A popular T-shirt in Vienna declares "There are No Kangaroos in
Austria!" The apparent confusion regarding the difference
between Austria and Australia brings sighs of exasperation amongst
many Americans living in Vienna who have had their U.S. mail arrive
after a detour to Down Under.
But while Vienna has always been right where it is, its place in
European politics and culture has shifted often throughout its 2,000
year history. Today, Vienna is once again in the center of Europe.
But not so long ago, Vienna was just barely on the western side of
the Iron Curtain. Read
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Vienna
At its Romantic Best
Im Prater blühn wieder die Bäume" (The trees are
flowering again in the Prater): this line, the beginning of a famous
song that expresses a uniquely Viennese joie de vivre, resonates the
world over. Read
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By Bike
Vienna has over 1000 kilometers of bike paths. Biking is a great way
to see the city close up, in a healthy and environmentally friendly
way. Read
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By Ship
Come and see Vienna and the romantic Wachau from the Danube! Read
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From
The Giant Ferris Wheel
The trademark of Austria's capital city and a symbol of Vienna's
world-famous Prater District. Read
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For
Kids
Mom, I'm bored!"- children the world over sometimes complain -
even during their vacation. In Vienna, the offspring may not have
enough time for yawning: here, the motto, also for small visitors, is
"Action, Action, Action!" Read
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FOR
RUNNERS
Vienna´s fastest, fittest
and most ecological programme for running tourists. Read
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At
The United Nations
Get to know the fascinating world of the United Nations with
Multilingual guides from different countries. Read
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FOR EXPLORERS
British travel writer and photographer Duncan J. D. Smith has
explored Vienna off-the-beaten-track for his bestselling book "Only
in Vienna: A Guide to Hidden Corners, Little-Known Places and
Unusual Objects". For details of the book, as well as
Duncan's extensive collection of Vienna photographs, illustrated
articles, and his popular audio walking tour, please visit his
website at: www.duncanjdsmith.com
Accommodations...
Hotels, Pensions, Hostels Short-Term Apartments and Home Exchanges... Read
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Tax-Free
Shopping
All visitors not resident in the EU are entitled to a refund of
Austrian value-added tax, which is included in the price. Minimum
purchase: EUR 75.01. This Is How It Works:
There are two organizations in Austria that are responsible for
refunding for Value Added Tax – Global
Refund and Austria
Refund.Depending
on which organization you choose, ask the salesperson for a
filled-in Global Refund or Austria Refund Cheque (name and address
abroad have to be filled in) and for the appropriate refund envelope
with a list of all locations where cash is refunded. The original
bill must be attached to the Refund Cheque.
Upon leaving the European Union, you show your purchased items to the
customs officer and get the appropriate customs stamp. Without this
stamp a refund is impossible. You can receive this refund at one of
more than 700 refund locations worldwide, for example at airports or
in your home country (check on the Refund Envelope), or you can mail
your Refund Cheque to Global Refund or Austria Refund and request a transfer.
At the Vienna Airport, you can find the refund locations of Global
Refund and Austria Refund in the shopping area or at Pier Ost (A
Gates) in the immediate vicinity of the customs booth or at the
baggage claim.
The average refund after deduction of handling charges is about 13%
of the original price.
