Austria

Austria is perhaps best known as a world class ski destination with spectacular Alpine resorts that attract a loyal and often royal following. Arlberg is one of its finest places to ski. Then there’s Kitzbuhel, home to Hahnenkamm, known as the toughest six seconds of skiing in the world. Other top resorts include Lech, St Anton Am Arlberg, St Christoph Am Arlberg and Zurs. When the snow has gone, these resorts transform into beautiful green landscapes fabulous for walking. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Salzkammergut alpine region has 76 crystal clear lakes to explore. And of course Austria has a rich heritage from the palaces of Vienna to the melodies of Mozart. It’s also a fine spa destination for those in search of rejuvenation.

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Austria has a typical temperate climate. Summers are fine and sunny with hot daytime temperatures and cool nights, though mountainous areas will be fresher. Winters are cold with temperatures below freezing in January and February. The ski season is from December to the end of April.

Transport

Getting around

Transport systems in Austria are highly developed and generally very efficient, and reliable information is usually available in English. Individual bus and train Fahrplan (timetables) are readily available, as are helpful annual timetables.

Austria's main rail provider is the Österreiche Bundesbahn (www.oebb.at), which has an extensive countrywide rail network. This is supplemented by a handful of private railways. Wherever trains don't run, a bus usually does. Timetables and prices for many train and bus connections can be found online at www.oebb.at.

Austria is a pleasure to tour by bicycle - the country is criss-crossed by designated cycle paths and bikes can be transported by trains.

Getting there and away

Vienna is the main air transport hub for Austria, but Graz, Linz, Klagenfurt, Salzburg and Innsbruck all receive international flights. Flights to these cities are often a cheaper option than those to the capital, as are flights to Airport Letisko (Bratislava Airport) which is only 60km (37mi) east of Vienna in Slovakia. With advance booking, no-frills airlines can be very cheap.

Travelling by bus is a cheap but less comfortable way to cross Europe. It's easiest to book with Eurolines (www.eurolines.com), a consortium of coach companies with offices all over Europe.

Getting to Austria by road is simple as there are fast and well-maintained motorways through all surrounding countries. There are numerous entry points into Austria by road from Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland. All main border-crossing points are open 24 hours. Proof of ownership of a private vehicle and a driver's licence should always be carried while driving.

The main rail services in and out of the country from the west normally pass through Bregenz, Innsbruck, or Salzburg on their way to Vienna's Westbahnhof. Trains to Eastern Europe invariably leave from Südbahnhof in Vienna. Express services to Italy go via Innsbruck or Villach; trains to Slovenia are routed through Graz.

Health & Legal Requirements

Dangers and annoyances

Austria is one of the safest countries to travelin and crime rates are low by international standards, but you should always be security conscious. Be wary of leaving valuables in hotel rooms; management will look after expensive items if you ask them, even in hostels. Don't leave valuables in cars, especially overnight. In general, let common sense prevail and don't make it easy for thieves by loosely carrying cameras and jewellery around.

In the event of theft or loss, get a police report - this will be necessary for you to claim on your travel insurance. Your consulate should be able to help replace documents if you're left in a desperate situation.