A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Artistic Austria

If you wish to experience culture, love, and music, Austria is the right place for you. Lush landscapes and vibrant colors grace this scenic country. Experience a sense of awe in the lap of nature in its lovely meadows, quaint valleys and snowy mountains.

A place of cultural confluence, its architectural marvels and colorful festivals perfectly reflect the convergence of different cultures.

Why Visit Austria

Austria has something for everyone right from cultural enthusiasts to adventure lovers.

• Art: This place, where the great musical legend Mozart was born, is an inspiration for artists and writers.
• Wine and Dine: Its diverse culninary specialities attract food enthusiasts from across the world. Wine lovers can flock to Austria to taste its white wine.
• Adventure Sports: Travellers with a penchant for adventure can enjoy rafting, skiing, snowshoeing and zillions of other activities.
• Nature Buffs: Be it the pristine Alps or the green landscapes of interior Austria, this country simply sweeps you off your feet with its picture-perfect vista.
• Shopping: Dainty souvenir shops grace this country, from where you can take home wonderful memories.

When to Visit

Urban centers of Austria are open all year round. But, if you love warm weather, it is best to visit between April and October. Mountain resorts are popular among summer hikers.

If you are of an adventurous kind, looking for the adrenaline rush of winter sports, visit during November-April, during which time you can find a good cover of snow.

Schengen Visa for Austria

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Austria. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India. Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

Austria is well connected to all the major parts of the world. Austria has six international airports with Vienna being the most important one.

Austria is well connected by rail to other European countries. If you choose to travel by train, you can view the picturesque Austrian mountains and meadows, and its historical towns speeding by. You can easily avail a railway pass; it is priced moderately and allows hassle-free travel anywhere in Austria.

You can use the bus service for short distances. For those who wish to explore the country's rural landscape, car is the most convenient option.

Where to Stay

Austria offers a multitude of lodging options as per your budget. Luxury hotels are a favorite with high-end travelers; the walls of these hotels are adorned with antique 19th century paintings, giving tourists a peek into Austria's history. The country also offers tourists self-serving apartments on rent.

Vienna is frequented by businesspersons, and a huge number of business hotels grace this quaint city. Vienna and Salzburg are also favorite destinations for families.

If you are traveling for business purposes, you could stay at one of the flourishing port cities, shipping being a major industry of Greece. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance to avoid a last-minute rush and exorbitant prices. This is true even if you plan to travel in the off-season, as immediate booking without prior intimation may not be possible.

Things to Do in Austria

• Belvedere Palace, Vienna: The palace has everything - inspiring art, exotic gardens and marvelous architecture. Its museum includes enchanting paintings by geniuses like Klimt, Van Gogh and Schiele.
• alzburg If you have watched "The Sound of Music", Salzburg will take you down the nostalgic lane. You can follow the von Trapp family's journey at Leopoldskron Palace, Mirabell Gardens and Old Town. You can even enjoy the traditional Austrian cuisine at The Sound of Salzburg Dinner Show.
• Ringstrasse Boulevard, Vienna Take a stroll at this beautiful boulevard with the magnificent Imperial Palace and Belvedere Palace in the vicinity. You can even take a trip in the traditional fiacre (horse-drawn carriage) to see its royal sights.
• Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna Get a flavor of the royal life at the Schonbrunn Palace that has 1441 rooms. You can visit the world's oldest zoo too, which is considered to be one of the best in Europe.
• Cultural Offerings More than 200 music and dance festivals are held in this country. Be it the Bregenz Festival (mid-Jul-mid-Aug) that enthralls tourists with its intense operas or the ImPuls Tanz Festival (Jul-Aug) held at the global dance capital, Vienna; be it the Schubertiade Schwarzenberg (Jun-Aug), a dedication to the legendary musician, Franz Schubert or Steirischer Herbst festival (Sep-Oct) for contemporary art in Graz, Austria can leave you spellbound.

Do's & Don'ts in Austria

Austria is a safe place for tourists with extremely low crime rates. Health risks are very few. It is safe to consume food anywhere as Austrian restaurants and cafés adhere to strict food safety standards. Water from taps is as pristine as its alpine valleys. However, keep these tips in mind while you are in Austria.

• High Altitude Austria has many areas of high altitude, known for their scenic beauty. The weather could change in a jiffy at these high altitudes. Brace yourself for these changes in weather. Ensure that you easily acclimatize to areas of high altitude to avoid problems like Acute Mountain Sickness.
• Adventure Sports Precautions Adventure sports require a great deal of physical and mental fitness. Indulge in these activities only if you don't have any existing illnesses like cardiac conditions. Wear proper gears and suits that are appropriate for the concerned activity. No need to worry after taking basic precautions.

Make sure you enjoy Austria to the fullest with a travel insurance plan to cover major misfortunes.

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