Austria Travel Guide

FOR VISITORS to Austria, one of the most striking things about the country is the sheer number of small hotels which have been run by the same family for generations: a fact reflected in the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere you encounter in so many of our entries. The hotels are as diverse as the countryside and you can find something to suit every taste;establishments range from simple mountain inns and smart winter sports hotels to lakeside hostelries, plush city-centre hotels and imposing castles. The heart of most Austrian lodgings is the Stube, a room which is usually woodpanelled, with huge tables and bench seats and warmed by a stove – an informal setting for a drink and a chat.

AUSTRIA IS not a large country, but it divides neatly into five regions: Western Austria This comprises the states of Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Salzburgland. Vorarlberg is the classic Alpine province, practically cut off from the rest of the country by the Arlberg mountains. As you would expect, it has fine skiing hotels, but they brush shoulders with delightful family-run inns. The Tyrol, with its dramatic mountains and picture-postcard villages, has many a country hotel set amidst breathtaking lake or mountain scenery .

Some of the simpler hotels may strike you as surprisingly inexpensive for such a sought-after area. Historic Salzburgland has some charming town hotels, with marvellous lakes and mountains within easy reach.

Northwestern Austria

Known as Oberösterreich, this is the home of the dumpling. It has a varied landscape, with mountains, lush valleys and lakes, and has some very attractive hotels in its medieval towns as well as some lovely country ones.

Northeastern Austria

Known as Niederösterreich, this includes Vienna, the capital of Austria. There are some lovely hotels in the famous Vienna woods – still popular with the Viennese for a day out – and a wide variety of inns and castle hotels. Vienna itself has plenty of smart hotels, but there is no shortage of less expensive pensions. As you would expect, any establishment outside the city centre (the area bounded by the Ringstrasse) will be cheaper.

Eastern Austria

Burgenland is the least typical state in the country – it was part of Hungary until 1921. It has a pleasantly mild climate, suitable for vines and fruit trees, which you will see in abundance. Accommodation here is cheaper and simpler than in the rest of Austria. Goose with red cabbage is the ubiquitous (and filling) local dish.

Southern Austria

Kärnten is a popular tourist region and the hotels are of a particularly high standard. The Tauern mountains and clean, warm lowland lakes provide plenty of outdoor life. Steiermark, the second largest state, has diverse country with fine skiing on the Dachstein range, gentle vine-covered hills in the south, and flat plains in the east. There are lakeside and castle hotels, and many attractive small inns.

FOOD AND DRINK in Austria

AUSTRIA SHARES borders with six countries, so the food has many interesting influences and variations – rich pasta dishes from Italy, goulash from Hungary and dumplings from Bohemia – but, on the whole, it is dominated by meat. Don’t overlook the renowned Wiener Schnitzel (an escalope of veal in breadcrumbs) and, of course, the wonderful cakes and pastries, many topped with cream. Increasingly, however, you’ll find places to stay where there is an emphasis on healthy eating. ‘Bio’ signs indicate the use of wholefood or organic products, while ‘Bio rooms’ are furnished in natural materials.

Austrian-grown wine is mainly white – there are approximately 40,000 hectares (98,850 acres) of vineyards. There are some notable dry whites. Try also the intense, fruity Rieslings from the Wachau region and the attractive sweet wine of the Neusiedlersee region. The beer is excellent, with each region producing its own brew. There are huge regional differences, and it is wise to go for the local speciality – Stiegl Bier in Salzburg and Gösser Bier from Steiermark, for instance. The Austrians treat lunch, usually starting at about 12:30pm, as their main meal: they’ll eat their way through soup, a main course, and dessert. Supper or dinner is eaten in the early evening, and is usually cold meats, cheese and bread. Mid-morning and midafternoon snacks are also common.

No stay in Austria is complete without a visit to one of the coffee houses. With wonderful rich smells of croissant, coffee and chocolate, they are great places to visit any time of the day.

BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS

IF YOU WANT twin beds, ask for them specifically when booking. A ‘double’ bed is usually two single mattresses in a ‘two-mattress’ frame, covered with two single duvets. It you require an en suite bathroom, be sure to specify this when you make your reservation.

BOOK AHEAD for hotels in Vienna, and for others in peak times, and state any special requirements. Confirm check-out times. Breakfast is typically a buffet of breads, cheese, fruit and cold meats. The standard of hotels and guesthouses is usually high.

Language in Austria

German is spoken by 98 per cent of the population, but since most have good English it is easy to get by, especially in cities.

Currency in Austria

From 1 January 2002, the European euro (written ‘EUR’), made up of 100 cents.

Shops in Austria

Generally open 8:30am–6pm Mon to Fri (many close for lunch), and until noon on Saturdays.

Tipping in Austria

It is customary to round up the bill by around 10 per cent, even if the service charge is included. Don’t leave it on the table: tell the waiter how much you are paying, including the tip. Telephoning To phone within Austria, dial the full number, including the initial zero. To call Austria from the UK, dial 00 43, then the number, omitting the initial zero. From the US, 011 43.

Restaurants in Austria

Note that you will be charged for each piece of bread you eat.

Public holidays in Austria

1 January; 6 January; Easter Monday; 1 May; Ascension Day; Whit Monday; Corpus Christi; 15 August; 26 October; 1 November; 8 December; 25 and 26 December.

USEFUL WORDS

Breakfast Frühstück

Lunch Mittagessen

Dinner Abendessen

Free room? Zimmer frei?

How much? Wieviel?

Single room Einzelzimmer

Double room Doppelzimmer