Austria - Information.

September 1997 - Tyrol, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Grossglockner, Zell am See, Hintersteinersee, Tyrolean Evening and Munich Beer Festival (See 'Germany').

Strange Happenings: Tinkerbell Cows hiding in the fog in the Tyrol.   Also, the antics of an acquaintance, a very distant acquaintance I assure you (no, not me), who decided to go dancing with men wearing leather shorts during an Austrian Tyrolean evening took some believing.   I'm getting very worried about him.

Travel Advice and Information: Shopping can be expensive, all fixed price.   A decent pair of shoes are needed for the many hill walking options in the summer, which vary from easy to very hard and mountaineers won't be disappointed either.   Cycle tracks are also numerous and mountain bikers should feel right at home.   Winter options include the brilliant skiing and snowboarding.

Austria is a land of contrasts with something for everyone, unless you like clubbing.   The Tyrol, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Grossglockner are worth a visit.   If you can afford to, visit Vienna.

Weather: Mountainous country leads to cold winters and below freezing temperatures with snow (hence all the winter sports), but summers can be very warm with temperatures of thirty degrees plus possible.   Rain likely at any time of year, but long dry periods possible during the summer.

Travel Companies: Most main companies travel to Austria, for tourism during the summer and for the winter sports.   All I can say is shop around.   See my 'Travel Links' for starters.

Currency: Euro (Schilling prior to 2002).

Beer and Beverages: Any number of 'lager' beers.   Best to point you at the Austrian Beer Guide.   Also try the schnapps, but don't overdo it, just like Sleepy Cat on the Tyrolean Evening.

Language: German.   Austrians speak their own dialect of the language, but will speak normal German to Germans and German speaking tourists.   Note that Austrians (and people from the south of Germany) say 'Gruss Gott' and not 'Guten Tag' when they greet someone or say 'Hello'.   Many people also understand some English, as it is taught in schools and because of the tourist industry.

Religion: Roman Catholicism widely practiced, though many do not actively practice religion.