Who currently rules Austria. What language is spoken in Austria

Austria (officially the Austrian Republic) is a country in the heart of Europe. It stretches 280 kilometers from north to south, 560 kilometers from east to west and borders on Slovakia, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland.

The flag of the Austrian Republic is one of the oldest state symbols in the world. According to legend, at the time of the battle during the crusade in 1191, the white shirt of Leopold V of Austria was completely soaked in blood. And when the duke took off his belt, a white stripe remained on it. This shirt became the symbol of Leopold, and in the future the flag of Austria.

Vein, the capital of Austria, filled with romance and art. Here you can find architecture from baroque to postmodernism... You can also enjoy the treasures of the Habsgurgs in over 100 museums.

The cultural center of Austria is no less picturesque - Salzburg... There are a huge number of castles, churches and palaces of the Baroque era. This is the hometown of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, so his image can be found everywhere: on houses, museums, chocolate and liquor.

The whole world knows the beautiful austrian coffee, which is considered a must-have ritual in Viennese coffee houses, and excellent pastries. The names of the great Austrians are also heard - Johann Strauss, thanks to whom Vienna received the nickname "the capital of waltzes", and, as we have already mentioned, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Climate and weather

The climate in Austria is temperate and warm. But there are still noticeable differences in different regions... In the north and east of the country, mild winters (in January up to -5 ºС) and a rather warm summer ( up to + 20 ºС) with an average annual rainfall of 500-900 mm. This weather is very favorable for growing grapes (Burgenland and Lower Austria).

But the alpine part of the country is not spoiled by warmth. Here, the average rainfall can reach 3000 mm, and the temperature decreases as you climb the mountains (every 100 m by 0.6 degrees). Summer is cold, windy and damp, with an average temperature of up to -15 ºС... In spring and summer winds appear in the Alps - hair dryers... They bring good and warm weather, however, this often leads to collapses due to melted snow.

Two seasons are considered tourist: summer and winter. In summer, tourists visit excursions and relax on the lakes. Winter is the ski season. Most of Austria's sports and health resorts are located in Tyrol. Thanks to such a variety, everyone will be able to choose a vacation to their liking.

Nature

Austria is landlocked, but it makes up for it with green valleys, rushing rivers, deep mountain lakes and dense forests. Forests are usually coniferous in the mountains, and oak and beech in the lowlands. Mountain forests are rightfully considered the national treasure of Austria. And on the alpine meadows from the very beginning of summer until September, you can admire orchids, poppies and edelweiss.

There are more than 500 lakes in the Republic, of which two are large: Neusiedler-See(on the border with Hungary, area - 156.9 km 2, the Austrian part - 135 km 2) and Constance(on the border with Switzerland and Germany, with an area of ​​only 538.5 km 2). The lakes are mainly of glacial origin, so the water in them is cold and clear. Famous and popular lake resorts are the regions of Carinthia and Salzkammergut.

The main river of Austria - Danube... With its tributaries (Inn, Salzach, Ens, Drava), it creates a pool with a large supply of energy. However, the tributaries are not navigable and are only occasionally used for timber rafting. Often during snow melting, the water level rises to 8-9 m.

sights

The main attractions of Austria are, of course, concentrated in the capital. It:

• the well-known Vienna Opera;
• the court Burgtheater;
• jewels of the imperial family of the Holy Roman Empire;
• Schönbrunn Palace - the Viennese residence of the Austrian emperors;
• the unforgettable Belvedere park;
• the oldest zoo in the world (1732).

It is impossible not to remember one of the most important sights of Vienna - Church of St. Stephen.

Another most beautiful city in Austria is considered Salzburg. Here you can:

• admire the beautiful baroque architecture;
• visit the house-museum of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart;
• walk through the Mirabell and Helbrunn palaces;
• enjoy castle concerts.

Salzburg hosts numerous festivals every year: Salzburg (since 1917), Easter Festival (since 1964) and Mozart Week.

One of the main symbols of the city is Hohensalzburg fortress(1077-1861), to which the city owes its name.

In any city in Austria you can find a lot of interesting things. For example, Graz is famous Museum of Forensic Science, in Innsbruck are famous all over the world Fürstenburg castle and Hofburg Imperial Palace, in Eisenstadt - Haydn House Museum.

Nutrition

At the mention of the words "Austria" and "Vienna", the sounds of a waltz are immediately heard and the smells of hot chocolate and chic Viennese apple strudel can be heard from somewhere.

This is not to say that Austrian cuisine is monotonous - in each region it differs depending on the influence of other countries. For example, Italy strongly influenced the Tyrolean cuisine, Germany - the Salzburg cuisine. The influence was exerted not only by the neighborhood, but also by long-term conflicts, in particular with Turkey. Few people know that famous strudel actually has Turkish roots. The same can be said for the coffee tradition.

By the way, in some restaurants and cafes in Vienna ( "Schottenring" and Diglas) you can not only taste, but also learn how to bake apple strudel.

An Austrian cannot imagine a dinner without a first course. The second, as a rule, is served with meat:

• boiled beef in old fashion or heart and lung delicacies;
• scar;
• pies with meat filling.

But the most basic, popular and favorite dish — goulash.

Since Austria is landlocked, fish is not popular here. However, according to tradition, Christmas is not complete without carp.

The main culinary clichés that are familiar to any tourist are, of course, Viennese schnitzel, cake "Sacher" and austrian beer.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Austria is not cheap. The cost for it in the Czech Republic and Slovakia is much lower, so tourists often walk around Vienna, and go to neighboring Bratislava for the night. It is interesting that at the beginning of the 20th century this could be done quite simply: by public transport - a tram.

On special reservation systems, you can always pre-book your stay in a hotel, hotel, hostel. Be sure to be careful, as each system may have its own cost. You need to book accommodation 1-2 months in advance.

The choice of hotels is large, about 20 thousand. There are even special hotels for staying with children. In them, the level of service is measured not in "stars", but in "rattles".

Accommodation in a 3 * hotel will cost approximately 60-80 € , and in a 4-star - 100-150 € .

But in hostels, prices start from 15 € per day. At the same time, a wide range of services is offered: Internet, telephone, TV, laundry, hairdryer. In addition, a round-the-clock reception of guests is allowed here.

Great popularity in winter period enjoy cottages and apartments. These are, as a rule, 2- and 3-storey houses, with good service and home furnishings. It is best to shoot them with a large company.

Entertainment and recreation

In Austria, everyone can find entertainment to their liking. Those who love excursions and prefers cultural recreation will love Vienna, with its museums, theaters and exhibitions. In between viewing masterpieces, you can relax in Viennese cafes and pubs.

Salzburg also amazes with the splendor of baroque castles. Here you can learn a lot about Mozart by visiting his house-museum. However, in many Austrian cities you can enjoy the beauty and treasures of this country.

For those who prefer active holidays, ski and green tourism is developed in Austria.

The largest and most popular ski resorts are located in Tyrol... The season here lasts from the beginning of winter to mid-April. Innsbruck (capital of Tyrol) is surrounded by a large number of ski areas:

• Patcherkofel;
• Hungerburg-Seegrube;
• Mutterer;
• Gluzenger;
• Axamer Lizum;
• Alm;
• Ranger Kempfl.

In the valley Zillertal there are villages and small towns - Fügen, Finkenberg, Zell am Ziller and Mayrhofen. This is one big space with slopes, lifts and hotels.

Restaurants, casinos, luxury hotels focused on an elite resort Seefeld.

Green tourism is a wellness treatment. Carinthia is best suited for this with its resort. Bad Kleinkirchheim... Thermal springs St. Katrain and Thermal Roemerbad. Also, tourists go to Carinthia to see and swim in beautiful lakes.

Purchases

Austria has a large number of small boutiques that offer the work of designers from different countries... Well, for shopping fans there are large shopping centers.

A shopping center is located in Wesendorf, near Vienna « Shopping City Süd» with an area of ​​230,000 m 2 - the largest shopping center in Europe. There are 300 shops selling everything from children's toys to sportswear and inventory, as well as furniture stores and pharmacies. For those who come by car, it will not be difficult to find a parking space, there are 10,000 of them here.

Shopping center " Shopping Center Nord»Stretched out on opposite side Vienna. Its area is 26,000 m 2. There are 77 shops, restaurants and a cinema center with 8 halls waiting for the buyer. For those who travel with children, there are activities with babies while parents are busy shopping.

« Shopping City Seiersberg»In Graz is the third largest shopping center in Austria. Its area is 55,000 m 2. This center prides itself on its restaurant with gourmet Mediterranean cuisine.

The largest shopping center in Upper Austria, " Plus City”, Is located in the outskirts of Linz - Pasching. In addition to a large number of shops, this shopping center pleases with the culinary delights of its restaurants and pastry shops, from which you can bring amazing sweet souvenirs.

In Salzburg, tourists can go to « Europark» ... Here they can buy Mozart chocolate and liqueur as souvenirs.

By the way, pumpkin is very revered in Austria, so oil from pumpkin seeds... It is a thick, fragrant dark green oil used in vegetable salads.

And from the end of November, when Austria begins to prepare for Christmas, tourists can visit the traditional Christmas markets, where they can buy various handicrafts.

Transport

Austria is practically the heart of Europe, therefore transport system, both international and intra-republican, the country is very well developed. And in general, Austrian transport workers are distinguished by impeccable clarity and concentration in their work.

Public transport is represented by more than 2000 routes. Tickets for the metro, buses and trams can be purchased at pre-sale ticket offices, tobacco kiosks, and special vending machines.

Taxis in large cities have a meter. In Vienna, you will have to pay extra for transporting your luggage. If you need to get to Schwechat airport, the taxi driver will ask for more 10 € to return to Vienna.

Austrian railways are the longest in Europe (over 6,000 km). The Austrian Federal Railway is famous for high precision train movement. In addition, there are many different benefits. Children under 6 travel free of charge, and children under 15 have a 50% discount.

The quality of the network of public buses is not lagging behind Bundesbus, which Austrians and tourists are happy to use for trips to nature and transfers between cities. Some ski resorts are located in places that cannot be reached except by bus or car.

Renting a car in Austria is a matter of a few minutes. There are a large number of rental companies in the country; all major cities have their branches. The quality of Austrian roads, on which traffic is right-hand, can be the envy of other European countries.

In addition, there are free parking in Austria: the time limit is indicated on road sign, therefore, the driver installs a special meter, leaving his car in a similar parking lot. But keep in mind that if there is no meter, you will be fined.

Shipping along the Danube it is carried out from mid-spring to late autumn, and along the large lakes of Austria - all summer. On the Danube, you can travel not only within the country, but also to the states closest to Austria.

There are many cycling routes in Austria. At most train stations, you can rent a bike and return it at any other station.

Connection

In Austria, 75% of the population uses the Internet. Wired Internet - DSL and Cable.

Major providers: Telekom Austria, Chello (cable and DSL access), Inode, Tele2, Kabelsignal (offers cable services in the Vienna area).

As far as wireless Internet is concerned, it is provided in good hotels and in McDonald's in some cities.

Mobile communication standards GSM 900/1800.

Main operators: T-Mobile, Orange, Drei, А 1 (cost of a SIM card 15 € , of which 5 € remains in the account).

For those who travel frequently, good option will be the purchase of a tourist SIM card. It works on the principle of international roaming, but the price is several times cheaper.

In all settlements Austria has an automatic direct telephone connection with all European countries. Telephone booths are located in post offices and on the streets (calls are cheaper at the post office). You can call using Telefonkarte cards or coins. Telefonkarte cards are sold at post offices and tobacco kiosks.

V weekdays a 33% discount is available from 18:00 to 08:00. Also tangible discounts - on weekends and holidays.

Security

Austria is a country with a low crime rate. However, you should be careful in crowded places so as not to become a victim of pickpockets.

Austria is a ski country and therefore has strict rules for skiing. In addition, a skier is tested for alcohol in the body before going on the slope.

Business climate

There are many reasons for starting a business in Austria. This is facilitated by low taxation, highly developed international trade, high standard of living, visa-free travel in the EU countries.

In Austria all income is taxed. Legal entities pay 25% income tax. Also, the country has a minimum that entity is obligated to pay, regardless of whether its activity is profitable or not. This minimum is 1750 € for a limited liability company and 3500 € - for the Joint Stock Company.

For individuals income tax is 25 % .

In Austria, a property tax has been introduced in the amount of 1 % from the cost.

The VAT rate in the country is 20 % ... Delay in payment threatens the delivery of preliminary tax returns... If, however, in this case delays occur, then fines and penalties are imposed.

Real estate

When buying a home in Austria, foreigners will face a number of restrictions. For example, if you buy land in Tyrol, then it must perform certain functions. If it was bought as a farm, then there must be at least 5 cows. Each region has its own requirements. The main thing is that everything should be certified by the authorities.

All transactions are made by a notary and a lawyer. After the end of the auction, the buyer transfers the money for the purchase to a lawyer who is a trustee. After that, the parties are awaiting the approval of the deal by the authorities. Such a scheme is fully spelled out in the legislation. In case of refusal, the money is returned to the buyer. On average, documents are reviewed 3-6 months (sometimes, consideration can take up to 12 months).

All transactions are recorded with the tax authorities, which charge 3.5% of the value for the transfer of ownership. You also need to pay the following taxes: for land registration — 1%, for registration of a mortgage - 1%.

As for the notary and the agent, their work is paid at 1-2% and 3.6%, respectively.

If the buyer is not a resident of the EU, then he will face additional costs for obtaining a permit from the local authority (the amount can be up to 1100 €).

If the purchased property is sold within 10 years after the purchase, then income tax will have to be paid.

Before the trip, it is advisable to take out medical insurance (including for air travel).

Smoking in public places is prohibited in Austria, and fines have been introduced in this regard.

It is worth getting to the Vienna Opera not only to enjoy the performance, but also to look at interior decoration... You can buy a ticket for such an excursion and find out their schedule to the right of the main entrance.

And purchased tickets for a concert of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra or the Vienna Festival serve as public transport passes a few hours before and after the concert.

Visa information

To travel to Austria, you need to obtain a visa. At the moment, there are several options for visas: short-term (including to other Schengen countries) - from 90 days to 6 months; national Austrian visa - 3-6 months (allows transit through the Schengen countries).

Documents for obtaining a visa are submitted no later than 21 days before the trip. They must be in English or German, with a translation certified by a notary.

The collected package of documents must be submitted to the consular department of the Austrian embassy, ​​which is located in Moscow at the address: Bolshoy Levshinsky pereulok, 7.

You can get information about visas by calling (+7 495) 956 16 60.

Have you decided to organize a vacation in Austria? Looking for the best Austria hotels, hot tours, resorts and last minute deals? Are you interested in the weather in Austria, prices, the cost of the tour, do you need a visa to Austria and would a detailed map be useful? Would you like to see what Austria looks like in photos and videos? What are the excursions and attractions in Austria? What are the stars and reviews about hotels in Austria?

Austria- a state in the center of Europe. In the north it borders on the Czech Republic, in the northeast - with Slovakia, in the east - with Hungary, in the south - with Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland, in the west - with Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Germany.
The largest rivers are Danube, Mur, Drava, Salzach and Inn. There are many mountain lakes in the country.
About 70% of the country's area is occupied by the Alps. The highest point in Austria is the double-headed peak Grossglockner (3997 m).

Airports in Austria Vein

1 - 5 star hotels in Austria

Austria Weather

Depending on the region, the Atlantic, continental and Mediterranean influences are more or less affected.
Northwest winds prevailing in the north and west bring mild and humid weather from the Atlantic Ocean. In the east of Austria, continental influences are more pronounced. There is less rainfall here, although showers are more frequent in summer.
Local winds are very typical for the Alps. The most important of these is a warm and dry hair dryer.

Average air temperature in Vienna t ° C

sights

Austria is one of the centers of tourism thanks to the famous Alps, as well as a large number of other attractions: the country hosts several summer music festivals, the most famous of which is the Salzburg Festival; sanatoriums on mineral springs, as well as numerous museums.
Vienna is home to the world famous Museum of Art History, which contains paintings by the Brueghel family, famous Italian, German and Dutch artists; collections of jewels and art objects of the Holy Roman Empire; Austrian Gallery; Museum of Technology; Museum of Folklore and Ethnography; Museum of the 20th century; Natural History Museum.
Among the architectural monuments of Vienna: the City Hall (1872-1883); Burgtheater (1874-1888); parliament building (1883); the building of the Vienna Opera (1861-1869); the imperial palace; gothic cathedral of st. Stephen (XVIII-XIV centuries). Vienna is also famous for its parks: Stadtpark; Belvedere Park, which houses a baroque castle; Schönburn summer imperial palace, next to which there is a park XVIII century and the world's oldest zoo (founded in 1752).
Vienna Monasteries and Churches: Scottish Monastery - Benedictine Abbey, the oldest Viennese monastery (founded around 1155). Church of the 17th century, "Scottish Court" building (first half of the 19th century), collections: altar (c. 1470). Capuchin monastery, founded in 1618. Imperial family crypt: the burial vault of the Habsburg family, richly decorated sarcophagi.
Palaces in Vienna: Hofburg Palace - Treasury with Imperial Crowns, Imperial Chambers and Collection of Silver and Cutlery. The Imperial Palace (Hofburg) - the former residence of the Habsburgs, was rebuilt from the Middle Ages until the 20th century, a chapel, a treasury, apartments of the imperial family, stables, the Spanish Riding School, the National Library with state rooms in Neuburg. Schönbrunn Palace: the summer imperial residence, the building of Fischer von Erlach (1695-1713), the interior, the room where Emperor Franz Joseph died, the Wagenburg carriage and carriage museum. Belvedere Palace: Palace and Garden of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Built by architect Hildebrandt. Lower Belvedere: Austrian Baroque Museum (built 1714-1716); Upper Belvedere: Austrian Gallery (built 1721-23). Hermesville in Lainz Park. Built in 1886 according to the plan of K. von Hasenauer as a gift from Emperor Franz Joseph to his wife Sisi. up
Once in Austria, it's a sin not to visit Salzburg and its picturesque surroundings with world-famous resorts. Salzburg is located in the northeastern part of the province of the same name, on the border with Germany, which it was part of for over a millennium.
The city owes its name to the Salzachburg fortress, located on the Nonnberg mountain. The founder of Salzburg is considered to be St. Rupert, under whom the construction of the monastery of St. Peter began in about 696. Saint Rupert became the first archbishop of Salzburg, from him the centuries-old dominion of the church was established. The last Archbishop of Salzburg was Hieronomus Golloredo, who fled from Napoleon in 1800 and resigned his title three years later in Vienna. For some time the city went to Austria, which was replaced by Bavaria, and only in 1816, but by the decision of the Congress of Vienna, he finally received his Austrian affiliation; but also in the bosom Austrian empire Salzburg has remained a cosmopolitan capital, small and boundless at the same time.
The city is located at an altitude of 425 meters above sea level, its natural decoration is the Salzach River, on both banks of which it is located. One of the symbols of Salzburg is the Hohensalzburg fortress. Salzburg is a city of amazing churches. Salzburg Cathedral is especially famous with its towers soaring into the sky. The architect Santino Solari worked for 14 years on this monumental creation of church architecture, erected on the foundations of a Romanesque cathedral, from which he took only a baptismal font; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized in this bronze bowl. There are several museums in the city dedicated to this composer. The Viennese garden pavilion, which belonged to the librettist composer Schikaneder, also recalls Mozart; in this pavilion Mozart worked on "The Magic Flute". In 1873, the relic was donated to Salzburg, and today you can see it behind the Mirabell garden, on the Schwarzstrasse. In general, Austria bears the name “Land of Music”, since, in addition to Mozart, it is known for Anton Brueckner, Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss Sr. and Johann Strauss Jr., Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustave Mahler, Richard Strauss, Alban Berg and many others worked here other.
Salzburg is a prime example of a Baroque city, where this style appears in all its splendor, as evidenced by the Mirabell Garden with its terraces, marble sculptures and fountains.
Worth visiting is the Hellbrunn Palace, built by order of the Archbishop Sittacus and located about eight kilometers from Salzburg. Hellbrunn Park is decorated with sculptures and fountains, among which there are "firecrackers", known to the Russian reader from Peterhof. They say that the archbishop, who loves to have fun, served guests in the park, and when they reached a certain degree of intoxication, hidden mechanisms were activated, and streams of water rushed down on the guests.
Graz is the capital of Styria with a population of 242,000. Sightseeing: City Hall, Franciscan Church; Landhaus (the building of the state parliament): arched vaults of the courtyard, the armory; Opera theatre; Leechskirche church; castle of the XI century; Cathedral; mausoleum; funicular to the Schlossberg mountain: bell tower, defenses, clock tower; the Cathedral of the Teutonic Knights of the 13th century; a gothic cathedral of the 15th century; the 16th century church, the altar of which was painted by the Venetian master Tintoretto; Eggenberg Palace: inspection of the inner chambers, collections, park;
Attractions in Linz - Trinity Column (1723); the 17th century cathedral “Alter Dom”; a castle from the 15th century, which houses a historical museum. The main attraction of the city landscape is the Pöstlinberg mountain with the Pilgrim Church located on it. The 18th century Baroque Pilgrim Church is a sacred site in Upper Austria. The panoramic terrace under the church offers an amazing view of Linz.
In Innsbruck (in addition to excellent sports facilities, which make it possible to practice many winter sports): Fürstenburg castle of the 15th century; Franciscan Cathedral of the 16th century; former imperial palace of the 17th century.
Not far from Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, in the town of Wattens, in an underground cave, fairy tales of Swarovski's Crystal Planet bloom every day. The largest and smallest crystals in the world can be found here, a wall made of 12 tons of sparkling crystal precious stones... After inspection, in mall you can buy exquisite gifts from Swarovski crystal with silver and crystal souvenirs for memory. Outside, there is a beautiful park for walking, playing and discovering, created by the hands of many renowned artists.

Do I need a visa to enter: Yes

Visa

To enter the country, Russian citizens must have a passport, as well as a visa issued by the Austrian consulate:

Visa A (Airplane Transit Visa): Visa for those transiting through the international airport transit area does not permit entry into Austria.
Visa B (transit visa): Visa for those traveling through Austria and other Schengen countries to a non-Schengen country such as Switzerland or the UK. A transit visa is issued for travel for up to 5 days.
Visa C (for short stay): a visa that entitles you to enter Austria and other Schengen countries for a period of up to 90 days within 6 months from the first entry into one of the Schengen countries.
National Austrian Visa D: A national Austrian visa that entitles you to stay in Austria for a period of 3 to 6 months without a temporary residence permit or residence permit. With this visa, transit travel through other Schengen countries is possible for up to 5 days.

Customs restrictions

Citizens of foreign countries can bring with them for their personal consumption or as gifts, but not for commercial purposes: 200 pcs. cigarettes or 50 cigars, manila or thin cigars or 250 gr. tobacco (or any combination thereof, total weight which should not exceed 250 gr.); 2 liters of wine or fruit liqueur or tincture with an ethyl alcohol content of not more than 22% or any combination thereof, but not more than 2 liters, as well as 1 liter of alcohol, the ethyl alcohol content of which does not exceed 22%, or 3 liters of beer and additionally 1 liter of other alcoholic beverages. Goods other than those mentioned above may be imported into total amount 175 euros per person. If these goods are not imported by air, but through the common border with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, then the maximum amount is reduced to 100 euros. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign and local currency.

Mains voltage: 220V

Tips

Tipping is 5% of the order value; in large restaurants it is customary to leave 10% of the invoice amount. The waiter will definitely return the change on the account, and after that you must leave a tip. Small coins can be left in the bar and cafe. Tipping is not given in street cafes. It is customary for the taxi driver to leave 10% over the counter, you can just leave a change from the change.

Purchases

Foreign tourists permanently residing outside the EU, when purchasing goods worth more than 75 euros, can receive a VAT refund (more details) (in Austria, the VAT is 32%), if these goods are exported to those countries that are not members of the EU.

To get a refund of approximately 13% of the price you need:
1. Demand in shops that have a silver-blue "TAX FREE-Free Shopping" sign when buying a Tax-free check with an envelope.
2. This check is fully completed by the seller.
3. Before departure, the Tax-free check, the original invoice and the goods must be presented to the customs. The customs officer puts a stamp on the check. Attention: no refund will be made without a customs mark!
4. Money can be returned directly at the points of payment at airports, railway stations and border points, which are indicated on the Tax-free envelope. Most art, collectibles, books and food products are refund minus commissions - 6-8% of the purchase price.

Souvenirs

From Austria, you can bring Salzburg chocolate and gingerbread, Austrian wines, Tyrolean costumes and coats, Augarten porcelain and Swarovski crystal products, Tyrolean bells and glass balls with snow flakes inside.

Opening hours of institutions

Museum opening hours vary from museum to museum. The day off for museums is usually Monday.

The shops are usually open from 9.30 am or 10 am to 6 pm. The break is from 12 pm to 1 pm or 1.30 pm. Many grocery stores and bakeries open early in the morning - at 7 or 7.30. Large central stores in major cities are open without interruption. On Saturday, shops are open until 12 or 13 o'clock.

The traditional day off at hairdressing salons is Monday.

Banks are open on weekdays. Opening hours from 8 to 12 hours and from 13.30 to 15 hours. Banks close at 17.30 on Thursday.

Security

Recently, the number of such crimes as pickpocketing, theft of bags and other personal property has increased.

Code of the country: +43

Geographic first level domain name:.at

Austrian republic

Austria located in Central Europe. In the north it borders with Germany and the Czech Republic, in the east - with Hungary and Slovakia, in the south - with Italy and Slovenia, in the west - with Liechtenstein and Switzerland. It has no outlet to the sea. Most the territory is occupied by the Alps and their foothills, the highest point is Mount Grossglockner (3797 m).

The name of Austria comes from the ancient German Ostarrichi - "eastern country".

Capital

Square

Population

8151 thousand people

Administrative division

Consists of 8 federal states and the metropolitan area equated to them.

Form of government

Republic, with a federal state structure.

Head of state

Supreme Legislature

Bicameral Parliament (National Council and Federal Council), term of office - 4 years.

Supreme executive body

The government is headed by the Federal Chancellor.

Big cities

Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck.

Official language

German.

Religion

80% are Catholics, 9% are Protestants, 3% are Orthodox, 2% are Muslims.

Ethnic composition

88.5% - Germans, 1.5% - Croats, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Italians, 10% - Turks, Bosnians, Serbs.

Currency

Euro = 100 cents.

Climate

Moderate, transitional to continental, highly dependent on altitude. The winter is mild, with frequent snowfalls, the coldest winter month is January, the temperature in the valleys drops to - 2 ° С, in the mountainous regions - to - 14 ° С. Snow lies in the mountains for 7-8 months. Summers are warm and sunny, the hottest months are July and August, the temperature is about + 20 ° С. Precipitation ranges from 600 mm per year in the east of the country to 2000 mm per year on the western and southwestern slopes of the Alps.

Flora

Deciduous forests are located up to a height of 600-800 m - oak, beech, hornbeam, ash; at an altitude of 1400 m appear conifers; Alpine meadows begin at a height of 2000 m.

Fauna

In deciduous forests there are rare in Europe species of animals - red deer, elk, roe deer, brown bear. In the alpine part - ibex, chamois, alpine marmot, alpine ptarmigan.
Rivers and lakes. Danube rivers (tributaries: Inn, Ens, Drava, Mur and Morava), Rhine; 580 lakes, mainly of glacial origin, including Neusiedler See, Lake Constance.

sights

In Vienna - the famous Vienna Opera and Burgtheater, the collection of the Academy fine arts, a collection of jewels of the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Park, the world's oldest zoo (1732); in Salzburg - the House-Museum of Mozart, the fort of the XI century, in Graz - the Museum of Criminalistics, the castle of the XI century; Cathedral of the Knights of the Teutonic Order of the XIII century; in Innsbruck - the Fürstenburg castle, the Hofburg imperial palace of the XIV-XVIII centuries.

Useful information for tourists

There are 2 tourist seasons - summer (July-August) and winter (Christmas). The best time to visit Vienna is late spring and early autumn. The ski season lasts until mid-April. To use the lifts, you must purchase one-time or one-day tickets (there are several categories) or more advantageous "ski passes" for several days (for valid more than 10 days, a photograph is required). Tourist plastic cards provide free travel in any type of public transport, free (or cheaper) visits to museums and excursions, all kinds of discounts. Free Maps Vienna, transport routes, excursion programs and brochures, including those in Russian, can be obtained from the Vienne-Turismus office on Al-bertinaplatz. Tipping is 5% of the order value; in large restaurants it is customary to leave 10% of the invoice amount. The waiter will certainly return the change on the account, and after that, in the same napkin, you must hand him a tip. Small coins can be left in the bar and cafe. In street cafes, tips are not given. It is customary for a taxi driver to pay 10% over the counter, you can simply not take a change from the change.