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austria
Austria is a vast country that has gone through many wars and cultural changes. They were ruled for centuries by the Habsburg family who were officially called the House of Austria. They occupied the Holy Roman Empire from 1438 until 1740 when the last male Charles VI was executed. The Habsburgs also were engaged in war with the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century until the 18th century. In 1914 Archduke Ferdinand and his pregnant wife Sophie the heirs to the Austrian throne were assassinated. This event has been cited as the event that started WWI. At the end of WWI, we saw the official end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Then in WWII Austria again suffered invasion from Germany and they were absorbed into Germany and named Ostmark. Over 65,000 Austrian Jews were killed during the war. They were liberated at the end of WWII in 1945 and once again become an independent republic. Although this country has been through horrible wars and occupations it remains a beautiful country with a deep history. You can visit the Alps and ski, attend a ball, or stroll through a picturesque town. This country really has so much to see and do!
Austria
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The dominant language is German but most will speak English.
Language Spoken
Hallo – Hello
Guten Morgen – Good Morning
Danke – Thank you
Bitte – Welcome
Sprechen Sie Englisch – Do you speak English?
words to know
Salzburg
Featured in Season of the Witch
Vorarlberg & Tyrol
Featured in James Bond
Salzburg
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Top 3 Hotels
This accommodation is truly so unique, they advertise as luxury with a twist. They even have an airstream that was converted into a Sauna! The focus on blending nature with relaxation plus they have a rooftop oasis! Staying here really is an experience within itself. They offer rooms from cozy to luxury so you can choose the type of room that best suits your needs.
The average rate per night starts at €120.
This hotel is located in the Austrian Alps and is an environmentally certified hotel. It has a natural atmosphere with local woods used throughout. Promoting wellness and relaxation with uniquely designed rooms. This is hotel that really gives you bang for your buck! Affordable rates with amazing accommodations from on-site amenities to the included breakfast.
Average room per night starts at €215.
I am a BIG fan of staying in castles it really hits all my princess feels. This castle hotel is located in Salzburg that feels like something out of a fairytale. Each room is beautifully crafted, and first floor rooms have a private terrace!
Average room per night starts at €420
DasPosthotel
SEPP Alpine Boutique Hotel
hotel schloss monchstein
This may be controversial, but I really love Marie Antoinette. Maybe I watched Marie Antoinette the movie starring Kristen Dunst too many times, I don’t know but I have always been fascinated by her story. I really think people don’t sympathize enough with her. I mean she was 14 when she was married off to Louis XVI. She was forced to leave her home in Austria and move to the Palace of Versailles. Under constant surveillance, she couldn’t even sleep lying down (they feared they would die- fun fact I picked up while visiting the Palace)! Plus, she was always criticized for being “too bold” this was a time when women were no more than pretty objects their husbands brought out from time to time. She didn’t do everything right obviously, but she did do some positive things! It’s really crazy to think she was the last queen France ever had.
Marie
Antoinette
Marie Antoinette
Historical Figure
Travel Guide
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Austria is known for multiple cuisines based by region. Some of the most famous are Wiener Schnitzel, Viennese Apfelstrudel, Vienna Sausage, Knodel and Potato Grostl.
Located in Arlberg which is in the alpines, this restaurant elevates traditional Austrian cuisine. With a more relaxed and intimate feel it’s the perfect spot for those wanting to have authentic Austrian food.
Average cost for a meal is €30 per person.
Hospiz Alm Restaurant
This is a restaurant that has A LOT of history, over 1200 years’ worth. That’s right this restaurant opened in the 1400’s and is the oldest restaurant in the world. They offer both a traditional and a gourmet menu and feature a Mozart Dinner!
Average cost for a meal is €70 per person.
Stiftskeller
Located in Vienna this is a Michelin star restaurant that is exclusively vegetarian! They use seasonal food and the founder wanted to erase the illusion that vegetarian food is "rabbit food".
Average cost for a six course meal is €120.
Tian
Top 3 Restaurants
A Painted Kiss
by Elizabeth Hickey
When Nietzsche Wept
by Irvin D. Yalom
The Piano Teacher
by Janice Y.K. Lee
BOOKS BASED IN austria
Austria is on the Europlug or what is called a C & F socket. To avoid issues, you will need an adapter AND convertor! I would recommend BESTEK Universal it works in multiple destinations and has USB ports. I have been using it for a while and love it! Now all my ladies out there you will need a DIFFERENT adapter for your curling irons and straighteners. I know its extra money but trust me! I have blown out a few curling irons, it’s worth the extra money and luggage space. Conair has the best adapter for pretty much every country. Check it out here.
Plugs
That everyone eats schnitzel and strudel for every meal. Austrians hate that people naturally assume they are all obsessed with these Austrian classics.
Common Misconceptions
Ranked one of the safest countries in the world Austria is a great destination to visit! As a solo female you can get around safely not only in the cities but in the countryside. Although it is generally safe anything can happen and you still need to use good judgement. For more information visit here.
Safety
If you are wanting to enjoy winter sports then March is a great time. Crowds are lower and you will still have snow in the alps. Then you can still get great spring weather in the bigger cities!
When to Visit
Always tip while in Austria! Its common practice to at least leave 10% of the bill.
Travel Tip
Other Tips
Austria is a part of the EU and is on the Euro. You will have ease of access to get to ATM’s in the bigger cities. Smaller remote areas mostly are on a cash.
Local Currency
HOW TO GET AROUND
If you are in the big cities walking and public transportation is a great option. However outside of the cities you will need a car. It can be so much fun to drive around and explore the countryside.
STAYING CONNECTED
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Wifi is available at most locations for free but it will be limited. Depending on the length of your trip either add international to your plan or invest in a portable wifi. A company I use often is SkyRoam, they have very affordable rates!
Taking a walk up the Stairway to Nothingness is literally one of the most unique things you can do in Austria. The stairs are in the Alps and lead to nothing. You walk across suspension bridges at 1300 feet and then walk down the glass stairs that jut out from the cliff. This is not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights!
Unique Experiences
admont abbey library
Ski in the Alps
Vienna
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salzburg
hallstatt
6 Things you must do
6 things you must do
Film Locations
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Top Restaurants
Top Hotels
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I have made tons of travel mistakes that were easily avoidable. Forgetting convertors, not packing properly, the list goes on. To make sure you avoid the same mistakes I have made I have complied a list of travel must haves.
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