Learn More About Austria
General Information
· Country Name: Austria (officially: Republic of Austria)
· Continent: Europe
· Capital: Vienna
· Population: around 9 million
· Area: about 84,000 km²
· Language: German (with regional dialects)
· Currency: Euro (EUR)
Landscape
Mountains, Lakes & Alpine Views: What Austria Looks Like
Austria is like something out of a travel brochure—seriously. Most of the country is covered by the Alps, which means mountains are kind of a big deal here. If you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, you’re going to love it. Even if you're not, just seeing the snow-covered peaks or lush green hills is something special.
Besides the mountains, there are beautiful lakes, especially in regions like Carinthia and Salzkammergut. In summer, people go swimming, paddleboarding, or just hang out by the water. Rivers like the Danube also run through major cities and small towns alike, adding to the postcard-perfect vibe.
Cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz are full of old architecture, narrow streets, and cozy cafés. But even outside the cities, Austria is super scenic. Villages with wooden houses, flower boxes, and church steeples are a common sight—and yes, it kind of looks like a movie set.
Culture & Traditions
Culture, Coffee & Christmas Markets: What Life Feels Like in Austria
Austrian culture is all about enjoying the little things—whether that’s meeting friends for coffee, spending time in nature, or celebrating local traditions. People tend to be polite and organized but also very warm once you get to know them.
One thing you’ll definitely notice is coffeehouse culture. Cafés aren’t just for grabbing a quick drink—they’re for sitting down, relaxing, and chatting (sometimes for hours). Traditional desserts like Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel are always a good excuse to stay longer.
Austria has tons of local festivals and traditions, from spring parades to harvest celebrations. And when it comes to Christmas, the country goes all out. Towns turn into winter wonderlands with Christmas markets, twinkly lights, and warm drinks like Punsch. It’s seriously magical.
Music is also a big part of Austrian identity—this is the home of Mozart, after all! In some regions, you might hear people yodel or play traditional instruments at events or festivals.
Education System
School Life in Austria: What to Expect as a Student
The Austrian school system might feel a little formal at first, but you’ll get used to it quickly. After primary school, students attend different types of secondary schools. If you’re an exchange student, you’ll most likely go to a Gymnasium or a similar school that prepares students for university.
The school year starts in September and ends in June, with breaks in October, at Christmas, in February, at Easter, and a long summer vacation. Classes usually start around 8 a.m. and end around 1 or 2 p.m., though some schools have afternoon lessons a few days a week.
You’ll take core subjects like German, math, English, history, and science, and maybe get to choose electives like art, music, or geography. There might be some strict rules at first—like raising your hand before speaking or using formal greetings—but you’ll get used to the rhythm quickly.
After-school activities aren't always part of school itself, but many students join local sports clubs or music schools. Whether it’s soccer, skiing, or orchestra, it’s a great way to make friends.
Daily Life
Hanging Out in Austria: How Teens Spend Their Free Time
In Austria, a lot of free time is spent outside—especially if the weather’s nice. Hiking, biking, swimming in lakes, or even just walking in the woods is pretty common. In winter, it’s all about skiing or snowboarding, especially if you live near the mountains.
During the school week, teens often meet up in cafés, grab ice cream, or hang out at local events or town squares. Bigger cities have shopping streets, cinemas, and public transport that makes getting around easy. In smaller towns, life is a bit quieter, but there's always something going on—local concerts, markets, or community events.
Austrian teens are generally pretty independent, and many take public transportation or bikes to school or into town. Sundays are usually quiet, with most shops closed, so people use the time to relax or visit family.
Fun Fact
Austria was the first country in the world to issue a postcard—way back in 1869! At the time, it was called a “correspondence card” and had no pictures—just space for a short message. So next time you’re sending a postcard home, you’re basically taking part in a little piece of Austrian history.
