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

United Nations Join Host City Vienna in Mourning for the Victims of the Terror Attack

In a message from Ms. Ghada Waly to Vienna, the staff of the VIC - Vienna International Centre and the world, the Director-General, UN Office at Vienna, declares that she rejects violence and hatred, stands in solidarity with Vienna and that the flags at the Vienna International Centre will be lowered during Austria's mourning period.

November 3, 2020

Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Terror Attack in Vienna

From the Ministry of the Interior it became known that the terrorist militia Islamic State (IS) claimed the attack in Vienna with four dead and 22 partially severely injured.

November 3, 2020

Terror Attack in Vienna: No Indication of Second Assassin According to Interior Minister

Following the terrorist attack in Vienna, which left five dead and 22 injured, the analysis of almost 20,000 indications has so far revealed no evidence of further assassins. However, neither the Chancellor nor the Minister of the Interior wanted to definitively rule out that there might not be a second fugitive suspect after all.

November 3, 2020

United Arab Emirates Strongly Condemns Terror Attack in Vienna

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Vienna is deeply moved by the Islamic motivated attack in Vienna and condemns the terrorist attack in a statement.

November 3, 2020

Terror Attack in Austria: Three Days of State Mourning Decided - Laying of a Wreath in Remembrance

In its special session following the terrorist attack in Vienna, the government decided on a three-day national mourning. With the state mourning, flags on federal buildings will be set at half-mast and the provincial governors will be called upon to arrange for this in their areas as well.

November 3, 2020

Terror Attack in Vienna - Perpetrator Was Sympathizer of the Islamic State

One of the assassins was an Islamic State (IS) sympathizer, further investigations are underway in the suspect's environment. Around 1,000 law enforcement officers are deployed. At least one perpetrator is still fugitive and is classified as very dangerous. Minister Nehammer added in a press conference, that caution was still required and that one should stay at home if possible.

November 3, 2020

What Is the Role of Aerosols in the Transmission of SARS-CoV-2?

According to current knowledge, the Coronavirus is transmitted by direct contact, e.g. by speaking, coughing or sneezing. Both droplets and aerosols (very fine airborne liquid particles and droplet nuclei), which can float in the air for a long time, play a role in transmission, although the transition between the two forms is fluid. Which measures can reduce exposure to aerosols?

November 2, 2020

Getting COVID-19 Infection in Austria: What Should Expats Do If Symptoms Occur?

Foreigners in Austria who feel flu-like symptoms or who have had or may have had contact with someone infected with the coronavirus may themselves have been infected with the novel virus SARS-CoV-2. What should expatriates, tourists and other foreigners in Austria do if they suspect that they have been infected with the virus themselves?

November 2, 2020

Second Coronavirus Lockdown in Austria: Which Rules Apply?

The Austrian government has announced the Second Coronavirus Lowdown and presented stricter measures against the virus, which will apply from Tuesday, November 3 starting at 0:00 am. From then on, night-time exit restrictions will apply in Austria between 20.00 and 6.00 hours. Most events will be cancelled, restaurants will no longer be allowed to serve guests, and most leisure facilities will have to close for a month for the time being.

October 31, 2020 · Updated: November 2, 2020; 09:29

Prostitution in Austria Prohibited Again: Here Are the New COVID-19 Rules

Prostitution in Austria is basically legal and regulated by law. Due to the coronary crisis, it was temporarily forbidden for clients to enter prostitution facilities until the end of June. Since July 1, 2020, however, the government has again permitted entry to prostitution bars, brothels and running houses in Austria. Following the updated COVID-19 rules for sex workers and their clients. However, due to November's new COVID-19 Protection Measures Ordinance, which came into force on November 3, 2020 and will remain in force until at least November 30, 2020, all facilities for the practice of prostitution will again be closed as of November 3.

July 11, 2020 · Updated: November 2, 2020; 07:55

How Long Will the Second Lockdown Last?

If the tightened corona measures take effect and the population participates, the Austrian federal government expects that "first opening steps" can be taken in December "to return to a halfway normal life". Is further tightening of the measures an option?

October 31, 2020

What Does the Second Lockdown Mean for Sports Activities in Austria?

While professional sport is allowed to continue, albeit without spectators, amateur sport will stand still. While it will continue to be possible to run or play tennis outdoors, any form of indoor training will be prohibited. The only exceptions are for top athletes. Outdoor sports facilities may still be used by amateur athletes, but only if there is no physical contact with others.

October 31, 2020

Second Lockdown: Warning of Medical Bottlenecks

The reason for the second Austrian lockdown is the explosive growth in coronavirus numbers and the danger of overloading intensive care. What is the situation in hospitals and nursing homes?

October 31, 2020

September: 75 Percent Fewer Overnight Stays in Vienna

Compared to September 2019, Vienna has recorded 75 percent less overnight stays this year. Due to Covid-19 and current travel regulations, the City of Vienna faces a drastic reduction in tourists which can be also observed when looking at the statistical measurements.

October 20, 2020

World Statistics Day 2020: New Economic Monitor Shows Austria's Economic Development

Statistics Austria has introduced a new economic monitor which shows Austria's economic development over time. Data is updated biweekly and will include more than 80 economic indicators across different sectors and industries. In addition to this monitor, Statistics Austria provides a Covid-19 data collection which focuses also on population, health and education.

October 19, 2020

Winter in Vienna: New Year's Eve Trail Cancelled, Vienna Ice Dream Still On Track

The Covid-19 related cancellations of events were a common theme in the recent months. Now, Vienna's New Year's Eve Trail is the next victim of the pandemic. The popular event will not be held in 2020, while the organizers of the Vienna Ice Dream are still confident to see visitors gliding along the ice tracks.

October 14, 2020

Equality in the Job Market: Federal Minister Advocates For Improvements

At the informal meeting of EU ministers and at a discussion with EU Commissioner Helena Dalli, Austrian Minister for Women's Affairs Raab pleaded for a mix of measures to meet the current challenges on the labor market and to bring more women into future industries.

October 13, 2020

Art Enjoyment at the "Fair for Art Vienna"

Austria's largest art and antiques fair sets an example for the Vienna art market even in times of Corona. During these times, the fair's focus on the Austrian art trade certainly proves to be an organizational advantage. Nevertheless, one or the other international new discovery of recent years stands out, such as the Chongqing-Chinese Li Hua, who, coming from classical Chinese calligraphy, is increasingly moving towards more expressive and colorful compositions.

October 11, 2020 · Sponsored Content

Federal Chamber of Commerce: Lockdown Is Unthinkable and Needs To Be Avoided

The heads of the Federal Chamber of Commerce emphasize the importance of avoiding a second lockdown due to rising Covid-19 cases in Austria. They also demand further support measures for the economy and particularly hope that the EU approves the planned fixed cost subsidy.

October 9, 2020

Digital Days 2020 Reached Over 1,100 Registered Users

The Digital Days 2020 hosted by the City of Vienna as a hybrid event have welcomed over 1,100 users with more than 4,000 views in total. Digitalization in every business sector was discussed among politicians and experts from the business world.

October 5, 2020

Launch of the European Month for Cyber Security 2020

A joint information campaign of Europol and its partners will once again host the European Month for Cyber Security. This event should help the prevention of cyber crime by raising awareness and providing information to individuals and organizations.

October 2, 2020

Approval for EU Membership Remains High Among Austrians

A recent survey conducted by the Austrian Society for European Politics shows that the Covid-19 pandemic had only little or no effect on the approval for EU membership among the Austrian population. 70 percent of a representative sample wants to remain in the European Union.

October 2, 2020

UNIDO Partners Up With Women Leadership Forum to Hold Special Event

UNIDO and the European Brand Institute have organized the 8th Women Leadership Forum, which was held as a hybrid event in Vienna. International successful women as well as other supportive public figures have gathered together to empower women.

October 1, 2020

Vienna International Centre - Coronavirus Situation: Historical Developments Between March 12 and September 30, 2020

The Vienna International Centre (VIC, UNO City) is reporting new positive COVID-19 cases. Following you have the historical developments between March 12, 2020 and September 30, 2020, as reported by 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.

March 12, 2020 · Updated: September 30, 2020; 00:00

Austrian Economy Slumped by 12.1% in Q2 2020

The newly published report by Statistics Austria shows a massive economic slump in the second quarter of 2020. Austria's GDP declined by more than 12 percent compared to the second quarter of 2019 while expectations for the last two quarters of the year are not much better.

September 28, 2020

EXPO 2020 Dubai: Austria Pavilion Past First Construction Stage

The World Expo 2020 in Dubai, which will now be taking place in 2021, will also be starring about 100 companies from Austria. With the completion of the Austria Pavilion's first construction stage, these companies are now one step closer to a successful exhibition.

September 25, 2020

Chief Rabbi of Vienna Meets Van der Bellen

Vienna's newly appointed Chief Rabbi Jaron Engelmayer made his inaugural visit to President Van der Bellen to discuss current topics of the religious community and the Covid-19 situation.

September 24, 2020

UNWG Not to Hold the International Bazaar 2020

The UNWG Bazaar 2020, the most important charity event for the United Nations Women's Guild, which was scheduled for Saturday, November 28, has been cancelled due to Corona. It's an amazing festival, to share cultures in the form of a market place where everyone can experience the sensation to help the children of the entire world.

September 24, 2020

European Capital of Democracy Coming Soon

The newly formed initiative "European Capital of Democracy" will try to give civilization more access to democracy by supporting activities and events that aim to improve and strengthen democracy. The first capital will be selected next year.

September 21, 2020

Vienna Aims for Champions League of International Start-Up Scene

The start-up event ViennaUP'21 will be at the center of the international start-up scene in the spring of 2021. Many well-known formats have already assured their participation and will move the spotlight to Vienna from April 27 to May 12 2021.

September 21, 2020

First Digital Long Night of Research

Like many other events in 2020, the Long Night of Research will be held virtually this year. Although the live experiences will be missed, the digital format offers a variety of other advantages to the interested public.

September 18, 2020

International Day of Democracy: Collection of Initiatives for Promoting Democracy

The IPU in cooperation with the Austrian parliament has issued a report that comprises best-practice examples of how countries promote democracy among the population, especially among the youth and young adults.

September 15, 2020

European Capital of Innovation Award: Vienna Still in the Race

The European Union will announce the European Capital of Innovation 2020 and will award EUR 1,000,000 to support innovation at the end of September 2020. Vienna is among the six finalists which also include Valencia, Helsingborg, Espoo, Cluj-Napoca, and Leuven.

September 14, 2020

Digital Days 2020 on the "Digital Capital of the People"

The Digital Days 2020 organized by the City of Vienna will be held as an online conference with the main theme being "Digital Capital of the People". It will take place from September 30 to October 1 and registration is free of charge.

September 14, 2020

Arnold Schwarzenegger and the "Climate Kirtag"

After the Austrian World Summit and the Climate Kirtag had to be postponed in spring due to the Corona pandemic, they are now entering the second round. No tickets are available this year. You need to register online to join the events virtually for free.

September 8, 2020

Pop-Up Cycle Paths in Vienna Stay Until November

The pop-up cycle paths in the Praterstraße, Lassallestraße and Wagramer Straße are staying until November due to their popularity. The party ÖVP is accusing the city council that the continuation is a "pure election campaign populism".

September 2, 2020

Number of Naturalisations Decreased in Austria

The number of naturalisations decreased by one fifth in the first half of 2020. This might be due to the fewer party traffic during the COVID-19 lockdown which started in March.

August 25, 2020

President Van der Bellen at the Salzburg Festival: "Artists Need All Our Support"

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen invited his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier accompanied by Elke Büdenbender to a festival and working visit in Salzburg. Both presidents agreed on the fact that artists are in a very difficult situation at the moment and need to be supported.

August 24, 2020

Austria Fears for Winter Tourism

The upcoming winter will be an immense challenge for the Austrian tourism industry. Tourism operators are requesting general and unified regulations implemented by the government to secure planning and tourists. A major focus will be laid on Après-Ski.

August 21, 2020

Statistics Austria: Inflation Has Risen to 1.7% in July 2020

According to latest reports, inflation in Austria has risen from 1.1% in June to 1.7% in July 2020. The pricing of clothing was the main driving force.

August 19, 2020

"Passport Doesn't Matter" Election in Vienna

About 30% of the population in Vienna is not allowed to vote in the election on October 11 as they do not have an Austrian passport. Therefore, "SOS Mitmensch" organizes again this year the "Passport doesn't matter" election where non-citizens can symbolically vote for their favourite party.

August 18, 2020

"Vienna City Card" for Vienna Lovers

The new feature of the "Vienna City Card" provides locals, expats and tourists with exclusive activity offers and discounts in certain restaurants. It is issued by "Wien Tourismus" and provides the opportunity to get to know the capital city better.

August 17, 2020

Austria Introduces Traffic Light System as Schools are Reopening

Minister Faßmann presented the new concept for schools as they will reopen soon. The "traffic light system" will be introduced to provide a guide for schools on how to react on rising COVID-19 cases. The range goes from green with classroom teaching to red with distance learning.

August 17, 2020

What British Nationals Travelling to Austria Need to Know

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel, with Austria being one of the exceptions. If you’re a British national and you’re planning travel to Austria, find out what you need to know about travel regulations and coronavirus in Austria in the article below.

July 30, 2020

Austria Reintroduces Comprehensive Masks Obligation

In Austria, the obligation to wear masks to contain coronavirus is again in force in a comprehensive form. Since Friday, nose-mouth protection must again be worn throughout the food trade, in post offices and bank branches, in bakeries, in shops in petrol stations, as well as on public transport, in pharmacies and when visiting health care facilities. The Islamic Religious Community has also tightened rules for mosques.

July 24, 2020

Coronavirus Worldwide Update

Worldwide deaths has exceed 610,000, according to data collected by the ECDC Centre in Sweden. More than 14.7 million people have been infected, while some 8.6 million have recovered. According to the WHO World Health Organisation, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is still the USA, where there are already more than 140,000 deaths. The number of infected and dead continues to rise sharply in most countries. Following is the situation update as of July 22, 2020.

July 20, 2020

Coronavirus in Vienna: Update - July 20, 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has also hit the metropolis of Vienna hard and the number of infected cases and unfortunately also deaths is constantly increasing. It must also be assumed that an unknown number of people who do not suspect this has already been infected. Medical science does not yet know the virus exactly. What is known so far is that in 80 percent of the cases the infection is mild. The mortality rate is currently three per cent, compared with just under one per cent for influenza. What is the Vienna Pandemic Plan? What is the situation in Vienna and what can be done individually? Questions and answers on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) below.

July 20, 2020

Coronavirus in Lower Austria: Update

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has also hit Austria's largest federal state in terms of area, Lower Austria, hard and the number of infected cases is constantly increasing. Below we look at the official data of the Office of the Provincial Government of Lower Austria, and analyze the structure of deaths and infections both provincially (Bundesland) and by district (Bezirk). Questions and answers on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) below.

July 20, 2020

Austria's Foreign Minister: Hagia Sophia To Be Turned Into a Mosque Is the Latest Link in a Chain of Provocations

Turkey is moving further and further away from European values and is simply not a reliable partner for Europe. The EU must conduct a policy towards Turkey with a strong edge and clear language, based on a solid foundation of values. The EU should also make a clear cut when it comes to accession negotiations.

July 13, 2020

Stricter Border Controls and Travel Warning for Western Balkans, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova

Due to the high infection rates in these countries, Austria declares the highest security level. Anyone who travels to Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova or, for example, to the countries of the Western Balkans, despite an upright travel warning, must undergo a 14-day home quarantine or a negative covid test upon returning to Austria. This is not a recommendation, but a legal regulation. Fines of up to 1,450 euros will be imposed.

July 8, 2020