Austria: a traveller's guide

Austria: Seasons for a Tourist from Almaty

Austria welcomes guests from Almaty with weather contrasts. Austria's climate by month dictates the choice of wardrobe for each trip. This country is beautiful at any time of year, but luggage requirements change radically. In summer it is a comfortable +25 here, and in winter the thermometer confidently drops below zero.

Winter Season in Austria

The ski season in the Austrian Alps starts in December and lasts until April. The resorts of Innsbruck and Salzburg offer slopes for any level of training. The snow cover in the mountains remains stable, which pleases skiers from Kazakhstan. Evenings in chalets by the fireplace become the best end to an active day. For a trip to the high mountains, thermal underwear and a windproof jacket are a must.

Spring Weather in Austria

March in Austria is still cold, but the sun is already beginning to warm. In April, gardens bloom in the valleys and the temperature rises to +15. Ski resorts close, but tourist cities fill with walkers. Vienna is especially beautiful in May: parks turn green and street cafes open their terraces. Light jackets and comfortable shoes for walking are suitable for this time.

Summer Holidays in Austria

Summer in Austria is ideal for exploring the architecture of Vienna. The temperature in July stays around +25, and the lakes warm up for swimming. Locals go out for weekends to the waters of Salzkammergut. The Austrian capital offers many parks for picnics and walks. Evenings are cool, so a light sweater will not hurt even in July.

High Season for Sightseeing

June and September are considered the best months for sightseeing. At this time there is no exhausting heat or influx of school groups. Queues at Salzburg museums become shorter and hotel prices drop. Rains during this period are rare and short-lived, which allows you to make plans boldly. Tourists from Almaty will appreciate the mild climate for long walks.

What to Pack for the Trip

• Comfortable shoes for the cobblestones of old cities
• Waterproof jacket with a hood
• Adapter for European sockets
• Sunglasses for mountain resorts
• Small backpack for daily outings

Flight from Almaty to Austria

There is currently no direct flight from Almaty to Vienna, so a transfer is planned. Convenient connections are offered by airlines via Istanbul or Dubai. The total travel time will be about ten hours excluding waiting. It is better to choose evening flights to arrive in Europe in the morning. Acclimatization after Kazakhstan will go smoothly thanks to the moderate climate.

When is the best time to go to Austria?

For ski holidays choose December-February, for sightseeing — May-September.

What is the weather like in Vienna in winter?

The temperature stays around zero, snowfall is possible, but frosts are rare.

Is warm clothing needed in summer?

It is cool in the mountains in the evenings, so a light jacket or sweater will come in handy.

Where can beginners go skiing?

Resorts around Innsbruck offer gentle slopes for beginners.

Which city should you choose for a first trip?

Vienna is ideal for getting acquainted with imperial architecture and museums.

Is it expensive to eat in Austria?

Lunch at a cafe will cost more than in Almaty, but cheaper than in Norway.

Is there beach holidays in Austria?

In summer, locals swim in the lakes of Salzkammergut with crystal-clear water.

What to bring from Austria as a gift?

Mozart chocolates, pumpkin seed oil and crystal from Tyrol are popular.

What language is needed for communication?

German is a must, but English is understood in tourist places.

Are there night trains between cities?

Austrian railways connect Vienna with Salzburg and Innsbruck quickly.

When do alpine meadows bloom?

The peak of flowering occurs in June-July at altitudes up to two thousand meters.

Is it safe to travel alone?

The country is considered calm, but in tourist places watch your belongings.

Season for a trip to the Alps

The ski season in Austria delights tourists from Almaty from December to March. At this time, the weather is most stable, and snow cover is guaranteed at all resorts.

Warm summer in the valleys

From June to August, the temperature in Salzburg and Vienna stays around twenty-five degrees Celsius. This is an ideal time for walks around the cities and lakes of the Salzkammergut.

Mild autumn for sightseeing

September and October delight travelers with golden foliage and the absence of crowds of tourists. Rain is more frequent during this period, but it is short-lived and does not interfere with sightseeing.

What to consider when planning your route

Austrian roads are toll roads, and an international driver's license is required to rent a car. In the mountains in winter, be sure to use winter tires and chains, which can be rented from any car rental company.

Where to go for impressions

• The Wachau Valley with apricot orchards and medieval castles.
• The Grossglockner High Alpine Road with views of glaciers.
• Lake Neusiedl on the border with Hungary for bird lovers.

Useful little things for the traveler

• The sockets in the country are European, so you will need an adapter for a Kazakhstani plug.
• Tap water in Austria is drinkable, but in the mountains it is better to buy bottled water.
• Tips in restaurants are already included in the bill, but rounding up the amount is welcome.