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

Down Under Hotel Flair for Vienna

Adina Apartment Hotels, a hospitality brand and a market leader in high-quality apartment-style hotels originating from Australia, has announced its flagship Adina brand will debut in Vienna. One of only seven hotels to offer a swimming pool in Vienna, the "Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere", developed by Signa Real Estate Management GmbH, will literally make a splash in Vienna’s ultra-modern Quartier Belvedere when it opens in April of 2021, completed with a heated indoor pool and sauna.

February 15, 2021 · Sponsored Content

Deadline for Austrian "Reemployment Promise" Gets Extended

To further support the hard hit Austrian economy, the Minister of Labor and Minister of Tourism have decided to extend the deadline for the so-called "reemployment promise". This allows employers to lay off their employees and agreeing to re-hire them, once the sector is allowed to open up again. The affected employees receives unemployment benefits without any placement activities by the Austrian Arbeitsmarktservice.

February 15, 2021

From Which Countries Do Most of the Foreigners in Vienna and Austria Come?

Vienna currently has 1.92 million inhabitants of whom 31.5% percent are foreign nationals. Austria-wide, there are 8,933,346 people of whom 17.1% are foreign nationals. Below you can see, among other data, the largest foreign nationalities.

February 14, 2021

Naturalizations in Austria Decline Heavily

The number of naturalizations in Austria has also been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. After nine years of constantly rising numbers, naturalizations have decreased by 15.2 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year. Almost 9,000 people have gained Austrian citizenship, a third of them having Bosnian, Serbian or Turkish citizenship before naturalization.

February 12, 2021

Austria's and EU's GDP Forecast Gives Hope

In the EU winter forecast for the level of economic output in the near future, Austria's and the whole Euro area's GDPs are said to grow by almost 4 percent in 2021 and 2022. Although the economies declined in the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021 due to the impact of the second wave, the economic outlook is still promising for the remainder of 2021 and 2022.

February 12, 2021

Austria's Youth Minister Speaks at UN's Social Development Council

At the 59th session of the UN Commission for Social Development, representatives of the various member countries discuss the topic of "Digitalization for Social Development". Austria's Youth Minister Susanne Raab highlighted the importance of children and young people during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in her speech.

February 12, 2021

European Year of Rail: Inauguration of EU Locomotive in Vienna

The European Year of Rail wants to highlight the advantages of rail as as safe and sustainable means of transportation. For this occasion, a specially branded EU locomotive was inaugurated at the Vienna Central Station by Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler, representative of the European Commission in Austria Selmayr, and Austrian Railways CEO Matthä.

February 11, 2021

Tyrol: The Scare of the South African COVID-19 Mutation

Actually there is a strong occurrence of the threatening South African COVID-19 mutation in Tyrol. Strict controls on tests when leaving Tyrol and administrative fines of up to 1,450 euros are intended to limit the spread of this corona mutation after the new "COVID-19 virus variant regulation" comes into force on February 12, 2021.

February 10, 2021

"Austria Endangers Germany's Successes with its Irresponsible Policy of Opening Up". Closed Borders Soon?

The opening policy and the pandemic in Austria, and especially in Tyrol makes Bavarian politicians nervous. The increased risk of infection from the British and South African mutation of the coronavirus has reignited the border security debate in the German state of Bavaria. Bavaria is therefore tightening its tone toward Austria, reinforcing border controls and threatening to close the border altogether.

February 9, 2021

Coronavirus in Austria: What Are the New Rules?

As of February 8, the Austrian COVID-19 measures have been relaxed again. The exit restrictions apply again only from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. However, there are still contact restrictions. Retailers, schools and museums are allowed to open again, although only under stricter conditions. Body-related service providers such as hairdressers are also allowed to offer their services again, but only on presentation of a negative PCR or antigen test result.

February 9, 2021

How the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement Benefits Austria

The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) celebrates its second anniversary by adding 28 protected geographical indications, one of them important for Austria, and facilitating trade in wine and vehicles. The agreement does not only benefit the EU as a whole, but has also immediate impact on Austria's economy.

February 8, 2021

Free Coronavirus Antigen Tests in Austria's Pharmacies: How Does It Work and Where Are You Getting Them?

Approximately 450 Austrian pharmacies are now offering free coronavirus antigen tests. Following is how it works and a list of all participating pharmacies.

February 8, 2021

Legendary "Sound of Music" Star Plummer Is Dead

The Canadian-American actor Christopher Plummer is dead. He played Baron von Trapp in the film musical "The Sound of Music" in Salzburg alongside Julie Andrews. He died at the age of 91 surrounded by his family.

February 5, 2021

United Nations in Vienna Offer Virtual Tour

The United Nations in Vienna offer an insight into the work at the Vienna International City (VIC). Due to Covid-19, regular tours have been suspended since March 2020, which is why the Visitor Service of the UN headquarters in Vienna is now offering an adequate substitution for the regular tours.

February 5, 2021

Technology Oscar for Austrian Software

This year's "Oscar" awards have already an Austrian winner. Christoph Sprenger, a software developer who works in New Zealand, has written code which simulates realistic hair, fire and collapsing buildings. Together with two colleagues, the Salzburg native will receive the "Technical Achievement Award".

February 4, 2021

WKO Heads: Easing of Lockdown Was Necessary

Both, the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce's (WKO) President, Harald Mahrer, and Secretary General, Karlheinz Kopf, are pleased by the government's decision to open the retail sector and body-related service providers again. They furthermore demand a clear perspective for industries that are yet to be opened.

February 4, 2021

Vienna Hopes for Revival as Congress Metropolis

The Covid-19 pandemic has influenced numerous different industries. Conventions, congresses and large-scale corporate events have not been possible, although they were important drivers for Vienna's tourism and international standing as congress metropolis. For 2021 and the upcoming years, the city hopes to experience a revival of this particular industry.

February 3, 2021

Austria's National Budget: EUR 22.5 Billion Deficit

The Covid-19 crisis has severely impacted Austria's economy and national budget. The Ministry of Finance has issued its financial results for the year 2020, which shows a deficit of EUR 22.5 billion. Higher expenditures for measures in connection with Covid-19 and a decrease in public levies are the main reasons for the bad results.

February 3, 2021

Edtstadler in Paris: Meetings with Secretaries of State and Chief Rabbi

In order to discuss Covid-19 coordination and the fight against terrorism and anti-Semitism, Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has traveled to Paris, France and met with, among others, Secretary of State for Europe Clément Beaune and Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia.

February 2, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: New Rules Apply From February 8

Austria's federal government has announced a slight relaxation of the current lockdown. Shops and schools will reopen under certain requirements, but penalties for disregarding measures and and entry into Austria will be tightened. The aim of the government is to contain the current virus mutations from the UK and South Africa.

February 2, 2021

British in Vienna: First Residence Permit Handed Out

The first British citizen living in Vienna has received her approved residence permit. After the UK has left the EU on December 31, 2020, about 12,000 Britons living in Austria will need to apply for a residence title by the end of 2021. British Ambassador to Austria Leigh Turner is pleased by the processing of the Austrian officials so far.

February 1, 2021

Blümel: EU's Raise of State Aid is Necessary Step

The European Commission has extended its framework for state aid to support companies that are affected by Covid-19. In addition to the extension, the current thresholds have been raised, which was a highly necessary decision according to Austria's Finance Minister Gernot Blümel.

January 29, 2021

Construction Works for Vienna's New Metro Line Have Begun

The construction works for Vienna's public transport extension has begun. The U2xU5 project, which will result in a whole new metro, the U5, and an extension of the current U2 line is set to be completed by 2026 and 2028, respectively. Austria's Federal Ministers for Finance and Climate Protection as well as Vienna's City Councillor for Public Transport took part in the groundbreaking ceremony.

January 28, 2021

Austria Underwent Human Right's Review

Austria underwent the "Universal Periodic Review" (UPR), an UN initiative to review human right records in each of its Member States. Austria's Constitutional Minister Karoline Edtstadler looks forward to the results of the review process, which will be published as a public report.

January 27, 2021

Austria Joins International Renewable Energy Agency

Since January 1, 2021, Austria is member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). During the Agency's General Assembly, Austria's Climate Protection Minister demands a transformation of the world's energy system towards 100 percent renewables and is pleased that Austria will make a contribution to this change.

January 26, 2021

EU Future Conference: Edtstadler Demands Action

At an an informal video conference of the EU's Ministers for European Affairs, Austria's responsible Minister, Karoline Edtstadler, once again demanded an early start of the EU Future Conference. Although the Covid-19 pandemic might have shown some strengths and weaknesses of the current EU, Edtstadler demands a clear path into the future of the Union.

January 25, 2021

Significantly More Deaths in Austria in 2020

Due to Covid-19, deaths in Austria in the year 2020 have increased by almost 11 percent compared to 2019. Furthermore, life expectancy has decreased by about half a year for men and women in 2020. In weekly comparisons, an increase in deaths of almost 50 percent compared to the same weeks in 2019 had been observed.

January 14, 2021

Brexit Agreement: Austria's Economy Significantly Better Off

The Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) has issued a study in which the effects of the post-Brexit trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union was compared to a no-deal scenario. The results of the study show that the Austrian economy be happy with the negotiated agreement.

January 14, 2021

Brexit Has Lasting Impact on Erasmus

The Brexit has a huge impact on the European economy and its people. One of the most discussed effects among the younger population is the end of the United Kingdom's participation in the Erasmus+ program. Thousands of European and British students are affected and will now need to seek other opportunities to further their studies abroad.

January 13, 2021

Britons in Vienna: 10% Have Already Applied for Residence Permit

About 10 percent of the British citizens in Vienna have already applied for a residence permit. Due to Brexit, the British population residing in EU countries needs to take certain measures in order to stay eligible for residence in the future. In Austria, the deadline for applications is December 31, 2021.

January 13, 2021

International Start-Ups Are Attracted by Vienna

The Vienna Business Agency has received more applications for the Vienna Startup Package in 2020 than ever before. Out of 321 applications, the Agency has selected 16 winners from nine different countries, which will be able to take advantage of a package that includes coaching sessions, consulting and networking opportunities.

January 13, 2021

Member of Expelled Ephrussi Family Receives Austrian Citizenship

Since September 1, 2020, about 950 persons from all over the world have obtained Austrian citizenship through a new regulative that allows descendants of victims of the Nazi regime to regain Austrian citizenship. Victor de Waal, a member of the famous and widespread Ephrussi family has now been informed by Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig about his successful application.

January 8, 2021

Austro-American Society Celebrates 75th Anniversary

The Austro-American Society (ÖAG) celebrated it 75th anniversary on January 6, 2021. The Austrian Ambassador to the USA, Martin Weiss, the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, and the heads of the ÖAG used this occasion to underline the goals of the society's. These comprise the strengthening of the Austro-American relations in the aspects of social, economic, cultural and public life.

January 7, 2021

WKO: Lockdown Extension a "Blow For Domestic Trade"

Once again the Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) does not entirely support the federal government in its decision to extend the lockdown and cancel the opportunity to escape the lockdown with a negative Covid-19 test. The WKO demands plans for the affected companies and aid for the suppliers indirectly affected by the crisis.

January 5, 2021

Austria's Unemployment Rate at 11 Percent

Crisis-related unemployment, especially due to the lack of a seasonal start in tourism, has a huge impact on the unemployment rate in Austria at the moment. More than 500,000 people are currently seeking for jobs, which is an increase of more than 63,000 compared to the previous. month.

January 5, 2021

Bosnia and Herzegovina Receives Support From Austria

The Austrian Foreign Ministry has decided to provide the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) with EUR 1 million for the humanitarian care of refugees and migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Foreign Minister Schallenberg is eager to support the affected people with rapid assistance directly in the area.

January 4, 2021

Impact of Internationals in Austria Remains Huge

According to recent numbers, Austria's official residence secures more almost 19,000 jobs and has an economic impact of EUR 1.35 billion gross value added. This is a significant increase from 2018 although Covid-19 has turned diplomatic relations and encounters into a virtual setting.

December 29, 2020

Brexit Agreement: Federation of Austrian Industries and WKO Welcome Agreement

With regard to the finalized Brexit negotiations, the Federation of Austrian Industries and Chamber of Commerce showed themselves relieved after the EU and the United Kingdom have finally come to an agreement which will regulate the relations between the leaving party and the member countries of the European Union starting from January 1, 2021.

December 28, 2020

WKO: Importance of Trade Agreements

The chairman of the Federal Board for Foreign Trade in the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), Karl Pisec, underlines the importance of international trade agreements for the European Union as well as for Austria. As an example to show benefits of trade agreements, he uses the EU's agreement with the Mercosur states and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Asia.

December 23, 2020

New Lockdown: No Public Church Services After December 27

Also during the upcoming lockdown, Austria's Minister of Cultural Affairs together with representatives of churches and religious communities have agreed to suspend all public church services until January 17. Places of worship will, however, stay open for personal prayers.

December 22, 2020

Legal Certainty for British in Austria

Austria gives Britons in Austria legal certainty with regard to residence. Although the United Kingdom left the European Union at the beginning of this year, the European Union and many member countries for themselves have ensured a smooth transitions for British citizens currently residing in EU countries.

December 22, 2020

Sobotka Supports North Macedonia's Path to EU

Talat Xhaferi, President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, met virtually with his Austrian counterpart Wolfgang Sobotka to discuss the accession negotiation of North Macedonia with the EU, the terrorist attack in Vienna and the developments of the Covid-19 pandemic in both countries.

December 2, 2020 · Updated: December 21, 2020; 10:55

WKO Heads Demand Clear Plan for Path to Normality

The heads of Austria's Federal Economic Chamber demand a clear plan that shows a step-by-step path to normality. They demand regular mass testing, where negative test results are connected to more freedoms. According to them, the lockdown immediately after Christmas will hit many companies particularly hard.

December 18, 2020

Third Lockdown Starts on December 26

The Austrian government has announced a third lockdown, starting on December 26 and lasting until at least January 18. Similar to the shutdowns before, all-day curfew will apply, stores and gastronomy will be closed, body-related services will not be open and distance learning will be implemented in the schools.

December 18, 2020

ECJ Bans Exhaust Software: Anschober and Gewessler Demand Changes

The European Court of Justice has decided to ban software used to embellish exhaust emission values in diesel cars. Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler and Consumer Protection Minister Anschober hope for a move by the car manufacturers in order to provide retrofits and compensate injured consumers.

December 17, 2020

Funding for Erasmus Program Is Increased

One of the European Union's most successful programs, the Erasmus+, will once again receive an increase of funding. In 2019 alone, the program supported almost 1 million learning stays abroad and provided funding for more than 100,000 organizations and about 25,000 projects.

December 16, 2020

Re-Invent the EU: Austria Discusses the European Union

The future of the European Union is at stake. Austrian politicians and EU experts discuss the future of the Union in Austria in order to "make Europe a little bit better every day". A series of debates, conferences and other events are initiated to make sure that Austria stays in the right track when it comes to its contribution to the European Union.

December 15, 2020

65th Anniversary of Austria's UN Membership

On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Austria's UN membership, Foreign Minister Schallenberg underlines the importance of the cooperation between the member countries, especially in times like these. He stresses that Austria will continue to do everything in its power to maintain and enhance the functioning international cooperation.

December 15, 2020

International Visitor Leadership Program Celebrates 80th Anniversary

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program, celebrates its 80th anniversary. The program has opened doors for more than 225,000 participants from all over the globe and has connected current and emerging leaders to US culture and society.

December 9, 2020

EU Ministers Issue Declaration on "Digital Government"

The EU Ministers responsible for Digitalization have agreed on a joint declaration that focuses on digital society and value-based digital government. Austria's Minister Schramböck sees Austria already on the right track with its various e-government tools and is delighted about the European plans.

December 9, 2020