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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

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.

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.

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.

Heldenplatz Square and the Museum of Natural History dome in Vienna
How Many Days to Spend in Austria

With its pastoral landscapes, lively viticulture and gastronomy, and renowned art and music scene, Austria offers something for every traveler. A 10-day trip is ideal to fully experience Austria's top cities, from the country's capital, Vienna, to Innsbruck in the historic Tyrol region. In a week, you can still see much of the country by basing out of a major city and taking strategic day trips into the countryside. For a more condensed five-day getaway, focus on one or two regions to get the most out of your trip.

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Trip Reviews for Austria

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

We had a wonderful time in winter Vienna. Cl...
Austria | Jan 12 - Jan 17, 2024

Elizabeth
Elizabeth M.
Nicetown-Tioga, PA | Reviewed on Jan 22, 2024
We had a wonderful time in winter Vienna. Clemens was thoughtful and conscientious in his planning and communication. We particularly loved the concerts and the Kunst museum/Shoenbrunn palace. The wine tasting that Clemens arranged was outstanding. Our guides Christina and Andreas were fantastic. Clemens had all out tickets ready and waiting wherever we arrived. The highlight was our hotel-the Sans Souci was outstanding. The accommodations, staff and cozy hotel bar was the highlight... Read more

We had a wonderful time in winter Vienna. Clemens was thoughtful and conscientious in his planning and communication. We particularly loved the concerts and the Kunst museum/Shoenbrunn palace. The wine tasting that Clemens arranged was outstanding. Our guides Christina and Andreas were fantastic. Clemens had all out tickets ready and waiting wherever we arrived. The highlight was our hotel-the Sans Souci was outstanding. The accommodations, staff and cozy hotel bar was the highlight of the trip. The fact that there is a grocery store right next door was a gift!
We were not too fond of the restaurant we went to for the authentic Vienna meal and there was too much time allotted for it (3 hours and we were done in 45 min and there was no explanation as to what anything was..A few tips-you are better off taking ubers around the city instead of the arranged transfers/pick ups. We had to wait a lot, once we dropped off at the wrong place,then dropped 1/4 mile away from the entrance and has to walk in the dark. The concert had just started when we got there and it was very stressful. Also many of the arranged rides had drivers who were smokers and their vehicles reeked of smoke.The Uber would give you flexibility to come and go on your own terms and they were plentiful. Next time we do more museums!

Hotel Review
Hotel Sans Souci Wien
Vienna

This hotel was outstanding! The accommodations, the staff, the housekeeping and Le Bar were actually the highlight of our trip. The coffee service was delicious and the included breakfast was luxurious. We loved the grocery store right next door-very handy and quite the asset. One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Manuel at the bar was fantastic. His champagne tasting was such a treat. He is so knowledgeable. Nicolas at the front desk was a wealth of knowledge.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Don't stay anywhere else!
Activity Reviews
 Culinary Highlight Tour through Vienna: Unravel the Viennese Life Style 🍻🍲🚶
Culinary Highlight Tour through Vienna: Unravel the Viennese Life Style 🍻🍲🚶
Vienna

Andreas was outstanding! He was enjoyable to be with and picked a great place for us to have goulash (we had had enough Weiner schnitzel by then).

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Exploring Schönbrunn Palace
Exploring Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Masterpieces & Mysteries: A Tour Through Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum
Masterpieces & Mysteries: A Tour Through Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum
Vienna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Highlights of Vienna: Walking Tour
Highlights of Vienna: Walking Tour
Vienna

Christina was fantastic. Warm, friendly, knowledgeable and honest about Austrian History.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Clemens Sengwein
Clemens
Clemens Sengwein
Local specialist in Vienna | Replied on Jan 22, 2024
Dear Elizabeth, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences from your winter trip to Vienna. We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the concerts, the Kunst museum, Schönbrunn Palace, and especially the wine tasting experience we arranged. It's also great to know that our guides, Christina and Andreas, added positively to your journey, and that the Sans Souci hotel met your expectations in terms of comfort and convenience. We appreciate your... Read more

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences from your winter trip to Vienna. We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the concerts, the Kunst museum, Schönbrunn Palace, and especially the wine tasting experience we arranged. It's also great to know that our guides, Christina and Andreas, added positively to your journey, and that the Sans Souci hotel met your expectations in terms of comfort and convenience.

We appreciate your honest feedback regarding the restaurant experience. Understanding that it didn't fully meet your expectations, we'll take this as an opportunity to improve our services. Ensuring that our guests have a clear understanding of the local cuisine and a more engaging dining experience is important to us.

Your insights about transportation are incredibly valuable. We apologize for the inconveniences you faced with the arranged transfers, and we take note of your preference for using Uber for its flexibility and convenience. This feedback will help us in refining our transportation options for future guests.

We're glad to hear that you would be interested in exploring more museums on your next visit. Rest assured, we will tailor your next itinerary to include more of these enriching experiences, ensuring a trip that aligns perfectly with your interests.

Once again, thank you for choosing us for your Vienna adventure. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the future and to provide an even more seamless and enjoyable experience.

Warm regards,

Clemens

Very satisfied with KimKim and Tomaz
Austria | Aug 12 - Aug 21, 2023

Tom
Tom D.
Baltimore, MD | Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023
This was my first time using KimKim and Tomaz, and only my second time using a European based travel agent. I picked KimKim based on online reviews. I was somewhat apprehensive because I had no experience using this agency and had never been to Austria. I admit, I was a bit guarded during the planning process.
Once we received all of our confirmations, I was able to relax. When we got to Austria, we found all of the arrangements to be quite good and reliable. We can't thank you enough. I...
Read more

This was my first time using KimKim and Tomaz, and only my second time using a European based travel agent. I picked KimKim based on online reviews. I was somewhat apprehensive because I had no experience using this agency and had never been to Austria. I admit, I was a bit guarded during the planning process.
Once we received all of our confirmations, I was able to relax. When we got to Austria, we found all of the arrangements to be quite good and reliable. We can't thank you enough. I would recommend you to others.

(The only thing that was confusing for us was KimKim using a partner travel agency -- it would be more reassuring to know in advance.)

Hotel Reviews
Das Tigra Hotel
Vienna

We loved this hotel. Great location, quiet, clean, lovely room, wonderful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg
Salzburg

A good hotel, friendly staff, nice room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Superior Hotel Tirolerhof - Zell am See
Zell am See

Attractive property. Very helpful staff, especially with a health emergency.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walkable, clean, quiet.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek

Great trip
Austria | May 20 - May 26, 2023

Debbie
Debbie W.
Australia | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2023

Bas did a tremendous job on planning our trip, we loved every minute.

Local specialist: Bas Naus