Neuschwanstein [Schwangau, Germany]

Horse-drawn carts below Festung Hohensalzburg [Salzburg, Austria]

Ivan Smuk | Shutterstock

Taste of Austria Video

FilmSpektakel

Vineyards and Famous Windmill [Retz, Austria]

Shutterstock

Interior design of Cafe Westend [Vienna, Austria]

Radiokafka | Shutterstock

Hallstatt Lake [Austria]

Shutterstock

Old Market Square [Poznan, Poland]

Michael Photo | Shutterstock

Lublin Castle [Lublin, Poland]

Kapa1966 | Shutterstock

Eye of the Sea Lake [Tatra Mountains, Poland]

Shutterstock

Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave [Werfen, Austria]

Stefano Bertolo | CC BY-SA 2.0

Central Europe at a Glance

Breathtaking Alpine views, wide rivers filled with cargo ships and fertile fields make up the heart of central Europe.

Imagine yourself skiing high in the Swiss Alps or hiking up a jagged mountain pinnacle only to see sheep grazing in the vertical field high above you. Descend into the valleys and listen for the tinkle of cowbells and smell the manure that helps fill the fields with golden wheat and robust sugar beets.

In the big cities look upon architectural treasures, enter palaces full of art, tour the public gardens, gaze at cathedral ceilings and sample the hearty fare the region's cooks serve up so well. In mountain villages, visit the village church, get an intimate meal at the local cafe and practice your fledgling skills in the local language. Don't overlook waterfalls, village festivals, local cheese varieties and curiously named sausages.

Race across the valleys and twist over mountain passes on Europe's efficient train system. Central Europe is yours to explore.

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Regions

Austria
From baroque wonders to high alpine meadows. Austria soars to great heights and is a wonderful place to visit.
Switzerland
Chiseled mountains, soft green meadows and the clanging of cow bells are some of the quintessential sights and sounds of Switzerland.
Czech Republic
From the glorious towers of Prague to the flat, fertile plains to the high mountains of so called "Czech Switzerland," the Czech Republic is waiting to be explored.
Poland
Whether you want architectural splendor and urban excitement or a bucolic tour of the Polish countryside, let your imagination come alive in Poland.
Slovenia
Whether you like mountain hikes or Adriatic sunbathing, Solvenia will grab your attention with its rustic towns, Alpine slopes and warm beaches.
Hungary
Precious historical architecture, thermal baths, rolling hills and a rich heritage in music, art and cuisine are just some of the reasons to visit Hungary.
Slovakia
Gorgeous hiking, mysterious medieval villages and mountainous terrain make Slovakia a great place to stop and visit.

Popular Places

Vienna

Vienna is Austria's opulent capital and historic cultural center. Museums, palaces, coffee shops and churches all clamor to be visited.

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Prague

Stroll across the Charles Bridge, admire Prague's fabulous Gothic architecture, listen to street performances and sip on local brews. Prague is at your finger tips.

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Budapest

Visitors to Budapest revel in its architecture beauty, and take advantage of the museums and memorials to brutal 20th century conflict and oppression.

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Warsaw

Poland's capital buzzes with cultural energy and is a cool place to enjoy music, museums and bars.

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Bratislava

Bratislavia's charming old town, rugged castle and network of trails along the Danube make it a city for the outdoor adventurer as well as the city dweller.

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Ljubljana

Beautiful little Ljubljana sparkles under the watchful eye of a hill top castle. Join students and bon vivantes for a lovely few days in Slovenia's capital city.

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Lucerne

Lucerne is quintessential Switzerland for many travelers. The medieval city of towers, turrets and walls sits beside a deep blue lake. Mountains rim the surrounding scene and their white tipped summits reach for the sky.

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Getting There

Major Airports

Berlin Tegel International Airport
John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice
Geneva International Airport
Prague Václav Havel Airport

Passport / Visa Requirements

Most countries in Central Europe are part of the Schegen Area. Travelers who hold a Schengen country visa can move about Central Europe freely. Visitors from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and some South American countries do not need a tourist visa if they plan to stay for under three months. Visitors will need a valid passport from their country of origin regardless of the length of their stay. For more information on travel requirements, American citizens can refer to the U.S State Department's website.

Need to Know

Severe Weather Central Europe has warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Snowfall and cold temperatures depend on elevation and serious snowfall occurs in the Alps.

Safety Concerns The countries and regions of Central Europe have different safety concerns and different levels of crime. Keep an eye on yourself, your friends and your belongings as you travel.

Health Concerns Central European water is generally safe to drink. If you have any hesitation, however, it is ok to stick with bottled. In back country areas, be sure to run the mountain water through a purifier before drinking.