Traditional cuisine

As far as traditional dishes go, Austria is famed for its Wiener Schnitzel – a thin cut of veal, breaded and deep-fried. A Frankfurter Würstel, Vienna’s equivalent to a hot dog, is a snack that you will find readily available all over Austria. Tafelspitz, a broth containing boiled veal or beef,  served with roast potatoes, root vegetables, horseradish and chive or apple sauce is also popular. 

Erdäpfel Salat is Austria’s answer to potato salad but instead of mayonnaise, the potatoes are covered with a mix of oil, vinegar and beef stock, then garnished with chopped red onion and chives. Sweet pastries, like many places in Europe, are a thing of beauty in Austria too, where apricot dumplings, apple strudel, and Topfenkolatsche (a Danish pastry filled with cream cheese) are just some of the delights you can look forward to trying. Chocolate-lovers will need to indulge in a slice of Sachertorte - a chocolate cake filled with apricot jam, glazed on top, and typically accompanied with a large helping of schlag (unsweetened whipped cream). Vanillekipferl (a crescent-shaped, crumbly almond cookie covered in vanilla powdered sugar) and Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy, shredded pancake pieces, sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with hot plum sauce) will also need your tasting approval. 

Traditional beverages

The coffee house culture plays an important role in Austria, where drinking this delightful beverage, both hot and cold, can be considered an art form. Consequently, there are numerous types of coffee to sample, with Melange (frothy milk and steamed coffee), Kaisermelange (strong black coffee mixed with an egg yolk, honey and a shot of cognac), and Maria Theresia (black coffee with orange liqueur) among some of the favourites. 

Austrian wine is also renowned for its quality, taste and ability to pair exceptionally well with food. The majority of Austrian wines are white, including Grüner Veltliner, Neuburger, Roter Veltliner and Zierfandler, although regional reds like St. Laurent, Blaufränkisch, and Zweigelt are enjoyed too. Breweries have been thriving in this country since the 1300s, resulting in over 600 different kinds of Austrian beer being available today. Be sure to toast ‘Prost!’ as you drink a regional beer such as Märzen, Spezialbier or Bock. A shot of Austrian Schnaps might be offered to you after a meal but keep in mind that it is not your typical digestif as it has 40% alcohol content. For a soft drink with a kick, Red Bull originates from Austria but if you’re looking for a drink to unwind with, Amduller (a fizzy grape and apple juice drink enhanced with herbs) or elderberry syrup might be more to your liking. 

Landscape and wildlife

Blessed with six National Parks, Austria is a country of immense natural beauty. With woodland dominating almost half of the environment, forest-dwelling animals such as deer, rabbits, pheasants, foxes, badgers and martens thrive. A small bear population has recently been rejuvenated. In the Alpine regions, chamois, groundhogs, eagles and mountain jackdaws can be found, together with an exceptional variety of bird species.