Facts About Austria – 65+Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re curious about Austria or planning a trip here soon, you’re in for a treat.
As someone lucky enough to call Austria home, I’ve gathered all the essential insights, quirky tidbits, and fun facts about Austria you’ll want to know before you go.
Whether you’re visiting Alpine peaks, charming villages, or our rich musical and cultural heritage, Austria has a lot to offer – and even more to uncover.

This blog is packed with over 65 interesting facts about Austria, from historical gems to practical travel know-how.
You’ll get a local’s perspective, backed by experience and a genuine love for this beautiful country. Trust me, whether you’re after fascinating trivia, travel tips, or just want to understand Austria a bit better, you’re in the right place.

Want expert advice? Check out our Essential Travel Tips for Austria.

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Austria’s Epic Landscapes

1. Austria: Small in Size, Big on Location

Austria might not be the biggest country in Europe, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm and accessibility. With a total area of just 83,872 km² (roughly the size of South Carolina), it’s compact enough to explore in a relatively short time – yet packed with stunning scenery and rich culture at every turn.

2. Austria is often confused with Australia…

Sadly, it is true that some folks confuse Austria with Australia- the land Downunder, which is located more than 14,200 km away.
And no, there are no Kangaroos in Austria*

Austria is the land of Edelweiss, the birthplace of Mozart, Freud, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Stunning mountains, verdant forests, baroque architecture, Imperial history and beautiful countryside characterise Austria.

*Fun Fact: In 2015, a pet kangaroo named Anton escaped and roamed snowy fields for four months before being caught. And you can visit kangaroos the Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna.

♦♦ And No there is no help desk at the Salzburg Airport for passengers mistakenly flying to Austria instead of Australia.
The sign was a great piece of advertising for an Austrian Communications company.

5. Austria’s Lush, Leafy Landscape

Austria’s forests are thriving too. Home to an impressive 65 different tree species, these natural spaces aren’t just standing still – they’re growing.
In fact, forested areas are expanding by about 6 hectares every decade – that’s the equivalent of nine football fields of fresh greenery!
So, whether you’re hiking through the Alps, cycling along quiet woodland paths, or simply soaking in the fresh mountain air, Austria’s natural beauty is always close at hand.
Planning on hiking in Austria- Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Hiking in Austria and our Top 10 Austrian Hiking Destinations.

6. Visit Europe’s tallest waterfall

The Krimml Waterfalls, near the Hohe Tauern National Park, plunge 380 metres (1,247 feet) in three stages. They’re located about 110 km (68 miles) from Salzburg and are one of Austria’s most powerful and photogenic natural landmarks.

7. Austria has the world’s largest ice cave

At Eisriesenwelt in Werfen (43 km /27 miles south of Salzburg), you can explore over 42 kilometres of underground ice caverns. Tours run in summer, and it’s a surreal experience walking through shimmering frozen halls deep inside the Alps.

You can also visit the Dachstein Ice Cave near Hallstatt — read our Dachstein Ice Cave Guide.

Austria-A Journey Through Time

9. Meet the world’s oldest glacier mummy

In 1991, a 5,300-year-old mummified body was found in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol on the Italian border. Known as Ötzi the Iceman, he is now housed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy, just over the border from Austria.

10. Austria is over 1000 years old

Austria, as a unified state, emerged at the end of the first millennium.  The area that is now Austria has been inhabited by Celtic tribes (4th century BC), was under Roman rule (Vienna was once Vindobona)  and conquered by  Charlemagne (4th century AD).
Austria’s existence was first recorded in 996 under the rule of the House of Babenburg.  Austria, or Österreich in German, translates as the Eastern (Oster) realm (reich).
By 1278, the Habsburgs ruled, eventually forming the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which included much of Central and Eastern Europe until World War I.

12. Austria is a neutral country

After WWII, Austria became permanently neutral in 1955.
Austria’s National Day, celebrated on October 26th, celebrates Austria’s independence and permanent neutrality. 
Like Switzerland, it is not a member of NATO. Austria has a military for its internal security and provides humanitarian aid, especially during natural disasters. All Austrian male citizens above the age of eighteen have  compulsory 6-month military service.

Austria joined the European Union in 1995, but maintains neutrality in military matters.

Austria- Cities Beyond the Usual

Austria’s Must-See Sights & Unmissable Experiences

Austria is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and cultural legacy. Highlights include the Historic Centres of Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz, where you’ll find centuries-old architecture, art, and traditions thriving in modern cityscapes.

16. Hofburg Palace – Power and Prestige in the Heart of Vienna

If Schönbrunn was their summer escape, the Hofburg Palace was the Habsburgs’ winter power seat for more than 600 years. Located in central Vienna, this monumental complex is like a city within a city—with 18 wings, 2600 rooms, and 19 courtyards. Explore the Imperial Apartments, the dazzling Imperial Treasury, and the Austrian National Library Grand Hall

18. Melk Abbey – Baroque Majesty Overlooking the Danube

Towering above the Danube River, Melk Abbey in Lower Austria is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. With roots dating back to the 11th century, this Benedictine monastery features an ornate library, a lavish church, and panoramic views over the Wachau Valley. Its historical and spiritual significance makes it a key stop on any Danube River itinerary.

20. Semmering Railway – A Journey Through History and Mountains

The Semmering Railway isn’t just a train ride – it’s a masterpiece of engineering, history, and breathtaking scenery all rolled into one. Winding through the Eastern Alps, this UNESCO World Heritage site has been impressing travellers since the 1850s – and is one of the most stunning rail journeys in Europe.

What makes it so special? For starters, it was the first mountain railway in the world built with a standard-gauge track, and it tackled terrain once thought impossible for trains to cross. Spanning 41 kilometres, it twists and turns over 16 viaducts, through 15 tunnels, and past panoramic alpine views that will have you glued to the window.

It’s not just for rail enthusiasts, either. Whether you’re heading into the mountains for a hike or fancy a scenic day trip from Vienna, the Semmering Railway is a memorable experience that combines innovation, nature, and Austrian heritage in one unforgettable ride.
Book your tickets on the ÖBB website

23. The Croissant is Viennese

While we are talking about food and Viennese Cafes- here is an interesting piece of trivia.
Though often associated with France, the croissant traces its roots back to Vienna. Legend says that during the 1529 Ottoman siege, Viennese bakers working late underground heard Turkish soldiers tunnelling beneath the city walls. Their warning helped foil the attack, and to celebrate, they baked crescent-shaped pastries symbolizing the enemy’s flag—the birth of the “Kipferl.” The pastry was later popularised in France by an Austrian officer and became the croissant we know today.

Austria is a year-round destination

24. Austria is truly a country for all seasons

something magical whether you’re visiting in winter, spring, summer, or fall. In the colder months, Austria transforms into a winter wonderland, drawing skiers and snowboarders from around the world to its snow-covered alpine resorts like St. Anton, Kitzbühel, Ischgl, and Zell am See–Kaprun, where you can even ski on the glacier in July.

Explore Skiing in Austria for more on the country’s snowy side.

The festive season brings world-famous Christmas markets, where visitors can enjoy twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, and steaming mugs of glühwein. You can read more in Austria at Christmas.

In summer, Austria shows off a different kind of beauty—sun-drenched alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. You’ll find lakes perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as panoramic hiking and cycling trails. July and August are the peak of the summer season when cities like Vienna buzz with cultural events and festivals, and locals escape to the lakes or mountains. Learn more about Summer in Austria.

And of course, spring and autumn are equally enticing with fewer crowds and beautiful transitional landscapes. Spring sees blooming gardens, alpine pastures, and Easter celebrations, while autumn brings vibrant foliage, wine harvests, and wild game menus in restaurants. Austria’s well-preserved towns, vibrant cities, and natural beauty ensure there’s always something to explore—no matter when you visit.

Austria-The Land of Music

Austria’s legacy in classical and romantic music is unmatched, thanks to a rich cultural tradition that fostered many of the world’s greatest composers.

29. From Tuxedos to Käsekrainer: Vienna’s Most Stylish Sausage Stop

After an elegant night at the Vienna State Opera or the Vienna Philharmonic, it’s not uncommon to spot people still dressed to the nines—gowns, tuxedos, and all—lined up at the famous Bitzinger Sausage Stand near the Albertina.
One of the local favourites they might be indulging in is the Käsekrainer, a juicy sausage infused with melted cheese. It’s a deliciously down-to-earth way to end a high-culture evening—Viennese style !

31. Many famous composers were born in Austria

• • • Mozart – Salzburg’s most famous son
    • Joseph Haydn – From Rohrau, a pioneer of symphonies
    • Franz Schubert – Born in Vienna
    • Strauss I & II – Masters of the waltz
    • Anton Bruckner – From Linz
    • Gustav Mahler – Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now Czech Republic

32. …and many chose to live in Austria

Austrians weren’t the only musical talents:

• • • Ludwig van Beethoven (born in Bonn, Germany) spent most of his life in Vienna
    • Johannes Brahms also settled in Vienna

Austria-Arts & Architecture 

 Austria has influenced global art and architecture

From Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) to Modernism, Austrian artists have shaped entire movements.

Here are some famous artists that you may not know are Austrian.

34. Egon Shiele

A protégé of Klimt, Schiele’s intense, emotional style made him a leading figure in Expressionism

36. Friedensreich Hundertwasser

Known for his colourful, whimsical buildings, Hundertwasser championed eco-friendly design and rejected straight lines. His Hundertwasserhaus and his museum Kunsthaus in Vienna is a must-see.

Skiing in Austria – A National Passion

© Schmitten

39. Everyone Skiis

In Austria, everyone skis—from toddlers learning in snow gardens to retirees gliding down the slopes well into their seventies. It’s a true cradle-to-grave sport here, and you’ll find multi-generational families skiing together during the winter holidays.

40. Skiing History

Austria even gave us the father of Alpine skiing, Mathias Zdarsky, who developed the first downhill technique in the late 1800s. His innovations laid the foundation for modern skiing, and the country’s legacy has grown ever since.

The first ski school in Austria was opened in St. Anton am Arlberg in 1921 by Hannes Schneider, a pioneer in ski instruction.
Today, Austria is a global leader in ski education, attracting aspiring instructors from around the world to its acclaimed programs.

© Hochköng Tourismus

Austrian Culture, Language and Local Life

42. Austria is not Germany

Austrians and Germans are different in culture, tone, and traditions- Much like Canadians and Americans- Australians and New Zealanders. Austria is more alpine and relaxed, with deeper ties to Central Europe via the Habsburgs.

Culturally, Austria is more closely aligned with southern Bavaria than with northern Germany. Think: waltzes, cafés, and imperial flair over techno clubs and Autobahns

43. Austrians don’t just speak German

Locals speak Austrian German (Österreichisches Deutsch) — a variant with unique words, pronunciations, and soft melodic tones. The differences are due to the centuries-long influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Austrian dialect can change dramatically every few kilometres. Austria may be small, but the dialect variations are vast. Locals proudly speak their dialects.
Even native German speakers from other countries sometimes struggle to understand Austrian German, especially in the Alps!
* Where I live in the Austrian Alps (90 minutes south of Salzburg), the locals speak a dialect known as Pinzgauerish. Another valley speaks Lungaurisch, which is different from what is spoken in Salzburg.

44. You’ll be fine in English

But even with Austrian German and all the dialects, do not worry.

Austrians rank among the top English speakers, as a second language, in the world. You’ll have no issues in cities, ski resorts, hotels, or restaurants.
In fact, many Austrians speak several languages, especially in tourism hubs.

45. Sundays are sacred, and all shops are closed

Austrians really take their day of rest seriously and keeping shops closed on Sunday is a way to preserve the Austrian quality of life.  Sunday is a day to spend with your family.  You will see Austrian families having long lunches and going for hikes, walks, flocking to beaches or skiing in winter.
Shops (except those in train stations, petrol stations, or tourist hubs) are legally required to close. And forget about 24-hour stores — they don’t exist here. It’s all part of preserving quality of life.

46. Cash is still king in Austria

While contactless payments are growing, paying by cash remains deeply rooted in Austrian culture. As recently as 2022, over 70% of transactions were conducted in cash.

Many places display signs saying “Nur Bargeld” (Cash only)
💡 Tip: Always carry cash, especially in alpine huts, small cafés, or when hiking. You don’t want to reach a remote mountaintop alm and find it’s cash-only.

Austria- Wealth, Safety & Sustainability

47. Austria is a wealthy country 

Don’t let its size fool you — Austria consistently ranks among the most developed nations globally. With a high GDP per capita, a top-notch healthcare system, world-class education, and stable infrastructure, Austria offers a high quality of life and economic resilience.

48. Austria is incredibly safe

Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.  Austria ranks as the 5th safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index 2023.
For comparison: Australia was 22nd, the United Kingdom was 37th and the United States was 131st.

You’ll often see cafes leave furniture out overnight, and people walk alone at night with confidence — safety is simply part of daily life here.

49. Austrians are extremely law-abiding

Despite their grumbling about rules, Austrians follow them religiously:

• • People don’t jaywalk — not even on empty streets
  • Public transport uses an honour system (but fines are high if caught without a valid ticket)
  • Many still leave doors unlocked in smaller towns

50. Austria is a leader in eco-conscious living

Austria takes environmental protection seriously—a clean environment, clear lakes and rivers and outstanding air quality.
Mountain-fed springs provide Austrians with some of the best drinking water in the world. Lakes and rivers are some of the cleanest in the world.
Austrians also actively participate in recycling, with over 63% of waste is recycled. This eco-friendly mindset is a point of national pride.

51. Sustainability Isn’t a Trend – It’s a Way of Life in Austria

In Austria, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s an integral part of everyday life. From the way we eat to how we travel and play, there’s a deep-rooted respect for nature that is evident everywhere.
Organic farming is widely embraced, with a strong focus on local and seasonal produce, so don’t be surprised if your meal comes straight from a nearby farm.
Getting around is eco-friendly too, thanks to a highly efficient and affordable public transport system that’s popular with both locals and visitors.
Even our ski resorts are stepping up. Take Kitzsteinhorn, for example, where the lifts run entirely on green energy, and innovative “snow farming” techniques help protect the glacier for future generations.

And the bigger picture? Austria already generates around 79% of its electricity from renewable sources, with an ambitious goal to hit 100% by 2030.

52. Austria is a nuclear-free

Austria has banned nuclear power and remains one of the few European countries that refuses to operate nuclear plants — reinforcing its commitment to clean and safe energy.

Famous Austrians 

In addition to composers, artists and architects, there are many famous Austrians – from inventors, scientists, to sportsmen – those who have changed the world (or at least pop culture)

53. Red Bull was born in Austria

Invented in 1987 by Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull is headquartered in Fuschl am See, near Salzburg. Over 12 billion cans are sold annually — talk about giving the world wings.

54. Arnold Schwarzenegger

The “Terminator” and former Governor of California was born in Thal, Styria. He remains deeply connected to his Austrian roots and visits frequently.

55. Falco

Vienna-born pop singer of “Rock Me Amadeus” fame. This song became a global sensation, reaching the top of the Billboard charts in the US, making Falco the only artist to achieve this feat with a German-language song.  His famous German songs include Der Kommissar, Vienna Calling, Jeanny and many others. Falco remains a beloved figure in Austria’s music scene and recently the “Rock Me Amadeus- the Falco Musical’  premiered in Vienna in 2023.

56. Hermann Maier

Nicknamed “The Herminator”, this Olympic gold medalist and World Cup alpine skiing legend is one of Austria’s greatest athletes.

57. Conchita Wurst

Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, drag performer Conchita Wurst (Tom Neuwirth) became an international symbol of LGBTQ+ rights and gender expression.

58. Ferdinand Porsche

Born in Maffersdorf (then part of Austria-Hungary), Porsche founded the iconic car company. The Porsche Summer family estate is in Zell am See — our hometown!

59. Gregor Mendel

Known as the father of modern genetics, Gregor Mendel was an Austrian monk whose experiments with pea plants laid the groundwork for the science of heredity.

60.  Erwin Schrödinger

The famed physicist behind Schrödinger’s Cat thought experiment and the Schrödinger Equation was Austrian-born and won the Nobel Prize in 1933.

61. Christian Doppler

The Doppler Effect, used in radar, astronomy, and even weather forecasting, was discovered by Austrian physicist Christian Doppler. (So yes, he’s partly responsible for your speeding ticket.)

Surprisingly Austrian: Things You Didn’t Know Were Invented Here

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