Austria has state-maintained (public) hospitals and private hospitals. he best-known type of hospital is the general hospital, which is set up to deal with many kinds of disease and injury, and typically has an emergency ward or A&E department to deal with immediate threats to health and the capacity to dispatch emergency medical services.

All hospitals, with the exception of some private clinics, are open to all insured patients. Normally doctors transfer patients to a hospital and control of treatment is then managed by a doctor there.

Hospitals in Austria aren’t cheap! All fees have to be paid for either by you or your insurance company. Even in the case of an emergency, there is no such thing as “free treatment”. If it is your decision whether or not to go into hospital, check your cover with your insurance company.

When going to a hospital or clinic, take proof of your health insurance with you (although you’re unlikely to be refused in case of emergencies). If you are admitted to hospital, your health insurance will cover the costs of that stay.

The room you get depends on your health insurance scheme. If privately insured, you will probably get a single or double room. If state insured, you will probably share with two or three others. Bring a night-dress or pyjamas, towels and toiletries to the hospital.

All hospitals run a special accident and emergency department ( Notaufnahme), where you go if you need urgent and immediate medical attention at any time.

Being mostly a Roman Catholic country, Christmas in Austria is very colorful and celebrated with intense vitality and enthusiasm. From the fall of Advent season, that is four Sundays before the arrival of Christmas, to the Christmas Day the cities are dotted with Christmas market at nearly every nooks and corners. From huge shopping malls to small huts, all kinds of shops offer good Christmas gifts and presents, lip smacking foods, chocolates and desserts, and most importantly hot punch and fine wine specially the “Glühwein”.

One can enjoy the wonderful Christmas ambience in the cities of Austria. The streets are beautifully decorated with festoons and lights. The parks and trees are embellished with colorful papers, seal and crystal ball. Austrians and visitors flocks here to enjoy the perfect Christmas atmosphere. The “Kasperl Tree”, the “Post office in the clouds”, the tree with seals and the “Herzerlbaum” or Hearts tree provide ideal scenery for a souvenir photo in the city of Vienna.

There are some traditional Christmas markets in Austria . Before the Christmas these market streets are swarming with people buying Christmas presents and preparing for the New Year’s Eve. Rathausplatz square before the City Hall is Vienna’s classic Christmas Market. The charming and lively historical quarter of Spittelberg emerges in new colors with authentic Christmas market. Spittelburg is a favorite Christmas shopping area for most of the local people and also the visitors. Both traditional and genuine handicrafts are available in these narrow alleys, granite stone paved niches and courtyards.

If one is willing to get the true flavor of an ancient Christmas village, the Schönbrunn Castle offers a fabulous environment for a delightful Christmas feel filled with the aroma of mulled wine and ginger bread. In Schönbrunn Castle festive concerts are held almost everyday.

The Christmas in Austria is amazingly colorful and filled with fun and enjoyment. The sights, sounds and flavor all harmoniously contribute to the spirit of Christmas spreading the Christmas mood far and wide.