Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Austria | What is Austria Famous for? (2024)

The history of Austria dates back to the Roman era when it was part of the province of Noricum. In the Middle Ages, it became a duchy and later an archduchy of the Holy Roman Empire, ruled by the House of Habsburg for almost six centuries.

After the Napoleonic Wars, Austria was part of the German Confederation and the Austro-Hungarian Empire until its collapse in 1918.

The First Republic of Austria was established in 1919 but was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938. After World War II, Austria regained its independence and declared itself a neutral state in 1955.

Today, Austria is a federal parliamentary republic composed of nine states and one capital city, Vienna. It is a member of the European Union and other international organisations.

Austria has a high standard of living, a strong social welfare system, and a vibrant cultural scene. It is known for its music, art, literature, cuisine, and natural beauty. Austria is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its ski resorts, historic cities, and scenic landscapes.

Austria is a country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage. Here are some of the most famous dishes of this country.

Wienerschnitzel

Wienerschnitzel is a thin slice of veal coated in breadcrumbs and fried, served with lemon, potatoes, or salad. It is considered the national dish of Austria and has many variations in other countries. The name Wienerschnitzel means "Viennese cutlet." It originated in Vienna in the 19th century.

Brettljause

This dish is another famous thing in Austria. Brettljause is a wooden board with assorted cold meats, cheeses, pickles, and bread. The name Brettljause means "board snack," it originated in the rural areas of Austria, where farmers and workers would eat it after a long day.

Gröstl

Gröstl is a fried mixture of potatoes, onion, bacon, and sometimes egg. It is a hearty dish that originated in the Tyrol region and is often eaten after a day of skiing or hiking. The name Gröstl means "crispy" and refers to the potatoes' crunchy texture. Locals season this dish with salt, pepper, parsley, or caraway seeds.

Klöße

Klöße are round dumplings made from potatoes, bread, eggs, and herbs. They are usually served in beef soup or with sauerkraut and meat. The name Klöße means "balls." They are soft and tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.

Spargel

Spargel is white asparagus boiled or steamed and served with butter, hollandaise sauce, or ham. It is a seasonal delicacy that is celebrated in spring.

Germknödel

Germknödel is a large sweet dumpling filled with plum jam and topped with melted butter and poppy seeds. It is a traditional dessert that you can eat as a main course. The name Germknödel means "yeast dumpling." This dish originated in Bohemia, a region once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Mondseer

Mondseer is a semi-hard cheese named after the town of Mondsee in Upper Austria. It has a mild and creamy flavour and a yellow rind. It is often paired with wine or bread. Mondseer means "moon lake," which refers to the lake near the town where the cheese is produced. It is a protected designation of origin cheese prepared from cow's milk and matured for at least four months.

Austria is a country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage. Here are some of the most famous dishes of this country.

Wienerschnitzel

Wienerschnitzel is a thin slice of veal coated in breadcrumbs and fried, served with lemon, potatoes, or salad. It is considered the national dish of Austria and has many variations in other countries. The name Wienerschnitzel means "Viennese cutlet." It originated in Vienna in the 19th century.

Brettljause

This dish is another famous thing in Austria. Brettljause is a wooden board with assorted cold meats, cheeses, pickles, and bread. The name Brettljause means "board snack," it originated in the rural areas of Austria, where farmers and workers would eat it after a long day.

Gröstl

Gröstl is a fried mixture of potatoes, onion, bacon, and sometimes egg. It is a hearty dish that originated in the Tyrol region and is often eaten after a day of skiing or hiking. The name Gröstl means "crispy" and refers to the potatoes' crunchy texture. Locals season this dish with salt, pepper, parsley, or caraway seeds.

Klöße

Klöße are round dumplings made from potatoes, bread, eggs, and herbs. They are usually served in beef soup or with sauerkraut and meat. The name Klöße means "balls." They are soft and tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.

Spargel

Spargel is white asparagus boiled or steamed and served with butter, hollandaise sauce, or ham. It is a seasonal delicacy that is celebrated in spring.

Germknödel

Germknödel is a large sweet dumpling filled with plum jam and topped with melted butter and poppy seeds. It is a traditional dessert that you can eat as a main course. The name Germknödel means "yeast dumpling." This dish originated in Bohemia, a region once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Mondseer

Mondseer is a semi-hard cheese named after the town of Mondsee in Upper Austria. It has a mild and creamy flavour and a yellow rind. It is often paired with wine or bread. Mondseer means "moon lake," which refers to the lake near the town where the cheese is produced. It is a protected designation of origin cheese prepared from cow's milk and matured for at least four months.

Some popular Austrian traditions you must be aware of are:

Easter Egg Battle

One of Easter's most fun and popular traditions is the Easter egg battle, or Eierpecken in German.

This game is where people try to crack each other's hard-boiled eggs with their own during Easter breakfast. The person whose egg remains intact is the winner and keeps the other person's egg.

This tradition is said to symbolise the breaking of the tomb of Jesus and the release of his spirit.

Autumn Cow Train

Another tradition that celebrates the changing seasons is Germany's autumn cow train or Almabtrieb.

This festive event is where cows are brought down from the Alpine pastures to the valley, decorated with flowers and bells. The farmers and villagers welcome them with music, dancing and food.

The cow train is a way of thanking the cows for their milk and cheese production and expressing gratitude for a successful summer season.

** First Day of School Cone**

The first day of school is an occasion for children in Austria, as they receive a gift from their parents or grandparents that makes them feel excited and proud.

The gift is a cone-shaped cardboard, called Schultüte in German, filled with candy, toys, and school supplies. The cone is usually decorated with colourful paper and stickers and sometimes personalised with the child's name and picture.

This tradition dates back to the 19th century, and it is meant to sweeten the start of the school year and encourage the children to learn.

Christkindlmarkt

One of Austria's most magical and enchanting traditions is the Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas market, which sells ornaments, cookies, other festive items, and hot drinks like Glühwein and Punsch.

The Christkindlmarkt is usually held in the cities' main squares, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The Christkindlmarkt is a great place to buy souvenirs, gifts, and decorations and enjoy the festive atmosphere and the smell of cinnamon and gingerbread.

If you plan to visit Austria, you must know the visa requirements and international travel insurance policy you need before you embark on your journey.

Austria is a part of the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across 26 European countries. However, to enter this region, you need to have a valid Schengen visa and a travel medical insurance policy offering coverage of at least 30,000 Euros and medical evacuation and repatriation in case of an emergency.

Travel insurance online is a mandatory visa requirement and a smart way to protect yourself from unforeseen situations during your trip. You never know when you may fall sick, get injured, lose your baggage, or face a flight delay or cancellation. These events can not only spoil your travel plans but also put a dent in your pocket.

That is why you need a comprehensive travel insurance policy covering all these scenarios, such as trip cancellation insurance and more.

What is Austria's most popular?

Austria is most famous for its Alps, which cover 62% of the country and offer stunning scenery and skiing opportunities.

What is Austria special for?

Austria is renowned for its classical music, as it is the birthplace of composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss, and hosts the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Salzburg Festival.

Is Austria famous for its beauty?

Austria is famous for its beauty, as it has many natural attractions, such as lakes, forests, waterfalls, glaciers, charming villages, and historical landmarks.

What is the national dish of Austria?

The national dish of Austria is Wiener Schnitzel, a thin slice of veal covered with breadcrumbs and fried. It is usually served with lemon, parsley, and potato salad. The name Wiener Schnitzel means Viennese cutlet, one of Austria's most famous and popular dishes.

What is the most famous drink in Austria?

The most famous drink in Austria is coffee, which is an integral part of Austrian culture and lifestyle.