Austria

Austria pairs imperial cities in the east with alpine valleys and lake districts in the west, linked by a reliable rail network. Vienna and Salzburg carry the classical music and Habsburg heritage; Tyrol and the Salzkammergut carry the mountains and lakes. Distances are short, so a week can cover both sides without long drives.

Cities

Salzburg

Salzburg's Baroque old town sits between a river and a cliff topped by one of Europe's largest intact medieval fortresses. It is Mozart's birthplace and the setting for much of The Sound of Music, and the summer festival fills the city in July and August. Two days covers the centre and one mountain or lake trip.

Vienna

Vienna's inner city is a ring of Habsburg palaces, opera houses and cafés inside a boulevard built where the walls stood. Museums are concentrated and walkable, and the tram network covers the rest. Coffee houses function as living rooms, and the wine taverns on the city's outskirts are part of local life rather than a tourist add-on.

When to go

See all seasons

• Spring: Green valleys, snow still high, quiet towns.
• Summer: Lake swimming and alpine hiking; warm in the cities.
• Autumn: Clear mountain air and wine taverns in the east.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.