Although Austria has a small geographical size, the number of attractions and recreational opportunities for tourists here is huge. Mostly, many sights are old buildings, which at the moment are architectural and historical values. An important part of the Austrian tourism industry is natural areas: national parks, nature reserves, ski resorts, numerous lakes and forests. In almost every corner of Austria, a tourist will find something interesting. The multifaceted architecture of Austria, for centuries, has collected the traditions of many peoples.
Geography of Austria
According to Smber, Austria is located in the center of Europe, so it has no access to the sea. The northern part of the state has a common border with the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the east borders only on Hungary, the south on Italy, Switzerland, and Slovenia, and the western part of Austria is neighboring Liechtenstein, Germany and Switzerland.
Capital
Vein
Area
The area of Austria is 83,855 km km. sq., occupies the 115th place in the world by area.
Population
8,414,638 people.
Currency
The national currency is the euro (EUR).
Language
The official language is German.
Visa to Austria
Since Austria is one of the countries bound by the Schengen Agreement, you must obtain a visa to visit it. There are three types of visas to visit Austria, for tourists you need to have a short-term visa C. To obtain it, you must have insurance. The consulate accepts only those policies that were issued by European companies or Russians that are accredited by the consulate. You can apply for a visa not only in person, but also through a travel agency, which was previously accredited by the consulate. Most often, the period for consideration of your application is from a week to two from the date of payment of the consular fee. In some cases, you can apply for an urgent visa, at least three days before the intended trip. The consular fee for a regular visa category C is 35 euros, and for an urgent one you will have to pay 75 euros. It is not possible to extend a visa in Austria.
Weather in Austria
Austria has a temperate continental climate, which varies with altitude. In summer, the country is quite warm and sunny, the highest temperature is in July-August, while the average temperature in summer is +20 C. Rising higher into the mountains, the temperature drops and can drop to 0 C, although this temperature here is much less common than in other alpine countries, and all due to the local relief and excellent warming of the mountain slopes. Winters are mild compared to hot summers. In the mountains, the temperature can drop to -14, but in the valleys it rarely drops below -2 C. Any time is good to visit Austria. But they share two seasons: summer (July-August), as well as winter (New Year and Christmas). It is most comfortable to be here in late spring and autumn.
Currency exchange in Austria
On weekdays, banks are open from 08.00 to 17.30 with lunch breaks, and at airports and railway stations, banks usually work until 20.00-22.30. You can quickly exchange money in automatic exchangers gutted throughout the country, but the commission in them is higher than when exchanging at a bank.
Electricity
220-230V/50Hz (European sockets).
Religion
Like all European countries, the bulk of the population are Catholic Christians – 73%. 5% of believers identify themselves as Protestants, and 4% as Muslims. The number of atheists is not too high and amounts to 12%. Freedom of religion is guaranteed in Austria, and the church itself has almost no influence on the political life of the country. Most believers attend church only on major holidays.
Security
The Austrians have no problem with law-abidingness. Such obedience to the law is observed, at any level, to the point that in a sober mind, an Austrian will never throw garbage on the ground and will not cross the road where it cannot be done. However, in recent years, the crime rate has been growing, but of course, it is not worth taking drastic security measures. Most often, tourists may encounter the usual petty scam. In big cities, you should be wary of pickpockets and thieves who operate in transport. It is advisable not to leave valuables in the car, but leave the cars themselves in paid, guarded parking lots.
Health
To visit Austria, you must have honey. insurance covering 30,000 euros. Medicine is paid, so insurance will greatly simplify the receipt of medical services. If necessary, you can contact the doctor, even the smallest cities have their own clinic. The address of the nearest hospital can be found in any pharmacy or from passers-by. If assistance is needed urgently, you should go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital or call 144 for first aid on the spot.
