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Introducing Austria

Discover Austria.
Everything we love about Europe, Austria delivers in spades: beautiful and historic cities, opulent imperial palaces, medieval castles, bucolic mountain villages, and of course, the Austrian Alps. As for culture, this is the country that produced Mozart (two museums in Salzburg, his birthplace, are dedicated to the famous composer), and in this music-centric country, you’re never far off from a fine concert hall or opera house.

When is the best time to visit?
Winter sports enthusiasts will want to head to the Alps between December and early May, whereas summer travelers can expect warm but not oppressive heat. This allows for some fine mountain hikes, camping, and boating and swimming excursions to Plansee, Faaker See, and Hallstatter See lakes. If you want to beat the summer tourist crowds and want to enjoy outdoor activities in decent weather, the spring shoulder season of April and May is a good bet.

Where should you go?
For sheer beauty and culture, Vienna rivals any other city in Europe. It’s the former seat of the original Habsburg Dynasty, and Vienna still abounds with regal architecture, including the 1,441-room Schönbrunn Palace. In another baroque palace, the Belvedere, you’ll also find an art museum housing one of Europe’s most valuable collections.

Classical music connoisseurs should head to Wiener Musikverein (home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) and Wiener Staatsoper, which produces dozens of operas and ballets throughout the year. If you’re a fan of music history, make a trip to Salzburg and Mozart Geburtshaus in the colorful Aldstadt district. For a ski holiday, visit one of Austria’s many alpine resorts, such as Semmering, many of which offer skiing and snowboarding for all ability levels.

How many days do you need?
You should plan on four or five days to properly enjoy the palaces, concert halls, museums, coffee houses, and tea rooms of Vienna. Even if you do plan a winter or summer holiday outside the capital, you’ll find that it shouldn’t take you very long to get from one location to another. For example, Semmering is just an hour-long drive away from Vienna’s international airport. If you plan to see a lot of the country, you can easily do so in about 10 days.

Austria Travel Insights

Visit the Gloriette Pavilion and Neptune Fountain of the Schönbrunn Palace to see the blossoming flowers
Austria in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

In between the peak ski and summer seasons, April is the shoulder season for travel to Austria. But with mild temperatures, dry conditions, no snow on the ground, and lower prices, it's a great time to visit. Take a road trip across the relatively small country, enjoy a classical music concert in Mozart's hometown, and shop for Easter treats at a market. Here's more about what you can see and do in Austria in April.

Pretty spring morning light over famous Hallstatt mountain village in the Austrian Alps
Austria in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

A month with pleasant weather before the crowds of summer arrive, May is an excellent time to visit Austria, whatever your interests. Attend a food festival in Vienna or a classical music concert in Salzburg; hike into the mountains from Hallstatt or take a motorbike road trip: it's all possible in May. Read on for more ideas for traveling to Austria this spring month.

Salzburg's Old Town lights up with their annual Christmas market
Austria in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is winter in Austria, which means snow, skiing (and other snow sports), and Christmas markets. Short days might impact on sightseeing but there are plenty of museums, galleries, cafes, and other indoor attractions to enjoy. Expect crowds in the ski resorts and bustle in the cities around the festive season. Find out more about traveling to Austria in December below.

Heldenplatz Square and the Museum of Natural History dome in Vienna
How Many Days to Spend in Austria

With its pastoral landscapes, lively viticulture and gastronomy, and renowned art and music scene, Austria offers something for every traveler. A 10-day trip is ideal to fully experience Austria's top cities, from the country's capital, Vienna, to Innsbruck in the historic Tyrol region. In a week, you can still see much of the country by basing out of a major city and taking strategic day trips into the countryside. For a more condensed five-day getaway, focus on one or two regions to get the most out of your trip.

Tour Vienna's cultural attractions, like St. Michael's Square, in November
Austria in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is the end of fall in Austria, and the weather is likely to be cold, damp, and a bit dark. The country doesn't see many visitors this month, but that makes it a great time to get in some early Christmas shopping at a market, relax in a thermal spa in the mountains without the crowds, or go sightseeing in an uncharacteristically quiet month in Salzburg. Read on to find out where to go and what to do in Austria in November.

Colorful Innsbruck and Nordkette mountains covered in winter's snow
Austria in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February is winter in Austria, with snow in the mountains and the cities. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can find an experience to suit them somewhere in the Austrian Alps, while travelers interested in culture, art, and history won't be short of choices in cities such as Vienna and Salzburg. Here are some more ideas for where to go and what to do in Austria in February.

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Trip Reviews for Austria

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Fantastic Austrian vacation
Austria | Jul 14 - Jul 23, 2022

J
Jamie O.
Canada | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2022

We had a fantastic trip. Everything was planned out perfectly and there were no problems at all with all the planned activities. Wolfy, our guide on the walking food tour of Vienna was outstanding and I would highly recommend both this tour and him as a guide.

Thank you to Tomaz and the team for all the planning. We thoroughly enjoyed the vacation.

Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek

This was our second time using Kimkim to help...
Austria | Aug 18 - Aug 22, 2021

I
Inge H.
Washington, DC | Reviewed on Aug 23, 2021

This was our second time using Kimkim to help with our trip and as before everything was great. Maria, who provided the walking tour, was charming , informative and fun to spend the time with. The Wachau wine tour with Iolo was perfect. Wonderful wines, a special spot for lunch , all in all an enjoyable day. Both restaurant recommended were excellent. Zala responded immediately when we reached out with questions. We wished we were able to stay longer, but we will be back!

Thank you, Tomaz

Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek
Tomaz
Tomaz Martinek
Local specialist in Slovenia | Replied on Aug 25, 2021

Hi Inge, thank you for your review. I hope to see you travelling again with us!
Tomaz