Famous Places in Austria For Your Holiday

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Famous Places in Austria For Your Holiday
Travel tips for your trip to Austria Hotel Maps Famous Places in Austria helps you to make your trip to Austria in the holiday a Splendid One

Austria is one of the countries in Europe having a rich and dramatic history, and its landscapes are dotted with historical landmarks such as medieval fortresses, castles, etc. Moreover, Austria is also home to many great people from composers to military leaders, from poets to musicians. Because of this, you can indeed expect a fantastic vacation should you go and visit this place, so here are ten great places to go to in Austria:

Hofburg Imperial Palace

The Hofburg Imperial Palace was built during the late 13th century and still stands today as a testament to the power and wealth of this mighty political family. In this palace, you will find the offices of the President of Austria, the countries international convention center, the famous Spanish Riding School and its Lipizzan stallions. There are also museums that are open to the public.

Grossglockner Alpine Road

The Grossglockner alpine road is one of the most visited alpine roads in the continent. It ends in the highest mountain in Austria where its largest glacier is also located. In fact, since the mid 1930's, this famous road has been visited by over 50 million people eager to see its spectacular views.

Carnutinum Archaeological Museum

Carnutinum was once the most important of Roman towns in the Alps. It was founded sometime during the 6th century AD and has seen about 5000 inhabitants under the Roman Empire. Today, this town houses the largest collection of Roman artifacts ranging from Roman jewelry, roman arms and coins, landmarks such as amphitheatres and baths as well as other religious objects from the Roman religion of Mithras worship.

Eisriesenwelt Caves

The Eisriesenwelt caves showcase extraordinary rock and ice formations, majestic towers and columns and even an underground glacier and waterfall. It was discovered sometime during the late 1870's by Anton Posselt and since then has attracted thousands of tourists from all around the world. Today, it is considered as one of the largest ice cave in the world.

Graz

The Graz is perhaps the most famous center for culture, architecture and art. In fact, it was been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the historical value of the place. Here, tourists will also get to experience the vibrant nightlife that Gratz is well known for.

Salzburg

In fact, it is also named as the Rome of the North because of this. Aside from this, Salzburg is also known for its old streets, festivals, the Mirabell Palace, the hohensalzburg Fortress and the Mozarteum.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is well known as a vacation destination in winter. This is because the place is situated between two imposing mountainsides ideal for winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing. Not only that, Innsbruck is also a popular tourist destination even in the summer months because it is ideal for mountaineering and ecotours.

Vienna

Vienna is one of the greatest and most historic cities in Western Europe. It is birthplace of Austria's most famous rulers and some of the most famous composers of classical music. Vienna also boasts of such tourist destinations as St Stephen's Cathedral and Vienna Woods.

The Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future is called the Ars Electronica. This museum is also well known for its stunning collection of modern technology. As such, this has become a tourist spot.

Hohe Tauern National Park

One of the last natural wilderness areas in Europe, this park is well known for its flora and fauna. Here you will see animals such as Mountain goats, ibex, chamois, a wide variety of birds, sheep, etc. You also get to enjoy nature at its finest with your loved ones.

Free Guide Vienna City

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Free Guide Vienna City
Travel tips for your trip to Austria Hotel Maps Famous Places in Austria helps you to make your trip to Austria in the holiday a Splendid One

Vienna is the capital city of Austria and it is also the largest city in the country. It is cultural and political hub of the country and has shades of its imperial past. It is also a designated UNESCO world heritage site. Vienna is one of the most historic cities in Europe and has lots of monuments and heritage places to visit in the city. It is also a city which is proud of its music heritage. Modern day Vienna boasts of a vibrant classical and modern music scene. Vienna is also popular for its coffee culture and has Italian style espresso coffee bars around the city.

Climate

Vienna is a city of varied climate. The spring season in Vienna starts around March before the summer sets in. Weather in summer months is mostly moderate with the max temp reaching around 34 degrees. Winters here can be cold with the temperatures reaching around 0 degrees. Some snow fall occurs but quickly melts away. Mostly, moderate climate makes the city an ideal visit location.

Transportation

The city has the Vienna international airport; the airport is the base for the national airline, the Austrian which flies flights from other cities from the capital. Many European airlines run flights to the airport and some have connecting hubs in the city. From the airport, you can hire taxis or rent cars for your trip forward. Buses are also available which will take you around the city. You can also take the underground for faster movement around the city. Public transportation is relatively cheap in Vienna and wouldnt cost you much for a round trip. Hotels are available in abundance and you can find one easily for your budget. You can find luxurious and cheap hotels around the city.

Languages

The people in Austria mostly speak a combination of German and austro-bavarian language. German is also the official language here. People who deal with foreign visitors speak fluent English and you wouldnt have many problems dealing with them.

Places to Visit

The city as mentioned before is full of historical building and you certainly would like to visit the most famous landmarks in the city. The city has the museumquarter which houses most of the cities museums. Apart from museums, various cultural places are located here. There are various cafes here which would not keep you bored. Then, there is the new palace which is largest and latest section of the imperial palace. Art has a big place in Austrian culture and there is the museum of applied and contemporary arts which is a must see for art lovers. There is also a technical museum which houses old and new renovated machines and electronic equipment.

The city also has many palaces and castles which should be paid a visit during your trip. Schloss Schnbrunn is a UNESCO heritage site and is perhaps the best palace experience you will get in the city. Also, you can visit the Hofburg Palace which is a large collection of buildings and remained the residence of imperial rulers until 1918.

Food

Food here is purely Viennese which offers pretty exotic flavors and items, although, for foreign visitors most of the restaurants serve English menus as well. The traditional fast food here is sausage and kabaps.

Overall Vienna offers a distinct traditional experience for travelers and the city would be a delight for art lovers as it is heavily influenced by artists.

Money Exchange for Austria -Services - Money

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Money Exchange for Austria -Services - Money
Travel tips for your trip to Austria Hotel Maps Famous Places in Austria helps you to make your trip to Austria in the holiday a Splendid One

Continent: Europe

Location: In S central Europe. Neighbors: Switzerland, Liechtenstein on W, Germany, Czech Republic on N, Slovakia, Hungary on E, Slovenia, Italy on S.

Area: 32,383 sq mi, 83,871 sq km

Form of Government: Federal state with two legislative houses (Federal Council 64) and (National Council 183)

Population: (2007) 8,319,000

Population Density: (2007) persons per sq mi 256.9, persons per sq km 99.2

Principal Language(s): German (official) Turkish, Serbian, Croatian (official in Burgenland)

Religions: Roman Catholic 74%, Protestant 5%, Muslim 4%, none 12%.

Capital: Vienna

Capital Population: 1,651,437

Capital Average Temperature: N/A

Major Cities: Graz 244,604, Linz 188,362, Salzburg 148,473, Innsbruck 116,851.

Topography: Austria is primarily mountainous with the Alps and foothills covering the western and southern provinces. The eastern provinces and Vienna are located in the Danube River Basin

Economy: G.D.P. $319.7 billion

G.D.P. per Capita: $ 39,000

Vital Statistics: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2005) 9.5 (world average 20.3). Death rate per 1,000 population (2005) 9.1 (world avg. 8.6). Total fertility rate (avg. births per childbearing woman 2005) 1.41. Life expectancy at birth (2005): male 76.7 years, female 82.2 years.

Credit cards:

Major credit cards are accepted in large cities. However, some smaller hotels may require bills to be paid in cash.
ATM:

ATMs are available throughout Austria, especially in the major towns and cities. Most accept all of the major bank cards, including Visa and American Express. In Austria ATMs are called Bankomats and can be identified by a sign with a green stripe above a blue stripe.
Travellers cheques:

These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in a major currency (Euros, US Dollars, Pounds Sterling).
Banking hours:

Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 0800-1230 and 1330-1500; Thurs 0800-1230 and 1330-1730. Different opening hours may be kept in the various federal provinces. The exchange counters at airports and at railway stations are generally open from the first to the last flight or train, which usually means 0800-2200 including weekends.
Currency restriction:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.
Currency exchange:

Foreign currencies and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and exchange counters at airports and railway stations at the official exchange rates.

Health and Medical Information for Austria

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Health and Medical Information for Austria
Travel tips for your trip to Austria Hotel Maps Famous Places in Austria helps you to make your trip to Austria in the holiday a Splendid One

The Republic of Austria sits on the southern border of Germany, and is largely covered by the European mountain range, the Alps. A land locked country, Austria had a population of around 8,214,000 people in 2010 with a land mass of approximately 83,871 kmû. With 64% of the country covered with Alpine mountain range, the majority of Austria’s economic activity is in the eastern regions, largely due to the capital city’s location. The nation’s capital, Vienna, is the country’s economic, cultural, and political centre and has been ranked 1st globally as a culture of innovation in 2007 and 2008. It offers a wide variety of things for an expatriate to experience, such as the stunning scenery of the Alpine mountains, world renowned museums and galleries, and some of the world’s premier skiing regions.

Austria provides health care

through two complementary systems, the statutory social security system and private health insurances. Any gainfully employed person must become insured through one of these two systems. The statutory social security system stipulates a compulsory insurance coverage for almost all types of employment, independent of the level of salary. The main goals for the system are affordability, universality and solidarity, which also will guarantee inhabitants equitable access to quality health care. Patients are offered the choice of their physician and have free access to most forms of medical care such as specialized in and out patient care, emergency care, prescription medicines and ambulance services, but any health care used outside of the benefits will need to be paid out-of-pocket. Payment for this plan is done through contributions from both the employee and the employers, but in the case of someone who is self-employed, all contributions must be paid in full by themselves. The amount of the contribution is based on a percentage of the person’s income, which for health insurance is around 7.65% for each party. 99% of the Austrian population is protected under this comprehensive health insurance coverage.

As of 2010 Austria had 269 hospitals; of these 132 are non-profit and public hospitals. There is a system of privately owned and state-maintained hospitals, whose quality of room care provided differs according to the patients’ health insurance coverage. A person with the public health care plan will probably get a shared room with 2 to 3 other patients. This public health care plan covers for basic medical diagnostic and treatment procedures. A privately insured patient would usually get a private or double room. The quality of care provided by hospitals, both public and private, is high, although without proper coverage the cost of care can be quite expensive but does vary from region to region. Expatriates should be aware that hospitals and physicians generally do not accept credit cards as a means of payment. Discuss with your international health insurance provider about payment methods with particular hospitals in Austria to ensure you will be able to receive immediate care when in need.

With Austria being a member of the EU since 1995, people who are covered under a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland’s social security scheme can receive care from Austria’s public health care system, as long as they are holders of an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). With an EHIC the Austrian government will provide emergency care and basic health care treatment on the same terms as an Austrian national would receive. It will not cover for any on-going medical treatment, medical repatriation or care of a non-urgent nature, which is why it is recommended to obtain an international health insurance plan.

Natural disasters and weather issues are something to watch out for as an expatriate travelling or living in Austria. If you intend to ski there are some serious concerns over avalanches during the winter season. Even summer months holds some dangers with areas still covered in snow. Weather and avalanche conditions should be monitored when travelling in the mountainous terrain of Austria. It is recommended to discuss with your international health insurance provider the safety precautions in mountainous terrain and the possibility of rescue or evacuation from these areas. Storms have been known to do damage homes, and businesses, restricting your ability to travel to, from and within the country. An expatriate should keep up to date with current and forecasted weather. Some storms have been known to cause floods which seem to affect the greatest number of people in Austria, doing serious economic damage. The greatest of these floods, in 2002, caused 2,400,000 dollars worth of damages, affected over 60,000 thousand Austrians and killed 9. Travellers insurance should be enquired about being able to have evacuation assistance for the policy holder.

If European visitors or any of their dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to Austria, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Full travel insurance is advised for all travellers.

Ticks often live in heavily forested areas during the summer months in some of the more easterly parts of Austria and can create discomfort and, in very rare cases, serious infection to people who are bitten. Tick-borne encephalitis is endemic and travellers likely to find themselves in wooded areas from spring to autumn should take a course of injections. Rabies is present in Austria, although there have been no incidents reported in recent years. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten seek medical advice without delay.

Short History Of Austria and Culture

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Short History Of Austria and Culture
Travel tips for your trip to Austria Hotel Maps Famous Places in Austria helps you to make your trip to Austria in the holiday a Splendid One

The Austro-Hungarian Empire played a decisive role in central European history. It occupied strategic territory containing the southeastern routes to western Europe and the north-south routes between Germany and Italy. Present-day Austria retains this unique position.

Soon after the Republic of Austria was created at the end of World War I, it faced the strains of catastrophic inflation and of adapting a large government structure to the needs of a new, smaller republic. In the early 1930s, worldwide depression and unemployment added to these strains and shattered traditional Austrian society. In 1933, Engelbert Dollfuss formed a conservative autocracy. In February 1934, civil war broke out, and the Socialist Party was outlawed. In July, a coup d'etat by the National Socialists failed, but Nazis assassinated Dollfuss. In March 1938, Germany occupied Austria and incorporated it into the German Reich. This development is commonly known as the "Anschluss" (annexation).

At the Moscow conference in 1943, the Allies declared their intention to liberate and reconstitute Austria. In April 1945, both Eastern- and Western-front Allied forces liberated the country. Subsequently, the victorious allies divided Austria into zones of occupation similar to those in Germany with a four-power administration of Vienna. Under the 1945 Potsdam agreements, the Soviets took control of German assets in their zone of occupation. These included 7% of Austria's manufacturing plants, 95% of its oil resources, and about 80% of its refinery capacity. The properties returned to Austria under the Austrian State Treaty. This treaty, signed in Vienna on May 15, 1955, came into effect on July 27, and, under its provisions, all occupation forces departed by October 25, 1955. Austria became free and independent for the first time since 1938.

Since World War II, Austria has enjoyed political stability. A Socialist elder statesman, Dr. Karl Renner, organized an Austrian administration in the aftermath of the war, and the country held general elections in November 1945. All three major parties – the conservative People’s Party (OVP), the Socialists (later Social Democratic party or SPO), and Communists – governed until 1947, when the Communists left the government. The OVP then led a governing coalition with the SPO that governed until 1966.

Between 1970 and 1999, the SPO governed the country either alone or with junior coalition partners. In 1999, the OVP formed a coalition with the right wing, populist Freedom Party (FPO). The SPO, which was the strongest party in the 1999 elections, and the Greens formed the opposition. The FPO had gained support because of populist tactics, and many feared it would represent right wing extremism. As a result, the European Union (EU) imposed a series of sanctions on Austria. The U.S. and Israel, as well as various other countries, also reduced contacts with the Austrian Government. After a period of close observation, the EU lifted sanctions, and the U.S. revised its contacts policy. Following 2002 elections, the OVP in February 2003 renewed its coalition with the FPO.

Austria Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details

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Austria Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details
Travel tips for your trip to Austria Hotel Maps Famous Places in Austria helps you to make your trip to Austria in the holiday a Splendid One

Austria is often visited by travelers for its unique beauty and host of other attractions. Accommodation in Austria is not a problem at all as you have wide range of options available.The types of accommodation in Austria available are guest houses, lodgings, serviced apartments, pensions, holiday flats, motels, hostels, drive in hotels, etc. On offer at these places would be single, double, triple and family rooms.

If you want to spend less on accommodation in Austria then try out dormitory style accommodation which is readily available in Austria. In this case you would have the option of choosing between accommodation meant for single travelers, couples, families or even a big group of tourists.

When you look for accommodation in Austria also do check whether facilities like free parking space, free meals, swimming pools, gyms, etc are available. Austrian hostels do not deny accommodation to people on the basis of age. Austrian hostels usually have two to six people per room. You can check into a hostel at any time of the day since the hostels remain open throughout the day.

Accommodation in Austria through a hostel would be great if you register yourself with the Hostelling International, first, and then land up at the hostel. Hostelling International has a total of 5000 hostels spread over 70 nations in the world, including Austria. You would be much welcomed if you go to the hostel as a member of this group, although non-members are also allowed to put up at these hostels. The membership remains valid for a period of one year from the date of joining.