Austria

Austria

General Information About Austria

Austria (Federal Republic of Austria) consists of nine states (Burgenland, Tirol, Oberösterreich, Niederösterreich, Kaernten, Salzburg, Styria, Vorarlberg and Vienna) and has a total population of 8 million 65 thousand. The capital city of the country is Vienna and with a population of approximately 1.6 million, it is the most densely populated city in the country. It has a parliamentary / democratic republic and a confederative political structure since 1918; State laws are passed by the parliament and the federal parliament, state laws by the state parliaments.

In addition, the federal parliament represents the states at the state level. Both the President and the state presidents are directly elected by the people. The official language is German. In the south of the state of Kaernten, also in Slovenian and in the province of Burgenland Croatian and to a lesser extent Hungarian are spoken.

Half of the country, which is spread over an area of ​​83,858 square kilometers and surrounded by Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy, is forested area. Austria is a popular tourist destination both in summer and winter. It hosts many tourists every year with its ski, mountain and lake areas, sightseeing trails and culture / art / music events and beautiful cities.

CURRENCY UNIT

The currency of Austria is the Euro, like almost all other European Union members, except for the countries that have recently joined the union.

You can exchange Euros from any bank, exchange offices or machines located in places such as airports or city centers, most hotels and some travel agencies.

TRANSPORTATION

Austria has an extensive railway network covering all major cities in the country and connected with major centers in Europe. In intercity trips, although not as widespread as in Turkey, the bus ride can be displayed as an alternative. In recent times, cheap air transportation has become more widespread and has become a serious alternative to train / bus travel, also in terms of price. Public transport, trams, buses, metro in major cities are highly developed and extensive.

WORKING HOURS

Banks: Weekdays (except Thursday): 8.00 - 12.30 and 13.30 - 15.00; Thursday: 8.00 - 12.30 and 13.30 - 17.30 (Central branches are open at noon)

Government offices: (It works only on weekdays) Opening and closing hours vary at 8.00. Some apartments are open until 13.00, some until 15.00 or 17.00.

POST OFFICES: Weekdays: 8.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 18.00; Central post offices 8.00-18.00; The main-central post office is from 8.00-22.00.

STORES: Weekdays: 8.00 - 19.00 (small shops may have a 1 or 2 hour lunch break). Saturday: 8.00 - 17.00. (Especially small shopping stores may close at 12.00 on Saturdays)

Due to the holiday on Sunday, banks, shops and shopping centers must remain closed by law.

MUSEUMS: Austria is, in the most classical terms, a city of “culture and art”. We think that even the following numbers that we will present only in the context of the number of museums are sufficient to show this fact:

Vienna: 94, Vorarlberg: 11, Tirol: 49, Styria: 49, Salzburg: 78, Oberösterreich: 51, Niederösterreich 97, Kärnten: 44, Burgenland: 18; There are 491 museums in Austria with a population of about eight million. There are museum types that cover almost every subject and area of ​​interest. Whether contemporary and experimental artworks, or works of gothic or baroque style, every artistic trend and trend has found its practical counterpart in Vienna. Apart from this, the fact that the places where famous people such as Beethoven, Mozart and Freud lived and worked were turned into museums is seen as an incomparable (historical) anthropological value for those concerned. The museum and exhibition center called “Museumsquartier” in Vienna is not only Austria's but also Europe's largest complex in its field.

LITERATURE / ART

Austria is a country that has been a source for many famous writers and poets. To mention some of the writers and poets who came out of Austria:

Ingeborg Bachmann, Thomas Bernhard, Marie Freifrau von Ebner-Eschenbach, Franz Grillparzer

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Gert Friedrich Jonke, Robert Müller

Johann Nestroy, Ferdinand Raimund, Peter Rosegger, Friedrich Schiller, Arthur Schnitzler

Georg Trakl, Stefan Zweig .

The culture, art, literature and science environment in Austria, which is also home to contemporary writers and poets, creates an environment where individuals can express their talents, thus constantly training new artists, writers and thinkers:

Ilse Aichinger, H.C. Artmann, Heimrad Bäcker, Wolfgang Bauer, Franz Blaas, Günter Brus, Franz Josef Czernin, Milo Dor, Erwin Einzinger, Lisa Fritsch, Antonio Fian, Elfriede Gerstl, Walter Grond, Anselm Glück, Peter Handke, Ernst Jandl, Elfriede Jelinek, Gert Jonke , Alfred Kolleritsch, Werner Kofler, Friederike Mayröcker, Anna Mitgutsch, Felix Mitterer, Christine Nöstlinger, Andreas Okopenko, Gerhard Rühm, Elisabeth Reichart, Gerhard Roth, Christoph Ransmayr, Peter Rosei, Raoul Schrott, Ferdinand Schmatz, Julian Schutting, Marlene Streeruwitz, Peter Turrini, Oswald Wiener, Franz Weinzettl, Josef Winkler.

PERFORMING ARTS (OPERA, BALLET, THEATER ETC.)

Besides the deep-rooted artistic institutions such as the state, opera and theater, Burg theater and Academy theater, there are many activities and organizations that make Austria stand out as a country of culture / arts / music:

Mörbisch Sea Festival; Bregenz and Salzburg Cultural Festivals, Graz cinema festival (Steirischer Herbst), Vienna classical music festival (Wiener Festwochen), Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball), Ars Electronica Festival, Wiesen Jazz Festival.Cabaret has its own specialties in Austria. It is a much loved and performed art space. Numerous amateur, semi-professional and professional artists perform in many places with a wide repertoire.

MUSIC

Conductor Leonard Bernstein explains the best explanation about the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the best philharmonic orchestras in the world: "The Vienna Philharmonic are so proud to have this great tradition, they are so loving of what they do and of who they are. This is something I catch like a disease - it's so contagious for me because I operate in terms of love. " (Leonard Bernstein).

"We are so proud that the Vienna Philharmonic has this great tradition that they love what they do and who they are." It's like getting a disease - it's very contagious for me because I do it with love. "

The Vienna symphony orchestra, on the other hand, continues its tradition of success in its field, under the direction of the famous Conductor Vladimir Fedosejev. Especially the Wiener Mozart concert, which focuses on the compositions of Mozart and Strauss, is famous for its effective presentation and the appearance of the choir and orchestra members in the clothes of the period. Composed of the merger of the theaters Raimund, Ronacher and Theater an der Wien, "Vereinigte Bühnen" focuses especially on the musical. Every famous musical you can watch in New York and London will be staged in Vienna as well. There are many smaller orchestras concentrated on Strauss and Mozart compositions and Waltz. In Austria. Apart from that, the Wieden Jazz Festival and Styrian Folk Song Festivals have become traditional and offer a nice cross-section of Austria.

Known in many countries for its concerts in many different parts of the world and rooted as well as the Vienna Opera, Mozart, Strauss, Wagner, Spanish Horse School, Schönbrunn Palace, another Austrian institution is the Vienna Children's Choir Wiener Sängerknaben. They express their own goals. '' Our declared goal is to provide musically gifted children with the best possible education which equips them for a possible career in music. '' Our stated goal is to equip children talented in music for a possible career in music. to provide the best possible education. ''

Apart from all these, it is of course possible to see all styles and movements of contemporary music in Austria.

All About Austria

B.C. Austria, which was occupied by the Roman Empire in the 15th, lives under the rule of different tribes until the 14th century, after the collapse of the Roman Empire. The country, whose destiny changed with the Habsburg dynasty, continues as one of the power centers of Germanic geography, as the Holy Roman Empire until the 18th century. Destroyed by Napoleon in 1806, the empire is reborn as the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, after the First World War, instead of the great kingdom that collapsed again, the modern Republic of Austria is established.

Economy

Today's Austria, with its strong economy, is among the member states of the European Union. Austria, whose automotive industry is highly developed, is seen to strengthen its economy with industrial products, and the country's second most important source of income is tourism. In addition to winter tourism, centers such as Vienna and Salzburg are highly visited by tourists every month of the year.

Currency unit

The country-wide currency is the Euro, and most places do not accept USD for shopping. In banks and exchange offices, credit cards can be exchanged, as well as accepted in almost every business.

Climate

Located in Central Europe and with its capital Vienna, the country has 9 states in total. The continental climate of the country, which has no border with the sea, causes harsh and cold winters and mild summers. Also known as the country of the Alps, Austria is home to Europe's important ski resorts.

Weather forecast

In Austria, where the four seasons of the year are experienced the most; Temperatures rarely rise above 3 degrees in winter and 30 degrees in summer. Important ski centers of the country, which receive heavy snowfall in winters, operate from November to the end of March.

Cities

The capital Vienna is also defined as the cultural capital of Europe. Austria, which has a stunning charm with its unique architecture and natural beauties, as well as its countryside; Vienna, Salzburg, Linz and Innsbruck are definitely on sightseeing routes with their historical and cultural background.

Languages ​​Spoken

Although German, Austrian German, Hungarian and Slavic are among the official languages ​​of the country, the fact that the majority of the people know English in addition to German is positive for tourists. In all states of the country, especially in Vienna; Almost all staff in shops, restaurants, cafes and museums always try to be kindly helpful with their advanced level of English. In addition to the officials who are extremely polite to the tourists, the people of the country never show the same kindness.

Tour Guide

Vienna is an indispensable part of Austria travel routes. The city, where history and culture live together, successfully carries the characteristics of every season. The capital, which is a very rich city in terms of palaces and museums, is also among the most famous cities in Europe with its large library and opera house. Having a colorful social life, Vienna enjoys every hour of the day with its colorful and lively streets not only during the day but also at night. Salzburg, one of the most interesting cities in Europe with its Baroque architecture, takes travelers from today to a completely different era. The city, built on the foothills of the Alpine mountains, is of particular importance not only with its typical architecture but also as the city where the great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. Surrounded by Alpine mountains, Innsbruck offers a mysterious holiday for those who are interested in winter sports as well as those who are interested in historical texture. The city that hosts many buildings from the Middle Ages; With its gothic, rococo and Renaissance buildings, it resembles an open-air museum.

Places to visit

With its unique lifestyle, Vienna, the capital of music, does not lose the first place on the list of cities to live in Europe every year. The city, which stands out not only with its cultural and historical texture, offers tourists a quality and fun holiday opportunity thanks to its vibrant social life. One of the most famous buildings in the city, St. Stephen Cathedral takes travelers on a magical journey with its 12th century architecture. Hofburg Palace, which was originally built as a castle in the 13th century, is considered another important architectural monument in the city. However, Belvedere Palace surprises visitors with its historical importance and invaluable collections. Prater, another important place in Vienna, Europe's most famous amusement park, must be visited before returning home. Salzburg, which has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, awaits visitors with its Residentplatz Square, Mozart House and HohenSalzburg Fortress. The castle and Salzburg deserve the title of Mozart's city, with live music concerts every Sunday at around 11.45 pm.

Cuisine

The most well-known flavor of Austria is of course known as Schnitzel. But the country's pastry snacks and excellent desserts also come as a surprise to tourists. Especially in Vienna, in addition to the historical cafes located at the beginning of every street, street flavors immediately catch the visitors. Being a beer country, Austria does not disappoint those who love fine wine in the capital Vienna.

Things to Know

The city, which has a very lively social life, offers the opportunity to have a fun time in the evenings for the travelers who are not tired of wandering around the day. Whether you are in Jazz bars that conquer the hearts with their quality music or in the big opera house, you cannot return without getting full of music in Vienna. However, Salzburg invites the whole world to its streets with its famous music festival held every summer. The festival lasted for 41 days and had approximately 195 performances; It hosts many events from opera to theater, jazz music to classical music. The Salzburg Music Festival, one of the world's most distinguished festivals, doubles the city's population every year.

Traditions

In the country, where a significant portion of the population is Catholic, Easter and Christmas holidays are celebrated with all the enthusiasm. Trips made during these periods can be more enjoyable than holiday plans made in regular times. Religious holidays, where many activities are held both visually and in terms of entertainment, cause cities to be colorful with their decoration like gift packages. Especially at the celebrations where the fun reaches its peak on Christmas night, an open air party is organized in Vienna and the waltz show is among the images worth watching.

Transportation

In Austria, where Europe's most organized cities are located, it does not seem possible for a tourist to get lost. In the Austrian cities where public transportation is organized in a very smooth and high quality way, besides metro, tram and buses, taxis also serve. Like most European cities where street signs are hung in great detail, in Austria, cities can be easily navigated even on foot, thanks to maps that can be bought free of charge from tourist information centers or museums and similar places. For intercity transportation, the most enjoyable way of travel is by rail covering the whole country. The journey made by high-speed trains leaves a distinct taste as it is both comfortable and full of natural beauties.

Places to Visit in Austria

Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is known as the culture and arts capital not only of Europe but also of the world. The city, which is one of the places where the most cultural and artistic events are held in the world, has a location that can be visited on foot. The developed public transportation network, lush green texture, historical and architectural structures are among the best reasons to visit Vienna.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of the famous Austrian artist Mozart, is the Austrian city on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During the Second World War, the city, which suffered great destruction, was rebuilt with its historical buildings restored in accordance with the original. The city, whose name means salt castle, was a salt trade center in the past.

Graz

Graz is one of Europe's best preserved cities. The city, which has the title of the most populous city after Austria's capital Vienna, is the meeting point of different cultures with its medieval-inspired streets, museums with rich collections and impressive architectural structures.

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is Austria's prominent region with its hot springs. The city, which serves health tourism in every period of the year, is known for its clean air and natural beauty, at a height of one thousand meters above sea level.

Wörthersee

Wörthersee Lake, which is called the paradise on earth, is one of the most virgin regions of Austria with its lush forest texture, lakes, waterfalls, endemic plants and wildlife. Water sports and nature activities are held in the lake, which is located in the 20 km long and 2 km wide valley.

St. Anton am Arlberg

Austria is an important winter holiday destination in Europe that stands out with skiing. St. While Anton am Arlberg serves those interested in skiing in the winter season, it offers a holiday alternative to nature in the rest of the year.

Wachau

Wachau is a valley in the middle of the Danube River known for its fruit trees and vineyards. Wachau, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is ideal for meeting both nature and history with its historical and architectural structures.

Zell am See

Zell am See, located in the Salzburg borders, is one of the nature-rich regions of Austria. The region, which welcomes ski lovers from November to the end of April with its ski resorts, is full of holidaymakers enjoying the lakeside in summer.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, where the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics were held, is one of Europe's most popular ski resorts. In addition to its magnificent nature, it is a place for rest with its peaceful city center and historical atmosphere.

Salzkammergut

The favorite of Turkish travel lovers in recent years, Salzkammergut, where Hallstatt is located, is a natural wonder region surrounded by lakes. It stands out with its hot springs serving health tourism, lush mountains and natural beauties.

With its natural beauties, lush forests, historical and cultural artifacts, theater, ballet and opera performances, Austria is waiting for its visitors with its cities to visit.