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Covid in Austria: Nationwide Lockdown for Unvaccinated Effective Immediately

Due to the low vaccination rate of about 65 percent and the exploding new infections, a lockdown for the unvaccinated is being imposed in Austria in the fight against the fourth Corona wave. The new rule has been in effect since midnight of Sunday to Monday. The measure will be monitored very consistently, and violations will be punished accordingly. About two million people are affected.

November 14, 2021 · Updated: November 14, 2021; 22:30

Austrian Airlines on the Way Back to Pre-Crisis Levels

The Lufthansa subsidiary and self-declared "premium carrier" is gearing up against competition from so-called low-cost airlines.

November 11, 2021

Südbahnhotel am Semmering: Former Grand Hotel Has New Owner

The former luxury hotel an hour's drive south of Vienna, which has been little used for decades, has been bought by the foundation of a Viennese entrepreneur and is to be revitalized. The focus is to be on cultural events. However, it will take years for the hotel to be fully developed.

November 5, 2021

Austrian Airlines Introduces Biometric Recognition System for Contactless Boarding

Starting November 9, AUA Austrian Airlines plans to test a facial recognition system for fast and contactless boarding in Vienna that has already been tested by Lufthansa.

November 5, 2021

Money Laundering, Tax Offenses and Terrorist Financing on the Rise

The Austrian Ministry of the Interior reported an increase in money laundering, tax offenses, and terrorist financing in 2020. Read more details about this disturbing trend and its causes.

November 4, 2021

Greenpeace: 80% of Austrian Short-haul EU Flights are Substitutable by Train

According to a Greenpeace report, 80 percent of Austria's short-haul flights can be replaced by rail travel. For 53 percent of all top-30 short-haul flights within the EU, there are direct overnight train connections, the report states.

October 27, 2021

ÖBB Austrian Railways to Improve and Expand Local and Long-Distance Travel Services in 2022

Starting on December 12, 2021, ÖBB - Austrian Federal Railways will change its annual timetable, which will bring a number of improvements and expansions to local and long-distance services for the rail year 2022. In total, ÖBB Austrian Railways is investing over 4.1 billion euros in modern trains by 2027. Find out about international and domestic connection extensions.

October 26, 2021

Loss for Vienna: Relocation of Saudi Center to Lisbon Finalized

The controversial KAICIID (King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue), which is largely financed by Saudi Arabia and is currently based in Vienna, will relocate to Lisbon.

October 25, 2021

How and Where to Get Vaccinated for Free Against Influenza in Vienna

The City of Vienna is offering free influenza vaccines between November 2, 2021 and March 31, 2022 to all people over the age of 7 months who live, study or work in Vienna. A total of 450,000 vaccine doses are available. Find out when and where to sign up and where to get the vaccination here.

October 25, 2021

Corona Measures - The Viennese Way

The City of Vienna intends to continue on the "Viennese Way of Safety" with a general FFP2 mask requirement and 2G rules for late-night bars and clubs. According to Mayor Ludwig, the low infection figures prove the effectiveness.

October 22, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: 3-G Rule at Work as of Nov. 1 - In-Company Tests Remain Free of Charge

Both employers and employees in Austria will only be allowed to enter their workplace after Nov. 1, 2021, if they have been vaccinated, have recovered in the past six months or have recently been tested.

October 20, 2021 · Updated: October 21, 2021; 07:10

UPDATE: Current Situation for Arriving and Departing Passengers at Vienna International Airport

Flight operations at VIA Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien) are still restricted. The most important changes and information for arriving and departing passengers at Flughafen Wien are available below.

October 14, 2021

"Never Forget": New Memorial by Arik Brauer for Victims of the Nazi Regime Unveiled at Vienna Airport

High-ranking representatives from politics and business emphasized the importance of honoring the memory of the countless victims of the Nazi regime among the concentration camp prisoners and forced laborers at Concentration Camp Wien-Schwechat-Heidfeld (the site of today's Vienna Airport) who were forced to build aircraft there.

October 12, 2021

Long Day of Escape: UNHCR Event in Austria on Refuge, Human Rights and Coexistence

Escape, human rights and peaceful coexistence are the focus of the UNHCR event series "Long Day of Escape", which took place for the 10th time this year.

October 1, 2021

Klimaticket: Austrian Low-Priced Public Transport Ticket Launches on 26 October

After long and intensive negotiations, a "milestone" has now been reached for public transport and climate-friendly mobility throughout Austria, Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler was pleased to announce the launch of the "Klimaticket" (climate ticket) from October 26, 2021. With the ticket, public transport users will in future be able to travel throughout Austria for one year for 1,095 euros. A joint ticket for the entire eastern region (Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland) is also available at 915 euros per year.

October 1, 2021

World Expo Dubai: Architecture Award for Sustainable Austria-Pavilion

The Austrian pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai by querkraft architekten consisting of 38 white cone towers has won the first prize in the category "Sustainable Architecture" at the Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2021.

September 29, 2021

United Nations Vienna: Newton's Space Sapling Planted

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs was provided with a special apple tree grown from seeds which were taken into space, and the Ambassador of the UK, Corinne Kitsell and UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo planted the sapling which can be seen by visitors to the Space Exhibition at the VIC.

September 28, 2021

Studying in Austria: Significant Increase Among Foreign Students in the Corona Winter Semester 2020/21

After declining student numbers in previous years, both the number of foreign students and the number of students with Austrian citizenship increased by 4.6% and 2.6%, respectively, in the Corona winter semester 2020/21. The CEU - Central European University accounts for a good portion of the increase in foreign students. Detailed information on university statistics can be found below.

September 24, 2021

Ibiza Affair Committee Concludes in National Council: How Corrupt are Austrian Politicians?

How corruptible is Austrian politics? This question was explored by the deputies in the National Council session when discussing the recently published final report of the Ibiza-Affair Investigation Committee. Although the report was unanimously acknowledged, the parties were far apart in their conclusions.

September 23, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Vienna Once Again Adopts a Special Approach

Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig announced at a press conference that as of October 1, Vienna's regulations will differ from those of the rest of Austria, namely that 2G will apply to night-time catering and larger events. What does this mean?

September 21, 2021

40 Years After Terror Attack on City Temple in Vienna - Commemoration of Victims and Heroes

On August 29, 1981, the synagogue in Vienna (City Prayer House - Stadttempel) was shaken by a terrorist attack. It was the bloodiest attack on Jewish life in Austria after World War II. Two Palestinian terrorists killed two people in the attack, and 21 were injured, some seriously.

August 31, 2021

Corona Virus in Austria: Latest Figures

To date, there have been 687,076 positive test results in Austria. As of today, 10,782 people have died as a result of Corona virus across Austria, currently with 1,120 new infections Austria-wide, 122 are being cared for in intensive care units. Read on to get all the latest stats.

August 30, 2021

Covid Package of Measures for a Successful Start of the School Year 2021/22

Children and young adults, who have already had to do without many things in the past two years, are starting the new school year with a safety concept that is based on four pillars. Large-scale school closures and shift teaching are no longer an option in the new school year. But what will attendance look like in the new school year?

August 25, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Vienna Reduces Validity for Access Tests

The validity of Corona tests will be significantly reduced in Vienna. The reason for this is the increasing numbers due to the delta variant.

August 24, 2021

The Fourth Corona Wave in Austria: Admission to Discos and Nightclubs Only for the Vaccinated?

Unvaccinated people in Austria will soon no longer be able to party. Because the fourth wave with rising infection numbers rolls over the country, the government plans hard measures for the autumn to be expected.

August 23, 2021

These Are Austria's Most Popular Lakes

Lake Constance is the most popular Austrian swimming lake on Instagram. Lake Wörthersee came in second, while Tyrol's Achensee, the newcomer to the podium, came in third. Read which other Austrian public bathing lakes took the 4th to 20th places.

August 18, 2021

Miss Europe: The Most Beautiful Woman in Europe to be Crowned in Vienna

Some 30 beauties from 21 nations, including three finalists from Austria, are vying for the title of "Miss Europe".

August 17, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: The New Corona Regulations for Vaccinated Persons

If you wish to visit a hotel or pub in Austria, or use a service provider such as a hair salon, partial vaccination is no longer sufficient. Since August 15, only when fully immunized is a vaccination considered proof of a low epidemiological risk. What are the details of the new regulation?

August 16, 2021

Vienna International Centre - Live-Ticker Coronavirus Situation: Several New Positive COVID-19 Cases, 380 Cases in Total

The Vienna International Centre (VIC, UNO City) and the Vienna International Centre Medical Service are reporting new positive COVID-19 cases. The total number of VIC personnel who have tested positive is 380. Below you can see the latest updates of the four main Vienna-based United Nations organizations (United Nations Office at Vienna/UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN Industrial Development Organization and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization), as announced by UNIS and provided by the Vienna International Centre Medical Service. Regular updates on the number of cases of are no longer issued

June 25, 2020 · Updated: August 9, 2021; 17:25

Danube Limes to Become a World Heritage Site

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has decided to include a section of the Danube Limes located in present-day Austria, Bavaria and Slovakia in the list of World Heritage Sites under the name Frontiers of the Roman Empire - Danube Limes (Western Segment).

August 1, 2021 · Updated: August 2, 2021; 09:38

Restitution of Austrian Citizenships to Shoah Survivors and Descendants

One Holocaust survivor and 5 descendants of victims of Nazi terror received Austrian citizenship at the Consulate General in New York City. The restitution of 4,621 Austrian citizenships based on the new special procedure has already been successfully completed.

July 27, 2021

Austrian Contemporary Art at Reichenau Castle: "Tension of the Moment"

The Professional Association of Fine Artists of Austria presents Austrian contemporary art in the exhibition "Tension of the Moment" as part of the project series "Augen-Blicke über den Horizont hinaus (Eye-Views Beyond the Horizon)" at Reichenau Castle.

Birgit Adelsberger · July 27, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: These Are the Updated Entry Rules

Due to today's amendment of the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021", we bring you an update on the regulations for entering Austria.

July 20, 2021

The Rich in Austria: Dollar Millionaires Up 5.3 Percent to Record 163,300

The number of so-called high net worth individuals (HNWIs) in Austria grew by 5.3 percent from 2019 to 2020 to 163,300 dollar millionaires. This is 8,200 more HNWIs than in the same period last year.

July 17, 2021

Delta Variant on the Rise in Austria: Tightening of Coronavirus Measures Again

The rapid spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus in Austria is the reason for significant tightening of access to night catering and events and changes to the green passport. The latest changes are as follows.

July 15, 2021

Public Transport in Austria: When and How Will the Low-Cost Flat-Rate "1-2-3-Ticket" Be Introduced?

Before the end of 2021, it is to become possible to use all means of public transport throughout Austria for three Euros a day, as part of an annual ticket for 1,095 Euros. While six federal states have signed an "implementation agreement," the states of Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland are still missing. What is the next step and when can the ticket be expected?

July 14, 2021

Vienna Introduces New Parking Regulations

Vienna is introducing a new parking system as of March 2022. The new regulations will apply to all 23 districts and will additionally standardize prices. Read more about the new rules below.

June 18, 2021

Russia Denied Austrian Airlines Flight to Moscow: Now Approved After All

Russia has denied permission for a scheduled Austrian Airlines (AUA) flight to Moscow. Due to the recommendation of EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency to avoid the airspace over Belarus, the flight plan should be changed and Belarus should be avoided. Today, word from the Federal Ministry for Climate Action is that AUA has received approval for today's flight to Moscow. How does it continue?

May 28, 2021

Chinese Ambassador to Austria Receives Grand Decoration of Honor

Ambassador Li Xiaosi from the People's Republic of China has been awarded the Grand Decoration of Honor for his Servicer to the State of Vienna by Mayor Michael Ludwig.

May 27, 2021

Vienna Embassies Show Solidarity on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Several Vienna Embassies marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT 2021) by expressing solidarity in a common statement. The French Embassy in Vienna released a video drawing particular attention to sexual discrimination in sports.

May 18, 2021 · Updated: May 18, 2021; 22:55

A Hymn to the Power of Nature - Your Free Top Therapist in Vienna

Do you sometimes feel lonely in the midst of people, overwhelmed by the stress of everyday life or a necessary decision, that you have been putting off for what feels like an eternity? If this or something similar applies to you, then the author wants to introduce you to one of the best consultants of all time. This one draws on thousands of years of experience and is only a few minutes` walk from you in most districts of Vienna: nature!

Birgit Adelsberger · May 16, 2021

Eine Hymne an die Kraft der Natur - Ihr kostenloser Spitzentherapeut in Wien

Fühlen Sie sich manchmal einsam obwohl mitten unter Menschen, überfordert, vom Stress des Alltags, oder einer notwendigen Entscheidung, die Sie seit einer gefühlten Ewigkeit vor sich hinschieben? Wenn dies oder Ähnliches auf Sie zutrifft, dann möchte die Authorin Sie bekannt machen, mit einem der besten Berater aller Zeiten. Dieser greift zurück auf eine jahrtausendelange Erfahrung und ist in den meisten Bezirken Wiens nur wenige Gehminuten von Ihnen entfernt: die Natur!

Birgit Adelsberger · May 16, 2021 · Updated: May 16, 2021; 19:39

Covid-19 in Austria: What Will the Rules Be for the New Normal as of May 19?

Today, the new rules for the planned opening from May 19 were presented. The curfew restriction will be dropped. There will be far-reaching relaxations in the areas of catering, hotels, closed sports venues, cultural facilities and recreational businesses. These will be accompanied by security measures such as access tests, hygiene and distance measures, capacity restrictions and mandatory registration of guests.

May 10, 2021

Vienna Also Opens on May 19.

Finally, Vienna has also officially confirmed that the long-awaited opening will take place on May 19. The planned relaxations also bring further steps towards normality in the retail sector. You can find out exactly what this means below.

May 6, 2021

10 Europe Direct Centers Bring the EU Closer to Austria

Just in time for the Conference on the Future of Europe, Austria opens up a new generation of Europe Direct centers across the country to bring the European Union closer to the Austrian people and vice versa. What information these centers provide and where they are, can be found below.

May 5, 2021

Lockdown Ends: Austria to Open Up on May 19

The Austrian government has announced openings beginning May 19. Most establishments closed due to the Corona pandemic will be allowed to reopen. These include restaurants, cultural and event venues, lodging establishments, schools, gyms and sports facilities. The key points of the announced opening steps at a glance.

May 4, 2021

Lockdown Ends in Vienna and Lower Austria: What's Permitted Now

On Monday, the hard lockdown finally came to an end in Vienna and Lower Austria. With the end of the hard lockdown, stores and body-related service providers, museums, zoos and other leisure businesses are allowed to reopen. What residents of Vienna and Lower Austria are now allowed to do again, read below.

May 3, 2021

Why Austria Is NOT One of the Best Countries in the World

Why a top "Quality of Life" rating is not enough to rank among the "best" countries in the world, and why expat destinations like Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and even Switzerland are uncatchable ahead of Austria.

April 30, 2021

Schallenberg and Ambassador to the U.S. Weiss Talk with Austrians in the United States

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Austrian Ambassador to the United States in Washington, Martin Weiss, have held a virtual live talk with around 600 Austrians living in the United States. The topics discussed included dual citizenship, bilateral relations between the U.S. and Austria as well as the "Green Passport".

April 30, 2021

Austro-American Society Hosts the Night After the Oscars Night

Themed "After Oscar Night", the Austro-American Society (Österreichisch-Amerikanische Gesellschaft) extends an invitation to a discussion on the role of film, music and media as drivers of culture and society.

April 26, 2021