Introduction
Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a country of the southern portion of Central Europe. It borders Germany and the Czech Republic in the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. It is a landlocked country. Three quarters of the country are dominated by the Alps mountain range.
Politically, it is organized as a federal parliamentary republic, member of the European Union since 1995.
Austria is a tourism power thanks to its culture, its magnificent museums and concert halls, and the ability to do all kinds of mountain sports. It is difficult to find another country in Europe to receive tourists as regularly throughout the year, attracted by its nature and cities. The Alps occupy two thirds of Austria, and offer excellent opportunities for skiing, climbing, hiking, fishing or any outdoor activity. In addition, Vienna, on the banks of the Danube and Salzburg are full of monuments and buildings of great value. The food is basic (though somewhat more varied than German) but tasty. Prices in Austria are not cheap, as longas it has promoted tourism with high purchasing power.
General Information
GovernmentFederal Republic, Member of EU
Capital CityVienna
Language Most of the population speaks German, the official language. But they also speak Croatian, Hungarian and Slovenian.
Religion
The main religion, in Austria , is Catholicism (75%). There are also Muslim communities (mainly of Turkish origin, Bosnia or Albania), and Orthodox.
The main religion, in Austria , is Catholicism (75%). There are also Muslim communities (mainly of Turkish origin, Bosnia or Albania), and Orthodox.
Currency
Austria’s currency is the euro (EUR)
Austria’s currency is the euro (EUR)
Electricity 230V ,50Hz
Visas for AustriaAmong the Spanish-speaking countries, to travel to Austria, the citizens of Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Peru need an entry visa.
Citizens of the European Union only have to show their ID card to enter the country.
For more information click here or contact the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Vaccination for AustriaIn Austria, if you will be camping or staying long periods in forest or agricultural areas, vaccination for spring-summer encephalitis is recommended (spread by ticks).
Climate If you want to thoroughly explore the country, the Austrian climate required to come prepared for almost anything. The temperature in large cities is cold but bearable in winter; in the mountains, conditions are much more extreme. The same happens in spring and summer, while in the capital the heat is strong at times, in the Alps the weather is much cooler, at least at night. In general, the areas closest to the Danube plain enjoy a more benign climate, warm and less rainy. Average temperature in Vienna in January, 0-2 ° C; August 20-28 º C.
GastronomyAustria’s cuisine is derived from the cuisine of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is influenced by the Hungarian, Czech, Italian and Bavarian cuisines, and it is therefore one of the most multicultural Europe.
Some typical dishes are: Wiener Schnitzel (breaded steak), the Schweinsbraten (roast pork), the Kaiserschmarrn, the Knödel, the Sachertorte ,and Tafelspitz. Other popular dishes are: Kasnockn (a dish of macaroni and Pinzgauer cheese and parsley) and Eierschwammerl (chanterelles).
PEZ candies were invented in Austria, which is also famous for its Apfelstrudel. In the capital, Vienna, you will find the famous Sacher cake, of chocolate.
SchedulesIn the Austrian cities restaurants open from noon until about eleven o’clock at night. Of course, later than half past nine is hard to find one in which the kitchen is open and continue serving food. Shops are open around ten and close at six o’clock in the afternoon. However, at malls you can shop until later hours.
HolidaysNew Year, Epiphany (January 6th), Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1st), Ascension Day (forty days after Easter), Whit Monday (eighth Monday after Easter), Corpus Christi (Thursday following the eighth Sunday after Easter Monday), Assumption (August 15th), National Day (October 26th), All Saints Day (November 1st), Immaculate Conception (December 8th), Christmas (December 25th), and St. Stephen (December 26th).