For many, the Alps are the biggest reason to travel to Austria.
Direct flights to Austria
According to abbreviationfinder, Austria’s largest airport is located in Vienna, where Finnair flies directly from Helsinki. Flights are available daily and return flights cost around € 200-300. Travel time is quite short as flights take about two and a half hours.
There is a direct train connection from Vienna Airport to the center of Catilla Airport. Travel time is only about fifteen minutes. The airport can also be reached from the airport by airport bus as well as by the city’s public transport, so there are plenty of options.
In addition to Vienna, Finland also offers direct flights to the alpine city of Salzburg, where Norwegian operates during the winter season. The flight time from Helsinki to Salzburg is about two and a half hours. Flight prices vary widely, but at the cheapest you can get flights for around a hundred euros.
Accommodation in Austria
In Austria which is a member state of European Union defined by countryaah, accommodation is usually clean and of a good standard. Alternatives can be found from inn-like guesthouses to international quality hotels with spas.
Accommodation is generally well available in both urban and rural areas, especially in places with lots of skiing or hiking activities. However, booking in advance is especially worthwhile in smaller villages.
You can also stay in the country on a small budget, and especially in big cities like Vienna and Graz, there are plenty of cheap hostels. Home accommodation services also offer accommodation in Austria.
By bus or train in Austria
The Austrian railway company ÖBB operates high-quality trains between major cities on a daily and frequent basis. You can check ÖBB’s schedules and buy tickets on ÖBB’s website. However, trains are often late, so you should leave room for delays in the schedule.
If there is no train connection to the desired destination, you can easily get there by bus. The Austrian bus network is comprehensive, with regular connections operated by Postbus, for example.
Cities usually have well-functioning public transport networks, and in Vienna, for example, you can travel by metro, bus or tram.
Rent a car in Austria
Exploring Austria with your own or rental car is the best way to get to the stunning alpine scenery. Especially in the Salzkammergut area, the driving paths split by the lake scenery are charming.
The small villages are picturesque stopping places where you can buy local handicrafts as gifts or souvenirs. When moving between rural villages in Austria, the car is the easiest and fastest way to move.
The motorist must remember to pay a fee for driving on motorways. The motorway vignette, ie a sticker to be glued to the windscreen, should be obtained immediately at the border. Labels are sold at gas stations.
Low price level in Finnish
Austria is a medium-priced destination in European terms, but from a Finnish point of view, the country has a cheap price level. For example, food, housing and mobility in the country are considerably cheaper than Finnish prices. Cheap price levels also extend to the capital Vienna.
However, the price level varies greatly depending on the region and time. For example, the price level in Alpine villages during the winter season can even multiply compared to the rest of Austria.
Familiar culture
A Finnish tourist hardly encounters cultural differences when traveling in Austria. Everything is very Central European, and only the cheek kisses shared by the locals may surprise a Finnish tourist.
Depending on the destination, the tourist will be able to speak German or English in Austria. The smaller the destination, the less English is spoken. Before the trip, it is worth learning even the basic phrases in German. It is also worth noting that Austrians have their own words for many expressions, and when ordering potatoes, for example, it is worth ordering erdapfel instead of cardboard games.
THE BEST IN AUSTRIA
Atmospheric small towns are the trump card of the country.
Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Austria
- Salzburg’s historic center and castle – You can look for a more beautiful cityscape.
- Semmering Railway – The world’s first mountain train track with purpose-built runs. The scenery impresses.
- The cultural landscape of the Wachau – the idyllic Austrian countryside at its best.
- Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens in Vienna – The impressive Habsburg palace compares even to Versailles.
- Graz’s historic center – The beautiful and well-preserved center attracts you to wander and spend time on the narrow streets. In addition, climb the park-like castle hill known for its beautiful bell tower.
Experience these in Austria
- Hike in the mountains of Innsbruck in summer, ski in winter.
- Climb Salzburg Castle Hill, visit the castle and enjoy the stunning views down to the picturesque city.
- Spend time in one of the traditional cafés in the center of Vienna with coffee and pastries.
- Take the car or train around the Austrian countryside and enjoy the scenery.
- Visit the local winery.