Location

Austria is located in the South-East of Central Europe. The Alps are a dominating feature of the country, which shares borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Language

German

Population

Austria has a population of 8 million

Currency

The monetary currency is the Euro which is divided as follows: bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500; coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 Euros, 20 and 50 cents. Visit www.xe.com for current exchange rates. ATM machines typically offer the best exchange rate and accept U.S bank issued cards. All major credit cards are accepted. Travelers’ checks are typically the least accepted form of payment.

Time

In terms of standard time zones, Austria is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the USA and Canada. Daylight saving time in Austria goes into effect each year usually from the end of March to the middle of October.

Electricity

The electrical current in Austria is AC - the cycle is 50Hz 220 V. Plugs have round prongs unlike the flat prongs in the U.S. therefore an adaptor is required. If you are brining electrical appliances to Austria you should have an adapter. Adapters can be purchased stateside or upon your arrival in Austria.

Water

There is plenty of water of an excellent drinking standard.

Climate

Austria lies within the Central European climatic zone, though the Eastern part of the country has a Continental Pannonian climate. The following zones can be distinguished: the northern fringe of the Alps, the inner Alpine region, and the northern and eastern foothills of the Alps. The northern Alpine fringe is characterized by a very humid climate. The distribution of rainfall is mainly controlled by mountain features, and the highest rainfalls occur where the mountains are exposed to westerly and northwesterly winds. Rainfall diminishes eastwards, and increases with altitude. In inner Alpine regions the annual rainfall levels out at the European mean. In autumn and winter the mountain regions receive more sunshine and clear air than the valleys, which are often covered by a layer of fog for days. A special feature of the Alpine climate is the "foehn", a hot and dry wind that sweeps down from the mountains. From the central Danube region to the east, a more continental climate predominates. The daily and yearly variations in temperature are more pronounced and there is less precipitation. In Vienna for instance, it rains half as much as in Salzburg. The eastern foothills of the Alps already show characteristics of a continental steppe climate - short springs, hot summers, dry autumns and cold winters. The highest temperatures have been measured in this region.

Communication

The region is very well developed in terms of IT networks and telephone communications. The international access code is 43

Transportation

There is an extensive and well-maintained road network. Tolls are charged on the autostrade (highways). As in the rest of continental Europe, vehicles travel on the right and overtake on the left. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for front and back seat passengers as well as for the driver. The use of portable telephones is prohibited if they require intervention by hand to function.

Speed limits for cars and motorcycles:
Country roads: 100 km/h
Autobahn: 130 km/h
Towns: 50 km/h

Speed limits for cars towing a caravan or trailer (up to 750 kg) and trucks up to a total weight of 3,5t):
Towns: 50 km/h
Autobahn and country roads: 100 km/h

Mountain roads are often single-lane, full of bends and require good driving skills.

Dining

In recent years Austria has emerged as a paradise for anyone who enjoys pampering the palate. Farmers, wine makers and restaurateurs have discovered a new sense of identity and sophistication. The outcome is a modern-day Austrian cuisine composed of the very best produce to be found in Austria’s woodlands and mountain pastures, its orchards and vineyards. The leading Austrian chefs de cuisine are making their mark on the international culinary scene, while the country’s foremost wines regularly garner top prizes. Regional delicacies like pumpkin seed oil and apple balsamico have found their way into the kitchens of noted restaurants all over Europe, while Austria’s award-winning gourmet restaurants attract discerning guests from near and far.

Activities

Active Holidays - Doing nothing is not easy! Austria features a wide variety of distractions for individuals seeking strength and energy from their adventures and activities.

Links
• www.austria.at
• www.ironmanaustria.com