Vienna International Guide to Lifestyle, Travel, Arts & Culture & More

Find additional ways to spend your time in Vienna: Local Austrian culture, international culture, style, books, fashion, arts, theaters, exhibitions, movies

Austrian Chamber of Labour and Ombudsman Board: Family Allowances Delayed for Months

Families in Austria are complaining about their family allowances being delayed for months. The President of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour Renate Anderl and Ombudsman Bernhard Achitz have expressed serious concerns about the issue and blame staffing shortages at the Federal Ministry of Finance for the delays.

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

Parking Permit: Vienna Introduces Uniform Parking Sticker

The City of Vienna is introducing uniform parking stickers (Parkpickerl) throughout the city. The stickers and new parking regulations are supposed to create more parking spaces, reduce traffic, increase the use of public transport, and help with climate change. Learn more about the sticker and why Vienna made this decision.

August 20, 2021

MA 35 Department: Immigration and Citizenship Calls Are Not Answered

Austria’s municipal department 35 (MA 35), responsible for immigration and citizenship, is facing criticism yet again. In an interview, an employee of the MA 35 has recently divulged that nobody in the office answers the phone. The City Councilor responsible for the MA 35 has assured the public that reforms are being made to resolve the issues that the department is facing.

August 18, 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

High Honor for Austrian Medal Winners of the Tokyo Summer Olympics

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen held a reception at the Vienna Hofburg for the Austrian medalists of the Tokyo Summer Olympics. At the reception, Van der Bellen and other officials honored the seven athletes led by gold medalist Anna Kiesenhofer.

August 13, 2021

The New Austrian Identity Card: Modern and Forgery-proof

Experts from the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, Federal Criminal Police Office, and Austrian State Printing House have developed a modern and more secure identity card. The release of the cards is accompanied by a new mobile phone app that allows users to verify the authenticity of the new cards.

August 6, 2021

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

Hate Crime Motives in Austria: Ethnicity, Ideology and Religion

The Ministry of the Interior released a report on hate crimes in Austria. The report showed that the leading hate crime motives were ethnicity, ideology, and religion. Read more about the report.

July 29, 2021

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

City of Vienna Offers Moderna Vaccine Without Registration

The City of Vienna is offering the Moderna vaccine without prior registration at the Austria Center Vienna (ACV) to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks the fourth vaccination campaign offered by the City of Vienna.

July 26, 2021

Digital Pandemic: Interior Ministry Warns About Fraudulent SMS

The Ministry of the Interior led by the Interior Minister, Karl Nehammer, is warning about fraudulent SMS circulating in Austria. The scam aims to trick people into installing malware on their mobile phones by providing a link to an alleged missed voicemail message. Learn how to protect your device and what to do if your device is infected.

July 26, 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

Handy-Signatur in Austria: What It Is and How to Get It

The Handy-Signatur is an important tool to have in Austria. It is useful for accessing many online portals, including health insurance and the new Green Pass for proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more about it.

July 8, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Vienna's Night Subway Returns

After the latest announcements by the Austrian government to further relax the Covid-19 restriction measures, Vienna has decided to bring back its night subway. As of the night of June 25 to June 26, the night subway will return on weekends and holidays.

June 24, 2021

Austria Remains Top of the World in SDG Performance

In the recently published Sustainable Development Report 2021 by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Austria makes the 6th place. Read more about other European countries in the rating and how Austria performed.

June 18, 2021

Austria Participates in Huge Blow Against International Organized Crime

Right in the middle of an internationally coordinated campaign against organized crime, the Austrian police forces have seized more than half a million euros, 700 kilograms of narcotics and more than 30 weapons. Read more about the strike below.

June 10, 2021

International Pride Month: Austria Wears Rainbow Colors

In June, Austria will celebrate the LGBTIQ community by hosting numerous events. One of these events will be the Vienna Rainbow Parade on June 19. Read more about this event and how President Van der Bellen supports the LGBTIQ community.

June 8, 2021

What's the Buzz at the UN Headquarters in Vienna?

Now, when strolling around the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, you might be intrigued by a buzzing sound coming from the grounds of the Vienna International Center. But what is it and why is it there? Find out more below.

June 7, 2021

Innovation is Key for Austria's Climate Neutrality by 2040

At the Mission Innovation Ministerial Summit in Chile, Austria's Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and her international counterparts stressed the importance of innovation for achieving the Paris Agreement.

June 4, 2021

International Nightjet Connections to Vienna Back in Service: Now Also Amsterdam

Effective immediately, the Nightjets of Austrian Railways (ÖBB - Österreichische Bundesbahnen) are once again in operation. In addition to the 18 known night train connections, for the first time there is also a daily night train from Amsterdam via Linz to Vienna or via Munich to Innsbruck. Paris and Strasbourg are being planned.

May 31, 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

Covid-19 in Austria: Austrian Green Passport Soon Reality

The long awaited "Green Passport" is coming closer and closer. Austria's parliament has passed the necessary legal basis for the future proof of whether someone has been vaccinated, tested or has recovered.

May 27, 2021

Vienna Declaration Sets Stage for Climate-Friendly Mobility

The adoption of the Vienna Declaration at the THE PEP Conference with more than 850 participants from 41 countries, including 46 ministers and state secretaries, has set the stage for environmentally conscious and healthy mobility. Read all about the event below!

May 20, 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

UK and Austria Work on Post-Brexit Agreements

During his visit to London, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his British counterpart Dominic Raab and with Brexit Minister David Frost. Both the United Kingdom and Austria have reiterated their commitment to bilateral cooperation.

May 18, 2021

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: More Than One Third Vaccinated

The Austrian Covid-19 vaccination progress is picking up pace. More than one third of the vaccine-eligible population has received its first immunization. For more information about the exact progress, read below.

May 11, 2021

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

Rating Agencies with Positive Outlook for Austria

Both Standard & Poors and Fitch have affirmed Austria's AA+ rating although noticing Austria's high spending for Covid-19 measures and assuming weaker economic recovery compared to the eurozone. Read more about the reasons for the ratings below.

May 10, 2021

Austria Sees Potential Global Economic Leadership

Only recently, the Austrian government has announced a comprehensive location strategy, which should enable Austria to position itself among global economic leaders in some particular segments.

May 10, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Equal Treatment of Vaccinated, Tested and Recovered

The Austrian parliament has approved the equal treatment of Covid-19 vaccinated, tested and recovered. Find out what exactly this means for the opening steps on May 19 and what other measures were approved by the parliament.

May 7, 2021

Vienna Faces New Parking Regulations

No parking spaces and a city full of cars could be a story of the past. Vienna aims to introduce a city-wide parking permit, which would result in more commuters using public transportation and in more parking spaces for Vienna's population.

May 7, 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

Vienna International School Leads the Way for Sustainable Development

Only recently, the Vienna International School (VIS) has joined a campaign, which focuses on limiting waste production and thus guaranteeing sustainable development. The reasons behind why VIS has joined and what the label exactly is can be found below.

May 6, 2021

Slovakian Prime Minister Meets Kurz and Van der Bellen

The newly appointed Prime Minister of Slovakia Eduard Heger has travelled to Vienna to meet with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and President Van der Bellen. On the agenda of the working meetings were the Covid-19 pandemic, border management and nuclear energy. Read below to find out more about possible bilateral agreements with regard to the "Green Passport".

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

Schallenberg, Kulhánek and Korčok Condemn Violence Against Journalists

The three Foreign Ministers from Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of free journalism. The commentary was published in newspapers from the respective countries, a summary of the statement can be read below.

May 4, 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

Austria's Museums Welcome Guests with Special Offer

Austria's Federal Museums are going strong into the summer. After various lockdowns in the recent months, the museums have announced to once again issue a Federal Museums Card campaign. More information about how it works and the prices can be found below.

May 3, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: 3 Million Vaccines Administered

Austria has administered 1 million Covid-19 vaccines in 19 days. The 3 million mark was exceeded on April 29, only 19 days after Austria has cracked the 2 million mark. In May and June, the new Austrian Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein expects further increases of the vaccination progress.

May 3, 2021