Austria Travel Guide

– A Complete Journey Through Europe’s Imperial Elegance

Austria, the land of imperial palaces, Alpine beauty, classical music heritage, pristine lakes, and fairytale villages, stands as one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, Austria is celebrated for its exceptional quality of life, immaculate cleanliness, refined culture, and a seamless blend of modern sophistication with centuries-old traditions. For travellers from India, Austria offers an unforgettable experience—whether it is walking through the imperial avenues of Vienna, cruising on the turquoise waters of Hallstatt, exploring Salzburg’s musical charm, or venturing into the majestic Tyrolean Alps.

This comprehensive travel guide presents a detailed and research-oriented overview of Austria, including its major attractions, distances between key cities, transportation systems, visa procedures for Indian travellers, how to begin the journey from Kolkata or Delhi, accommodation options, and the best seasons to explore the country.

Overview of Austria

Austria is a landlocked country surrounded by eight nations—Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Despite its compact size, Austria offers breathtaking natural and cultural diversity. From the Danube River flowing through Vienna to the snow-kissed peaks of Tyrol and the storybook hamlets of Upper Austria, the country offers a perfect blend of history and landscape.

Key Austrian Regions:

• Vienna (Wien) – Capital city, imperial architecture, museums
• Salzburg – Mozart’s birthplace, Sound of Music landscapes
• Innsbruck – Heart of the Alps, ski and adventure capital
• Hallstatt – Lakeside village, UNESCO heritage
• Graz – Medieval charm and culinary capital
• Wachau Valley – Vineyards, fortress towns, Danube cruises

Top Attractions in Austria

Austria’s attractions cover imperial palaces, medieval fortresses, musical heritage sites, Alpine valleys, and lakeside wonders. Each location offers its own character and charm.

1. Vienna – Austria’s Imperial Capital

Vienna is a grand symphony of history, culture, and modern elegance. With royal palaces, grand boulevards, operas, and museums, the city offers a refined European experience.

Main Attractions:

• Schönbrunn Palace – The summer palace of the Habsburg rulers
• Hofburg Palace – Imperial residence and historical treasury
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Vienna
• Vienna Opera House – World-famous for symphonies and ballets
• Belvedere Palace – Home to Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”
• Prater Park & Giant Ferris Wheel

Distances:

• Vienna to Salzburg – 296 km
• Vienna to Hallstatt – 290 km
• Vienna to Innsbruck – 477 km

2. Salzburg – Birthplace of Mozart

Salzburg perfectly blends musical heritage with natural beauty. The old town, baroque buildings, and surrounding hills make it one of Europe’s most romantic destinations.

Main Attractions:

• Hohensalzburg Fortress – The largest fully preserved fortress in Europe
• Mirabell Gardens – Famous for Sound of Music filming
• Mozart’s Birthplace
• Salzburg Cathedral
• Lake District (Salzkammergut)

Distances:

• Salzburg to Hallstatt – 71 km
• Salzburg to Innsbruck – 187 km

3. Hallstatt – Austria’s Picture-Perfect Village

Hallstatt is one of the most photographed villages in the world. With its serene lakeside houses, mountain backdrops, and charming pathways, it feels straight out of a fairytale.

Main Attractions:

• Hallstatt Lake (Hallstätter See)
• Skywalk World Heritage Viewpoint
• Salt Mine (Salzwelten)
• Historic Market Square

Distances:

• Hallstatt to Innsbruck – 213 km
• Hallstatt to Vienna – 290 km

4. Innsbruck – Heart of the Alps

Innsbruck is a vibrant, Alpine city known for winter sports, mountain views, and imperial landmarks. It is surrounded by snow peaks and offers natural and architectural beauty.

Main Attractions:

• Golden Roof – Innsbruck’s iconic landmark
• Nordkette Cable Car – Panoramic Alpine views
• Ambras Castle
• Bergisel Ski Jump

Distances:

• Innsbruck to Salzburg – 187 km
• Innsbruck to Vienna – 477 km

5. Graz – Cultural and Historical Gem

Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and gastronomic excellence.

Main Attractions:

• Schlossberg Hill & Clock Tower
• Eggenberg Palace
• Old Town (Altstadt)

Distances:

• Graz to Vienna – 200 km
• Graz to Salzburg – 279 km

How to Reach Austria from India

Austria offers excellent air connectivity through Vienna International Airport (VIE), Salzburg Airport (SZG), and Innsbruck Airport (INN). Vienna is the main hub for international travellers.

Travel from Kolkata

• Kolkata → Delhi → Vienna
• Kolkata → Mumbai → Vienna
• Kolkata → Doha / Dubai → Vienna
• Kolkata → Frankfurt / Zurich → Vienna

Travel from Delhi

• Direct Flight: Delhi → Vienna (Austrian Airlines)
• Delhi → Istanbul → Vienna
• Delhi → Dubai → Vienna
• Delhi → Frankfurt → Vienna

Average flight duration: 8 to 12 hours depending on the route and stopovers.

Austria Visa Guide for Indian Travellers

Austria is part of the Schengen Area; hence Indian citizens require a Schengen Tourist Visa (Category C) for entry.

Types of Visa

• Short-Term Tourist Visa (up to 90 days)
• Single or Multiple Entry

Documents Required

• Valid passport (min. 6 months validity)
• Visa application form
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Hotel booking / accommodation proof
• Travel Health Insurance (minimum coverage 30,000 EUR)
• Latest 6-month bank statements
• Income tax returns
• Employment/Business proof
• Travel itinerary

Where to Apply – Austria Visa Office (VFS Global)

Austria Visa Application Centre – New Delhi
VFS Global Austria Visa Centre, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi

Other centres: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh (appointment availability may vary).

Processing Time

• Standard: 10–15 working days
• Peak season: up to 30 days

Travel Inside Austria

Austria’s transportation system is one of Europe’s best. Trains, trams, buses, cable cars, and ferries are perfectly synchronised for convenient travel.

ÖBB – Austrian Federal Railways

• Punctual, clean, and efficient train network
• Connects all major cities and tourist regions
• Reservations available for long-distance routes

Regional Transport

• City trams and buses in Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck
• Mountain cable cars in Innsbruck & Tyrol
• Danube River cruises in Vienna and Wachau Valley

Accommodation Options in Austria

Austria offers a variety of properties suitable for leisure travel, family vacations, luxury holidays, and cultural tours. No contact numbers are included as per preference.

Vienna

• Luxury heritage hotels near Ringstrasse
• Boutique hotels in the Old Town
• Modern business hotels near train stations

Salzburg

• Hotels overlooking the River Salzach
• Heritage inns near Mirabell Gardens
• Alpine lodge-style properties in the outskirts

Hallstatt

• Lake-view boutique hotels
• Traditional wooden chalet accommodations
• Small guesthouses close to the lakeside

Innsbruck

• Mountain-view resort properties
• Modern urban hotels in the city centre
• Ski-focused alpine lodges

Graz

• Vintage European-style boutique hotels
• Modern city hotels near Schlossberg
• Quaint guesthouses in historic neighbourhoods

Best Time to Visit Austria

1. Summer (June – September)

Best for sightseeing, outdoor activities, Danube cruises, and exploring lakes and villages.

2. Winter (December – March)

Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, Christmas markets, and Alpine adventures.

3. Spring & Autumn (April – May & September – October)

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, beautiful landscapes, ideal for photography and cultural tours.

Suggested 7-Day Austria Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Vienna – Explore Old Town, St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace & Belvedere – Evening Danube Cruise
Day 3: Vienna to Salzburg – Mirabell Gardens & Mozart’s Birthplace
Day 4: Hohensalzburg Fortress – Lake District Tour
Day 5: Salzburg to Hallstatt – Village Exploration & Skywalk
Day 6: Hallstatt to Innsbruck – Nordkette Cable Car
Day 7: Explore Tyrol – Departure from Vienna or Innsbruck

Conclusion

Austria stands as a masterpiece of Europe—a land where imperial history meets mountain splendour, and where every corner offers stories, melodies, and scenic magic. Whether you begin your journey from Kolkata or Delhi, the route to Austria is smooth, well-connected, and supported by excellent tourist infrastructure. With its iconic cities, serene lakes, Alpine peaks, world-class hospitality, and rich cultural heritage, Austria promises an unforgettable travel experience for every visitor. From Vienna’s royal elegance to Hallstatt’s lakeside charm and Innsbruck’s Alpine adventure, each destination presents a unique chapter in this captivating European journey.