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

Weekly Briefing: Austrian Efforts in International Politics, IAEA Concerns and Russian War in Ukraine

Austria is strengthening its efforts in foreign policy and international cooperation. The IAEA is expressing its concerns about nuclear security in Iran and Ukraine. The Russian war in Ukraine is causing serious questions about human rights and European security. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 11, 2022

Austrian Foreign Ministry Nominates 25 New Acts for "The New Austrian Sound of Music"

Austria's successful music grant program enters its eighth round. The Austrian Foreign Ministry will nominate 25 new acts for "The New Austrian Sound of Music". Learn more about this program in cultural diplomacy.

June 10, 2022

Exhibition in Polish Institute Vienna Shows the Impressions of the First Days of War in Ukraine

A unique exhibition awaits you from today in the Gallery of the Polish Institute in Vienna. The exhibition shows the first days of the war in Ukraine from the point of view of Ukrainian artist and designer Hélène Litorelle and gives an insight into her thoughts and experiences. Read on if you want to learn more!

June 10, 2022

Vienna Receives Award as Austria's Most Transparent Municipality

In a report by the Transparency International Austria organization, Vienna was named the most transparent city in Austria. With an impressive result of over 87%, Vienna was able to defend its first place for the third time in a row and achieved the best result ever. Particularly decisive for this good performance is Vienna's city administration, which provides relevant information for the population on its websites in a proactive, easy-to-find manner and to a high degree.

June 7, 2022

School Trips to Brussels: Awakening Interest in the Work of the European Union

In the future, the Austrian federal government wants to promote trips to Brussels in order to arouse interest in the European Union among schoolchildren. The trips, which will be subsidized with up to 500 euros. These trips are intended to give students easier access to the 'heart' of the European Union and show them the importance of the organization.

June 2, 2022

New Photography Museum Will Open in Vienna

A new photography museum will open in Vienna's Arsenal in fall 2024. This museum will be a showcase and discussion space under the name Foto Arsenal Wien. In order to adapt the building, the city is investing two million euros. Read more about Vienna's newest addition to the city's bustling cultural scene.

June 1, 2022

Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica Strive for Artistic Freedom

Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica created a Virtual Space for artistic freedom. In times of crisis, there is clear support for artists and artistic freedom.

May 30, 2022

Poland Soul Travel: Polish Embassy Gives Young Austrians an Insight Into Krakow

The Polish Embassy in Vienna enabled young Austrians to get to know Poland and visit the city of Krakow as part of the Soul Travel project. The focus of the action was to see the sights of Poland from new perspectives and to show the people of Poland the beauty of nature - off the normal tourist paths.

May 24, 2022

Congresses in Vienna - What You Should Not Miss

After a long dry spell, Vienna's tourism industry is looking forward with hope to the large number of congresses planned for this summer. Vienna, which is internationally known to be an optimal place for congresses, is the venue for more than 40 major events with over 1,000 guests this year and hopes to be able to attract as many events in the future. Here you will find a brief overview of the most important events in the city!

May 23, 2022

UN Chinese Language Day Celebrated in Vienna

A virtual event took place in Vienna to mark the United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day and promote the Chinese language and culture.

May 18, 2022

Diplomats in Austria Stand Up for Equality: "Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights"

The COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic crisis have exacerbated the vulnerable situation of LGBTIQ+ people in terms of mental health, existing inequalities and prejudices. To counteract this, a group of diplomats, international organisations and the Austrian Foreign Ministry now acknowledged the problems of the LGBTIQ+ scene and demanded that the grievances be addressed.

May 17, 2022

Vienna's Buddhist Community Celebrates the Vesak Festival

Today, the Vesak festival is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and complete extinction of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama and thus his exit from the cycle of rebirth. We wish all devout Buddhists a happy festival!

May 16, 2022

New "United Cities of Tourism" Campaign Aims to Strengthen City Tourism Across Europe

With a new campaign, the city tourism in Europe, which has suffered extremely by the Covid-19 pandemic, should be stimulated again. Several destinations across Europe will participate and the goal is to support each other in strengthening tourism. Read on if you want to know more about this interesting campaign.

May 4, 2022

Concordia Ball 2022 - The Journalists’ Summer Ball - Cancelled

The Concordia Press Club has announced that the Concordia Ball 2022 will not take place. "In this situation a traditional Viennese ball night is neither possible nor does it seem appropriate to us". If you want to know why the Journalists' Ball will not take place again in 2022, read on!

March 23, 2022 · Updated: May 4, 2022; 12:44

Austria's Muslim Community Celebrates End of Ramadan

Every year, the Muslim community of Vienna and worldwide celebrates the holy End of Ramadan. Ramadan has ended and now Eid al-Fitr is celebrated.

May 2, 2022

Population Growth in Austria: Ukrainian Immigration Provides for Over 9 Million Inhabitants

The population in Austria recorded particularly high growth in the first quarter of 2022, pushing the number of inhabitants to over 9 million for the first time. The main reason for this is the large number of temporarily housed Ukrainian aid seekers who have come to Austria in recent months to flee the Russian war of aggression.

April 27, 2022

How the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Affects Life in Vienna

The humanitarian crisis created by Russia's brutal war in Ukraine can now be felt in Vienna. Read how the crisis is affecting life in Vienna.

April 25, 2022

Ljubljana and Vienna Strive for More Intensive Cooperation

Ljubljana and Vienna will continue to cooperate intensively over the next 4 years. The cooperation of the two cities serves, among other things, to help each other with know-how and to advance the common goals.

April 22, 2022

6.8% Inflation: How Private Households are Affected by Rising Prices

Inflation in Austria remains historically high and is pushing many households to their limits. Whether it's high gasoline prices or horrendous living costs, everyone is feeling the inflation. How the average household is affected by these problems and what impact they have on lower-income households, read here.

April 20, 2022

Donauinselfest 2022 - This Year Without Covid Measures

The traditional Vienna Danube Island Festival is to be held again this year in all its glory. After two years of improvisation due to the pandemic, this year's festival will again take place without access controls and masks. In addition to international acts, Ukrainian artists will also be on the program this year to demonstrate the empathy and friendship between the two countries.

April 20, 2022

No More Masks in Retail: New Covid Rules in Vienna

Recently, the Ministry of Health announced a significant relaxation of Covid-19 measures in Austria. The mask requirement in stores will be dropped, and the green passport for triple vaccinated people will also be extended. Read on if you want to know what will change for you and in which stores you still can't do without the mask.

April 15, 2022

Solidarity With All Refugees: Integration House Calls for Refugee Ball 2022

After a one-year break, the City of Vienna and Integrationshaus are once again inviting to the annual Vienna Refugee Ball. The event, which will take place on April 23, aims to draw attention to current problems in the refugee issue and collect donations that will benefit the non-profit organization Integrationshaus.

April 12, 2022

Uncertainty due to Ukraine War: Austria's Tourism Industry Lowers High Expectations for 2022

Austria's tourism industry is facing another setback after 2 tough years. Uncertainty caused by the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the related increase in economic problems could have an impact on tourism and thus also on the economy in Austria.

April 7, 2022

These Are the 10 Finest Hotels in Austria

After two lean years, Austrian tourism is looking forward to the new season. More hotel guests are expected again, and this is urgently needed. We present you the 10 best hotels in Austria. One of them, belonged to the controversial Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Read on if you want to know which one and where to book your upcoming luxory vacation.

April 6, 2022

Austria's Muslim Community Celebrates the Month of Ramadan

Every year, the Muslim community of Vienna and worldwide celebrates the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is one of the most important months in Islam, starting from April 2nd, 2022 to May 2nd, 2022. Practiced by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

March 30, 2022

Housing in Austria: Average Monthly Rents Remain Above Inflation Rate

Rental prices are not spared from the persistently high inflation. On the contrary - according to a recent study, rental prices remain above the current inflation rate. If you want to know how expensive rent is and how much the average tenant pays, read on.

March 30, 2022

Vienna International Airport Hub With Newly Designed Terminal 2

The long-awaited Terminal 2 has finally reopened. After 2 years of renovation, it is finally available for passengers again. This is urgently necessary, because after the many years of the Corona pandemic, the airport management expects a significant increase in tourist numbers and accordingly more traffic at the airport Vienna-Schwechat.

March 30, 2022

Real Estate in Austria: Highest Annual Increase in Purchase Prices of Houses and Apartments Since Records Began

Prices on the Austrian residential real estate market show a year-on-year price increase of 12.3% for 2021. This is the highest annual increase since the index series began in 2010 and is significantly higher than in previous years.

March 29, 2022

After Diplomatic Tensions Between Turkey and Austria New Start for Archaeological Excavations in Ephesus

Due to the talks between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, as well as between Foreign Ministers Alexander Schallenberg and Mevlüt Cavusoğlu, a new start for archaeological excavations Ephesos could be achieved.

March 28, 2022

Austrian Federal President: "We stand with Ukraine"

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen, as a special guest of honor, visited a charity event on the weekend and gave a speech about the current situation in Ukraine.

March 21, 2022

Cultural Diplomacy: Year of Literature to Improve International Networking of Austrian Authors

Cultural diplomacy reveals the soul of a nation and does play an important role. The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs is launching the International Year of Literature to promote dialogue projects with Austrian authors abroad and thus position them more internationally.

March 18, 2022

Arab Chambers' Day at Austrian Pavilion at Expo Dubai

The event "Arab Chambers' Day" at the Austrian Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020 will provide an opportunity for Emirati, Arab and Austrian delegates to meet and become acquainted with leading Austrian companies. Find out more about the event.

March 18, 2022

IAEA Staff Association Ball 2023: The History of the UN Ball in Vienna

Vienna's history has one special sort of cultural event season every year. One important ball for the international community is the IAEA Staff Association Ball, which has become an integral part of Vienna's traditional ball calendar. The next IAEA Staff Association Ball will take place on the 11 of February 2023.

March 17, 2022

International Women's Day: Are Women the Better Crisis Managers?

Whether Ukraine, Afghanistan or the COVID-19 pandemic - women and girls were and are disproportionately affected by these crises and conflicts: Gender-based violence, poverty and school dropouts increase rapidly in times of crisis. This must be counteracted in a targeted manner.

March 8, 2022

How Many Refugees Have Fled Ukraine to Austria?

Austria will help its neighboring countries cope with the expected influx from Ukraine following the Russian military attack by accepting Ukrainian refugees despite its generally restrictive migration policy. Please find below questions and answers regarding entry and stay of Ukrainian citizens in Austria.

March 3, 2022

Ukraine Invasion: Austria Also Possesses a "Willkommenskultur"

Austria is already preparing to receive Ukrainian refugees fleeing the violent Russian invasion of Ukraine. The people of Austria have a chance to once again display their "Wilkommenskultur" ("welcoming culture") and welcome those fleeing the brutal conflict into their country with open arms. Read what Vienna is currently doing to help welcome the refugees.

March 2, 2022

Dalí and Freud at the Belvedere - An Obsession

Salvador Dalí and Sigmund Freud: one man's art, another man's theories. The theories of Freud clearly fascinated Dalí, perhaps to the point of obsession – his greatest desire was to someday meet his idol. With this exhibition the Lower Belvedere celebrates its reopening.

February 28, 2022

A Norwegian in Vienna: Edvard Munch at the Albertina 2022

The Albertina has opened a new exhibition centered around Norwegian artist Edvard Munch entitled “Edvard Munch. In Dialogue.” Read about the new exhibition, view some sample works, and watch the virtual opening of the exhibit.

February 25, 2022

Ukraine Assistance: Vienna Sends Trucks with Medical Supplies to Kiev and Odessa

Responding to the Russian invasion, the Vienna City Government has sent about 15 tons of medical or relief material to Ukraine.

February 24, 2022

"Milky Way in the Salzkammergut" Photo Wins Sony World Photography Award 2022

An amateur photographer from Vienna won the Sony World Photography Award 2022 for Austria. Read more about the talented young photographer and see her incredible photo of the Milky Way in the Salzkammergut.

February 24, 2022

First Novavax COVID Vaccine Shipment has Arrived in Austria

The first shipment of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, Nuvaxovid, has finally arrived in Austria. Read about the much-anticipated distribution of the new vaccine and why the government thinks it will help convince some vaccine skeptics.

February 24, 2022

Vienna's Mayor Ludwig: "Pandemic has not yet been mastered"

Mayor Ludwig announced that Vienna will keep some of the COVID-19 measures in place despite the federal government lifting many of them. Read which measures still apply in Vienna and what the mayor and health experts said about it.

February 21, 2022

Naturalizations in Austria on the Rise Again Due to Descendants of Nazi Victims

Naturalizations in Austria are on the rise again, mainly due to the large number of descendants of victims of nazi persecution who applied for citizenship thanks to the amendment to Austria's Citizenship Act. Read more about this increase in naturalizations.

February 17, 2022

Explore Spring in Charming Bratislava after the Pandemic with the Twin City Liner

After the Twin City Liner had to stop all trips in autumn due to the Corona pandemic, spring trips to Bratislava can now already be booked from March 2022.

February 17, 2022 · Sponsored Content

Austria's Population will Exceed Nine Million this Year

Austria's population is nearing nine million and should reach this mark sometime in 2022. Read more about Austria's recent population increase.

February 16, 2022

Chamber of Commerce Massively Criticizes New Parking System in Vienna

As of March 1, 2022, comprehensive and contiguous short-term parking zones will be introduced in every Viennese district, as well as the parking permit ("Parkpickerl") for the respective district residents. The price and parking duration will be standardized for all districts. For private car owners as well as for entrepreneurs this regulation brings considerable additional costs and new problems.

February 16, 2022

Viennese Museum Returns Looted Colonial Artifacts to the USA

The Natural History Museum in Vienna is returning looted items from the colonial era to the United States. Read more about the two artifacts and why they are being returned.

February 14, 2022

Marina Tower: Completion of the Highest Residential Tower in Vienna

The highest residential tower in Vienna with 140 meters and 41 floors is successfully completed in these days.

February 10, 2022

Combating Violence Against Women: New Silent Emergency Call App Available From March

The Austrian government has introduced a new app to help counter the alarming trend of increased domestic violence against women. Read about the new app and other steps the government is taking to prevent violence against women.

February 10, 2022

Vienna Business Agency Sees Significant Increase in Expat Advice Requests

The Expat Center and the Business Immigration Office of the Vienna Business Agency saw a stark increase in the number of expats seeking advice during the COVID-19 crisis. Read about this increase and how the Vienna Business Agency has assisted expats.

February 9, 2022