• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Geography, Weather, & Wildlife of Austria

Geography

Austrian Geography - Prater Park in Vienna
Prater Park in Vienna

Austria is a landlocked country in the southern part of Central Europe stretching from the Alps to the Danube River. Austria borders Switzerland (west), Liechtenstein (west), Italy (south), Slovenia (south), Hungary (southeast), Slovakia (northeast), the Czech Republic (north), and Germany (northwest).

Geographically, Austria is very mountainous in the west and south as the Alps travel through. In the far northeast, however, the Danube River valley flows through creating a low plain. Much of the country's population lives in these low areas as both Vienna and Linz sit on the Danube River. The Alps are fairly difficult to access in many parts and few people live in this region.

Weather

Austrian Geography - Danube River
Danube River

Austria's seasons are very distinct and there are a number of geographical differences that bring great variety. Winters (December-February) can be cold, as the mountains are covered in snow. In the Tirol region, temperatures tend to be about 20-25˚ F (-5˚ C) during these months.

The spring and fall (autumn) are ideal in the cities, however the snow in the mountains may come and go quickly making transportation unpredictable and even dangerous in some areas.

Summers are ideal in the mountains (about 60-70˚ F (16-19˚ C)), but the cities and the country's lakes district heat up, with average highs of 75-80˚ F (25˚ C).

Wildlife

Austria has a good variety of mammals in their forests and mountains, including bears, deer, and rabbits among others. From these mountains are a number of rivers and lakes, which are home to the only sea life in the landlocked country. Among the most common fish are trout, pike, perch, and carp.

Various birds live in, or pass through, Austria, some of which are fairly rare, including eagles, falcons, owls, cranes, and storks.

This page was last updated: March, 2013