Welcome to Austria, where music meets art and romance meets the castles. It’s a land of celebrations, where you can indulge in world-class music festivals such as the Salzburg Festival and the International Chamber Music Festival. The city of Vienna, a hub of creativity and innovation, is the musical capital of Europe, the birthplace of the legendary Mozart, and a must-visit destination for every music lover.
Austria boasts stunning landscapes, from snow-covered Alps to moderate summers, making it a year-round destination. The Salzburg Castle, one of the most romantic castles in the country, offers a breathtaking view of the River Danube. And did we mention the horse dances? This is a must-see spectacle, especially during festivals.
To greet the locals, a handshake will do, and if you’re meeting someone for the first time, it’s best to refer to them by their last name. Once you’ve gotten to know them better, you can switch to using their first name. When out in public, use Guten Tag or Gruss Gott to greet people, and don’t forget to say Auf Wiedersehen when leaving. And don’t forget to bring flowers when visiting someone’s house! The locals in Austria have a passion for horse riding, and you can watch the best horsemanship at the world-famous riding schools that have been around for over 400 years.
Getting around in Austria is easy with three national airlines – Austrian Arrows, Austrian Airlines, and Lausda Air – operating in collaboration with the Austrian Airlines Group. The Vienna airport is only 18 km away from the city, and you can take an airport bus to the South Train and West Train Station or opt for railway, chauffeur-driven car, or taxi services. Duty-free shops, post offices, banks, eateries, left luggage, tourism information, conference halls, nurseries, car hire, and car parking facilities are provided at the airport.
If you plan to travel by train, Austrian Federal Railways have a large network that connects major cities within and outside Austria. You can also find connections to/from Germany, Russia, Greece, Romania, Turkey, Brussels, Paris, and Italy. International rail passes or Eurail passes provide unlimited travel and other offers too. If you’re traveling by car, take the Eurotunnel when crossing the Channel Tunnel and book in advance. You can hire cars at airports and railway stations, and if you’re driving your car, make sure you carry the necessary documentation like a UK driving license or national driving license and car registration papers.
Austria’s roads have a good network, with toll booths installed on motorways and ‘S’ roads. Carrying change in advance will ensure no delays in your journey. The lights should be turned on while driving in the city or outside, all the time. There are strict laws for seat belts and drinking while driving, so make sure you abide by them. High-visibility jackets and helmets are compulsory for both the passenger and the driver when riding a motorbike.
In Austria, many federal, private companies, and local authorities provide bus services, while Wurm and Kock provide cruise passenger services, along with hotel stays. And let’s not forget the duty-free shops – you can carry up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or a proportional mix of these products. And don’t forget the 1l of spirits over 22 per cent or 2l of fortified wine or spirits up to 22 per cent or 2l of sparkling wine or liqueur and 2l of still wine. You can also bring medicinal products sufficient for the journey and up to 50g of perfume or eau de toilette. Come and experience the romance, music
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