It is a landlocked country with a major river known as the Danube. Austria is mainly an Alpine country two thirds being mountainous.

The climate in Austria is a moderate continental climate. Summers days are warm with cooler evenings and winters are cold. Even in summer you will need cardigan or jumper for the sudden cooler evenings.

Austrians tend to be formal in both their social and business dealings. One should shake hands when greeting or saying goodbye. It is considered impolite to leave a restaurant or shop without saying â??Auf Wiedersehenâ?? â?? Goodbye. Tipping is not high but widespread. On restaurant bills 10-15% is added, and it is usual to leave only small change.

Austrian food is distinctive and is traditionally of the stodgy, hearty â??meat and dumplingsâ?? variety. Traditional dishes include Wiener schnitzel (veal in breadcrumbs) and Goulash. Many of the simpler meals are often made with rice, potatoes and dumplings (Knödel), with delicious sauces. It is renowned for its pastries and desserts the most famous being Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel). Local beers are excellent and reasonably priced. White wines are popular (Riesling, Veltliner), but there are some good red wines. Schnapps liquor) is found in most German speaking countries and is made by distilling various fruits. Austrian water, which comes from the Syrian Alps, tastes mountain-fresh. However, if you come across a sign â??Kein Trinkwasserâ?? the water is NOT fit for drinking.

Shopping:  Cameras, glassware/crystal, chinaware â?? Viennese local handicrafts, dirndls, embroidered blouses and lederhosen, woodcarvings, dried flower pictures, Viennese petit point, winter sports equipment.  Shops are generally open Monday-Friday 9.00am to 6pm. Many shops close at 12 noon or 5pm on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.

The country code is +43 (dialing in) and international access 00 when dialing out.

Other useful information: In general, you will need to pay to use a public toilet. Toilets will either be manned or will be 'slot' machine operated. Prices range between .20 to 1.00 Euro.

Famous for:  Apple strudel, Wolfgang, Sound of Music, Amadeus Mozart