+/- 0 h

Vienna

German

• 230 volts
• Two-pin round plugs
• A travel adapter for Type F sockets is required

Banks

8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30–3:00 p.m. (Mon–Wed, Fri)
8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30–5:30 p.m. (Thu)

Please note that opening hours may vary depending on the bank and location, particularly in rural areas or at smaller branches. For exact opening hours, contact the bank directly or consult its website.

Shops

8:00/9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
8:00/9:00 a.m.–1:00/5:00 p.m. (Sat)

Special regulations allowing extended opening hours apply in tourist areas.

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• January 6: Epiphany
• Easter Monday: Date varies from year to year
• May 1: State Holiday
• Ascension Day: Date varies from year to year
• Whit Monday: Date varies from year to year
• Corpus Christi: Date varies from year to year
• August 15: Assumption of Mary
• October 26: National Day
• November 1: All Saints’ Day
• December 8: Immaculate Conception
• December 25: Christmas Day
• December 26: St. Stephen’s Day

The following documents are required for entry into Austria:

• A valid Swiss identity card or Swiss passport. Swiss citizens may also enter with a passport that expired less than five years ago for stays of up to three months.
• No visa is required.
• Minors: A travel authorisation is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents. Further information: Travel authorisation for travelling with children.

Last updated: April 2024

Austria has a diverse climate, offering different experiences depending on the region and season:

Eastern Austria, including Vienna:

• In winter, average low temperatures range between -2 °C and 0 °C.
• Summers are warm, with average temperatures of around 25 °C. Maximum temperatures can reach 30–35 °C.

Western Austria and the Alpine region:

• Winter temperatures are lower, with frequent snowfall, making the region ideal for winter sports.
• Summers are mild, with average temperatures ranging between 15 °C and 25 °C.

Southern Austria, including Carinthia and Styria:

• Winters are milder, with average low temperatures of around 0–2 °C.
• Summers can be very warm, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 30 °C, particularly at lower altitudes.

North-eastern regions:

• Winter temperatures are moderate and rarely fall below -5 °C.
• Summers are typically warm and dry, with occasional periods of intense heat.

The ideal time to travel to Austria:

• Beach holidays: Austria’s lakes in Carinthia and the Salzkammergut offer ideal conditions for a lakeside holiday from June to September.
• City trips: Vienna, Salzburg, Graz and other cities are attractive throughout the year, although spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant temperatures for sightseeing.
• Winter holidays: December to March is the ideal period for skiing and winter sports in the Alps. At lower altitudes and in the cities, milder winter conditions are well suited to cultural excursions and wellness breaks.

• Mobile phone use in Austria may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming fees before travelling and, where appropriate, purchase a dedicated roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels, public spaces and on public transport.

Austria offers a wealth of attractions, ranging from historic landmarks to natural wonders. Here is a selection of some of the most remarkable places:

• Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna: A magnificent Baroque palace with beautiful gardens, once the summer residence of the Habsburgs.
• Salzburg Old Town: Famous for its well-preserved Baroque architecture, Mozart’s birthplace and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• Hallstatt: A picturesque village on the shores of Lake Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and salt-mining tradition.
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: A spectacular mountain road offering breathtaking views of Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner.
• Vienna State Opera: One of the world’s leading opera houses, featuring magnificent interiors and outstanding acoustics.
• Innsbruck Old Town: A charming historic centre with the famous Golden Roof and an impressive Alpine backdrop.
• Belvedere Palace in Vienna: A Baroque palace complex comprising two magnificent buildings, surrounded by elegant gardens and home to the world’s largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt.
• Prater in Vienna: A popular public park featuring the historic Giant Ferris Wheel, an amusement park and numerous attractions for visitors of all ages.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna: One of the world’s most important museums, renowned for its extensive collection of works by the Old Masters.
• Melk Abbey: An impressive Benedictine monastery overlooking the town of Melk, famous for its magnificent Baroque architecture and library.
• Seefeld in Tyrol: A renowned winter sports destination and summer resort, ideal for skiing, hiking and relaxing in nature.
• Hohe Tauern National Park: The largest national park in Central Europe, home to the Grossglockner and offering unspoilt nature, hiking trails and the Krimml Waterfalls.

Recommended reading: To experience Vienna in greater depth, our blog article “Imperial and laid-back: Vienna’s attractions, art and cuisine” provides a concise guide to neighbourhoods, attractions, museums, culinary highlights, Christmas markets, family activities and practical tips.

Those wishing to discover Austria beyond its classic destinations will find inspiration in our blog article “City break in Linz: Tips for the colourful city on the Danube”, featuring ideas for a relaxing weekend among the Old Town, Pöstlingberg, the Danube, contemporary culture, traditional cafés and Linzer Torte.

For a more detailed introduction to Tyrol, we recommend our blog article “Tyrol, Austria: Travel tips, regions and activities throughout the year”, with concise overviews of regions, accommodation, activities, cuisine and suggested itineraries lasting three to seven days.

For a compact overview of the Tyrolean capital, we also recommend our blog article “City break in Innsbruck: Between Old Town streets and Alpine panoramas”, featuring the most beautiful attractions, cultural highlights, outdoor experiences, events and practical tips for a successful weekend.

To experience Austria’s relaxed side on Lake Constance, we recommend our blog article “City break in Bregenz: Lake Constance, culture and Alpine views”, with tips on the lakeside promenade, Upper Town, Pfänder mountain, Kunsthaus Bregenz, Mili, the Bregenz Festival, local cuisine and practical recommendations for a weekend by the lake.

Austrian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its variety and quality. It reflects the country’s rich culture and history, combining influences from different parts of Europe. Here are some of the best dishes to try in Austria:

• Wiener Schnitzel: A thin veal or pork cutlet, breaded and fried until crisp.
• Apfelstrudel: A popular dessert made with thin pastry filled with juicy apples, cinnamon and sugar.
• Tafelspitz: Boiled beef served in a clear broth with root vegetables and Apfelkren, an apple and horseradish sauce.
• Kaiserschmarrn: A fluffy shredded pancake sweetened with sugar and raisins, often served with Zwetschkenröster, a plum compote.
• Sachertorte: A rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam and dark chocolate icing.
• Knödel: Dumplings available in many sweet and savoury varieties, made with ingredients such as bread or potatoes, or served as a dessert with a fruit filling.
• Goulash: A hearty stew made with beef, paprika, onions and a variety of spices.
• Linzertorte: One of the oldest known cakes in the world, characterised by its lattice pastry topping and redcurrant jam filling.
• Germknödel: A steamed yeast dumpling filled with plum jam and served with melted butter, poppy seeds and sugar.
• Rindsuppe mit Frittaten: A clear beef broth with thin strips of pancake, traditionally served as the first course of a classic Austrian meal.

In Austria’s cosy Beisln and traditional inns, you can discover the authentic richness of Austrian cuisine, served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

• Greeting: In Austria, a firm handshake is customary when greeting someone. At a first meeting, it is advisable to wait for the other person to take the initiative. In more informal settings, friendly greetings such as “Grüss Gott” or “Servus” are also appropriate.
• Saying please and thank you: Politeness is highly valued in Austria. “Bitte” and “Danke” are an essential part of everyday interaction and demonstrate respect and appreciation towards others.
• Clothing: Dress should be appropriate for the occasion. Formal attire is often expected at cultural events or in upscale restaurants. In everyday life and at informal gatherings, however, clothing is generally casual.
• Dining culture: Good manners are important at the table. Wait until everyone has been served before beginning to eat. Use cutlery for almost all dishes and place it parallel on your plate to indicate that you have finished.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, on public transport and in many bars and restaurants in Austria. Pay attention to the relevant no-smoking signs and respect them.
• Tipping: It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants and for taxi journeys. Round up the amount to an appropriate figure, usually 5–10% of the total bill.
• Punctuality: Be punctual, as punctuality is very important in Austria and is considered a sign of respect.
• Titles: Use academic or professional titles when addressing someone until you are invited to use a more informal form of address.
• Invitations: When invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift for the host, such as wine, chocolates or flowers.
• Nature and the environment: Respect nature, remain on marked paths and do not leave any litter.

Drinking water quality:

• Thanks to comprehensive treatment, tap water is completely safe and free from harmful germs and foreign substances, so it can be consumed without concern.

Vaccinations:

• No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Austria.
• It is recommended that you and your children are up to date with the standard vaccinations listed in the Swiss vaccination schedule issued by the Federal Office of Public Health.
• Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, hepatitis B, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for persons over the age of 60.

• Medical care in Austria is among the best in the world. To receive free treatment at public healthcare facilities, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by your health insurance provider.
• For a worry-free trip, it is advisable to bring any necessary medication from home.

• Before and during your trip, follow the latest developments in the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• The Austrian authorities draw attention to the potential risk of terrorist activity.
• In major cities and tourist hotspots, be alert to pickpockets and fraudsters. Protect your valuables and be particularly vigilant in crowded places.
• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Last updated: April 2024

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised for car rentals.
• Most rental companies require the driver to have held their licence for at least one year.
• Cars may be rented from the age of 18, although drivers under 25 generally do not have access to higher-priced vehicle categories.
• A CH sticker, first-aid kit, high-visibility vest and warning triangle are mandatory.
• Winter tyres are compulsory from November 1 to April 15.
• Many motorways in Austria are subject to tolls. However, most rental cars already have a vignette, so no additional cost is incurred. If the vignette is not included, it can be purchased at petrol stations, post offices or online.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰. A limit of 0.1‰ applies to drivers up to the age of 20 holding a category AM licence. For cyclists, the limit is 0.8‰.

• Long-distance trains: Long-distance rail services are operated mainly by Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), which provides an extensive network of domestic and international connections.
• Regional trains: Regional trains, mainly operated by ÖBB, connect smaller towns and rural areas, providing a convenient option for regional travel.
• Buses: Buses connect cities and rural areas throughout Austria. The network is operated by providers such as ÖBB Postbus GmbH and local transport companies, complementing the country’s public transport services.
• Subway: Austria’s subway network is concentrated mainly in Vienna and offers a fast way to travel between different districts and attractions. A unique feature is the subway in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Tyrol, the world’s smallest and highest-altitude air-cushion subway and one of the region’s highlights.
• Tickets: Public transport tickets are available from ticket machines, sales outlets, drivers and online. Various options are offered, including single tickets, day passes, weekly passes and monthly passes. Many cities also provide special tourist passes offering unlimited use of public transport and discounts on attractions. Prices vary depending on the region, route and type of ticket.

Travellers from Switzerland can benefit from convenient direct flights to Vienna and Graz. These connections provide a fast and efficient way to reach two of Austria’s most important cities:

• Vienna International Airport (VIE): Direct connections from Basel, Zurich, Geneva and Altenrhein.
• Graz Airport (GRZ): Direct connections from Zurich.

Direct flights to Austria are operated by Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss) and Austrian Airlines.

00 41 (omit the leading zero of the Swiss area code)

• Single emergency number: 112
• Fire brigade: 122
• Police: 133
• Ambulance service: 144
• Mountain rescue: 140
• Emergency medical service: 141

Vienna, Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 7
Tel. +43 1 795 05
Email: wien.cc@eda.admin.ch

• Covering the face with clothing or other objects is prohibited in public places. Exceptions apply, for example, to protective masks or protection against cold weather. Violations may result in a fine of EUR 150.
• Tourists involved in drug-related offences in Austria may face serious legal consequences, including substantial fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.