14 Fun Facts About Austria

2. Europe’s second longest river is in Austria

Austria has the Danube, Europe’s second-longest river, after the Volga, in Russia, The river flows through Austria and links to 10 other countries (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine). Among the many cities on the river are four national capitals: Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary) and Belgrade (Serbia).

Visitors can walk along the river for free or pay for boat cruises which start at a price of around $21 (€20).

>> Learn more about travel programs to Europe: Travel Programs to Europe.

3. The Alps in Austria are a paradise for skiers and climbers

Austria is home to the Austrian Alps— these alpine mountains are a paradise for those who love to climb and ski. Nearly two-thirds of Austria is covered by these mountains. It’s no wonder Austria generated $20.5 billion (€18.9 billion) in tourism revenue in 2022.

Bonus fact about Austria:

Red Bull is an energy drink company based on a Thai energy drink. The formula and brand were refined in Austria, where the company is now headquartered. Red Bull holds events in the Austrian Alps, such as Red Bull Crashed Ice and Red Bull X-Alps

>> Learn more winter ski programs in Austria: Winter ski programs in Austria.

4. The Austrian flag is the second oldest in the world

The Austrian flag is the world’s second-oldest national flag still in use. It dates back to 1191 and the colors represent peace and harmony.

The world’s oldest flags:

5. The Austrian National Library contains over 12 million items

The Austrian National Library, founded in 1726, is located in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace. It holds over 12 million items, including historical documents like the Vienna Quarantäneordnung, an 18th-century quarantine guide. The library is accessible by public transportation and offers guided tours for visitors.

6. Mozart (and many other major composers) are Austrian

Mozart composed several works, including the unfinished Requiem in D minor, the opera The Marriage of Figaro, the drama Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute, which combined elements of theater with modern, sophisticated musical artistry.

Famous classical music composers such as Gustav Mahler, who revolutionized the symphony with his massive orchestrations that hit like sonic tidal waves, Franz Schubert, who transformed the German Lied, Joseph Haydn, who established the string quartet and symphony and Johann Strauss II played a major role in shaping classical music. They are honored as their Austrian orchestral works are performed in countless concerts worldwide each year.

Where in Austria can I listen to Mozart’s (and other composers’) works?

In Austria, you can listen to classical music at the Vienna State Opera, Musikverein’s Golden Hall, the Salzburg Festival and the House of Music (Haus der Musik). Tickets can be purchased online on those sites or in-person.

7. Austria’s official language is German

Austria’s official language is German and is spoken by nearly 98% of the population. While regional dialects exist, the standardized form of German is used in most of the country. Austria’s population primarily speaks German, but many are also multilingual:

8. Former Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is Austrian

Arnold Schwarzenegger became one of the world’s most iconic actors having starred in films like The Terminator. He was born in Thal, Austria and later became the governor of California.

9. The oldest zoological garden is in Austria

Tiergarten Schönbrunn is the world’s oldest zoo and is located at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. It was founded in 1752 and now houses 700 animal species.

The zoo is involved in multiple conservation efforts to protect endangered species through various projects:

• Giant Panda Protection: Partnering with the China Wildlife Conservation Association
• Orangutan Protection: Supporting habitat conservation on Borneo (island in Asia)
• Wildlife Detection Dogs Project: Collaborating with Austrian Customs to combat illegal wildlife trafficking
• Polar Bear Protection: Funding Polar Bears International to address climate change impacts

You can easily reach the zoo by taking the U4 subway line to Schönbrunn station. Admission costs around $23 (€22) for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.

See the full list of conservation projects

10. Austria has a legacy of technological and cultural innovation

Austria has been a leader in technological innovations for centuries. Take a look at the major inventions throughout the centuries:

11. As of 2024, Austria has earned 25 Nobel Prize laureates

Austria is home to 25 Nobel Prize laureates in fields in physics, medicine, literature and peace. Erwin Schrödinger reshaped quantum mechanics and Bertha von Suttner became the first Austrian woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905. Austria has advanced science and peace worldwide.

12. Austria enjoys a high good quality of life

Living in Austria is your grandmother’s hand-knitted sweater – warm, secure and lovingly crafted. Kids walk safely to their free world-class schools; its citizens breathe some of Europe’s cleanest air. Austria’s trains are slightly late but still reliable and can zip you from a morning ski session to an evening opera.

The country’s dedication to public health and environmental protection shows up in real life: tap water is so clean it makes bottled water seem silly, half of Vienna is parks and you never see a medical bill. When Austrian men see the country ranks among the world’s happiest (14th globally in the 2024 World Happiness Report), they usually just shrug and say “natürlich” (naturally), then go back to complaining about the weather.

13. Austria borders eight other countries

Austria shares its borders with eight countries: Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Liechtenstein, placing it at the heart of Central Europe. This position played a key role in Austria joining the European Union in 1995. In part due to its central location and as part of the 1955 Austrian State Treaty, Austria adopted an official statement of neutrality.

14. Austria is famous for its eye contact social traditions

Austria is known for its strong tradition of eye contact in social interactions which signifies respect. It’s a tradition in Austria to make eye contact while toasting with a drink.

Every culture has its unique way of showing respect—Austrians with eye contact, South Koreans with bowing and Guatemalans with a kiss on the cheek. Discover greetings in 105 languages.