Other Austria

To stay informed about local news in Austria, especially for immigrants, you have several options available in both German and English.

News in English

- The Local Austria: A popular platform offering news in English, covering politics, daily life, and issues relevant to immigrants, such as changes in legislation and integration programs. You can subscribe to daily updates.

- Vienna Times: Another English-language news source covering events in Austria and Europe, including news on culture, business, and technology.

- Ground News: This service aggregates news from various sources, allowing you to compare headlines and coverage of events in Austria from different perspectives.

News in German

- ORF: Austria's national public broadcasting company, offering comprehensive news coverage on TV, radio, and online. The ORF website provides detailed information on domestic and international topics, politics, and culture.

- Der Standard: One of Austria's leading publications, offering in-depth analysis of national and international events. The publication places a strong focus on politics, the economy, and society.

- Kurier and Die Presse: These newspapers cover a wide range of topics, from the economy and politics to regional news and national events.

Social media and mobile apps

- Many Austrian media outlets maintain active profiles on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, providing real-time updates.

- Apps such as AT-Alert allow you to receive alerts about emergencies and notifications, helping you stay informed about important news related to safety and weather conditions.

There are several widely held stereotypes about Austria that often do not reflect reality. Let's consider the most popular ones:

Lederhosen and dirndls

Many believe that Austrians constantly wear traditional clothing — lederhosen (leather shorts with suspenders) and dirndls (women's dresses with bodices). However, in practice, they are only worn at special events, such as folk festivals and celebrations, like the Vienna Wies' Fest. In everyday life, Austrians dress like most Europeans.

Love for classical music

Vienna is an important center for classical music, home to composers like Mozart and Strauss, and many think Austrians still adore classical music and waltzes. While Vienna is indeed visited by thousands for live music, modern Austrians have diverse tastes, including pop, rock, and even modern dance rhythms.

Austrian cuisine is only schnitzel and strudel

Schnitzel, apple strudel, and Sachertorte are indeed famous Austrian dishes. However, in reality, Austrian gastronomy is much richer. The country features many international restaurants, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

Austrians and Germans are the same

Austrians are often confused with Germans, but they are entirely different peoples. They share cultural and linguistic elements, but Austrian German differs from German, and Austrians take pride in their unique history and traditions.

Mountains, skiing, and rural life

While many associate Austria with mountains and ski resorts, the majority of Austrians live in urban areas, such as Vienna. Nevertheless, winter sports remain popular among Austrians, and the country indeed offers excellent ski slopes.

These stereotypes only partially reflect reality. To better understand Austrian culture, it's important to explore the country firsthand.

Transport and travel

- ÖBB: The Austrian Federal Railways app provides train schedules, route information, and delay notifications. It's essential for traveling throughout the country.

- Wiener Linien: If you live in Vienna, this app helps navigate the city's public transport — buses, trams, and the metro.

- Citymapper: A convenient route-planning app for Vienna that considers all types of transportation, including bicycles and taxis.

Finance

- N26: A mobile bank with an interface in English. Suitable for opening an account without unnecessary formalities and managing finances in Austria.

- Wise: An excellent option for international money transfers with low fees.

Food and Delivery

- Lieferando.at and Mjam: Popular food delivery apps from restaurants in major cities. They also offer grocery delivery.

- Too Good To Go: An app to combat food waste, where you can buy food at reduced prices from restaurants and bakeries.

Information and Social Connections

- Willhaben: The Austrian version of Craigslist for buying and selling goods, finding rental housing and jobs.

- Heute: An app for reading news about life in Austria.

- Meetup: An app for finding events and connecting with people who share your interests.

Health and Safety

- Gesundheit.gv.at: The official app of the Austrian government, providing information about medical services and emergency services.

- Rotes Kreuz: Red Cross app with first aid advice and emergency contact information.

These applications will help you better navigate Austria and make the adaptation process more comfortable.

Austria offers a rich selection of cultural events and entertainment that may interest both locals and immigrants.

Festivals and Cultural Events

- Salzburg Festival: One of the most famous festivals in the world, held every summer in Salzburg. It combines opera, classical music, and theatrical performances.

- Danube Island Festival: The largest free festival in Europe, held in Vienna. Performances on various stages cover a variety of musical genres.

- Vienna Festival: A six-week event in May-June, combining art, theater, music, and dance.

Gastronomic Events

- Genuss Festival: Takes place in May and gathers over 200 exhibitors showcasing Austrian cuisine dishes. It's a great place to try regional delicacies such as Viennese wines and alpine cheeses.

Music Festivals

- Castle Grafenegg Music Festival: Takes place every summer at Grafenegg Castle, attracting lovers of classical and jazz music. Considered one of the most important music festivals in Europe.

Austria also offers many other events: from winter sports competitions to Christmas markets and traditional festivals, such as the celebration of the summer solstice.

In Austria, there are many public toilets, especially in large cities such as Vienna. Most of them are located in tourist spots, the metro, parks, and major shopping centers.

Paid toilets: In most cases, a small fee is charged for using toilets (about 0.50 euros). In return, you may receive a discount coupon for 30 cents to use in some shops or cafes.

Locations: Public toilets can be found in central areas of Vienna, including the subway and major attractions. There are special maps to help find the nearest toilet.

Opening hours: Toilet availability depends on the location. They are usually available from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, but some toilets, especially at metro stations, are open 24 hours.

Modern and renovated toilets: In Vienna, city authorities are actively modernizing toilet facilities, improving their cleanliness and accessibility. Some are even decorated with works of art, such as the stations at Stephansplatz.

Apps for finding toilets: In Austria, there's the Freepee app, allowing you to find free toilets in different cities of the country, including Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz.

In Austria, there are many opportunities to learn the German language, suitable for both beginners and those with some experience. Here are a few effective options that can help you master the German language:

Language Schools

- Goethe-Institut: One of the most renowned schools for learning the German language. It offers intensive courses at all levels, including exam preparation. Additionally, it provides cultural programs for deeper immersion into the language.

- University of Vienna: The language center at the University of Vienna offers academic German courses for students and adults. These courses are popular due to the high level of teaching and opportunities for in-depth language study.

- VHS: These adult education centers offer affordable German language courses throughout Austria. They cater to everyone from beginners to advanced students and are often subsidized by the government.

Government Programs

- Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF): This program helps immigrants learn the German language with the aim of integrating into society. Courses are offered with specific requirements for obtaining a residence permit. Some participants may receive language vouchers to cover course costs.

- Vienna Language Vouchers: The city of Vienna provides vouchers worth up to 300 euros for newcomers, helping to cover the costs of German courses.

Free Courses

- Vienna Libraries: Some libraries in Vienna offer free conversation courses, which are particularly useful for practicing conversational skills.

- Women's Organizations: Organizations like Peregrina and Station Wien offer free German courses for women, which can be beneficial for those who wish to learn the language in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Online Resources and Apps

- Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise: These popular apps offer interactive lessons that can be taken at any convenient time. They are especially useful for beginners who want to learn the language in their free time.

- Deutschakademie: An online platform that offers free German lessons, grammar and vocabulary exercises, and forums to communicate with other learners.

Conversation Clubs and Events

- German Conversation Clubs: In Vienna and other major cities, there are clubs where you can practice German in an informal setting. This helps overcome language barriers and improve communication skills.

In Austria, several national holidays and traditions are celebrated that reflect both the Christian roots and the cultural heritage of the country.

Main national holidays:

New Year’s Day – January 1st, like in most countries of the world, Austrians celebrate the beginning of the new year.

Epiphany – January 6th, a day commemorating the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.

Easter Monday – An important Christian holiday celebrated the day after Easter.

Labor Day – May 1st, a day dedicated to honoring workers and laborers.

National Day – October 26th, one of the most significant public holidays, marking the signing of Austria's Declaration of Neutrality in 1955.

Christmas – December 25th, one of the biggest and most beloved holidays in the country, accompanied by Christmas markets and family celebrations.

Traditions:

- Fasching: The Austrian version of Carnival, held before Lent with costume parades and parties.

- Krampus: In December on the eve of St. Nicholas Day (December 6th), a tradition features people walking through the streets in Krampus costumes, frightening children and adults.

- St. Rupert's Day Celebration: A local festival in Salzburg, accompanied by markets and folk festivities, held in honor of the city's patron, St. Rupert.

These holidays and traditions make Austria a country with a rich cultural heritage, where national and religious celebrations play an important role in community life.

Austria, a country with a rich cultural heritage and magnificent natural landscapes, offers many unique places and attractions to visit. Here are a few of the most popular places worth visiting:

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

The summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty is one of Vienna's main attractions. Here you can stroll through the majestic halls of the palace, visit the beautiful gardens, and also the famous Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world.

Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg

This castle, located on an elevation, dominates the city of Salzburg. It offers stunning views and allows you to immerse yourself in Austrian history with visits to museums and ancient halls.

Dachstein and Hallstatt

The Salzkammergut region, including Hallstatt and the Dachstein mountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can visit ice caves, ancient salt mines, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Five Fingers viewing platform.

Ringstrasse, Vienna

A walk along Vienna's Ringstrasse will allow you to see iconic buildings such as the Opera House, Parliament, and Town Hall. It is one of the most majestic places in the capital.

Innsbruck and the Golden Roof

In Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, you can admire the Golden Roof, a unique architectural monument, and head out to the Alps for active recreation such as skiing or hiking.

Belvedere Palace, Vienna

This Baroque palace complex in Vienna consists of two palaces—the Upper and Lower Belvedere—featuring outstanding artworks, including works by Gustav Klimt.

These and many other attractions make Austria a unique country where rich history, culture, and natural beauty blend together.

Austria has certain norms of behavior and social etiquette, which are important to consider in both personal and professional relationships. Here are the main aspects of Austrian etiquette that will help you better integrate into local society:

Greetings and Formalities

- Handshake: This is the most common way of greeting in Austria. It should be quick and firm, accompanied by direct eye contact.

- Addressing by title: Austrians highly value titles and formalities. In business and social situations, it is better to address people by their last name, adding their title, and using academic or professional titles such as "Doktor."

Punctuality

- Austrians value punctuality in both business and personal life. Being late is perceived as disrespect, so it is important to arrive on time for meetings and events.

Table Etiquette

- Before starting a meal, it is customary to wait until the host or hostess says "Guten Appetit" (Enjoy your meal). Hands should be visible, but elbows should not touch the table. It is also important to finish your meal by placing the knife and fork parallel on the plate.

- Toasts: Toasts play an important role in Austrian meals. It is customary to look the interlocutor in the eyes and say "Prost" (Cheers) when raising a glass.

Personal Space and Behavior in Public Places

- Austrians prefer to maintain distance in conversation and avoid excessive gestures or touches. Personal space is of great importance, and too close communication can be perceived as an invasion.

Dress and Appearance

- In Austria, it is customary to pay attention to appearance. Even in informal settings, people try to dress modestly and elegantly. For formal events, such as theater or opera, more formal attire is preferred.

The local self-governance system in Austria is organized within a three-tier structure of government: federation, federal states, and municipalities. This system is based on the principles of federalism and democratic representation.

Main levels of government:

Federal Government: The central authority of Austria, governed by the Chancellor, and includes the Parliament (National Council and Federal Council). It is the main legislative and executive power of the country, coordinating national and international affairs.

Federal States: Austria is divided into 9 federal states, each of which has its own constitution and elects its own parliament. The states have significant autonomy, especially in areas such as education, culture, and local legislation. Each state is also governed by a governor.

Municipalities: This is the smallest level of local self-governance, responsible for everyday issues such as transport, infrastructure, water supply, kindergartens, and other public services. Municipal councils are elected by local residents and have significant autonomy within their borders. In some states, the mayor is elected directly by the population.

Management Principles:

- The Principle of Subsidiarity: Municipalities and regions undertake those tasks that can be resolved at the local level, while more complex issues are transferred to the regional or federal level.

- Financial System: Municipalities and regions receive funding both through taxes and through allocation of funds from the federation based on agreements.

This system allows for effective management of both national and local affairs, maintaining a balance between the interests of citizens and authorities at different levels.