Tourism in Austria Statistics, 2025: Exploring the Alpine Wonderland

“The hills are alive…” As much as Austrians probably dislike being known for The Sound of Music, there’s no doubt that this is the case around the world. The movie showcased just how stunning nature in Austria, Salzburg specifically, is. With two-thirds of the country covered by forests and meadows, it’s easy to imagine running across the rolling hills singing and dancing.

There’s so much more to Austria than this, though, so keep reading this tourism in Austria statistics article to learn more and to help you start planning for your trip!

Austria Tourism Statistics 2025: Key Facts and Figures

According to a Statista report, tourism in Austria generated an impressive 53.5 billion euros, creating over 541,000 jobs and highlighting its vital role in the nation’s economy in 2024. With its direct contribution to GDP at 5.3 percent in 2023, Austrian tourism is set to grow further, projected to reach 5.4 percent by 2028. 

Have you ever wondered what Austria's tourism ranking is? In 2023, it sat at number 10, just behind Greece and in front of Thailand. So, does Austria get a lot of tourists? As the 8th top tourist destination in Europe in terms of the country with the highest number of international tourist arrivals, that’s a yes! But how many tourists visit Austria each year?

• 2019: 31.88m
• 2020: 15.09m
• 2021: 12.73m
• 2022: 26.22m
• 2023: 30.91m

Austrians, too, like to travel, with 5.9 million Austrians traveling for holiday in 2023!

Of the above tourist arrivals, who visits Austria the most? In terms of how many tourists visit Austria each year by country, in 2023, Germany led in visitor arrivals:

• Germany: 51%
• Netherlands: 7%
• Switzerland: 5%
• Czech: 3%
• Italy: 3%
• Rest of the World: 30%

What is visited the most in Austria? Well, in 2022, travelers headed to Tyrol, as well as Salzburg and then the capital of Vienna. 

Tourists spent over €30.82 billion on trips to Austria in 2022 and, if you divide that by the number of travelers above, this amounts to roughly €1,175.44 per traveler. Tourists stay an average of 3.3 nights in Austria.

You’ll be glad to hear that Austria is also a very safe country to visit, ranking 5th in the world for the safest country in 2023, with a safety grade of 9.3.

Top Tourist Attractions in Austria: Must-Visit Destinations

Austria offers a wealth of experiences, from its cultural gems to stunning natural landscapes! 

Why is Austria famous for tourism? Probably because there’s so much to see while here that it can be hard narrowing it down, as you can see by our list, but here are some highlights to add to your itinerary!

• Vienna: A city where history meets modernity. Explore palaces like Schönbrunn and Hofburg, enjoy concerts at iconic venues such as the Musikverein and have coffee at historic cafés like Café Central. Beyond the grandeur, discover parks along the Danube and vibrant neighborhoods.
• Salzburg: Nestled along the Salzach River, Salzburg boasts a baroque old town, the impressive Festung Hohensalzburg fortress and the birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy local hikes and visit the historic Augustiner Bräustübl brewery for a unique experience.
• Graz and Styrian Wine Roads: Graz combines Renaissance charm with contemporary galleries. Explore the surrounding wine roads, known for picturesque landscapes and boutique wineries.
• Innsbruck: Nestled in the Nordkette Alps, Innsbruck offers both outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Visit the Hofburg Palace, the Golden Roof and enjoy skiing or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
• Wachau Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its scenic landscapes, vineyards and historic castles. Visit the stunning Melk Abbey and explore charming towns like Dürnstein.
• Salzkammergut Lakes: Famous for its stunning lakes, including Hallstatt, which features picturesque views and a rich history tied to salt mining. Enjoy outdoor activities and relax in nearby thermal baths.
• Bregenzerwald: A cultural hub with traditional wooden architecture and annual music festivals. Don’t miss the unique bus stops designed by international architects.
• Krimml Waterfalls: Austria's highest waterfall, with multiple viewpoints and hiking trails offering stunning views.
• Bad Gastein: Known as the ‘Village of Skyscrapers,’ this charming town features hot springs and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Grossglockner Road: A scenic drive through Hohe Tauern National Park, leading to stunning glacier views.
• Eisriesenwelt Cave: An impressive ice cave near Werfen, featuring stunning ice formations and underground paths.

Seasonal Festivals in Austria: From Winter Markets to Summer Concerts

Austria hosts a diverse range of festivals, attracting millions of visitors each year. From music to food, here are some highlights to book your trip around:

• Danube Island Festival (Donauinselfest): One of Europe’s largest free open-air festivals, featuring nearly 20 stages with music spanning rap, pop, rock and folk.
• Vienna Festival Weeks (Wiener Festwochen): A six-week cultural extravaganza in May and June, showcasing dance, music, theater and fine arts.
• Summer Solstice (Sonnenwende): Celebrated in the picturesque Wachau region, this festival marks the longest day of the year with bonfires, fireworks and floating lights on the Danube River, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Genuss Festival: Held in May, this food festival features over 200 exhibitors highlighting Austria's regional cuisine. Food lovers can sample a variety of local delicacies, including wines, cured meats and pastries in Vienna’s Stadtpark.
• Snowbombing Festival: Europe’s largest snow and music festival, taking place in April at the Mayrhofen ski resort. It features live music, DJ parties, snow games and alpine cuisine, offering a unique mix of winter sports and entertainment.
• Almabtrieb: A traditional celebration marking the end of summer, where cattle adorned with flowers are paraded from alpine pastures. Running from late August to September, this festive event includes local fairs, music and regional delicacies.

Gastronomy Tourism in Austria: Exploring Local Food and Wine

Austrian cuisine is rich in flavors, focusing on hearty meats and carb-heavy dishes, plus plenty of sweets that will have you craving more! Here are some must-try delicacies to keep an eye out for:

Savory:

• Wiener Schnitzel: The iconic fried dish, typically served with fried potatoes, sour cream and onions. It can be found everywhere from street stalls to upscale restaurants.
• Vienna Sausage: A staple of Austrian cuisine, this parboiled and smoked sausage is often served in a bun or as part of main dishes.
• Pretzels: Soft and warm, these oversized treats are available at bakeries and street stands, ideal for snacking.
• Knödel: Versatile dumplings that can be sweet or savory, often served as a side dish or in soups.
• Tafelspitz: A traditional beef dish boiled in broth, served with apple sauce, horseradish and sour cream.
• Tiroler Gröstl: A comforting pan-fried dish of potatoes and chopped meat, often topped with a fried egg, popular in the Alps.

Sweet:

• Apfelstrudel: A beloved dessert, this flaky pastry is filled with spiced apples and raisins, often enjoyed warm as a popular street food.
• Kiachl: Fried dough pastries that can be sweet (with jam) or savory (with sauerkraut), often enjoyed during harvest festivals.
• Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy shredded pancakes served with fruit compote, making for a sweet dessert or meal.
• Buchteln: Sweet buns filled with jam or poppy seeds, typically served as a dessert topped with vanilla sauce.
• Sacher Torte: The famous chocolate cake originating from Vienna, known for its rich taste and elegant design.

The Best Time to Visit Austria: Seasonal Travel Guide

Austria’s climate is diverse due to its location in Central Europe and its mountainous terrain, offering something for every season. 

Here’s a breakdown of the country’s climate and how it affects different regions to help you figure out when to go:

Alpine Climate (Western Austria)

This area experiences long, cold winters, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C, especially at higher altitudes. In areas like Tyrol, the ‘Föhn’ wind brings sudden, warmer weather, making the climate more tolerable. Rain and snow are common due to the altitude. Even in the summer, alpine regions rarely exceed 27°C, maintaining a cooler, more refreshing climate compared to the lowlands.

Continental Climate (Northern Austria)

Northern Austria, which includes regions like Salzburg, Upper Austria and Lower Austria, experiences more pronounced seasonal changes, with cold winters and warm summers. Rainfall is frequent, especially in the northern mountains, with Salzburg known for its ‘Schnürlregen’ – continuous rain that can last for days. Precipitation is most common in summer, while winters bring cold, dry air. Summers can reach around 20°C, but winters can be harsh, with several months where the temperature stays below freezing. Snow often covers the ground from October to April, making this region great for winter tourism.

Mediterranean Influence (Eastern Austria)

The eastern regions of Austria, such as Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, are influenced by the ‘Pannonian’ climate, with milder temperatures and less rainfall. The milder conditions make this area ideal for vineyards, particularly in Burgenland. Summers are warm but not overly hot, and winters are less severe than in the alpine regions. Areas south of the Alps, like Carinthia and Styria, also feel Mediterranean influences, with warm, pleasant summers and mild winters. This makes cities like Graz more attractive for outdoor activities year-round.

City Climates

• Vienna: The capital enjoys mild summers with temperatures typically around 25°C and chilly winters, where temperatures hover near freezing. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant with comfortable temperatures and fewer extremes.
• Graz: Located in the southeast, Graz has warmer, more moderate weather. Summers are warm but not too hot, and the winters, though cooler, are milder compared to other alpine regions.
• Linz: Linz has a well-balanced climate, with each season distinctly felt. Winters are milder compared to more mountainous regions, while summers are warm.
• Innsbruck: Known for its proximity to the Alps, Innsbruck experiences significant seasonal changes. Winters are cold, with frequent snowfalls, though temperatures can vary widely. 

Austria’s Four Seasons

• Summer (June to August): Warm across most regions, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. There are occasional showers, especially in the alpine areas.
• Autumn (September to November): Temperatures begin to cool, especially in the mountains. The weather is often mild, making it a popular time for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Winter (December to February): Cold and snowy, particularly in the mountains. In the alpine regions, temperatures can drop to -20°C at night, while lower areas like Vienna experience milder conditions, with temperatures often between 1°C and 4°C.
• Spring (March to May): Similar to autumn, spring brings pleasant weather with cool nights and warmer days, making it an excellent time to explore the countryside or visit cities.

Getting Around Austria: A Guide to Public Transportation and Travel Options

Austria has a highly developed and affordable public transportation system, making it easy to travel throughout the country.

Austria’s public transport network is extensive, reliable and cheap. It includes trains, buses, trams and even metro systems in larger cities like Vienna. Many locals rely on public transport, with 35% using it for daily commuting. 

Austria’s transport system is user-friendly, with digital tools like the Verkehr app helping travelers plan their routes, check walking distances and view updates like cancellations or delays. Many cities even offer free local bus rides, especially in tourist regions.

• Trains: A popular way to travel long distances across Austria. The state-owned ÖBB offers clean, punctual services, while Westbahn often provides cheaper, non-stop routes between major cities. Both train systems are affordable and tickets can be purchased online for discounts. For long-term European travel, consider the Eurail Pass for flexibility.
• Buses: Cover routes to smaller towns and rural areas, complementing the national rail network. Postbus operates many regional buses, which often feature Wi-Fi, power outlets and air conditioning.
• Cycling: Biking is popular, with cities offering bike-sharing programs like WienMobil Rad in Vienna, Graz Bike and City Bike Salzburg. Bike rentals are affordable, and Austria’s cities are bike-friendly with dedicated paths. You can even rent bikes for free for up to one hour in Vienna.
• Mountain Transportation: Austria’s unique mountain terrain makes gondolas, cable cars and funiculars popular for reaching high-altitude views.
• Taxis and Ride-sharing: Taxis in Austria are reliable and cheaper than in many Western European countries and you can pay with cash or card. Uber is also available in some cities like Vienna.

Tips for First-Time Travelers to Austria: What You Need to Know

It can be daunting traveling to a country and not wanting to look like a tourist or stand out. Knowing some of the underlying social norms can help you feel at ease and make your trip more comfortable, so here are some important dos and don’ts for visitors to Austria!

Dos:

• Learn Basic German: With 98% of Austrians speaking German, knowing some phrases can enhance your interactions.
• Respect Personal Space: Austrians value their privacy. Always ask permission before taking photos and knock before entering.
• Be Prepared for Weather: Carry an umbrella and jacket, as weather can change rapidly.
• Get Ski Insurance: If visiting ski resorts in Tirol during winter, ensure you have insurance due to the high incidence of skiing accidents.

Don'ts:

• Avoid Stereotypes: Do not confuse Austrians with Germans; they have distinct cultures and values. Avoid referring to Austrians as Germans.
• Communicate Directly: Austrians appreciate straightforwardness. Be clear and honest in your conversations.
• Do Not Litter: Dispose of waste responsibly and separate recyclables, and avoid leaving large items for regular garbage pickup.
• Be Cautious at Night: Avoid displaying expensive items near railway stations in cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Linz.

Future Tourism Projections for Austria: What to Expect in 2024 and Beyond

In 2024, Austria's tourism is set to grow, with up to 80% of people from key European markets planning to travel and 21 million having concrete plans to vacation in Austria. Key summer themes include nature, water, cuisine, relaxation and mountains, with peak travel times in July and August, and rising interest in June and September.

Sustainability plays a major role, with 70% of potential visitors considering it essential in their travel plans. Austria is actively supporting this with initiatives like the Green Tourism Loan, which incentivizes eco-friendly projects. By 2029, the market is projected to grow by 3.56% annually, reaching $7.26 billion, with Package Holidays being the largest segment.

Conclusion

Did you enjoy learning about statistics in Austria? It’s utterly fascinating learning about a country through its figures, but you’ve got to learn about where to go, what to eat and when to go too, so hopefully this article has been helpful!

Why not book a private Austrian tour guide or private Austria tour to get some personalized help in your itinerary planning? That way, you can leave Austria knowing you’ve visited everywhere you’ve wanted to go and won’t mind when you tell the country, “goodbyeeee.”