No question about it – Austria is a real stunner. Mile upon gorgeous mile of rolling valleys and alpine peaks make this country a dream destination for hikers, trekkers and skiers of all experience levels. And once you've had enough of the great outdoors, relax in one of Austria’s charming mountain towns, wander the hallways of grandiose Habsburg palaces, and enjoy the art, food and other sensory delights of central Vienna.
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Austrian embassy website in your country of departure.
There aren’t any specific vaccine requirements needed for Austria. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
Given its varied topography of mountains, lakes, and forests, Austria experiences a range of different weather patterns throughout the year. Winters (December to February) here tend to be cold — particularly within mountainous regions — and it can even dip below freezing in cities like Vienna and Innsbruck. Snowfall is common. Spring (March to May) sees a gradual warming, with temperatures ranging anywhere from 11 to 21°C (51.8 to 69.8°F) — expect some rainfall during this period too.
Summer (June to August) sees long, sunny days and temperatures soaring up to 30°C (86°F). This is also when you can expect the most rainfall in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Finally, Autumn sees mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from around 9 to 21°C (48.2 to 69.8°F).
The best time to visit Austria largely depends on what you want to do. Spring (March to May) and Summer (June to August) are the best times to come if you’re wanting to explore the great outdoors hiking, biking or paddleboarding on the lakes. You should be aware that the Summer months may be fairly busy — it’s peak season after all.
If you’re wanting to go skiing or snowboarding and hit the festive markets, then Winter (December to February) is the time to come. Autumn (September to November) is arguably the most photogenic time to come due to the fall colours — there are also several wine festivals on at this time of year too.
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.
Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3 to €5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30 to €40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.
Internet access in Austria is generally very good, fast, widely available and reliable. You’ll be able to access Wi-Fi in many public places like restaurants, hotels, libraries, stations and cafes — though you may need to purchase something beforehand in order to access it. Please note that if you’re using data on your phone from outside the EU, you may be subject to roaming charges. Check with your network provider before you travel.
Yes — there are plenty of ATMs (or ‘bankomats’) in Austria. You’ll find them in various locations, especially in banks, stations, and shopping areas — check with your bank for withdrawal fees. Most of them accept major networks of cards, though we’d recommend withdrawing your money in Euros so you avoid unfavourable exchange rates.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
In a word, yes — Austria is an LGBTQ+-friendly country, particularly within cities like Vienna. Same-sex marriage has been legal here since 2019, and there are several LGBTQ+ events on here throughout the year. That being said, attitudes in rural areas may be more conservative, so it pays to be discreet.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
The official language of Austria is German, specifically Austrian-German. However, other languages spoken here also include Austro-Bavarian and Alemannic — both different regional dialects of German. Other languages spoken here include Hungarian, Croatian, and Slovene. English is also a widely-spoken second language.
Yes, you can drink tap water all over Austria as a general rule. In fact, it’s renowned for being some of the cleanest water in the world. We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle for environmental reasons for refills.
Austria is generally considered one of the safest countries in the world, and there tend to be really low levels of crime here. While rare, avalanches do occur here — take heed of local advice when in the mountains.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.
