Austria - Oostenrijk

Austria (German: sterreich), officially the Republic of Austria (German: Republic of Austria), is a country in Central Europe. The country borders to the west Switzerland and Liechtenstein, in the north on Germany and Czech Republic, in the east on Slovakia and Hungary and to the south Italy and Slovenia.

Located in the Alps, Austria covers an area of ​​83,858 km², of which only 32% of the land is below 500 meters. The capital is Vienna, which is also by far the largest city in the country. Most of the inhabitants speak German, which is also the official language.

Politically, Austria is a federal state, a federal parliamentary republic on a parliamentary basis, with nine federal states. The head of state is the federal president, the chancellor is the head of government. Austria is a member of the European Union and the United Nations.

Info

History

The history of Austria goes back to Roman times. Today's Austria is a remnant of the Austrian Empire, which belonged to the European powers in the 19th century. The country was part of the Dual Monarchy Austria-Hungary from 1867 to 1918, and after the short-lived Republic of German-Austria, the First Austrian Republic was created in 1919. After the German annexation and occupation in the Second World War and the occupation by the Allies in the subsequent period, Austria regained its independence in 1955 through the Austrian State Treaty and the Second Austrian Republic was established.

climate

Austria has a temperate Central European climate. Temperature and precipitation are highly dependent on the location and altitude of certain areas.

form of government

Austria consists of 9 independent federal states (Bundesländer) each with its own government. Federal legislation is exercised by the national council together with the federal council (the two chambers of parliament).

The federation's legislation is passed by both houses of parliament - the national rat and the Bundesrat - implemented, with the latter chamber representing the interests of the federated entities. Legislation in the Länder is in the hands of the Länder Parliaments, the so-called. Landtage.

The 183 deputies of the "Nationalrat" are elected every four years by the entire population, the members of the "Landtage" by the population of the respective federal state. The members of the "Bundesrat" are delegated by the "Landtage".

Inhabitants

98% of the 8 million inhabitants are German-speaking. In the south and east there are 6 generally recognized ethnic groups: Croats, Romans, Slovaks, Slovenes, Czechs and Hungarians.

Art and culture

There is a good chance that when you think of Austria you think of Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven Schubert, Haydn, Klimt, Schiele or other well-known names from the rich art history of the Alpine country. And that's not surprising, because the classical composers Mozart and Strauss actually come from there, while Ludwig van Beethoven lived there for a long time. Not to mention the imperial history: the pompous palaces and robust castles, churches and monasteries, opera houses and theaters. Numerous heritages that are often surprisingly well preserved. Take a stroll through the Hofburg in Vienna at dusk, for example, or past the Residenz in Salzburg: you expect a diligence with Mozart on board to rattle around the corner at any moment. It is classical Austria, a fairyland of waltz, sissi and sachertorte.

Of course, the Austrians have not been sitting still since the end of the empire. On the contrary, the country has become a challenging travel destination for lovers of contemporary culture; a hotspot in the field of design, architecture, fashion and music. That started in the middle of the last century, when young, ambitious artists such as Friedensreich Hundertwasser thought that everything could be a bit fresher and more exciting. But especially in the past decade Austria has experienced a cultural growth spurt. Just take the dozens of galleries, lounge bars, designer shops and trendy fashion boutiques that have sprung up like mushrooms. Not only in the trendy districts of Vienna, but also in cities such as Innsbruck, Salzburg and Bregenz. It is therefore no coincidence that two Austrian cities could call themselves European Capitals of Culture for a year: Graz in 2003 and Linz in 2009. Many new museums have also been opened in recent years. Such as the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna: a collection of five museums in the former Imperial horse stables, a Baroque complex that has been given a masterly makeover into the largest contiguous museum area in Europe. The offer ranges from a permanent exhibition on Austrian architecture to the largest Egon Schiele collection in the world.

Other brand new must-see museums include the Kunsthaus Graz, the Lentos Museum in Linz, the Museum der Moderne in Salzburg and the Kunsthaus Bregenz, all of which are beautiful temples of modern art. And design has even made an appearance in the mountain pastures, for example in the Liaunig Museum of Contemporary Art in Carinthia, an architectural masterpiece that is masterfully embedded in the hilly landscape. It is the perfect illustration of 21st century Austria: where nature, culture, tradition and modern life coexist in harmony.

So much for classical culture, but also in terms of modern culture, Austria is certainly not the least country. That's how Arnold "The Terminator" Schwarzenegger comes from.

Flora and fauna

Austria has many different plant and animal species. Some of them are often only found in Austria and are therefore protected. The edelweiss grows in the Alps and is considered a national symbol.

Only 32% of the land is below 500 meters. The variety of the relief and the climate makes for a very varied vegetable kingdom. Austria is one of the most forested countries in Europe. Characteristic are the deciduous forest (oak, beech) and the mixed forest (beech, spruce) in higher regions. The alpine flora is multifarious and colorful: edelweiss, gentian, carnations, arnica, alpine roses, heather-like plants and much more. Greenery dominates on the northern edge of the Alps, while to the east of the Neusiedlersee you will find a specific salt-steppe flora. The National parks (3% of the area) show the variety of beautiful landscapes, such as jungle and rainforest.

The animal world in Austria comes mainly from Central Europe: such as roe deer, deer, hare, pheasant, fox, badger, marten and partridge. The chamois, marmot, eagle and mountain crows also find their home in the alpine regions. Who is around the Neusiedlersee enters a true bird paradise, including herons, spoonbills, avocets and wild geese. For several years now, Austria has had a bear population again, which is mainly located in the wooded, southern and central mountain regions.

Holidays

High season is July, August, Christmas and Easter. During these periods, reservation of accommodation etc. is recommended.

Regions

Austria is a federal state, consisting of 9 federal states, each with its own capital:

Towns

• Vienna — the capital of Austria
• Bregenz
• Graz
• Innsbruck
• Klagenfurt
• Linz
• Salzburg — Mozart's City and The Sound of Music
• St. Polten
• Zell am See — one of the most important tourist cities in Austria

Other destinations

Arrive

Passport and visa

Austria belongs to the Schengen zone.

There are no border controls between countries that have signed and implemented the Schengen Agreements. These are the member states of the European Union (except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. In addition, a visa issued for a member state of the Schengen zone is valid for all member states that have signed the treaties and have implemented. But beware: not all EU Member States have signed the Schengen Agreements, and there are also Member States of the Schengen Area that are not members of the European Union. This means that there may be customs checks but no immigration checks (if you are traveling within Schengen but to/from a non-EU country) or there may be immigration checks but no customs checks (if you are traveling within the EU but to/from a non-EU country). -Schengen country).

Airports in Europe are divided between "Schengen" and "no Schengen" sections, which correspond to the "domestic" and "foreign" sections in other countries. If you fly from outside Europe to a Schengen country and then travel on to another Schengen country, you can complete the customs and immigration checks in the first country and then proceed directly to the second country without any further checks. Traveling between a Schengen country and a non-Schengen country will result in the usual border controls. Please note that whether or not you travel within the Schengen zone, many airlines require you to always present a passport or identity card. Nationals of Member States of the European Union or of the EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) only need to carry a valid passport or identity card to enter the Schengen zone — they never need a visa, no matter how long the visit takes. Nationals of other countries must carry a valid passport and, depending on nationality, need a visa.

Only nationals of the following non-EU/EFTA countries have no Visa required to enter the Schengen zone: Albania*, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chili, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Croatia, North Macedonia*, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro*, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia*/**, Seychelles, Singapore, Taiwan*** (Republic of China), United States, Uruguay, Vatican CITY, Venezuela, South Korea, as well as persons with a British National (Overseas) passport, a Hong-Kong-SAR passport or a Macau-SAR passport.

Visitors to these visa-free countries are not allowed to stay longer than 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen zone as a whole, and in principle are not allowed to work during the stay (although there are some Schengen countries that allow nationals of certain nationalities to work — see below). The counter starts the moment you enter a member state of the Schengen zone and does not expire when you leave a certain Schengen country for another Schengen country or vice-versa. However, New Zealand nationals may stay longer than 90 days if they are only visiting certain Schengen countries - see [1] for an explanation from the New Zealand government (in English).

If you are a non-EU/EFTA national (even from a visa-free country, with the exception of Andorra, Monaco or San Marino), make sure that your passport is stamped when entering and leaving the Schengen zone. Without a stamp upon entry, you can be treated as having exceeded the length of stay on departure; without a stamp on departure, you may be denied entry to the Schengen zone the next time due to exceeding the length of stay in a previous trip. If you can't get a stamp, keep documents such as boarding passes, transport tickets and receipts from ATMs, as they can help convince border police that you have stayed legally in the Schengen zone.

Be aware that:

(*) Nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia require a biometric passport to benefit from visa-free travel;

(**) nationals of Serbia with passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (residents of Kosovo with Serbian passports) must apply for a visa;

(***) Taiwanese nationals must have their ID number registered in their passport in order to enjoy visa-free travel.

By plane

From airport Amsterdam, SchipholIn any case, companies regularly fly to the capital.
And also from the airport of Brussels Airport different flights can be booked.

For flight information to other cities in the country, see the articles for that city.

By train

Despite the rise of budget airlines, train travel can still be a cheap, fast and certainly more convenient option for transportation. Because train stations are often located in the city centres, the train on the medium distance (for example Enschede - Paris or Bruges - Wolfsburg) can compete very well with the plane.

Currently in Belgium and at the Deutsche Bahn online only to order tickets for the neighboring countries of Belgium, resp. Germany and a number of easily accessible cities further on. Other tickets can only be purchased by telephone or at the counter, or of course in the country concerned. The latter is often much cheaper. Also keep an eye out for the many Sparpreis offers at the Deutsche Bahn, which can be very advantageous for a travel route to or via Germany.

However, it is quite possible to train journey map out from home. The two sites listed immediately below provide information not only about journeys from the Benelux, but also about all train connections throughout Europe and in the Russian part of Asia, e.g. between Moscow and Madrid. It is about this the site of the Belgian railways and the Dutch site of the Deutsche Bahn.

NS Hispeed only offers information about travel between the Netherlands and a few large foreign cities. As a rule, this information is also limited to trains that run directly to or from abroad (i.e. no connections between Utrecht and Paris or between Rotterdam and Germany, because there is always a transfer within the Netherlands). To plan trips within the Netherlands, it is best this website use.

NS Hispeed sells online a small range of journeys departing from the Netherlands to other countries (one-way and return journeys), and a very limited number of routes from abroad to (other) foreign countries (one-way and return journeys). You can book other trips by telephone via the Telesales department (0900-9296, €0.35 p.m.) and at the counters in the Tickets and Service shops at the (medium) large stations. This is the online International counter of the Dutch railways.

Smoking is prohibited on the train in all European countries.

The Austrian Railways offer national and international connections between the most important places. It is important to inquire in good time about the possibilities and the times, these can change per season. You can request the connections from the Austrian Federal Railways, Travel Agencies and Automobile Clubs, but also the Central Train information in Vienna (tel.: 43 5 1717) or click here

Cheap by train

The ÖBB offers many advantages, completely tailored to your personal wishes. The VORTEILScard offers particularly attractive offers. Or take advantage of the Sparschiene offers!

car train

Car trains run daily between Vienna and Salzburg, Vienna and Villach, Vienna and Innsbruck, Vienna and Feldkirch, Graz and Feldkirch, Feldkirch and Villach and Linz and Feldkirch. On certain days, car trains also run between Vienna and Lienz, Vienna and Bisschofshofen. In summer there are also international car trains: from Salzburg, Innsbruck and Villach to Germany, from Vienna to Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

Bike on the train

Do you want to take your bike with you on a trip? No problem. The ÖBB offers you various options for this. Click here for the possibilities.

Autoschleuse Tauernbahn

This train tunnel is located between Böckstein and Mallnitz and is 12 km long. Here you can put your car on the train and you will arrive in Böckstein or Mallnitz within 15 minutes. For the current departure times and rates click here

By train to Austria

More information about this can be obtained in the Netherlands from NS Hispeed. For personal advice or bookings you can call NS Hispeed: 0900-9296 (€0.35 p/m), or visit: www.nshispeed.nl

Winter shuttle, new night train to Austria

The Wintershuttle will travel to Austria during the spring break next year. The night train will depart on Friday evening 18 February 2011 from Utrecht, 's-Hertogenbosch and Eindhoven to various Austrian destinations. The train will arrive in Austria on Saturday morning, February 19. On Saturday evening, February 26, 2011, the Wintershuttle will depart again for the journey back to the Netherlands. www.wintershuttle.nl

Holiday trains

For an overview of the options, please visit:

• www.skitrein.nl
• www.alpenexpress.nl
• www.treinreiswinkel.nl
• www.goeuro.nl

By bus

There are many options and travel organizations to go on holiday to Austria by bus.

By car

The roads in Austria are good to very good to drive. The main traffic rules and signs are the same as in the other European countries.

Permitted Speeds:

• Built-up area: 50 km
• Motorways: 100 km
• Motorways: 130 km

You need an autobahn vignette for driving on the highways (A-roads) and various expressways (S-roads). You can buy these in Austria yourself (at the border, etc.), or in the Netherlands at the ANWB shops. In addition to the vignette, a toll has to be paid for some passes and tunnels.

For all traffic information: www.oemtc.at and ask for the current state of the regulations regarding winter tires, snow chains, etc. at the Austrian Tourist Office (0900-0400181 and [email protected]). Here you can also request a car card and all kinds of handy brochures.

Austria offers various accommodation options for travelers by car. In addition to hotels and holiday homes, you can also choose a holiday park in Austria www.parkvakanties.com.

By boat

On the Danube River daily boat services are operated between Vienna and Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Travel around

By plane

By train

The network of the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) consists of 5800 km of track that is connected to the European rail network. It offers national and international connections between the most important places. More information about the Austrian Railways or the ÖBB can be found at the BB website

car train

Car trains run daily between Vienna and Salzburg, Vienna and Villach, Vienna and Innsbruck, Vienna and Feldkirch, Graz and Feldkirch, Feldkirch and Villach and Linz and Feldkirch. On certain days, car trains also run between Vienna and Lienz, Vienna and Bisschofshofen. In summer there are also international car trains: from Salzburg, Innsbruck and Villach to Germany, from Vienna to Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

Winter shuttle, new night train to Austria

The Wintershuttle will travel to Austria next year during the spring break. The night train will depart on Friday evening 18 February 2011 from Utrecht, 's-Hertogenbosch and Eindhoven to various Austrian destinations. The train will arrive in Austria on Saturday morning, February 19. On Saturday evening, February 26, 2011, the Wintershuttle will depart again for the journey back to the Netherlands. www.wintershuttle.nl

Autoschleuse Tauernbahn

This train tunnel is located between Böckstein and Mallnitz and is 12 km long. Here you can put your car on the train and you will arrive in Böckstein or Mallnitz within 15 minutes. For the current departure times and rates click here.

Holiday trains

For an overview of the possibilities, please visit:

• www.skitrein.nl
• www.alpenexpress.nl
• www.treinreiswinkel.nl

The bike on the train

The ÖBB offers various options for taking bicycles on the train.

The Austrian Railways (ÖBB) offer attractive and affordable packages to travel through Austria. Tips and arrangements can be found at Rail Tours Austria

By boat

You can easily travel across the Danube by boat. Several shipping companies offer varied boat trips.

The DDSG Blue Danube offers daily trips to Budapest, Bratislava and Passau, as well as day trips to Dürnstein and Hainburg, including a visit to the Schlosshof and the Donauauen National Park. If you want to spend a day on board a boat, you can choose from one of the many themed tours where music, dance, children's parties and culinary delights are on the program. Packages, dates and prices can be found on DDSG Blue Danube

The crew of the Brandner Schiffahrt takes you on a boat trip on the scenic Danube – from the Wachau to Melk and Krems. Here you can also book various packages: Brandner Schiffahrt

The ships of the sail between Passau, Linz and Vienna Donauschiffahrt Wurm Köck with a broad program. For example, a casino weekend in Linz. More information: Donauschiffahrt Wurm Köck

Boat trips are offered not only on the Danube, but also on other rivers and lakes. By the alias Ship Austria 21 shipping companies have joined forces.More information: Werbegemeinschaft Ship Austria

Nostalgia by train and boat

For lovers of nostalgia has „Erlebnis Bahn und Schiff“ single and multi-day trips with nostalgic trains and ships. Packages and dates: Experience Bahn und Schiff

By car

By bus

Once you are in Austria and want to discover the area by bus, the Postbus will take you everywhere. More information can be found at the website of the Austrian PO Boxes

By taxi

You can travel safely and easily by taxi in all cities in Austria.

In the larger cities and often also in the smaller ones, the taxis are equipped with a calibrated taximeter. In Vienna one starts with a starting rate of € 2.50 during the day, € 2.60 at night. Sometimes there are special rates for certain routes or surcharges are charged. In Vienna there are no extra costs for luggage. For journeys from Vienna to Schwechat Airport (please indicate before ordering the taxi that you want a 'Flughafentaxi') an additional amount of approximately € 11 is charged for the return journey of the taxi.

Airport taxis only drive to and from the airport. They are waiting for their passengers at Schwechat airport. The taxis work with a fixed price (incl. luggage), with no extra costs for the return of the taxi. You have to order them in advance.

By cable car

Austria has about 3100 cable cars, chairlifts and drag lifts. Many courses even go higher than 3000 meters!

Learn more about cable cars in Austria

Language

98% of the 8.2 million inhabitants are German-speaking. In the south and east there are 6 generally recognized ethnic groups: Croats, Romans, Slovaks, Slovenes, Czechs and Hungarians.

To look at

To do

To buy

Currencies and currencies

Just like in the Netherlands, Austria also pays with the euro. In addition, special gold coins and commemorative coins issued by the 'Münze Österreich AG' are in circulation. However, these are only legal tender in Austria.

Exchange money / foreign exchange

If you still have Austrian Schillingen at home, you can exchange it at no cost at the Austrian National Bank.

Domestic and foreign currencies can be imported and exported without restriction. There is a reporting obligation at the border crossing from €10,000 in cash.

Opening hours of the Austrian banks (general)

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: From 08:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 15:00.

Wednesday: from 08:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 17:30.

ATMs

You can pay with your credit card at many hotels, restaurants, shops and gas stations. It is often indicated at the entrance, usually on or next to the door, whether credit cards are accepted.

Cost

To buy

Food

Austria has many recipes, examples are: Apple strudel, Sachertorte, Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn, Pumpkin soup, Schlipfkrapfen, Grießnockerlsuppe, Venison stew, Steirisches Wurzelfleisch, Szegediner Goulasch, Tyrolean Knödel, Fried trout, Reebok trout, Table strudelwarspitz Walser Krustenbraten,Montafoner Schnitzel,Ramsauer Kasnock'n,Roggene Krapfen,Tiroler Gröstl,Wild herb lasagna,Innviertler Speckknödel,Had'nkranznudeln,Pumpkin cream soup,Woerthersee Reinanke,

Going out

stay overnight

To learn

To work

Safety

Health

Doctor and pharmacy

Information about the doctor on duty or a pharmacy can be found in the local police or in the telephone book. All mountain villages have their own mountain rescue service.

Spas/Medicinal Baths/Therms

Austria has a large number of medicinal baths, thermal baths and spas, all of which are legally controlled and accredited. They argue that almost all health problems can be treated, improved or even avoided with timely treatment. Most spas are also well-known and important tourist places where you will certainly not get bored.

More information: Österreichischer Heilbäder- und Kurorteverband, Josefsplatz 6,A-1010 Wien,Tel: 43 1 512 1904,Fax: 43 1 512 8639.

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