Austria... What associations do Russians have with this word, what do they know about this country?

To an open question: "Tell me, please, where is Austria?" the majority of Russians responded. Most often, respondents said that this is a European country (32%), another 10% of respondents specify that it is located next to Germany, and 5% correctly indicated other countries with which Austria borders. At the same time, 34% of the participants in the nationwide survey found it difficult to answer this question. Among Muscovites, the uninformed are much less - 19%. Correctly named the capital of Austria 43% of respondents. 44% of respondents failed to do this - most often people with a low level of education and young people (50% of respondents aged 18 to 35).

There is a widespread opinion among Russians that Austria is a friendly state towards Russia - this position is shared by 58% of the respondents; more often than others - people of average age group(from 35 to 50 years), residents of megacities and optimists. Interestingly, G. Zyuganov's supporters, who more often than others gave the correct answer to the question about the capital of Austria, are less likely than the respondents in general to consider it a friendly country. And V. Putin's supporters are less aware of which city is the capital of Austria, but more often than others call this state friendly.

Only 18% of Russians responded to a request to name famous people of Austria; among Muscovites - 66%. Most often, famous Austrian composers were mentioned. The most famous Austrians in Russia were the Strauss - son and father (11%) and V.-A. Mozart (3%). Another 2% of the respondents mentioned A. Hitler. Respondents often named famous people who were not really Austrians: O. Bismarck, J.-S. Bach, G. Heine, F. Chopin and some others.

The range of associations that Russians have with the word "Austria" is quite wide. To an open question: "What first comes to your mind when you hear the word "Austria"?" answered 56% of respondents. In the opinion of 11% of the respondents, one can first of all say about this state that it is prosperous and stable, with developed culture; the standard of living in this country is high, its inhabitants live calmly and in abundance:

• "Silence, Peace, Prosperity" (Here and throughout the text, all quotations are from answers to open questions.)
.
• "Grace"
.
• "A country where old people live differently from ours"
.
• "Calm corner of Europe"
.
• "Cultural country, people live ideally"
.

Among the Austrian attractions, 10% named mountains and ski resorts. The country is seen by Russians as very attractive for tourism - 3% of respondents mention the beauties of Austrian nature and architecture.

• "The ski resorts are very good."
• "Alpine skiing, landscapes - a dream to ride there."
• "Good rest for the rich."
• "Beautiful nature".
• "Beautiful Castles"

As mentioned above, the most famous Austrians in Russia are composers. Therefore, another common association is music (5%).

• Waltz Country.
• Tyrolean Songs.
• "Folk Music".
• "Strauss, Mozart, waltz".

In the minds of 5% of Russians, Austria is closely connected with Germany, and the Austrians themselves are considered similar to the Germans.

• "Germany's cousin".
• "It's something German."
• "I perceive Germany as a whole."
• "Roots - in the German people."

Some Russians, when they hear the word "Austria", think of Austrian-made goods, both industrial and food products (5%).

• "Beautiful Austrian boots."
• "Austrian watch".
• "Good blades, fine steel."
• "Appliances".
• "Austrian beer"

The most educated Russians associate Austria with historical events(four%). At the same time, respondents recall the campaigns of A. Suvorov, the war with Napoleon, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the First World War:

• "Kutuzov and Alexander I fought there."
• "Suvorov - crossing the Alps".
• Kaiser Wilhelm.

3% of Russians confuse Austria with Australia:

• "Heat, sea."
• "Ostriches, heat."

In general, we note that a significant part of the population (especially people with a low level of education) knows very little about Austria. For the same Russians who were able to answer questions about this country, it seems to be very prosperous, stable, at a high level of economic and cultural development. Most Russians consider Austria a friendly state towards Russia.

The Alps occupy 62% of the territory of Austria. There are areas in the Central Alps that are covered in snow and ice all year round, such as the Otztal Alps in Tyrol, on the border with Italy, the Hohe Tauern in East Tyrol, and Carinthia. The most high mountain Austria - Grossglockner in Carinthia. Its height is 3797 m.

Austria is located in the Central European temperate zone, but thanks to the Alps, many climatic zones can be distinguished in the country. The weather in Austria is always very diverse. In summer, for example, you can go skiing here, and then go down to the valley and swim in the warm lake. It is impossible to predict what winter and summer will be like. Sometimes the snow at low-lying ski resorts (including Kitzbühel) melts very early, and hot summers make you think you are in Italy.

Population

Austria is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Western and Central Europe. In the Alps, the population density is only 93 people per 1 km². More than 90% of the population are ethnic Austrians, 4% are from the former Yugoslavia. Three out of four Austrians are Catholics, one out of twenty is Muslim. The population of Austria is rapidly aging - the average age in the country is 40 years.

Cities of Austria

A quarter of the total population of Austria lives in Vienna or its suburbs (2 million). In , and 220,000 inhabitants live, and in Linz - 185,000.

All cities in Austria

Economy

Austria's gross national product is one of the highest in Europe.

The main income comes from tourism, banking and the timber industry.

After the fall of the Iron Curtain, new opportunities for investment in Eastern Europe opened up.

Territory

The size of the Republic of Austria is slightly larger than the American state of Maine or Scotland. The area of ​​the country is 83,870 km³.

Sights of Austria

All sights of Austria

resort country

In Austria great amount resorts ranging from Bad Hall in Upper Austria to the Salzkammergut, from the magnificent Gasteiner Ache valley to Solebad Hall in Tirol. People from all over the world come to Austrian resorts to improve their health and pamper themselves. Resort holidays can be combined with golf, hiking, skiing and sightseeing tours. Or with a wine tasting - Baden bei Wien, located in the Vienna Woods, is surrounded by hundreds of vineyards and dozens of wine taverns (Heurigen).

Various mineral water- ferrous, mineral-salt, radioactive and sulfuric waters, which also contain iodine or bromine, enter Finnish saunas, steam baths (Dampfbaden) and hot pools. These waters are used for drinking and bathing, inhalations or medical wraps. The Tyrolean Treatment and Rehabilitation Center Bad Häring offers the first cold chamber in Austria, where the temperature drops to 120° below zero. The so-called cryotherapy relieves pain and improves appearance.

In Austria you will also be offered the most different types esoteric treatment - from massage to sea ​​salt and lymphatic drainage to bathing in salt water with relaxing oriental music. In Bad Eisenkappel, located in the southwestern Austrian province of Carinthia, you can soak in the bubbling dark water or enjoy a chocolate wrap (cocoa butter protects the skin from wrinkles).

Baden bei Wien lies between wooded hills and extensive vineyards of the Vienna Woods. The Wienerwald and its sulfur springs were valued by the ancient Romans. Exquisite villas, well-groomed parks and promenades make this city a favorite vacation spot for politicians and artists. This town was especially popular in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Bad Gastein, nestled among the mountains of the Salzberg Tauern, has become Austria's most famous medical resort, offering a variety of treatments. There are villas and modern hotels located above the natural amphitheater created by the foamy and turbulent river Gasteiner Ache. The mountain sun and the cleanest air enhance the effect of radioactive thermal waters.

Some Austrian spas offer special treatments for children and even babies. At the Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg (www.sonnentherme.at) is the longest waterslide in Europe. There is also a "children's world" and a children's steam room. Thermae Oberlaa (www.oberlaa.at) children are also accepted in the center of Vienna. There are special especially clean children's pools, babysitting services are offered.

Burgenland

www.thermenwelt.at

Gastein Valley

www.badgastein.at
www.badhofgastein.at
www.hoteldorf.com

Lower Austria

www.baden-bei-wien.at/english.htm

Salzkammergut

www.thermenhotei-badischl.at

Styria

www.thermeniand.at

Story

44-49 million years ago From the bottom of the vast sea of ​​Tethys rose the Alps.

30,000 years ago Stone Age people settled in the Tischoferhöhle cave near the Kaiser Mountains in Tyrol.

2000-700 BC e. The Celts give the Alps their name (in the Celtic language, the word "alp" means "mountain" or "elevated place").

15 BC-500 AD The Romans take over Austria. The Roman provinces of Noricum and Rezia appear.

550 AD After the fall of the Roman Empire Germanic tribes Bavarians (Bavarians) and the Alemanni invade Austria.

1273 An Austrian nobleman from the Habsburg family becomes Holy Roman Emperor.

493 Maximilian I - Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Innsbruck becomes the center of a European empire.

1519 Maximilian's grandson, Charles V (r. 1519-1556), rules Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, part of Italy, Spain and part of the New World.

1529 The Turks besiege Vienna. The beginning of a two-century conflict. Austria conquers Hungary.

1556 Charles V retires to a monastery and divides his kingdom between his son (King Philip II of Spain) and brother (Ferdinand I of Austria).

1683 The Turks besiege and almost capture Vienna. Their pressure can be repelled. In the same year, the first Viennese coffee house opened.

1805 Napoleon is defeated Austrian army at Austerlitz and forces Holy Roman Emperor Franz II to renounce the imperial crown. Napoleon marries the daughter of Francis II, Marie Louise.

1815 Congress of Vienna.

1816 Salzburg becomes part of Austria.

1866 Prussia defeats the Austrian army. Austria loses influence on development German states.

1914 Austria fires the first shot of the First World War. The reason for the war was the assassination of the heir to the throne of the Habsburgs

1919 After the defeat in the First World War, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was divided into separate democratic states. Austria becomes a small landlocked country.

1921 Adolf Gitler (1889-1945) , an Austrian by origin, creates the German National Socialist Workers' Party (members of this party later became known as Nazis).

1938-1945 German troops invaded Austria on March 11, 1938 without meeting any resistance. Austria became part German Reich after the Anschluss (annexations) held on 13 March. From 1939 to 1945 the Austrians served in the German army. Not only Hitler, but also other Austrians, including Ernst Kaltenbrunner, played a prominent role in the Holocaust. In Lower Austria were organized concentration camps Mauthausen and Gusen, considered the most sinister in the Third Reich.

1945-1955 After the liberation of Austria, its territory was temporarily occupied by the troops of the USSR, the USA, Great Britain and France. After their departure, Austria remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. But in just a generation, Austria has managed to become one of the ten richest countries in the world.

1964 and 1976 Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice in 12 years.

1987 The United States is putting the name of Austrian President Kurt Waldheim on a wanted list of "subversives, terrorists and criminals." The explanation for this is the Nazi past of Waldheim.

1995 Austria is part of the European Union.

2000 The right-wing Freedom Party wins seats in the Austrian parliament. This party campaigned under the slogan "Uberfremdung" ("Too many foreigners"). One of the reasons for its success is disillusionment with the ruling political parties corroded by corruption.

2004 Left politician Heinz Fischer becomes President of the Republic of Austria. Austrian-born Arnold Schwarzenegger is elected Governor of California.

2006 Austria celebrates 250 years since the birth of Mozart. The country is literally covered by “mozartomania”.

Politics

At the beginning of the 21st century, the Republic of Austria is a stable federal republic with a constitution based on the principles of representative democracy and the rule of law. Despite its small size, Austria's federal structure is similar to that of Germany or the United States. Austria is divided into 9 federal states, including the capital of the country equated to them. These are Vienna, Upper Austria, Burgenland, Lower Austria, Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg.

Today Austria is a small but prosperous state, the heir of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which ceased to exist in 1918. Efforts to form a stable democracy between the two world wars completely failed. In 1938 the country adopted National Socialist totalitarianism. After the defeat of National Socialism in 1945, Austria gradually, step by step, began to move towards democracy.

In 1948, the Iron Curtain was erected, and Vienna became a haven for those who fled after the suppression of the Hungarian revolution of 1956, the Prague Spring of 1968, for Jews who left Soviet Union. In the summer of 1989, Austrian Foreign Minister Alois Mock and his communist Hungarian colleague Gyula Horn worked together to cut the barbed wire at the border post separating Western from Eastern Europe. This act had not only a symbolic meaning: 700 inhabitants East Germany crossed over to the West and were not shot dead. After the fall of the iron curtain, tens of thousands East Germans left the country, the Berlin Wall came down, ending the Cold War.

In 1995 Austria joined the European Union. The federal government has transferred part of its powers to supranational institutions of power. However, Austria's relations with the European Union deteriorated markedly after the right-wing Freedom Party formed a coalition government in 2000. The leader of the party, Jörg Haider, the son of a Nazi, repeatedly stressed " the good side» Nazi regime. He entered the elections with the slogan "Austria for the Austrians", which is very attractive to people who are disillusioned with the country's two main political parties, corroded by corruption. Other EU members responded to this choice with diplomatic sanctions. However, Austria's relations with other states have returned to normal after a report was compiled by an independent commission, which stated that cases of violence against refugees and other foreigners "are much less common in Austria than in many other EU countries." Two years later, the Freedom Party has failed to achieve such electoral success.

In 2006, the Greens performed well, winning 21 seats in parliament. Environmental issues during the elections were discussed very actively. The result of the elections confirmed the importance of solving the environmental problems of the Republic of Austria. Today, Austria receives 20% of its energy from renewable sources.

culture

Culture plays a huge role in the life of Austria. Emperors, kings, princes, prince-bishops, and dukes in positions of power over the centuries have created and collected the country's greatest cultural heritage. Even small towns sometimes amaze tourists with exquisite art collections. Post-war prosperity and significant cultural subsidies keep this wonderful tradition going.

origins

Despite the fact that the Romans controlled Austria for five centuries, there are practically no significant Roman ruins left in the country. Of interest are only Karnunt (just below Vienna along the Danube), Theurnia (Carinthia) and Agunt (near Linz, in East Tyrol). The construction boom, which left a mark on the life of the country, began in the 10th century. from the construction of vaulted churches and monasteries, similar to Melk. The large gates of St. Stephen's Cathedral belong to the same period. (Stefansdom) in Vienna.

Gothic and Renaissance

The late Gothic style in Austria is characterized by hall churches (Hallenkirchen). The nave and side aisles are of the same height and are separated only by columns. Examples of such churches are the Augustinian Church and St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. In general, late Gothic architecture remained rather gloomy. In Austria, you will not find examples of the flaming Gothic, which France is so rich in. But Gothic painting and sculpture underwent major changes. The suffering of Christ was portrayed very humanly - remember at least the magnificent altarpiece by Michael Pacher in the church of St. Wolfgang.

The influence of the Renaissance in Austria was felt weakly. Salzburg was a rare exception. The prince-archbishop was trying to build a "new Rome" at the foot of the Alps. The most significant examples of Renaissance sculpture are the statues surrounding the tomb of Maximilian I in Innsbruck.

Baroque and Rococo

The Baroque style originated in the middle of the 17th century. and immediately eclipsed everything that existed before him. A building boom began in Austria. Interior decorators received many orders. Any community that had money invested it in rebuilding Gothic and Romanesque churches in the Baroque style. The Baroque style is characterized by passion, sensuality and theatricality. Mirrors were widely used in Baroque palaces, creating the illusion of infinity. College Church in Salzburg, built by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach (1656-1723) , has become the quintessence of a new style. In the Rococo style, the decorations inherent in the Baroque reached their highest flowering. Buildings and interiors were now decorated with garlands, medallions and floral motifs. In Austria, Rococo was called "Maria Theresa Baroque".

Neoclassicism and Art Nouveau

After the fading of the Rococo era, the pendulum swung in opposite side. The lush, decorative style was replaced by strict neoclassicism, which was based on columns and porticos. In 1887 the group Viennese artists, headed by Gustav Klimt, left the conservative Academy fine arts to create a completely new direction in art, called "Art Nouveau". The basis of the new movement was the smooth, fluid motifs of Art Nouveau and the more geometric English Arts and Crafts Movement. The Vienna Secession Association of Artists held its first exhibition in 1898. In the same year, the construction of the new Secession building was completed. This building is considered the first example of 20th century architecture in Europe.

Festivals and holidays

The Austrian calendar is full of local holidays and festivals. Patriotic and religious. Very often, the program of the holiday includes a procession, the participants of which put on folk costumes. And holidays are always accompanied by delicious food and plentiful libations. Some local festivals are Christian in nature, but it is clear that they are rooted in pagan traditions.

January February

(fasching) begins in January, but its main events fall on the week before Lent, that is, in February. Costumed parades, fireworks, fairs, performances by street performers are held throughout the country. The carnival in Vienna is especially stormy. "Ghost Processions" take place in Imst (Schemenlaufen - every four years), Telfse (Schleicherlaufen - every five years) and Nasseray (Schelleriaufen - every three years).

March, April

Processions on Palm Sunday.

May June

On May 1-2, the Gauderfest beer festival is held in the Tyrolean city of Zell am Ziller (Gauderfest). Men in traditional leather pants compete in finger wrestling (this is an indispensable attribute of beer festivals), as well as who drinks more beer or sniffs out tobacco.

July August

Police holidays in Tyrol (Schiitzen) and firefighters (Feuerwehrfeste).

September October

In autumn, a festival is held in honor of the return of livestock from alpine pastures. (Viehscheid or Almabtrieb). Such holidays are held throughout the country, but they are especially bright in Pfunds and St. Johann in Tyrol.

Wine festivals are held in the villages located in the Danube Valley, Styria and Burgenland.

November December

(Christkindlmarkt) open all over the country during Advent. Markets are most often held in front of cathedrals. In the evenings, local choirs and brass bands perform Christmas carols. In the markets you can buy Christmas decorations made of wood and straw or woolen products. Join the locals who, ignoring the cold, crowd around eating sausages (Bratwurst) or potato pancakes (Reiberdatschi) washing them down with mulled wine (Gliihwein)- hot wine with spices and (optional) rum.

In most churches, concerts are held on the eve of Christmas and after the holiday.

In many villages and cities, nativity scenes are shown and nativity scenes are played (Krippen).

Saint Martin's Day. Children with paper lanterns and candles enter houses and sing songs, receiving candy for it (a tradition reminiscent of American Halloween). The holiday ends with a traditional roast goose meal.

Public holidays

The date changes every year - the Ascension of the Lord

May June (date changes annually)- Spirits day

June (date changes annually)- Feast of Corpus Christi

October 26 - National holiday of the Republic of Austria, the anniversary of the signing of the declaration of neutrality

Weekend itineraries

Burgenland. Take a look at Eisenstadt, the capital of the federal state of Burgenland. Start your tour of the city with Esterhazy Castle. The Haydn House has been turned into a museum open to the public. The great composer is buried in the Bergkirche (mountain church) located outside the city. Stop at the quarry of Saint Margaret, where you can see artists from around the world at work. In the summer, go to a performance of The Passion of the Lord. Admire the Renaissance and Baroque houses in Rust, where storks settled on the roofs. In the small town of Neusiedl, stroll along the promenade of the lake of the same name.

Explore the Altstadt (Old city), literally stuffed with churches, palaces, museums, fountains and shops. Take the funicular up to the Salzburg Fortress. Explore the local museum and attend a concert in the Golden Hall. Experience Austrian respect for death at St. Peter's Cemetery, one of the oldest and most beautiful cemeteries in the world.

Walks for two days

Danube. Travel from Vienna to Salzburg along the Danube Valley. Cruise from Krems to Melk and bike back on Europe's most popular cycling trail through beautiful valleys, wine-producing villages and majestic monasteries.

Grossglockner. A trip along this high Alpine road can be combined with a trip along the Felbertauernstraße (B108)- and you will get a great circular route. This road passes through the Hohe Tauern National Park and is surrounded by classic mountain landscapes. From here, magnificent views of the harsh Dolomites open up. This route will allow you to get acquainted with the mountain world of East Tyrol.

Cruise through the Oetztal and neighboring valleys. Take a break from the car and re-experience the mighty forces of nature that created this beauty at the end of the last ice age. Visit the Stubai waterfall, the highest in Tyrol, take a look at the tiny mountain village of Rofenhof (2014 m), - the highest mountain village in Austria, whose inhabitants do not leave their homes all year round.

Travel along the Ringstrasse, a magnificent boulevard ring around the historic center of Vienna. Leave the whole day for museums and the Hofburg (Imperial Palace). Dedicate half a day to Schönbrunn. Spend an evening at the Opera and the next at the MuseumsQuartier where DJs throw parties in courtyards surrounded by works contemporary art.

Excursions for a week

The Kitzbühel and Ziller valleys, the Krimml waterfall. Combine your exploration of the Kitzbühel and Ziller valleys with a tour of federal state Salzburg. Visit the foot of the highest waterfall in Europe - Krimml. Ride the cable car in Zell am See or take the Penkenbahn gondola from Mayrhofen to the Zillertal Alps. Be sure to use the toll mountain road to get to Hirschbichlalm. Get away from the ubiquitous tourists in the highland Wildschenau valley in the heart of Kitzbühel.

Innsbruck and the Lower Inn Valley. Visit Innsbruck, Kufstein Castle, Rattenberg, the historic center of Hall and the open-air museum in Kramsach. Take the old-fashioned train up to the Achensee. Walk along the picturesque Wolfsklamm Gorge, which will lead you to the monastery of St. Georgenberg. Take a look at the Alpbach valley, where the most beautiful, according to the Austrians themselves, alpine village of the country is located.

Salzkammer lakes. Visit Salzburg and then cruise around turquoise lakes and historic villages like Hallstatt. Spend a couple of days in a small historic town - Gmunden or Bad Ischl. If possible, use alternative modes of transport - 19th century ferries, vintage trains and dizzying cable cars that will take you to the Alpine peaks.

When to go

If you are not going to ski, then the best time to travel to Austria is late spring and early autumn. May, September and the first half of October are the driest months of the year. The weather is wonderful, there are few tourists, it is very easy to find a place in a hotel. In autumn, wine festivals and harvest festivals are held throughout the country. April and November receive the most rainfall. The amount of rain depends on the altitude. In some areas of the Alps, the average rainfall exceeds 200 cm per year, while in the plains around Lake Neusiedl it is only 60 cm.

Summer time is ideal for climbers. Daylight hours at this time are very long. (light until 21.00). This time of year is a good time to explore the remote mountains of the Hohe Tauern. (the largest in Central Europe) and admire (or storm her) Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockern. Of course, you have to be careful at high altitudes.

Thunderstorms are frequent here from June to August, and even snow storms occur above 2000 m. Summer is the peak tourist season in Salzburg and Vienna, but the opera houses are closed during this time and you won't get to hear the Vienna Boys' Choir or see the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. On the roads of the Salzkammergut (Lake District) traffic jams occur. In some cities it is difficult to find a place to park.

In winter, most tourists come to Austria to ski. In normal years, snow lies in the valleys from December to March, and in the mountains from November to May. In most areas above 2500 m, the snow does not melt at all. Naturally, sightseeing at this time is associated with certain inconveniences. The days are short, the parks are empty, the fountains don't work. Museums close earlier and some attractions, such as castles and caves, are closed altogether. However, in another respect, winter is the perfect time to visit Salzburg and Vienna. There are almost no tourists, opera and concert seasons in in full swing. Both cities are very beautiful under the snow, especially on Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Transport

Public transport

Vienna is divided into 23 districts, which are called Bezirke. The public transport system in the Austrian capital is considered one of the best in Europe. The city has trains, trams and buses. S-Bahn is a high-speed underground train; U-Bahn - metro, and Strassen-bahnen - trams. For convenience, it's a good idea to purchase Tageskarte (day pass) or Wochenkarte (week pass). These tickets give the right to use any public transport. Night buses run from 0.30 to 5.00, when the trains and metro are not working. The same ticket is valid for tram, bus and metro. It is often more convenient to leave the car in the parking lot, and for sightseeing in large cities use public transport. There are combined tickets in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna, which can be bought at the tourist offices. (valid 1-3 days). They give the right to unlimited use of urban public transport, free or discounted visits to museums and other attractions.

Austria has a great system railways. For timetables, visit www.oebb.at or call the central information desk (tel.: 05-17-17). At most stations, you can always order a timetable and print it out for yourself. At some local stations, you can rent a bike and combine a train journey with a bike ride.

The Eurails "Austria Pass" is the best way to travel for tourists from North America who intend to visit only Austria. For neighboring countries, it is better to purchase a Eurail Selectpass, which allows you to travel 15 days within two months in three, four or five neighboring countries. If you want to take a grand tour of Europe, buy a Eurailpass valid in 18 countries. (tel.: 888-382-72-45).

Automobile

On autobahns, the speed limit is 130 km/h, on class B roads - 100 km/h, and in cities - 50 km/h. Compliance with speed limits is strictly monitored, and very tangible fines are charged for violation. Austria has very strict blood alcohol limits. Only 0.5 mg of alcohol per 1 ml of blood is allowed (in the UK, for example, this figure is 0.8 mg). Seat belts must be fastened in both the front and rear seats. Be sure to also turn on the headlights at any time of the day. On autobahns, you must have a tax sticker. Such stickers are sold at border gas stations in neighboring countries, at car rental agencies and at OAMTS offices. (Osterreichischer Automobil, Motorrad und Touring Club). At the entrance to the high Alpine roads you will also have to pay. Toll roads are through the Brenner and Gerlos passes, the Felbertauernstrasse and Grossglockner roads.

River transport

Cruises on the Danube are arranged from the beginning of April to the end of December (Donau Schiff Wurm & Kock, www.donauschiffahrt.de). A boat is the best way to get to know the thousand Austrian lakes. On large lakes (Achensee, Bodensee, Wolfgangsee and Attersee) ferries operate. Some of them were built in the 19th century.

Accommodation

The Austrian authorities assign categories to hotels and guesthouses based on the strictest criteria and regular checks. However, the classification does not determine the category of the hotel. With the exception of luxury, the standards in all the rest are almost the same. Most of the rooms are absolutely clean and comfortable. Service in hotels is always good, and often cordial. The room charge includes all taxes and duties, and, with rare exceptions, breakfast. Prices are often quoted pro person (per person, pay attention to the abbreviation pp), so you should specify the price of a double room.

Gasthof is something like an inn or boarding house. These hotels are often family run. Guests are served by the owner himself and members of his family. Many of these hotels have a Gasthaus, Gaststcitte or Weinslube where you can drink local beer or wine and sample local cuisine. TVs and telephones are not always available in the rooms, but in most of these hotels the rooms are always equipped with bathrooms. Small guesthouses may not have a restaurant (but breakfast is still served), and the most inexpensive rooms are equipped only with a washbasin, and the rest of the amenities are located in the corridor.

Private houses

Private houses and farms are quite a comfortable and inexpensive way to stay in Austria. But in order to find such accommodation, one has to overcome the language barrier. Hosts register with the local tourist office and the office staff will be happy to reserve a spot for you. Where rooms are rented, you will see "Frem-denzimmer" or "Zimmer Frei" signs. Rooms in private houses are clean, as a rule, they have a bathroom and a toilet. In most houses, rooms are rented for at least three nights, with an additional charge for shorter stays. A room for the weekend on a bed and breakfast basis can be reserved through the website www.privatvermieter.at.

Farm Weekend

If you are ready to spend three nights in one place, you can arrange a weekend at the farm. it great way get to know the locals and their way of life. Information can be obtained from the Urlaub am Bauernhof (Brixnerstrasse, 7, A-6020 Innsbruck. Tel.: 0512-56-18-82. Fax: 0512-56-73-67).

Camping

Austria has a huge number of campsites. Camping outside the campsite is prohibited. Information available from the Osterreichischer Camping-Club (OCC) (Schubertring, 1-13, 1010 Vienna. Tel: 01-711-99-27-51. Fax: 01-71-99-27-54. www.campingclub.at).

Hostels

Austrian hostels (Jugendherberge) accept people of all ages. Many hostels have several double or family rooms, but these need to be reserved in advance, (www.oejhv.or.at).

Room rates

During festivals, trade fairs and during the peak ski season, accommodation prices almost double, and it's hard to find a room. On the other hand, in cities on weekends and during the low season, prices are reduced. This decline is especially noticeable in the Alps.

Food and drink

Austria is not a place for those who go on a peiuwi diet. More than 300 pork and sausage dishes are cooked in Tyrol. Due to imperial history, Austrian cuisine includes National dishes different territories - whether it's Hungarian goulash or Italian ravioli (Schlutzkrapfen). Wiener schnitzel is just one of three dozen varieties of breaded veal cutlets. And coffee in Austria is prepared in 40 different ways. Thirst is best quenched with wonderful Griiner Veltiner Riesling or dessert wines. And Austrian beer is not inferior to wines in quality.

Food

Many Austrian hotels serve breakfast, which will keep you full until the evening. A typical breakfast consists of coffee or tea, fruit juices, sliced ​​cooked and smoked ham, liverwurst, cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, jams, and several types of bread. Gabelfriihstuck is a hot snack served around noon. As a rule, these are sausages or sausages. The main meal of the day is lunch. Jause is a sort of afternoon snack, serving cakes, sandwiches and coffee. In the evening, Austrians most often dine at home. A typical dinner is quite modest and usually consists of sandwiches.

The main dish of Austrian cuisine is dumplings, Knodel. They are made from potatoes, stale bread (Semmelknodel) or with liver (Leberknodel). Dumplings are often served in a clear broth, such as Markknodelsuppe, which is made from bone marrow. Spatzle (Nockern in Tyrolean)- These are thin dumplings resembling noodles. Germknodel - steamed dumplings topped with vanilla or sweet fruit sauce. Tafelspitz is a beef stew served with horseradish. Hirsch and Wildschwein (venison and wild boar meat) most often served on the table in autumn and winter. Such meat is stewed or cooked with wild mushrooms. On Saint Martin's Day (In November) and at Christmas the Austrians bake goose with herbs, apples and red cabbage. Wiener Schnitzel is a veal cutlet (kalb) or pork (Schwein), rolled in a mixture of milk and eggs, breaded and poached in a pan. If there is a purely national dish in Tyrolean cuisine, it is Tiroler Grostl - a kind of peasant stew of pork, veal and / or beef, onions, marjoram and potatoes.

Portions in Austria are reminiscent of medieval feasts. Think twice before choosing the Tagesmenu three-course meal (starter, main course and dessert). Fish is the only exception to the very greasy Austrian cuisine. In cafes and restaurants you can order fresh trout, carp or pike. Fish is prepared in two ways: either boiled (blau), or slightly poached and breaded (Mullerin). Sausages and sausages are offered as fast food in Austria. They are sold on street stalls, served in pubs and eateries. There are a lot of sausages and sausages in Austria. Weisswurst is made from veal and served with sweet mustard. Blutwurst - black pudding. Bratwurst are pork sausages that are grilled or pan fried and served with bread and medium spicy mustard. Naturally, such dishes will not please vegetarians, but there is something for them in Austria. There are always a lot of huge fresh salads on the menu. (ask for a salad without Speck - no bacon). Many dishes are prepared with mountain cheeses - for example Ktisespatzle (noodles with melted cheese and caramelized onions). Austrian bread is a gourmet's delight. Even in the most ordinary church bakery you will be offered a dozen varieties - from simple rolls to loaves of wholemeal flour of three to six varieties.

There are many gourmet restaurants in Austria, where national, traditional dishes, and the most high achievements international culinary. Neue Kuche, for example, is the Teutonic answer to the French new kitchen. Eateries Gaststatte, Brduhaus, Weinstube are not restaurants. It serves purely national dishes - Gutbiirgerliche Kuche. In them, just like in cafes or bars, you can just drink and eat nothing. It is enough to order only beer or coffee. In Gaststatte, people are often seated at common tables if all the individual ones are already occupied. Observing the rules of etiquette, first ask if you can sit down. Foreigners often break taboos by sitting at tables with Stammtisch signs. This should not be done, as such tables are intended for regulars, and other visitors are not allowed to sit at them. Austrian cafes fall into two categories: sophisticated, trendy places decorated in ultra-modern style, and elegant, pre-war coffee houses, Kaffeehaus, where Austrians come to drink coffee and cakes - Kaffee und Kuchen. Some butcher shops and bakeries have "standing cafes" - Steh-cafe, where you can have a quick bite at high tables without sitting down. Imbiss is another place for a light snack. Here they eat either standing or sitting at plastic tables.

Beverages

Austria's main hot drink is coffee. Drinking coffee at the Kaffeehaus or Cafe Konditorei is an old tradition, a great opportunity to chat with friends or read a newspaper taken from a wooden shelf. Coffee in Austria is prepared in a variety of ways: a large espresso with the addition of milk or cream (ein grosser Brauner), coffee with milk (melange), small, very strong espresso (Ein kleiner Mokka). Coffee is often served with dessert or sweets - strudel or the famous decadent Sacher chocolate cake. (Sachertorte). Tea is most often in the form of ordinary boiling water with a tea bag on a saucer. tap water (Leitungwasser) you can drink almost everywhere. Water in Vienna comes from the mountains. Yet many Austrians prefer bottled water. Beer is the most traditional Austrian drink. During the spring Gauderfest in Tyrol, beer flows like water, just like during the famous Oktoberfest in Munich. Pilsner is the most popular, but there are many other varieties in different shades. (Hell means "amber", Dunkel means "dark brown") and fortresses - be careful with beer, in the name of which there will be a suffix "-ator". Weienbier or Weissbier (wheat beer) especially popular in summer. Such beer is often served with a slice of lemon. Radler is a refreshing blend of beer and lemonade.

The main wine regions of Austria are Burgenland, Wachau and Styria. The number of white wines significantly exceeds the number of red ones, which is explained by the relatively northern location of Austria. Cheap Austrian wines are labeled as Tafelwein or Landwein. Qualitcitswein is the next level, followed by Pradikatswein and Qualitcitswein Kabinett. The Spatlese and Auslese brands are made from grapes harvested much later, resulting in a naturally sweet wine with a unique aroma. Traditional restaurants in wine regions usually serve local Offene Weine wines. (glasses and decanters). People sharing a meal are not at all obliged to order a decanter of the same wine. They can order wines of their choice by the glass: achtel (0.125 l) or viertele (about 0.25 l). This wine is served in a large glass or small decanter. In autumn they drink young, freshly made wine. (Sturm), and in the summer it's time for Schdrle - wine mixed with mineral water or soda.

Entertainment

Entertainment in Vienna is not limited to symphony concerts and balls. If you feel like waltzing, remember that the season in Vienna runs from December to March. But club life in Vienna is in full swing all year round. There are many bars that are open until late, and even until the morning. There are also many bars, clubs and discos in Salzburg and Innsbruck. In the major ski resorts, the nightlife is in full swing. There is entertainment for every taste - from discos to folklore concerts.

Staatsoper and Volksoper are the two main opera houses Vienna. Performances are held here every day, with the exception of July and August. The Vienna Boys' Choir can be heard every Sunday and also on religious holidays (January 1 - end of June; mid-September - December 31). Tickets for cheap standing places are most often sold shortly before the start of the performance. In the theatre, you can put a sweater or scarf on the balcony railing to “reserve” your seat and then go down to the buffet. Spanish school horseback riding gives performances on Sundays (beginning of March - end of June; September - end of October).

In the coffee houses of Vienna and Salzburg, bitter disputes are still going on today - just like in the days when Trotsky and Freud took part in them. Another Viennese tradition - balls - is still alive today. From December 31 until Ash Wednesday, Vienna is a huge ballroom. Viennese balls are given for every taste - from the famous ball at the Opera to the Ball of Bad Taste. In order not to be embarrassed, you can sign up for short courses where you will be taught the basics of the waltz.

The so-called Bermuda Triangle (Bermuda Dreieck) (south of the Danube Canal, near the Church of St. Ruprecht) full of bars and clubs. Some of these venues have live music. Most of the bars are open until 4 o'clock or even until the morning, and on weekends the bars don't close at all. Volksgarten is located on the territory of the palace park. There are several concert venues, a garden bar and a dance floor open to all winds.

In the homeland of Mozart, in Salzburg, music festivals are held almost every month. The culmination of the festivities is a five-week grandiose festival of opera, theater, church music, folk music, symphony concerts and performances by the Austrian Marionette Theater (end of July to end of August). The best way to get to know the atmosphere of the Hohensalzburg Fortress is to go to one of the chamber music concerts almost every evening (www.mozartfestival.at). Concerts are held in the Golden Hall or in the Prince's Chambers, a wood-paneled room built in 1500. Salzburg hosts many jazz and rock music concerts. Schedule of concerts, performances, music festivals and other events can be found at www.salzburginfo.at.

In Innsbruck, classical music concerts are held in the summer at Ambras Palace, and medieval brass bands perform on the Golden Roof balcony. "Tyrolean Evenings" are concerts of folk dances, yodels and wind music. The opera and ballet season at the Landestheater lasts all year round.

Fun after skiing

After a long, stressful day on the slopes, skiers from all over the world fill the bars and clubs of the many Austrian Alpine resorts. Many towns and villages turn into a miniature globe for two months. A large number of clubs, bars, restaurants and eateries operate throughout. In Mayrhofen or Kitzbühel, entertainment for all tastes awaits you. In numerous alehouses one can sing in chorus; Germans and residents of other German-speaking countries like to come here. There are traditional English pubs, jazz clubs, clubs where blues or techno are performed at the resorts.

Casino

Entrance to the casino is free, but at the entrance you need to present an identity card. Although you can't confuse Vienna with Las Vegas, it is here that two of the largest poker rooms in Europe are located - the Concord Card Casino and Poker World. For more traditional entertainment, take the train to the spa town of Baden bei Wien (Baden-bei-Wien). "Baden Casino" (www.casinos.at) is located in a restored palace, richly decorated with frescoes, gilding and crystal. There are fountains in the garden. The casino has an excellent restaurant.

Purchases

Austrians and visitors to the country love to shop. The pedestrian Karntnerstrasse in Vienna is crowded even on days when the temperature drops below zero. locals they cannot deny themselves the pleasure of walking past the luxurious windows and admiring the goods offered by numerous department stores and boutiques.

The most popular Austrian souvenirs are embroidery, knitwear, traditional coats and jackets, Tyrolean hats, dresses (Dirndls), quilts, hand-painted porcelain, woodcarving, dolls, woolen and leather products, crystal.

Art lovers will be delighted to look into the magnificent antique shops and frequently held auctions. "Dorotheum", the famous Viennese auction house, operating since 1707, is the largest in Central Europe.

Local markets sell handicrafts and the freshest picnic products right on the street. Check out the flea markets on Saturdays. Here you can find the most unusual gifts for family and friends.

Christmas markets are an old tradition in Austria. They work in most cities. Christmas markets sell handmade Christmas decorations, mountain cheese (Bergkcise), candles (Kerzen), carved wooden figurines on religious themes (Schnitzfiguren), strong alcohol (Obstbrand, Schnaps), crystal (Crystal glass), smoked ham (Schinkenspeck) and jewelry made of semi-precious stones (Halbedelsteinen).

Folk costumes (trachten) are not cheap and are never sold in souvenir shops. There you can buy only cheap fakes from China or Korea. If you want to buy a real Tyrolean hat, shawl (Schultertuch), dress (Dirndl) or leather pants (Lederhosen), go to a local tailor.

The cost of most goods and services includes value added tax. Theoretically, guests from non-EU countries can get this tax back if their purchases in one store exceed 75 euros. In practice, obtaining this compensation is quite difficult. Pay attention to the signs "Tax-Free Shopping" in the shop windows and ask the sellers to complete the necessary documents. Before leaving Austria, you will be stamped at customs, and then you can receive money at a special cash desk at the airport or at the border point. It is impossible to receive a refund without properly completed documents. You may also be asked to show purchased items that are tax refundable.

Sports and recreation

Austria is one of the most sporting countries in the world. With alpine slopes, you can easily find places in Austria to ski, golf and swim on the same day. Local guides and tour companies will help you climb or jump from a mountain, raft down one of the many mountain streams or simply fly like a bird.

Air sports

In Austria, you can practice a wide variety of air sports - from gliding and paragliding to flights on balloons. Here are the best conditions for balloon flights over the Alps, the Alpine lakes of the Salzkammergut and the steppes in the vicinity of Lake Neusiedl. Conditions for paragliding are also first class. If the wind allows, an experienced paraglider can fly from one mountain to another.

Cycling

Bicycling is very popular in the Inna and Danube valleys. Austria has many scenic mountain bike trails. There are excellent trails in the Hohe Tauern National Park and in the Tyrolean Alps.

Golf

Most of Austria's 150 golf courses have been built in the last 15 years. Golfclub Zell am See is located at the foot of the 3,000-meter Kitzsteinhorn. Mondsee Golf Club is located on the shores of the lake of the same name at the foot of the Drachenwand. "Gold Egg" - an 18-hole course - spread between dairy farms.

Mountaineering and hiking

In Austria, mountaineering and hiking are as popular as skiing. The program of long hikes often includes overnight stays in mountain huts. Thousands of kilometers of flat and mountain trails are clearly marked. You will always find a detailed map of any area. In Tyrol, the trails on the maps are shown in different colors depending on their difficulty. Ski slopes are marked in the same way. Light blue shows the easiest, red shows moderate difficulty, and black shows those where climbing skills may be required.

Very often, the best way to start a hike is by climbing the cable car. Many dangers await tourists in the mountains - from sunburn (they are especially dangerous in the snow) and mountain sickness (first symptoms are headache, nausea and dizziness) before hypothermia (decrease in body temperature). Ticks are found in mountain forests. If you notice a tick on the body, do not pull it out, but lubricate it with oil or sprinkle with salt. The insect will fall off on its own. You can swim in the Alpine rivers, but it is not always safe to drink water from them. Boil this water for ten minutes or use Potable Aqua iodine tablets.

Austria is a paradise for skiers. There are slopes for every taste - from the simplest to the most difficult. Some high mountain glaciers can be skied all year round. (e.g. on the Stubai Glacier in Tyrol). When planning a vacation, find out everything in advance. In lesser-known resorts, vacations can cost you half as much as in those that are internationally famous and popular. Winter activities include ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides and local curling.

Water sports

Water sports include swimming, scuba diving, sailing, surfing, water skiing and rowing.

Most of the rivers and lakes are clean enough to swim in. In such places, swimming is free, but entry to many lake beaches is paid. At the lake resorts you can rent a rowing, sailing or motor boat. On the mountain rivers in the Alps, you can go rafting. Isel and Drau in East Tyrol and Lammer and Salzach in the federal state of Salzburg are particularly suitable for this purpose. Fishing permits can be obtained through the local tourist office.

Osterreichischer Alpenverein (Austrian Alpine Club).
www.bergsteigen.at

hiking

www.wanderdoerfer.at

www.europasportregion.info

Water sports

Alpinschule Club Monte, Salzburg.
www.montee.com

Oesterreichischer Kanuverband.
www.kanuverband.at

Osttirol Adventures (canoes and kayaks).
www.osttiroi-adventures.at

www.fischwasser.com

www.radtouren.at

Golf

Gold Egg.
www.seehof-goldegg.com

Mondsee Golf Club
www.goifclubmondsee.at

Osterreichischer Golf-Verband (Austrian Golf Club)
www.golf.at

Zell am See Golf Club at Kaprun.
www.europasportregion.at/golfclub

Hot air balloons and paragliding

OAEC, Osterreichischer Aero-Club (Austrian flying club).
www.aerociub.at

Children

Austria is able to inspire any child. Take a river ride along the Danube, admire the wonderful dancing horses, listen to the Vienna Boys Choir, taste the legendary chocolate cake - your child will not be bored. Austria has excellent conditions for children of all ages. The hotels offer a crib and babysitting services, and teenagers can take a ski course with an instructor.

Accommodation

Most hotels and pensions welcome families with children. There is a special association of family hotels (Kinderhotels). Most of these hotels are located in the countryside. (one in Vienna). Some have swimming pools and spas, others have winter ski schools, and a few hotels are located right on the farms. All these hotels have developed programs designed for parents and children of different ages. There are nannies, toys and baby care items. English is not spoken everywhere, so check everything in advance. www.babyhotel.at www. kinderhotels.co.uk

Food

In pubs and cafes, children are just as welcome as the adults who accompany them. But smoking is not allowed everywhere. Almost everywhere there are special highchairs for children.

Transport

In Austria, children under 13 must sit in the back seat of a car. (if it exists). For children under four years old, it is better to use special safety seats. If you are renting a car, please bring a child seat with you, as car rental companies charge an additional fee for this service.

In Vienna, children under 15 can use public transport free of charge on days school holidays, on Sundays and public holidays. On all other days, you can buy a cheap children's ticket from tobacconists or ticket machines.

Things to do

Austria has many castles, museums and zoos that children love so much. There are cable cars, locomotives and ferries. Many ski resorts have special family weekends. There are schools for children on the slopes (Check if the instructors speak English). Qualified babysitters can keep your kids entertained while you ride. Among the hundreds of museums in Vienna, there are some that will also interest children. In addition to the fun fair (www.prater.at), kids will love Minopolis (www.minopolis.at) and the butterfly house (www.sehmetterlinghaus.at) where sometimes it gets too crowded. In Innsbruck, go to the Alpine Zoo (alpenzoo) and an armory at Ambras Castle. These are just two of the many different entertainments. To introduce children to opera, head to Salzburg's puppet theater and then relax among the fountains in Hellbrunn Castle Park. Easy mountain hikes, salt mines (Hallstatt), ice caves (Dachstein)- great fun and a great introduction to the basics of geography.

Arrival

By plane

Regular flights between Moscow and Vienna are operated by Aeroflot and Austrian Airlines. Flight duration Moscow - Vienna 3 hours 20 minutes. Every half an hour between Vienna Schwechat Airport and Central Station (district 3) trains run. Travel time - 16 minutes.

Customs regulations

EU citizens can bring an almost unlimited number of goods into Austria for personal consumption (within reason: if you bring a truck of whiskey, customs officers may have questions). Citizens of other countries can bring with them 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1 liter of strong alcohol (over 22°) or 2 liters of wine, 500 g of coffee, 50 g of perfume or 0.25 liters of cologne.

Electricity

Mains voltage - 220 V, 50 Hz. European style plugs with two round pins.

Currency

The official currency of the country is Euro. In Austria, you can pay with debit and credit cards at gas stations, chain hotels, expensive restaurants and tourist shops. But, to the surprise and embarrassment of many foreign tourists, other places accept only cash.

Opening hours

Opening hours are set by law and in accordance with tradition. The situation in Austria is very ambiguous. Large shops open early and close on weekdays at 20.00 and on Saturdays at 17.00. These shops are closed on Sundays. Small shops in Austria close on weekdays at 18.00. They have a lunch break. On Saturdays, such shops are open until 13.00, and on Sundays they are closed. (Some shops are open longer on Saturdays.) During those hours when other shops are closed, some food and small items can be bought at stations in big cities. Banks are open from Monday to Wednesday and Fridays 8.00-12.30 and 13.30-15.00, Thursdays 8.00-12.30 and 13.30-17.30 (head offices do not close for lunch). Tourist offices are open 9.00-18.00 on weekdays and until 13.00 on Saturdays (in tourist centers, such bureaus work longer). Gas stations on the autobahns are open around the clock. Restaurants usually open at 11.00 and close around 23.00. Many restaurants are closed during the day. Traditional taverns serve food during the day (durch-gehend means "open during the day") or late at night.

Passports and visas

Austria is part of the Schengen area. To enter the territory of Austria, Russian citizens need a passport valid for at least three months from the date of entry, as well as a Schengen visa. If you purchase a tourist voucher, the travel agency will take care of all the work on issuing a visa. Otherwise, you will have to contact the Austrian embassy yourself.

Mail

The post office in Austria is open from Monday to Friday 8.00-18.00, and on Saturdays 8.00/9.00-12.00. Different services are provided at the post offices, so immediately check whether you are in the right queue. Behind the counter with the inscription Briefmarken sell stamps, and with the inscription Rakete - they accept parcels. You can also exchange money at the post office. Major post offices have public telephones and fax machines that accept calling cards.

Mozart with phone

Phones

Payphones in Austria work with cards - you can buy them at tobacconists or at the post office. A pre-paid phone card for international calls can be used both in a pay phone and in a hotel (but in a hotel it will cost you much more). Austria has an excellent mobile phone system. Of course, the most profitable terms It is better to choose connections before departure. International code Austria - 43. For a phone call from Austria to Russia, dial 007 + the code of the corresponding city (Moscow - 495)+ subscriber number.

Time

Austria lives on Central European time, which is 2 hours behind Moscow (when it's noon in Moscow, in Austria it's 10 a.m.). At the end of March, Austria switches to summer time, and at the end of autumn - for the winter.

toilets

At autobahn gas stations and in public toilets, you must leave 50 cents to the attendant. Men's toilets are designated Herren, women's - Damen. Outside the tourist centers, you can always go to a cafe to use the toilet.

Tourist Information

There are tourist offices in almost every Austrian city and in many villages. They are usually located at or near the main station, as well as in the market square. In such a bureau you will find maps of the city with indication of parking places. Here they will help you find a room (sometimes there is a small fee for this). This is especially convenient for those who want to settle in a boarding house or a private house.

Information for the disabled

Many museums, theatres, cinemas and public buildings have wheelchair day ramps. More and more trams are equipped with special devices. Tourist offices are happy to help disabled tourists find a suitable hotel, public toilet, etc. Large chain hotels always have all the amenities. Disabled parking is free, in the blue zones. To do this, it is enough to have an international invalid sticker on the car.

Language

The official language in Austria is German (with characteristic English pronunciation). However, most hotels, restaurants, and sports shops that sell or rent sports equipment have English-speaking staff. Here are some useful German words and phrases to make you feel calmer.

Emergency help

accidents

If you have a serious accident in Austria, you must wait for the police to arrive. The emergency services in Austria are very efficient and arrive at the scene quickly, even by helicopter if necessary.

car breakdown

If a breakdown occurs, you should roll the car off the road if possible. Then set up an emergency triangle 100m behind the machine. If you are on the autobahn, find the emergency number (they are located at intervals of 2 km), pick up the handset and wait for the operator to answer. You can also dial 120. You will have to pay for evacuation and spare parts. However, if you are a member of a car club in your country, you will be able to obtain documents for reimbursement of expenses incurred in Austria.

Crime

Crime is not a serious problem for Austria. Vienna is considered one of the safest European capitals. Just use common sense: lock your car, avoid dark streets and shady neighborhoods, keep an eye on your purse and wallet. It is best to carry the bag not on the shoulder, but in front of you, and keep the wallet in a fanny pack. If there is a robbery, report it to the police immediately. You will need an official report to receive insurance. You are required by law to carry an ID card with you at all times. (the passport).

Insurance

When leaving your own country, you must have travel insurance. However, citizens of EU countries can receive free emergency care in public hospitals. To do this, citizens of the European Union and citizens of other countries residing in the EU must have with them the European insurance card EHIC, which replaced the old E111 from January 2006. We also advise you to stock up on travel or private health insurance.

Drivers must have civil liability insurance (American Express and other credit card companies provide this insurance if you rent a car with their card and provide an insurance policy). The driver also needs personal insurance to cover medical expenses. (such insurance is usually included in the travel insurance) and liability insurance that will protect you from claims (Most car rental companies charge extra for this type of insurance).

Pharmacies

In Austria, pharmacies are called Apotheke. The nearest pharmacy may not always be open, but there will definitely be a duty officer nearby who works around the clock. The addresses and phone numbers of the nearest open pharmacies are usually posted on the doors of all the others. When you see the "open" sign, you will have to ring the bell to be let in and served.

Emergency telephone numbers

emergency services (Rettungsdiens): 144
Ambulance (Arztenotdienst): 141
Fire Department (Feuerwehr): 122
Police (Polizei): 133
Snow information: www.lawine.at
Mine rescuers (Bergrettung): 140
Austrian Automobile Club (OAMTS - Osterreichischer Automobil, Motorrad und Touring Club): 120
Austrian Automobile Association (ARBO - Auto, Motor und Radfahrerbund Osterreichs): 123

AUSTRIA, noun. State in Central Europe in the Danube river basin

Modern explanatory dictionary

AUSTRIA, Republic of Austria (Republik Osterreich), state in the Center. Europe, bass. Danube. 83.8 thousand km2. The population is 7.9 million people (1993), 98% are Austrians. Urban population 64.5% (1991). The official language is German. Most believers are Catholics. Austria is a federation of 9 lands, including Vienna, the capital of Austria. The head of state is the president. The legislature is a bicameral parliament (National Council and Federal Council). Most of the territory is occupied by the East. Alps ( highest point- Mount Grossglockner, 3797 m) and their foothills; low plain along the Danube. St. 2/5 of the territory - mountain forests; above - meadows. The climate is temperate, continental, humid in the west; average January temperatures from -1 to -4 °C, July 15-18 °C. Precipitation is 500-900 mm per year, in the mountains up to 2000 mm. Rivers bass. Danube, oz. Neusiedler See, Constance. Reserves: Neusiedlersee-Sewinkel, Karwendelbirge and others. In the 6th-7th centuries. Austrian territory was settled by Germanic and partly Slavic tribes. Since 1156 Austria has been a duchy (since 1453 an archduchy). In 1282 the Habsburgs established themselves in Austria. From the 16th century Austria became political center formed in the context of the offensive of the Ottoman Empire in the South-East. Europe of the multinational monarchy of the Habsburgs (in the 16-18 centuries the Czech Republic, Silesia, Hungary, part of the Polish, Western Ukrainian, South Slavic, Italian and other lands entered). In con. 18 - beg. 19th centuries Austria (from 1804 - Austrian Empire) participated in the wars with France, in the creation of the Holy Alliance in 1815. Austria waged a struggle with Prussia for hegemony in Germany, which ended in Austria's defeat in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. In 1867 the Austrian Empire was transformed into a dual monarchy, Austria-Hungary. The Social Democratic Party of Austria was formed in 1888. In the 1st World War, Austria-Hungary participated in an alliance with Germany. Austria-Hungary in con. 1918 collapsed, on its ruins the states were created - Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia; parts of the territory became part of Yugoslavia, Poland, Romania, Italy. On November 12, 1918, Austria was proclaimed a republic. The Saint-Germain Peace Treaty of 1919 defined her modern borders. In March 1938 fascist German troops occupied Austria; proclaimed its accession to Germany (Anschluss). In the spring of 1945 Austria was liberated from Nazi domination. It was temporarily occupied by the troops of the USSR, USA, Great Britain and France; the end of the occupation was put by the State Treaty on the Restoration of an Independent and Democratic Austria (1955). In October 1955, the Austrian parliament passed a law on the permanent neutrality of Austria. In 1945-66 were in power coalition governments Austrian People's Party (ANP; founded in 1945 on the basis of the Christian Social Party created in the 80s of the 19th century) and the Socialist Party of Austria (SPA), in 1966-1970 - the government of the ANP, in 1970-83 - the government of the SPA, in 1983-86 - the government of the SPA and the Austrian Freedom Party (founded in 1955), since January 1987 - the government of the SPA and the ANP. Austria is one of the most economically developed countries Europe. St. 20% of industrial output is created in the public sector (metallurgical, mining, energy). The role of German capital is great. Share in GDP (1991,%): industry, including construction, 36.3, agriculture and forestry 2.8. Mining of iron ore, magnesite, brown coal, oil, graphite, lead-zinc and tungsten ores. Electricity generation 51.1 billion kWh (1992), incl. 2/3 at the hydroelectric power station. The most developed are: mechanical engineering (transport, agricultural, electrical industry), ferrous metallurgy (4.3 million tons of steel, 3.7 million tons of rolled products in 1990), aluminum production, chemical, pulp and paper, woodworking, textile, leather and footwear, clothing industry. Agriculture is intensive and highly marketable; dominated by large landowners. The leading industry is dairy farming. Livestock (1991, million) of cattle 2.6, pigs 3.7. Poultry farming. They grow wheat, barley, sugar beets, fodder crops. Fruit growing and viticulture. Length (1992, thousand km) of railways 6.7, motorways 125. Main river ports: Linz, Vienna. Exports: machinery and equipment, textile and clothing products, paper, timber, footwear, food, electricity. Main foreign trade partners: Germany and other EEC countries. Foreign tourism (approx. 15 million hours per year). The monetary unit is the Austrian schilling.

What do most people associate Austria with? For connoisseurs of antiquity - these are the majestic royal residences and St. Stephen's Cathedral, for music lovers - the Vienna Opera and Strauss waltzes, for athletes - the Mayrhofen ski resort.

What do most people associate Austria with? For connoisseurs of antiquity - these are the majestic royal residences and St. Stephen's Cathedral, for music lovers - the Vienna Opera and Strauss waltzes, for gourmets - mulled wine, Sacher cake and Viennese sausages, for athletes - the Mayrhofen ski resort. But all of the above will agree that this is one of the most prosperous and stable European countries, and this is a good reason to think about how comfortable and calm your business can be there.

With all the variety of forms of enterprises in Austria, the most convenient and popular is Gmbh - a limited liability company. It is easy to open such a company, it does not require a personal visit of the client, only the presence of the director. The founder can even be a legal entity, so the nominee service here is of a very original nature - the role of the nominal value can be assigned to an Austrian company. Everything happens by concluding an offer agreement between the true owner and such a resident enterprise, which can be unilaterally terminated, which provides the beneficiary with full control over the assets.

When opening a company, the authorized capital should start from 35,000 euros, and at least half of this amount (in non-cash or cash form) should be accumulated on the account.

Let's take a look at some of Austria's tax conditions. The corporate income tax rate here is 25%, while the minimum amount is 1,750 euros. Enterprises that make up a joint financial structure can form a group for tax proposals - it will be the object of taxation. It should be noted that the investments received by the company are not subject to income tax, which is very beneficial for foreign investors.

The general VAT rate in Austria is 20%, while there is also a preferential 10% rate applied to such activities as the hotel business, passenger transportation, book sales, the creation of objects of artistic value, and charity. But the insurance and financial business, medical practice, work with commercial real estate are not subject to VAT at all. This tax does not threaten persons whose income is below 30,000 euros inclusive.

If you plan to start your own business and work in Austria, remember that individuals are exempt from incorporation tax, as well as from taxes on wages for a year after registering a company, but such bonuses apply only to businesses created from scratch precisely on Austrian territory.

In general, taxes are high here, but you have to pay for the prestige of the jurisdiction, the advantages of a stable society, and a reliable banking system. Recall that Austria has more than 80 international treaties in its arsenal, one of which was signed with Ukraine.

Companies with Austrian registration have a high status and will be an undoubted plus in your reputation and your trump card in front of partners. Registration of an enterprise in the homeland of the Habsburgs may be of interest, first of all, when building holdings, working with Germany, banking, as well as in the case of large investments

If Austria is of interest to you not only in terms of tourism and you have any questions about doing business in this beautiful European country, write to us - we will arrange for you