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Introducing Austria

Discover Austria.
Everything we love about Europe, Austria delivers in spades: beautiful and historic cities, opulent imperial palaces, medieval castles, bucolic mountain villages, and of course, the Austrian Alps. As for culture, this is the country that produced Mozart (two museums in Salzburg, his birthplace, are dedicated to the famous composer), and in this music-centric country, you’re never far off from a fine concert hall or opera house.

When is the best time to visit?
Winter sports enthusiasts will want to head to the Alps between December and early May, whereas summer travelers can expect warm but not oppressive heat. This allows for some fine mountain hikes, camping, and boating and swimming excursions to Plansee, Faaker See, and Hallstatter See lakes. If you want to beat the summer tourist crowds and want to enjoy outdoor activities in decent weather, the spring shoulder season of April and May is a good bet.

Where should you go?
For sheer beauty and culture, Vienna rivals any other city in Europe. It’s the former seat of the original Habsburg Dynasty, and Vienna still abounds with regal architecture, including the 1,441-room Schönbrunn Palace. In another baroque palace, the Belvedere, you’ll also find an art museum housing one of Europe’s most valuable collections.

Classical music connoisseurs should head to Wiener Musikverein (home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) and Wiener Staatsoper, which produces dozens of operas and ballets throughout the year. If you’re a fan of music history, make a trip to Salzburg and Mozart Geburtshaus in the colorful Aldstadt district. For a ski holiday, visit one of Austria’s many alpine resorts, such as Semmering, many of which offer skiing and snowboarding for all ability levels.

How many days do you need?
You should plan on four or five days to properly enjoy the palaces, concert halls, museums, coffee houses, and tea rooms of Vienna. Even if you do plan a winter or summer holiday outside the capital, you’ll find that it shouldn’t take you very long to get from one location to another. For example, Semmering is just an hour-long drive away from Vienna’s international airport. If you plan to see a lot of the country, you can easily do so in about 10 days.

Austria Travel Insights

See the autumnal leaves in the Austrian Alps in Tyrol in October
Austria in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is fall in Austria and a quiet season in which to visit. That's great news if you're looking for discounted accommodation. There are fun events such as Oktoberfest-like celebrations and film and museum/gallery festivals in the cities. October is also a fun time to head to Alpine villages for a dose of traditional culture, which includes dressed-up cows. Find out more about traveling to Austria in October.

Pretty spring morning light over famous Hallstatt mountain village in the Austrian Alps
Austria in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

A month with pleasant weather before the crowds of summer arrive, May is an excellent time to visit Austria, whatever your interests. Attend a food festival in Vienna or a classical music concert in Salzburg; hike into the mountains from Hallstatt or take a motorbike road trip: it's all possible in May. Read on for more ideas for traveling to Austria this spring month.

Visit the Gloriette Pavilion and Neptune Fountain of the Schönbrunn Palace to see the blossoming flowers
Austria in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

In between the peak ski and summer seasons, April is the shoulder season for travel to Austria. But with mild temperatures, dry conditions, no snow on the ground, and lower prices, it's a great time to visit. Take a road trip across the relatively small country, enjoy a classical music concert in Mozart's hometown, and shop for Easter treats at a market. Here's more about what you can see and do in Austria in April.

Salzburg's Old Town lights up with their annual Christmas market
Austria in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is winter in Austria, which means snow, skiing (and other snow sports), and Christmas markets. Short days might impact on sightseeing but there are plenty of museums, galleries, cafes, and other indoor attractions to enjoy. Expect crowds in the ski resorts and bustle in the cities around the festive season. Find out more about traveling to Austria in December below.

Check out Hundertwasser's architecture in Vienna
Austria in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September in Austria is the start of fall, meaning the summer vacationers are mostly gone, but the weather is still pleasing and perfect for outdoor activities. Wineries put on special events in September, the conditions are great for biking and paragliding, and the cities are comfortable for a culturally oriented walking tour. There's lots to see and do in Austria in September.

Tour Vienna's cultural attractions, like St. Michael's Square, in November
Austria in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is the end of fall in Austria, and the weather is likely to be cold, damp, and a bit dark. The country doesn't see many visitors this month, but that makes it a great time to get in some early Christmas shopping at a market, relax in a thermal spa in the mountains without the crowds, or go sightseeing in an uncharacteristically quiet month in Salzburg. Read on to find out where to go and what to do in Austria in November.

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Trip Reviews for Austria

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our trip was amazing. Tomaz and Zala planned...
Austria | Apr 24 - Apr 30, 2025

Kristin
Kristin M.
Augusta, GA | Reviewed on May 03, 2025
Our trip was amazing. Tomaz and Zala planned the perfect trip. We had an amazing guide for our walking tour - I can’t remember her name. Camillo was our guide for the Wine Valley Tour and he was spectacular. Mom doesn’t drink wine and said this was her favorite tour. I really recommend this too. We also drank and ate our way through multiple coffee houses and honestly I think the Mozart Cafe was the best. I can’t wait to come back to Vienna and explore some more! Read more

Our trip was amazing. Tomaz and Zala planned the perfect trip. We had an amazing guide for our walking tour - I can’t remember her name. Camillo was our guide for the Wine Valley Tour and he was spectacular. Mom doesn’t drink wine and said this was her favorite tour. I really recommend this too. We also drank and ate our way through multiple coffee houses and honestly I think the Mozart Cafe was the best. I can’t wait to come back to Vienna and explore some more!

Hotel Review
K+ K Hotel Maria Theresia
Wien

Actually did not stay here.

Activity Reviews
Wachau Valley with wine tasting - group tour
Wachau Valley with wine tasting - group tour
Vienna

Probably the best tour, hands down. Loved it.

Quality of Experience
Best tour ever
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Camillo the guide was amazing
Transport
Very comfortable van
Opera tour
Opera tour
Vienna

The tour of the opera house was so informative and engaging. I really wanted to see an opera here.

Quality of Experience
Excellent tour
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was informative and engaging
Transport
Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Vienna
Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Vienna
Vienna

We had the best guide. Not the best weather, but we made the best of it and had a great time.

Quality of Experience
Excellent guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loved our guide
Transport
City Danube River Cruise
City Danube River Cruise
Vienna

Amazing cruise down the Danube. Very relaxing and beautiful.

Quality of Experience
Great cruise
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very attentive staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek

Prague and north Austria
Austria | Dec 2 - Dec 12, 2024

C
Celeste M.
Colleyville, TX | Reviewed on Dec 21, 2024

It was amazing trip and they listened. I would have changed a few things but they always kept me up to date on last minute changes or train missed they booked next one. Hotels were great! I highly recommend booking with them.

Local specialist: Clemens Sengwein
Clemens
Clemens Sengwein
Local specialist in Vienna | Replied on Dec 27, 2024
Dear Celeste, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing trip to Prague and North Austria and that you appreciated our support, especially with last-minute changes. It’s always our goal to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, even when unexpected hiccups occur. We’re delighted that you loved the hotels and felt well cared for throughout your trip. Your feedback means the world to us, and we’ll use... Read more

Dear Celeste,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing trip to Prague and North Austria and that you appreciated our support, especially with last-minute changes. It’s always our goal to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, even when unexpected hiccups occur.

We’re delighted that you loved the hotels and felt well cared for throughout your trip. Your feedback means the world to us, and we’ll use it to keep improving and tailoring trips even better in the future.

Thank you again for recommending us—it was truly a pleasure to help plan your adventure, and we hope to assist you with another unforgettable trip soon!

Warm regards,
Clemens & the Team

Vienna
Austria | Nov 22 - Nov 26, 2024

Jennifer
Jennifer N.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2024
Clemens, Andreea and the team were very helpful, patient and easy to work with. They provided all transfers, my train ticket, hotel, and had so many excursion ideas.
I would definitely have them plan another trip for me.
Read more

Clemens, Andreea and the team were very helpful, patient and easy to work with. They provided all transfers, my train ticket, hotel, and had so many excursion ideas.
I would definitely have them plan another trip for me.

Hotel Review
Flemings Selection Hotel Wien-City
Vienna

No restaurant available without a reservation.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Clemens Sengwein
Clemens
Clemens Sengwein
Local specialist in Vienna | Replied on Dec 03, 2024
Dear Jennifer, Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! It was truly our pleasure to assist you with your trip to Vienna. We're thrilled to hear that you found our team helpful, patient, and easy to work with, and that you enjoyed the seamless arrangements for your transfers, train ticket, hotel, and excursions. We appreciate your feedback about the Fleming’s Selection Hotel Wien-City. While we're glad you enjoyed your stay overall, we will take note of your... Read more

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! It was truly our pleasure to assist you with your trip to Vienna. We're thrilled to hear that you found our team helpful, patient, and easy to work with, and that you enjoyed the seamless arrangements for your transfers, train ticket, hotel, and excursions.

We appreciate your feedback about the Fleming’s Selection Hotel Wien-City. While we're glad you enjoyed your stay overall, we will take note of your comment regarding restaurant reservations to better inform future travelers.

It would be an absolute delight to help plan another trip for you, whether it’s back to Vienna or another amazing destination. Please don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready for your next adventure!

Warm regards,
Clemens, Andreea, and the Prime Tours Team

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