What to pack for Austria
Austria has warm summers and cold winters. Vienna and the east are drier and continental, while the Alps are snowy in winter and cool at altitude in summer.
That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.
Pack with Austria in mind
- Ski or snow gear for the Alps in winter
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for Vienna in winter
- Hiking boots and layers for summer in the mountains
- One smarter outfit for concerts or the opera
Start from a full checklist
Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:
- Ski trip packing list · 55 items
- City break packing list · 48 items
- Hiking packing list for national parks · 52 items
What to eat in Austria
These are dishes most visitors to Austria will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.
Wiener Schnitzel
Breaded, fried veal cutlet with lemon.
GlutenEgg
Tafelspitz
Boiled beef with apple-horseradish and chive sauces.
Gulasch
Beef stew with paprika and onions.
Käsespätzle
Egg noodles with cheese and fried onions.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenEggDairy
Apfelstrudel
Apple strudel in thin pastry.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairyEgg
Sachertorte
Chocolate cake with apricot jam.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairyEgg
Kaiserschmarrn
Shredded fluffy pancake with powdered sugar and fruit compote.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairyEgg
Meal times, tipping and water
| Breakfast | 07:00–09:30 |
|---|---|
| Lunch | 12:00–13:30 |
| Dinner | 18:00–20:30 |
| Tipping | Round up or add about 5–10%, telling the server the total when you pay. |
| Tap water | Generally safe to drink |
| Halal food | Moderate |
| Vegetarian food | Moderate |
Coffee and cake (Kaffee und Kuchen) in the afternoon is a tradition.
Local chains you will see
Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:
- Anker — Bakery chain.
- Aida — Café and cake shops in Vienna.
- Trześniewski — Small open sandwiches, a Vienna classic.
- Wienerwald — Roast chicken restaurants.
- Nordsee — Seafood sandwiches and fish dishes.
General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.
Entry rules for US and UK passport holders
A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for Austria. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.
US passport holders
- Passport valid 3 months beyond departure. Check the expiry date on every passport in your group before you book — airlines can refuse boarding if a passport does not meet the rule. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- Up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Short stays for tourism or business are visa-free for your passport. Days in all Schengen countries count together. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- ETIAS — not required yet. The EU travel authorisation (€20, valid 3 years) is not live yet; launch is now expected in 2027. We will remind you when it starts. European Union — ETIAS (opens in a new tab)
- Entry/Exit System at the border. Your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry. Allow extra time at passport control. European Union — Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
UK passport holders
- Passport valid 3 months beyond departure. Check the expiry date on every passport in your group before you book — airlines can refuse boarding if a passport does not meet the rule. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- Up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Short stays for tourism or business are visa-free for your passport. Days in all Schengen countries count together. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- ETIAS — not required yet. The EU travel authorisation (€20, valid 3 years) is not live yet; launch is now expected in 2027. We will remind you when it starts. European Union — ETIAS (opens in a new tab)
- Entry/Exit System at the border. Your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry. Allow extra time at passport control. European Union — Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Austria?
Generally safe to drink. Tap water is generally treated to a safe standard, though some travellers prefer bottled water for taste. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.
Do you tip in Austria?
Round up or add about 5–10%, telling the server the total when you pay.
Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in Austria?
Halal food: moderate. Vegetarian food: moderate. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Käsespätzle, Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte and Kaiserschmarrn. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.