Yes, major cities in Austria, particularly Vienna, are highly walkable, frequently ranked among the most pedestrian-friendly in the world. The city centers (Altstadt) feature extensive car-free zones, historical sites close together, and excellent public transport for longer distances.
From the Tyrolean Alps to the Austrian Lakes District, each region offers a unique walking experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this enchanting country. Below are just three of the reasons of why Austria should eb your next walking holiday destination.
Do you want to enjoy a holiday without your car in Austria? No problem! You can comfortably reach our holiday destinations in Austria by train, bus, or other eco-mobile modes of transport. Trains travel from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, and other countries to the numerous holiday destinations – day and night.
Vienna is a city of short distances: urban hustle and bustle and outdoor recreation are often just a short walk apart from each other on foot or a short ride on public transport. The city can be explored particularly well on foot in autumn once the hot days of summer are over.
Switzerland has much more cultural variety (French, Italian and romansh parts) and the mountains are more spectacular (eg, Matterhorn). On the other hand, there are more historically important as well as artistic monuments in Austria (Vienna beats any Swiss city).
11 interesting facts to know before coming to AUSTRIA
What's the best month to go to Austria?
The best month to visit Austria depends on your interests: Spring (May-June) offers blooming scenery and fewer crowds for city/nature trips; Summer (July-August) is ideal for warm weather hiking and festivals (but busy); Autumn (September-October) provides stunning fall foliage, harvest festivals, and pleasant hiking before winter; while Winter (Dec-Feb) is perfect for skiing and magical Christmas markets. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) generally offer a great balance of good weather, fewer tourists, and lower costs.
Austria is generally considered moderately expensive, pricier than Eastern Europe but often cheaper than cities like London or Paris, with costs varying by location (Vienna is pricier) and season (winter/summer peaks are expensive). You can budget around €70-€180 per day, saving money by using budget supermarkets, street food, and efficient public transport, while luxury travel costs significantly more.
A picturesque city in the heart of Austria, Salzburg is a must-visit destination for every traveler. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture and breathtaking natural beauty, Salzburg is a city that has something to offer for everyone.
Vienna works on an honesty system with no ticket barriers at stations and no formal, permanent ticket checks on the subway, local trains, trams and buses. You just jump on and off. This doesn't mean public transport is free, though. You do need to buy a ticket.
Austria's nicest places blend imperial cities, Alpine wonders, and lakeside villages, with top picks including Vienna for culture, Salzburg for music and baroque beauty (Mozart's birthplace), and stunning natural areas like Hallstatt, Zell am See, the Wachau Valley, and the high-altitude landscapes around Innsbruck and Bad Gastein, offering a mix of history, outdoor adventure, and picturesque charm.
For the ultimate experience, a 10-day journey allows you to discover major cities as well as visit charming spots like Innsbruck and Graz. You can also explore Austria's urban attractions and the stunning Alpine landscapes, including a mix of cultural and outdoor adventures.
Ottakring, situated in the western part of Vienna, is a diverse district known for its vibrant atmosphere. Most of Ottakring is safe. But areas around the Ottakring U-Bahn station and Gürtel Street are sketchy. Especially at night, you might encounter drunk people or people fighting.
In Vienna, you must try classics like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and rich desserts like Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, or Kaiserschmarrn, washed down with a Wiener Melange coffee in a historic café; don't miss street sausages (Würstel) like the Käsekrainer, potato salad (Erdäpfelsalat), and the famous Manner Wafers for a true taste of Viennese cuisine.
Why Alpbach is the most beautiful village in Austria. A place of idyllic magnificence and beauty: Alpbach in the midst of the Kitzbühel Alps. Alpbach owes its title "Austria's Most Beautiful Village" to its uniform, traditional wooden architecture and its abundance of colourful flowers.
But the cheapest way to eat is to do your own cooking. Some average prices: a cup of coffee/tea in a café: 3,50 euros, a sandwich at a bakery: 4.50 euros, a dinner in a typical student restaurant: 12 euros.
English is no problem but knowing some words in German ( i e. Thank you, please, excuse me, etc) as sign of politeness helps a lot. They will speak English in Vienna. Its very polite to say a few words, like excuse me, thank you, your welcome, etc in German.
Early fall, particularly September and early October, is an amazing time of year to visit Austria if you want to enjoy moderate weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
