned as a second language at school. In hotels, restaurants, stores and tourist attractions, it is common for staff to speak English or at least have a basic knowledge of English in order to communicate with international visitors. If you don't speak German, you can usually communicate in English to find your way around and get help.

Austria - FAQ: Daily life

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about daily life in Austria

In Austria, the voltage is 230 volts and the frequency is 50 hertz. The sockets correspond to the European type C and type F. If you come from a country that uses other plug types, you may need an adapter to connect your electronic devices. These adapters are available in most electronics stores, airports and hotels. It is recommended that you check whether you need an adapter before your trip to ensure that your electronic devices can be used without any problems.

Yes, tap water in Austria is generally of high quality and can be drunk without hesitation. Most cities and municipalities have strict water treatment regulations to ensure that drinking water meets legal standards. It is therefore not necessary to buy bottled water unless you prefer certain flavors or carbonation. Drinking tap water is not only environmentally friendly, it also saves you money during your stay in Austria.

Payment by card, especially by credit card, is widespread in Austria. In larger stores, restaurants and bars in cities or tourist regions, payment by credit card is generally accepted. However, some smaller stores or rural areas may only accept cash. It is therefore advisable to find out in advance whether payment with your credit card is possible.

American Express credit cards can sometimes cause problems as they are not accepted everywhere. Visa and Mastercard, on the other hand, work almost everywhere. All cards are usually accepted in supermarkets, as are Apple Pay and Google Pay. It is always a good idea to have both cash and a credit card with you to be prepared for all eventualities.

In Austria, you can buy alcohol in supermarkets, discount stores, petrol stations and kiosks. You can get a standard selection of alcoholic drinks almost everywhere, while a larger selection is usually only available in specialty drinks markets or in large supermarkets. The sale of alcohol is generally not limited in time, but it is advisable to find out about local regulations. Beer and wine may be sold from the age of 16, while high-proof alcohol is only available from the age of 18.

In Austria, you can buy cigarettes and tobacco in supermarkets, kiosks, petrol stations and special tobacco stores. These products are usually kept behind the counter and must be requested from the staff. It is important to note that the sale of tobacco products is regulated and the minimum age for buying tobacco is 18. A pack of cigarettes costs around 5-6 euros on average.

In Austria, you can buy drugstore and hygiene products in supermarkets such as Spar and Billa as well as in specialized drugstores such as dm and BIPA. These stores offer a wide range of products, including body care, cosmetics, household cleaners and baby care. Drugstore items are also available in pharmacies, which are widespread in most towns and communities.

In Austria, traffic drives on the right. The speed limits vary depending on the type of road: in urban areas the limit is usually 50 km/h, on country roads 100 km/h and on freeways 130 km/h. Seat belts must be worn by all vehicle occupants. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. The use of cell phones without hands-free equipment while driving is prohibited. It is important to obey traffic signs and traffic lights and to give priority to pedestrians at crosswalks.

When visiting Austria, there are a few important things to bear in mind to ensure a smooth and pleasant stay:

  • Dress: Austria has a relaxed dress code, but it is advisable to dress appropriately in urban areas and for formal occasions. Conservative clothing should be worn in religious sites.

  • Traffic: Traffic in Austria is well organized, but it is important to follow the traffic rules and drive carefully. Pedestrians have priority at crosswalks.

  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, restaurants, bars and many public places. There are designated smoking areas which should be used.

  • Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol is permitted in Austria from the age of 16 for beer and wine and from the age of 18 for spirits. However, it is forbidden to drink alcohol in public, except in designated areas such as licensed bars and restaurants.

  • Emergency number: The emergency number in Austria is 112. This number can be used for the police, fire department and ambulance.

  • Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Austria, but is appreciated in restaurants and for good service. Usually about 10% of the invoice amount is given.

Austria - FAQ: Photo

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about photography in Austria

In Austria there are some important rules and regulations regarding photography:

  • Respect privacy: Do not photograph people without their express permission, especially in private or sensitive situations.
  • Military and government buildings: Photography of military facilities and government buildings is often restricted or prohibited.
  • Religious sites: Special care should be taken when taking photographs in churches and cathedrals. Find out in advance whether photography is permitted.
  • Commercial photography: Permission is required for commercial photography. Find out about the necessary permits in advance.