Currency:

Euro (€)

When to go:

Anytime

Known for:

History & spectacular scenery

Languages:

German, but English is widely spoken

The center of the last great Empire of Europe, Austria is a veritable jewel box of some of Europe's most beautiful treasures. Salzburg, it has been said, is a fairy tale, and the Salzach River the city's lullaby.

Austria is a member of the Eurozone, the group of countries that uses the Euro currency (€). German is the native tongue of most Austrians, though English is widely spoken, especially in Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck, and Graz.

Salzburg is easy to tackle on foot, and public transportation is reliable and inexpensive. If you are traveling by rail to more cities than Salzburg, you'll find it very convenient to stay near the main rail station, with access to local public transportation, a tourist office, ATMs, and other services. See our list of things to see and do in Salzburg.