Austria Travel Guide (2024) | Everything you need to know

Tourist Information About Austria

Useful Information About Austria

Cost of Living in Austria

Quality of Life in Austria

General Etiquette, Cultural Insights and Tips

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  Greetings: In Austria, a firm handshake is the usual greeting in both social and business settings. Close friends and family may greet each other with a kiss on each cheek.

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  Punctuality: Punctuality is crucial in Austria. It is seen as a sign of respect, and being late can be taken as a personal insult. It’s advisable to arrive on time or even a few minutes early for all appointments.

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  Bargaining: Bargaining is not typical in retail stores in Austria. Prices are usually fixed, and attempting to haggle can be seen as impolite. However, it may be acceptable at flea markets.

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  Dress Code: Austrians tend to dress formally and conservatively, especially in business and when attending cultural events such as the opera. In casual settings, the dress is more relaxed but still neat.

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  Personal Space: Austrians value personal space and typically prefer to keep a reasonable distance during conversations. It’s considered rude to stand too close to someone you don’t know well.

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  Formality in Language: Formal language is common in Austria, especially when addressing someone with their title and last name. The informal "du" is used among friends, family, or when mutually agreed upon.

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  Art Appreciation: Austria has a rich cultural heritage, particularly in music, art, and architecture. Showing appreciation and respect for these aspects of Austrian culture is well received.

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  Historical Significance: Austria prides itself on its historical and architectural landmarks. Many Austrians are knowledgeable about their country's history and appreciate when others show interest.

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  Environmental Consciousness: Austria is very proactive in environmental protection. Recycling and adhering to public policies regarding environmental conservation are expected behaviors.

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  Values and Misconceptions: Austrians value privacy and directness. They may appear reserved at first, but this should not be mistaken for unfriendliness. Once a relationship is established, they are warm and loyal friends.

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  Debate and Discussion: Intellectual discussions and debates are common and appreciated in Austria. It is important to be well-informed and respectful when engaging in such exchanges.

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  Respecting Etiquette: Always use polite forms of address, follow local customs, and be courteous. This includes being quiet and respectful in public spaces like restaurants or theaters.

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  Religion: Austria is predominantly Catholic, and religious observances are part of public and private life. Respect for religious traditions and holidays is important.

Dining and Culinary Etiquette in Austria

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  Café Culture: Cafés are a central part of Austrian social life, especially in Vienna. Known for their coffee and a wide selection of pastries like Sachertorte, Austrian cafés often serve as venues for informal meetings and leisurely afternoons.

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  Dining Etiquette: When dining in Austria, it is important to use utensils for almost all types of food, including pizza and fries, especially in formal settings. The knife remains in the right hand, and the fork in the left. It is customary to wait until everyone is served before starting to eat.

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  Wine Etiquette: Austria produces a range of high-quality wines, and appreciating wine is an integral part of dining. The host typically selects and pours the wine. It’s polite to wait for a toast before taking the first sip.

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  Cheese Course Etiquette: Cheese is commonly served either before dessert or as a separate course. Enjoy it with a small piece of bread and perhaps some fruit.

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  Bread Etiquette: Bread is usually placed directly on the tablecloth or on a side plate. It's often used to push food onto the fork, not to scoop food directly into the mouth.

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  Tipping: Tipping is customary in Austria and is generally expected to be around 5-10% of the bill, depending on the service. It's usual to tell the server the total amount you want to pay, including the tip, when paying the bill.

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  Table Manners: Austrian table manners are formal. Keep your hands visible above the table (but not your elbows) and place your napkin on your lap. When finished eating, place your fork and knife parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.

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  Speaking with Servers: When addressing waitstaff, it is polite to use formal titles such as “Herr” or “Frau” and maintain a polite demeanor. Always say "please" and "thank you."

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  Order of Courses: A typical Austrian meal in a formal setting might start with a soup, followed by a main course, a salad (served with the main course or after), and then dessert. Coffee is often served after the meal.

Public Behavior and Expectations in Austria

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  Gift Giving: When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, or fine chocolates. Avoid giving red roses or carnations as they may have romantic connotations or be associated with political symbols, respectively.

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  Smoking Etiquette: Smoking is banned in many public areas including bars and restaurants. Always check for designated smoking areas before lighting up.

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  Conversation Style: Austrians are generally reserved and formal upon first meeting. Once familiarity is established, they can be very warm and friendly. Avoid overly personal topics until a closer relationship is developed.

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  Public Transport Etiquette: Public transport is widely used and highly valued for its efficiency. It’s important to be quiet, tidy, and respectful of others. Giving up your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities is expected.

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  Respect for Quiet Spaces: Loud conversations and noises in public spaces, especially on Sundays or late at night, are frowned upon. Sundays are generally viewed as rest days, with most shops closed, and quiet is especially appreciated.

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  Metro: When using the metro or other forms of public transportation, refrain from eating or drinking. Keep personal conversations at a low volume and mobile phones on silent mode to avoid disturbing other passengers.

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  Conservative Dressing: Austrians dress conservatively and neatly, especially in business and formal settings. In cities like Vienna, traditional attire can still be seen, particularly during festivals or regional celebrations.

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  Swimming Pool: Standard pool rules apply; wear appropriate swimwear, shower before entering the pool, and follow any specific guidelines posted at the facility regarding food, drink, and proper conduct.

Health and Safety in Austria

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  Tap Water: Tap water in Austria is of excellent quality and is safe to drink. It often comes directly from alpine springs, making it not only safe but also very fresh and tasty.

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  Pharmacies: Pharmacies are widely available and operate with highly qualified staff. They are called "Apotheke" and are the best place to seek advice for minor health issues. In cities, you can easily find pharmacies with English-speaking staff.

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  Medical Treatment: Austria provides high-quality medical care with well-equipped facilities. Health insurance is mandatory for residents, and tourists are advised to have travel health insurance. In an emergency, medical treatment is accessible and efficient.

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  Emergencies: The emergency number in Austria is 112, which can be dialed for free from any phone for immediate assistance with fire, medical, or police emergencies.

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  Smoking Laws: Smoking in Austria is banned in all public buildings and on public transportation. However, the laws around smoking in bars and restaurants can vary, with some establishments allowing it under certain conditions.

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  Condom Availability: Condoms are readily available in supermarkets, drugstores, and vending machines in public places such as bathrooms and train stations.

Things Not to Do in Austria

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  Don't Rush Your Meal: Meals are social events meant to be enjoyed leisurely, particularly in formal settings. Austrians value this time for conversation and relaxation, so take your time and enjoy the experience.

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  Avoid Loud Conversations: Keeping your voice down in public, especially in enclosed spaces like restaurants, trains, or buses, is considered polite. Loud speaking can be viewed as disruptive and inconsiderate.

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  Bread Etiquette: Bread is a staple at Austrian meals and is treated with respect. Do not waste bread or place it upside down on the table, as this can be seen as disrespectful.

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  Don't Skip the Greeting: Always greet others when entering a room—whether it's a shop, a waiting room, or a social gathering. A simple "Guten Tag" or "Grüß Gott" (in Bavaria and Austria) is customary and shows respect.

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  Be Cautious with Language: Avoid using overly informal language with strangers. It’s important to maintain a level of formality, using titles and surnames, until otherwise invited to use first names or informal language.

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  Don't Ignore Local Customs: Austria has a rich cultural heritage and local customs that can vary greatly from region to region. Be mindful of local traditions, particularly in rural or alpine areas.

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  Avoid Overly Casual Attire in Formal Settings: Dress appropriately for the occasion. While casual dress is accepted in many settings, formal attire is expected in business environments, religious places, and at cultural events like the opera.

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  Be Discreet with Money Talk: Talking about money or personal finances is not a common topic of casual conversation in Austria. It is considered private and should be handled with discretion.

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  Religion: While Austria is traditionally Catholic, there is a high degree of secularism in public life. Respect for all religious beliefs and practices is expected, especially during religious holidays and in religious settings.

Useful Austrian German Words and Phrases

Learning a few keywords or phrases before traveling to Austria will help you connect with local people and serve as a starting point for acquiring the language much easier.

• 🗣️ General Austrian German Travel Words:

  • Hello: Hallo

  • Please: Bitte

  • Thank You: Danke

  • Welcome: Willkommen

  • Excuse Me: Entschuldigung

  • Goodbye: Auf Wiedersehen

  • Sorry: Es tut mir leid

  • Yes: Ja

  • No: Nein

  • Home: Haus

  • Do you speak [English]?: Sprechen Sie [Englisch]?

  • I don’t understand: Ich verstehe nicht

  • I need help: Ich brauche Hilfe

  • Time: Zeit

  • Day: Tag

  • Night: Nacht

• 🚶‍♂️ Austrian German Phrases for Getting Around:

  • Train Station: Bahnhof

  • Airport: Flughafen

  • Bus: Bus

  • Taxi: Taxi

  • Bathroom: Toilette

  • Where is…?: Wo ist…?

  • Does this go to…?: Geht das nach…?

  • Which way to…?: Welcher Weg führt nach…?

• 🥘 Food and Dining Austrian German Travel Phrases:

  • Water: Wasser

  • Food: Essen

  • I would like… : Ich möchte…

  • What do you recommend?: Was empfehlen Sie?

  • The bill, please: Die Rechnung, bitte

Interesting Facts About Austria

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  Habsburg Empire: Austria was the heart of the powerful Habsburg Empire, which ruled over much of Europe for centuries, leaving behind a rich legacy of art, architecture, and culture.

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  Musical Heritage: Austria is the birthplace of many legendary composers, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Franz Schubert, making it a center for classical music.

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  Winter Sports Paradise: Austria is famous for its alpine skiing and snowboarding, with world-renowned resorts like St. Anton and Kitzbühel attracting winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe.

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  Vienna Secession: The Vienna Secession movement, led by artists like Gustav Klimt, revolutionized art and design at the turn of the 20th century.

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  Schonbrunn Palace: Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, a former imperial summer residence, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Austria’s most visited landmarks.

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  Sachertorte: The Sachertorte, a decadent chocolate cake with apricot jam, was invented in Vienna in 1832 and remains a beloved Austrian dessert.

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  Vienna State Opera: The Vienna State Opera is one of the world’s leading opera houses, known for its outstanding performances and prestigious annual Vienna Opera Ball.

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  The Danube River: The Danube River, Europe’s second-longest river, flows through Austria, providing stunning landscapes and opportunities for river cruises.

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  Wine Regions: Austria is renowned for its wine production, particularly its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines, with picturesque vineyards in regions like Wachau and Burgenland.

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  Oldest University: The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the German-speaking world.

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  Arnold Schwarzenegger: Born in Austria, Arnold Schwarzenegger rose to fame as a bodybuilder, actor, and politician, serving as the Governor of California.

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  Alpine Scenery: The Austrian Alps offer breathtaking scenery, with dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lakes perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.

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  New Year's Concert: The Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert is a world-famous classical music event broadcast from Vienna’s Musikverein on New Year’s Day.

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  Sigmund Freud: Vienna was home to Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, whose work profoundly influenced psychology and psychiatry.

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  Beer Culture: Austria has a rich beer culture, with a variety of traditional brews and beer gardens where people gather to enjoy the country's finest lagers and ales.

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  Historic Monasteries: Austria is home to stunning monasteries such as Melk Abbey and St. Florian Monastery, which are architectural masterpieces and cultural treasures.

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  Imperial History: The Hofburg Palace in Vienna served as the imperial winter residence and is now a museum showcasing Austria's imperial history and the Habsburg dynasty.

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  Efficient Public Transport: Austria’s cities, particularly Vienna, boast highly efficient and extensive public transportation systems, including trams, buses, and subway lines.

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  Egon Schiele: Austrian painter Egon Schiele, known for his intense and expressive works, is one of the key figures of early 20th-century Austrian art.

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  Green Spaces: Austria is known for its abundant green spaces and parks, with the Vienna Woods offering a lush natural escape right at the edge of the capital city.