The tourist tax in Austria 2025 is an important cost travelers should be aware of when booking hotels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals. Known locally as the “Ortstaxe” or “Kurtaxe”, this tax helps Austrian cities and regions maintain tourism infrastructure, cultural sites, and environmental protection.
If you’re planning a trip to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Tyrolean ski resorts, expect a small nightly fee added to your accommodation bill. While the tax is modest, understanding how it works can save you surprises when checking out.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Tourist tax rates in Vienna, Salzburg, and other Austrian regions
- Tables with costs per night
- Tips to reduce or avoid extra fees
- Exemptions and special cases
- Latest updates and news on Austria’s visitor levy
1. Overview of Austria’s Tourist Tax
Austria charges a local accommodation tax that varies by city and region.
- Name: Ortstaxe / Kurtaxe
- Applied to: Hotels, guesthouses, apartments, hostels, Airbnbs
- Charged per: Person per night
- Purpose: Tourism development, cultural heritage maintenance, and environmental protection
- Exemptions: Children, business travelers (in some regions), long-term stays
2. Tourist Tax in Vienna 2025
Vienna, Austria’s capital and cultural hub, charges a 3.2% accommodation tax based on the net room price.
Vienna Tourist Tax Breakdown
| Type of Stay | Tax Rate | Example (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels & Apartments | 3.2% of net room cost | €3.20 on €100 room |
| Budget Hostels | 3.2% | €0.96 on €30 dorm bed |
| Airbnb Rentals | 3.2% | Collected automatically |
Tips for Vienna
- Book package deals (some hotels include tax in the price).
- Check if your accommodation already includes the fee in the booking total.
- Students on educational trips may qualify for exemptions.
3. Tourist Tax in Salzburg 2025
Salzburg, famous for Mozart and “The Sound of Music,” applies a fixed per-person, per-night fee.
Salzburg Tourist Tax Rates
| Category | Tax (per person, per night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | €1.75 – €2.00 | Standard accommodation tax |
| Children (under 15) | Exempt | No charge |
| Long-term stays | Often reduced | Depends on duration |
Tips for Salzburg
- Families benefit since children are usually exempt.
- Stay in guesthouses outside the city center for lower fees.
- Always confirm whether tax is included in your booking.
4. Other Austrian Regions – Innsbruck, Tyrol & Beyond
Austria’s mountain regions also charge tourist taxes, especially in ski resorts and alpine villages.
Example Regional Taxes
| Region | Tourist Tax (per person/night) | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|
| Innsbruck | €2.00 | Children under 15 |
| Tyrol (Ski Resorts) | €1.50 – €3.00 | Local discounts available |
| Carinthia | ~€1.70 | Students sometimes exempt |
| Vorarlberg | €2.50 | Children free |
5. Who is Exempt from Austria’s Tourist Tax?
- Children under 15 years
- Business travelers (in some cities)
- Students on official school trips
- Long-term stays (30+ days in some regions)
6. Latest News – Austria’s Tourist Tax 2025
- Vienna announced a review of its tax in early 2025 due to rising hotel demand.
- Salzburg maintained its fixed rates despite inflation pressures.
- Tyrolean ski resorts are considering higher winter fees due to infrastructure costs.
- EU travel discussions suggest Austria may integrate digital tourist tax payments with booking platforms by 2026.
7. Tips to Save Money on Tourist Tax in Austria
- Choose family-friendly stays: Kids often exempt.
- Check booking details: Some platforms show tax separately, others include it.
- Stay outside city centers: Taxes in rural areas are lower.
- Look for exemptions: If traveling for study or business, ask your host about waivers.
8. FAQs – Tourist Tax in Austria 2025
Q1. How much is the tourist tax in Austria?
It ranges from €1.50 to €3.00 per person per night, or 3.2% in Vienna.
Q2. Do children pay the tourist tax?
No, children under 15 are generally exempt.
Q3. Is the tourist tax included in my booking?
Sometimes. Many hotels show the tax separately at checkout.
Q4. Can I avoid paying the tax?
Only if you qualify for exemptions (students, long-term stays, business trips).
Q5. Why does Austria charge this tax?
Funds support tourism infrastructure, cultural heritage, and sustainability projects.
9. Conclusion
The tourist tax in Austria 2025 is a small but important fee added to accommodation bills in Vienna, Salzburg, Tyrol, and other regions. While most travelers will pay between €1.50 and €3.00 per night, Vienna uses a percentage-based model at 3.2% of the room cost.
Understanding these charges before your trip ensures you budget correctly and avoid surprises at checkout. With exemptions for children, students, and long stays, some travelers may pay less or nothing at all.
For visitors exploring Austria’s rich culture, history, and alpine landscapes, the tourist tax is a small contribution toward maintaining this world-class destination.