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Vienna International Guide - Austrian Lifestyle, Travel, Arts, Culture
Get updated news about developments in Vienna's inter-cultural environment: lifestyle, travel destinations, art exhibitions, restaurant- & event-suggestions
Billionaire Heidi Horten Unveils Her Contemporary Museum Concept
Heidi Goëss-Horten has announced the winning architectural office, which will design the new museum of the Heidi Horten Collection in the Palais Goëss-Horten (Hanuschhof / Stöcklgebäude) until the beginning of 2022.
October 9, 2019
Model European Parliament with 100 Participants in Vienna
Students from ten countries discussed European policy issues in the Great Redouten Hall of the Austrian Parliament.
October 8, 2019
Cooperation between New York's 'Met' and Austrian Museums: Maximilian I - The Last Knight
The exhibition "The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York on the significance of the European armaments trade at the beginning of the Renaissance will be held on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Maximilian I's death. 180 objects from more than 30 private and public collections were collected for this purpose.
October 3, 2019
Austrian Airlines Takes Over Eurowings Flights to Strengthen Vienna Hub
Lufthansa subsidiary Austrian Airlines takes over the commercial management of all Eurowings flights from Vienna. Vienna is to be strengthened as a hub. At the same time, Eurowings will strongly expand its presence at Salzburg Airport and increase the number of Airbus A319 aircraft stationed in Salzburg to a total of three.
September 27, 2019
Resident Alien Traces the Contributions of Austrian-American Architects
During his visit to the UN General Assembly in New York, Foreign and Culture Minister Schallenberg opened the exhibition "Resident Alien: Austrian Architects in America" at the Austrian Cultural Forum New York.
September 26, 2019
The Belvedere at Night - An Extraordinary Evening at a Beautiful Baroque Palace
With its unique baroque palace complex and a world-class art collection, the Belvedere Vienna offers an exquisite setting for various events such as weddings and business breakfasts.
September 25, 2019 · Sponsored Content
Reception on the Occasion of the Jewish New Year Festival Rosh Hashanah
The two-day Jewish New Year festival Rosh Hashanah lasts from the evening before 30 September to 01 October 2019 and is always celebrated 163 days after the Passover. At a reception at the Austrian Federal Chancellery, Chancellor Bierlein and Foreign Minister Schallenberg thanked the guests for coming, in particular the Ambassador of the State of Israel for her tireless bilateral commitment.
September 23, 2019
Conference Metropolis Vienna on the Rise
With more than 4,500 events, 631,000 participants and 1.9 million overnight stays per year, Vienna is one of the world's most popular meeting metropolises and sets new records year after year. Last year was a highly successful year, as conferences in the metropolis of Vienna have never brought so much added value as in 2018.
September 23, 2019
Expats in Austria Give Host Country Its Worst Ranking Yet
Expats in Austria enjoy a healthy life with great opportunities to travel, however, finding friends or even love can be a struggle. Hence Austria became 3rd from the bottom (56th out of 64 countries) in the Ease of Settling In Index.
September 20, 2019
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Russian Embassy Vienna
The Russian Embassy in Vienna is the diplomatic representation of Russia vis-à-vis the Republic of Austria. Since 1891 it has been located in Reisnerstrasse in the 3rd district of Vienna, in the former palace of the banker Israel Simon and the Duke of Nassau. The two most important meetings that took place there were those between Nikita Khrushchev and John F. Kennedy, and between Leonid Brezhnev and Jimmy Carter.
September 19, 2019
The Majlis - Cultures in Dialogue: Exhibition Opening at the Weltmuseum Wien
President of the National Council Sobotka opened the exhibition "The Majlis - Cultures in Dialogue" at the World Museum Vienna, which deals with intercultural dialogue in the Arab world. The travelling exhibition shows the collection of the museum of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani in Doha.
September 19, 2019
Comeback of Albrecht Dürer's Young Hare
The Albertina Vienna will present the most comprehensive exhibition of the work of Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) in decades, starting next week. The exhibition presents over 100 drawings, a dozen paintings, personal notes and other rare documents of the Renaissance genius, including the Young Hare, the Praying Hands and the Great Piece of Turf.
September 12, 2019
Cats at the Ronacher - A Musical Legend Returns
The new version of the original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece returns after many years to Vienna. Breathtaking dance, legendary costumes, a magical stage design, Grammy-awarded, rousing music and the touching world hit Memory make Cats an memorable experience.
September 12, 2019
Oh Vienna: Austria's Capital Remains the World’s Most Liveable City
Vienna has successfully defended its leading position in the Economist ranking of the most liveable cities in the world. On the index Vienna scores a near-perfect 99.1 out of 100, putting it just ahead of Melbourne.
September 5, 2019
Most Visited Sights Cooperate and Want to Attract More Chinese Tourists Through WeChat
Schönbrunn Palace and Schönbrunn Zoo will focus on China in the coming years. The zoo is now on WeChat and wants to attract more than a billion Chinese users to Vienna.
September 4, 2019
Cultural Policy is a Cornerstone of Austrian Soft Power
The BMEIA Federal Ministry for Europe Integration and Foreign Affairs presented the achievements of Austrian foreign culture in the Vienna Konzerthaus (Auslandskulturtagung). In addition to the highlights of the past year, such as the Year of Remembrance 2018, the Cultural Programme during the Austrian EU Presidency and the bilateral Cultural Year with Albania, the central areas of activity of Austrian foreign cultural work were highlighted.
September 4, 2019
Open House: Discover Vienna's Unique Architectural History
Part of Vienna's rank as the city with the world’s best quality of livingis is its outstanding architecture and design. On 14 and 15 September 2019 about 100 buildings - many of which are normally inaccessible - will open their doors for the general public, free of charge.
September 3, 2019
International Research Institute Opens its Doors
For the first time in many years, the IIASA at Schloss Laxenburg will be accessible to external visitors on the National Heritage Day (Tag des Denkmals) on 29 September 2019, who will have a unique chance to learn all about the history of the castle and IIASA.
September 2, 2019 · Sponsored Content
Hope and Despair: Vienna Humanities Festival 2019
The fourth Vienna Humanities Festival is an urban salon with leading figures from the worlds of academia, art and culture. In nearly 40 events participants negotiate the burning questions of our time.
August 29, 2019
How to Register SIM Cards in Austria?
All SIM card users in Austria must register their prepaid cards by September 1, 2019. Severe penalties are imminent. The following hint will allow you to use your card for another year without registering.
August 15, 2019
Elephant Baby Kibali - Schönbrunn Zoo Has a New Star
Vienna's Schönbrunn Zoo has just welcomed a baby elephant into the world. The little Kibali was born at Europe’s best zoo. The little elephant measured 90 cm and weighed 90 kg.
August 15, 2019
Sensation: South Gate of Roman Fortress Vindobona Discovered within the City of Vienna
The foundation of the missing main gate Porta Decumana of the Roman legionary camp Vindobona came to light during construction works.
August 12, 2019
Apartment Prices: Austria in Top Third of Europe
A recent study by the consulting firm Deloitte shows that Austrian apartments are still relatively affordable in comparison to other European countries, both in terms of purchase and rent.
August 9, 2019
Vienna Museum on Tour in Japan
In the year of the 150th anniversary celebrations of Japanese Austrian relations, the Vienna Museum (Wien Museum) is moving from Tokyo to Osaka on its tour through Japan with its large-scale exhibition "Vienna on the Path to Modernism".
August 8, 2019
Relocation to Austria: How to Import Tax and Duty Free a Vehicle for Personal Use
It may be convenient to take your car with you when you relocate to Austria. The same applies to cars that may cost less abroad than in Austria. However, there are additional costs in addition to the purchase price (Eigenimport). The NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe) is due at the first registration in Austria for new and used cars. The NoVA varies according to age and model. However, you can avoid this under certain conditions.
August 7, 2019
BMW to Invest 28 Million Euros in Salzburg Location
Within the framework of a festive event under the theme "Good for Salzburg. Good for Austria." the BMW Group recently laid the foundation stone for its new BMW Group Campus Salzburg for Central and Southeastern Europe. BMW is investing 28 million euros in the expansion of 400 employees. The inauguration of the new campus is planned for autumn 2020.
August 5, 2019
Austria for Africa: Celebrating the Continent and Building Bridges Between Peoples
The organizers intend to show the beauty, but also the reality of the entire continent and at the same time set a sign for tolerance and understanding between the cultures. With the slogan "Africa moves us all" a festival with African esprit, a lot of music, dance, international artists and a colourful bazaar will be celebrated.
August 2, 2019
Driving a Car in Austria: What Users of a Vehicle with a Foreign Number Plate Need to Know
Persons whose main residence is in Austria and who drive a vehicle with a foreign registration plate must obtain an Austrian registration plate after one month at the latest. If the license plate is used for a longer period of time, administrative and financial criminal proceedings will be initiated.
August 2, 2019
Film Festival at Vienna's Town Hall Square 2019
The Film Festival at Vienna's Rathausplatz is an open-air event taking place on the square in front of the Vienna City Hall. During the summer months, it shows film recordings of classical music concerts, operas, operettas, ballet, musicals and jazz.
July 31, 2019
Uber Austria: Suspension in Vienna Over
The ride-sharing service Uber has terminated its suspension in Vienna imposed by the Commercial Court of Vienna and is continuing to operate. As requested, Uber now has a local subsidiary in Austria. With the forthcoming change to uniform rates for taxis and rental cars, the next challenge is already ahead.
July 31, 2019
Opening of the Salzburg Festival in the Context of the Climate Crisis
The Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele) is the world's most important festival of classical music and the performing arts. The opening speeches in 2019 were dominated by the themes of climate change and environmental protection. The keynote speaker was US director Peter Sellars.
July 30, 2019
8 Reasons why Vienna is an Ideal Destination for Expats
Home to imperial architecture, masterpiece-filled museums and inspiring music, it’s no wonder that Vienna is a desirable destination for tourists and expats alike.
July 26, 2019
Devastating - Austria is Only the 21st Most Innovative Country in the World
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) named Austria's neighbor Switzerland as the world’s most innovative country, during the launch of its latest Global Innovation Index. Austria isn't even in the top 20. Biggest issues are the stagnation of public expenditure on research and development and the increase of economic protectionism.
July 26, 2019
Uber Suspends all Services in Austria Temporarily
Uber Technologies, the driving service provider, is temporarily discontinuing all services in Austria. The reason for this is a temporary order issued by the Commercial Court of Vienna. Accordingly, Uber Technologies requires a subsidiary and a trade licence in order to offer its services.
July 25, 2019
Bregenz Festival: Austria's Artistic Showpiece all over the World
On the occasion of the opening of the Bregenz Festival 2019 (Bregenzer Festspiele) Alexander Van der Bellen reminded the audience that many challenges can only be solved together and with great efforts, and Alexander Schallenberg pointed out that the festival is like big multilateral meetings, where people from different backgrounds meet for a few days and exchange ideas.
July 22, 2019
Hilton Vienna Stadtpark Sold to South Korean Securities Consortium for €333 Mio
The Hilton Hotel near Vienna's Stadtpark is said to have been sold for €333 million ($375 million) to a Korean securities consortium - Hana Financial Investment Co., NH Investment & Securities Co., and Meritz Securities Co. The consortium is planning a modernization for €66 million ( $75 million).
July 19, 2019
Tourism: Why Does Vienna Need So Many New Hotels?
Tourism in Vienna is booming and the number of overnight stays is rising. New hotels are currently being built all over Vienna, from international hotel chains and five-star palaces to boutique hotels for city travellers, some of which attract with exposed rooftop bars. The Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere and the Max Brown 7th District were recently opened. A further 10 hotels will be completed over the next two years.
July 12, 2019
MOOONS: New Boutique Hotel with Spectacular Rooftop Bar Comes to Vienna
A new boutique hotel with the slogan "No stars just MOOONS" with 170 rooms on eight floors in high-quality design and with a spectacular rooftop bar at the Wiedner Gürtel in the 4th district of Vienna, opposite the new railway station, is to be opened in October 2019.
July 11, 2019 · Sponsored Content
Vienna's City History: Red Vienna from 1919 to 1934
Vienna’s first free municipal election, held in May 1919, results in an absolute majority for the SPÖ - Social Democratic Party (at that time SDAPDÖ - Sozialdemokratische Arbeiterpartei Deutschösterreichs). A reform project commences. The goal is a far reaching democratization of society as well as the dramatic improvement of workers‘ living conditions. A revolutionary fiscal policy, built around a luxury tax, provides funding for the creation of over 60,000 apartments along with numerous social, leisure, and cultural facilities by 1934.
July 9, 2019
Lipizzaner Offspring Stars Visiting Vienna
The young mare herd from the Lipizzaner stud Piber can be seen in the baroque Winter Riding School of the Vienna Hofburg until the beginning of August.
July 9, 2019
Diplomats in Austria: How Does the Tax Exempt Purchase of Motor Vehicles Work?
New rules for the tax-exempt purchase of a motor vehicle from an Austrian car dealership concern the direct exemption from VAT and the normal consumption tax, which contributes to speeding up the tax relief.
July 9, 2019
Billionaire Heidi Horten to Become Museum Founder
The billionaire, patron and art collector Heidi Goëss-Horten has acquired a palace for the permanent presentation of her Heidi Horten Collection in downtown Vienna, right next to the State Opera and Albertina. Agnes Husslein-Arco is intended as director. The museum in the Hanuschhof is scheduled to open in early 2022.
July 5, 2019 · Updated: July 5, 2019; 15:17
Paternity Leave Entitlement Decided by Parliament
Members of the Austrian National Council passed a resolution on the legal entitlement to Paternity Leave (Papamonat). Fathers now have the right to be granted time off. Changes have also been made to child benefit legislation.
July 5, 2019
Don't Smoke - Austria to Finally Ban Smoking in Bars and Restaurants
Over 1 year after the smoking ban in gastronomy should have come into force, the parliament has once again voted in favour and is to come into force on 1 November 2019. The ban will also apply to shishas and e-cigarettes, with the exception of guest gardens. Through the smoking ban alone, there should be 1,000 fewer deaths per year from passive smoking.
July 4, 2019 · Updated: July 4, 2019; 20:44
Beach Volleyball - Vienna Major 2019 on the Danube Island
This summer Vienna will once again become the centre of the international beach volleyball scene. At the second Vienna Major, the world's best beach volleyball players will play exciting games on the Danube Island from 31 July to 4 August.
July 4, 2019
Austrian Foreign Ministry - Diplomatic Excursion 2019 to Lake Neusiedl
Foreign diplomats and heads of international organisations in Austria were invited by the BMEIA Federal Ministry for Europe Integration and Foreign Affairs to the annual summer excursion to Burgenland (Diplomatenausflug 2019).
July 3, 2019
Uber Ridesharing Threatens to Retreat from Austria
The US transportation network company Uber wants to mobilise against the taxi and rental car reform in Austria with a petition. The new law would be a setback for Austria in several respects. If the new law is passed on 3 July, we will no longer be able to offer services such as UberX, according to a statement by Uber.
June 27, 2019
Marathon Under Two Hours - World Record Holder Kipchoge Wants to Break Barrier in Vienna
The marathon Olympic champion and world record holder, the Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge, wants to run the marathon in less than 2 hours in Vienna in October, thus cutting his current record of 2:01:39 hours by an impossible 2 minutes.
June 27, 2019
German Road Toll Discriminates Against Foreigners - ECJ
The German car toll violates EU law. This was decided by the European Court of Justice in a ruling. This levy is discriminatory, since its economic burden lies practically exclusively on the owners and drivers of vehicles registered in other member states. In Austria, the ruling is received with great pleasure, as the country has won the case through its infringement proceedings.
June 18, 2019
Where Are Austria's Properties Most Expensive?
Particularly sought-after locations can be found in urban areas and tourist centres. The two well-known winter sports resorts of Lech am Arlberg and Kitzbühel, with a price per square metre of 1,806 euros and 1,646 euros respectively for building plots, are at the top of the list. In Vienna, the districts of Döbling with 1,416 euros and Währing with 1,301 euros per square metre were in the lead.
June 13, 2019