Backpack Europe and Budget Travel: Traveling in Austria

Traveling in Austria

Austria, apart from being one of the most beautiful countries in the Alps, once ruled much of Europe. Vienna is still a city full of culture and history which few others rival.

Backpacking Austria - Quick Facts

Local Language: German, but with a slightly different dialect. You'll notice some differences, especially different signs and so on. You may have trouble understanding the Austrian way of speaking German at first, but you get used to it.

Visa Requirements: Canadians are allowed in Austria for 90 days without a visa.

Health Risks: None

Costs: Austria is just as expensive as other Western European countries. You'll want to budget at least $40 Canadian or more, depending on your level of comfort.

My Travels in Austria

To be honest, my travels in Austria were somewhat limited. I've been through Austria several times, through the train stations at Vienna and Salzburg, but haven't spent much time in the cities themselves.

The first time I went to Austria, I was sick as a dog. I had a terrible sunburn, a throat so sore I could barely drink water, and I hadn't slept in about two days due to over-crowded night trains. Also, my bank card stopped working and I had no money! I pretty much just went to one of Vienna's many hostels and spent two days just sleeping and trying to get over what ever sickness it was I had. I think it could have been tonselitis or something similar. Anyways - When I finally began to recover, I checked out some of the sites Vienna had to offer, before taking a train further east to Budapest, Hungary.

One of the first things I noticed about Austria was the slightly different dialect of German. Many common street and informational signs used a different word than they would have in Germany. It was still German, just different a little Austrian twist.

The people were very nice. Everytime I asked for directions or information they helped without hesitation. The architecture in Vienna is one of the main reasons people visit the Austrian capital.

For Austrian and European travel guidebooks, check here:
Austrian and European Guidebooks

Hotels and Hostels in Austria

Austria, in particular Vienna and Salzburg get packed in the summer. Be sure to make a reservation at your hostel or hotel as soon as possible. Some of the hostels that are located a little outside the center of Vienna may have mroe rooms available.

For hotels in Austria, check out the link below:
Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Austria

Trains to Vienna - Austria

Austria is very well connected by train, and it's only a few hours travel between destinations such as Vienna and Salzburg. Train travel through Austria can be a very rewarding experience - travelling through the Alps on a sunny day is a tough trip to beat.

Eurail passes cover Austria, and are defintely worth purchasing as the train is the best way to get around the country. You will have to pay extra fees for reservations and if you want to take the ICE high speed trains.
Cheap Train and Eurail Passes

For more information about the Austrian rail system itself, click here:
http://www.oebb.at/

Flights to Austria

Austria has a few airports but the most important one is of course Vienna. Vienna is also a hub for many Eastern European countries, and if you're flying further east you may have a stop over at the Vienna airport. For more information about flights to Vienna, Austria, click the link below:
Cheap flights to Vienna, Austria

Language

German is one of the best languages for you to know if you're travelling through Central and Eastern Europe. Many people in Germany speak some English, though many are reluctant. In addition to German being spoken in Germany, it is also spoken in Austria and Switzerland, and many Eastern Europeans speak German as a second language.
Canuck Abroad's German Travel Dictionary