One of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, Austria is an unbeatable combination of rich culture, history and spectacular scenery. Although geographically small, Austria has many fascinating attractions that can rival any European country.

Austria's diversity does not only shine through its landscape but through its population as well. Due to its central location in the heart of Europe, bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, its vibrant history, a cross-section of cultures flow together and are combined.
Austrians are friendly people and share a similar sense of humour to Australians and New Zealanders.

CAPITAL: Vienna

MAJOR CITIES: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck

POPULATION: 8.1 million

RELIGION: Catholic with a Protestant minority

LANGUAGES: German

CURRENCY: Euro (EUR)

ELECTRICITY: 220V, 50Hz

CLIMATE: Winters are cold, especially in the Alps. The summers are warm and pleasant.
Average temperatures:
January: -3 o to 1o C (26 o to 34oF)
July: 15 o to 24o C (59 o to 75oF)

TIME ZONE: GMT plus 1 hour

WHAT TO WEAR : Layers are your best option. Bring warmer clothes for the winter. Plan ahead if you think you may be going skiing or hiking, and bring the necessary gear.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND EVENTS: Epiphany (January 6); Corpus Christi (May); Assumption (August 15); National Day (October 26); All Saints' Day (November 1); Immaculate Conception (December 8); St. Stephen's Day (December 26).

OTHER FACTS : Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe in its golden years of the 18th and 19th centuries when, Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert lived there. Although women were supposed to be ineligible to rule, Maria Theresa did so for 40 years, developing Austria into a modern state.

ATM & BANKING INFO: Traveller's cheques can be exchanged in banks or exchange bureaus in nearly every city. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widely available. Banking hours are 8:00am-5:30pm, Monday through Friday, closing for an hour around 1:00pm.

Local Tip 5%-10% in restaurants. Taxi drivers expect 10%.

HIGHLIGHTS: See the picturesque banks along the Danube River; visit the unique Mirabell Gardens; see the world-famous St. Peter's Churchyard; step inside the Vienna Opera House; enjoy the medieval lanes of Innsbruck in the Tyrolean Alps.

PLEASE NOTE : While all care has been taken to provide accurate information, we suggest you contact applicable tourist boards and destination offices for clarification and further information.