Gluten-Free Travel Guide: Austria Edition

Austria has a range of gluten-free options, especially in Vienna, Salzburg, and Zell Am See. However, outside of these cities, gluten-free options are more limited. In Austria, gluten-free food can be purchased at supermarkets such as dm-Drogeriemarkt, Billa, Billa Plus, and Spar, and at restaurants such as Don Camillo in Graz and Die Weiss in Salzburg. It is also possible to find gluten-free meals at higher-priced hotels that offer breakfast buffets. When ordering gluten-free meals in Austria, it is recommended to have a card or sheet that explains your dietary needs in German, as some restaurants may not fully understand gluten-free requirements and cross-contamination is a concern.

Gluten-free options in Vienna

When saying "gluten-free" in Austria, you can use the term "glutenfrei".

Now, let's move on to discussing gluten-free options in Vienna. The Austrian capital, Vienna, offers a plethora of gluten-free choices, ensuring that visitors with dietary restrictions can confidently explore the city's culinary scene. Here are some insights and recommendations for gluten-free dining in Vienna:

Supermarkets and Grocery Stores

Supermarkets in Vienna stock gluten-free products, making it convenient for travellers to find suitable options. Look for items labelled "glutenfrei" in grocery stores like Billa, Spar, and Merkur. Merkur, for instance, offers to-go sandwiches with gluten-free options like ham, cheese, or egg. Additionally, larger Spar stores like Interspar or Eurospar often have dedicated freezer sections with gluten-free products such as fish fingers, pizzas, bread, cakes, and more.

Restaurants and Cafes

Vienna boasts an impressive array of restaurants and cafes catering to gluten-free diets. Here are some notable options:

• Zum Wohl: This dedicated gluten-free restaurant specialises in Austrian cuisine, offering dishes like schnitzels and strudels. It also accommodates dairy-free diets, making it a versatile choice.
• Vapiano: Celiac-safe pizza is their specialty, ensuring a safe and tasty option for gluten-intolerant diners.
• Blue Orange: This cafe serves gluten-free bagels and takes great care to prevent cross-contamination. They cater to various dietary needs, including lactose-free, nut-free, and egg-free options.
• Kurkonditorei Oberlaa: Sample an extensive selection of gluten-free cakes at this cafe, including the Hollander cake, a chocolate mousse delight, and a rich gluten-free chocolate torte.
• Gasthaus Nestroy: Traditional Austrian cuisine with gluten-free options, including gluten-free schnitzel and gluten-free beer.
• Anonymous 100% Gluten-Free and Lactose-Free Restaurant: This unnamed restaurant in a 2024 review brews its own gluten-free beer and offers gluten-free bread, pasta, and desserts like tiramisu.

Other Tips

While Vienna has many gluten-free options, it's important to be cautious about cross-contamination, especially in rural areas. Communicate your dietary restrictions clearly, and consider joining the "Gluten-free Austria" Facebook group for more insights and recommendations. Additionally, the Austrian Coeliac Society maintains a list of hotels offering gluten-free meals, which can be helpful when planning your accommodation.

Gluten-free products at supermarkets

In German, "gluten-free" can be translated as "glutenfrei" or "Weizenfrei".

Supermarkets in Austria have a good selection of gluten-free products. Almost all Billa supermarkets have a gluten-free section with Schär products, as well as some bread, cookies, pasta, and beer. Spar, another supermarket chain, has its own free-from line, including pasta, cereals, wraps, bread, cookies, and pizza bases. Their products are reported to be of good quality and reasonably priced.

Some Spar supermarkets have freezers dedicated to gluten-free products, including fish fingers, pizzas, bread, cakes, and more. Billa Plus stores also offer a range of fresh-baked gluten-free products, including bread, under the name "Nimm dir weizenfrei". Merkur is another supermarket that offers gluten-free sandwiches to go, although these may be in limited supply.

Outside of Vienna, gluten-free options at restaurants and cafes become more limited, and cross-contamination is a concern. It is recommended to carry backup gluten-free food when travelling outside of major cities.

Gluten-free restaurants in Salzburg

To say "gluten-free" in Austria, you can use the phrase "glutenfrei" or "Weizenfrei".

Now, let's move on to discussing gluten-free restaurants in Salzburg. The beautiful city of Salzburg, Austria, offers a variety of dining options for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Here are some recommended restaurants and cafes in Salzburg that cater to gluten-free diets:

Sternbräu

Sternbräu is a favourite gluten-free spot for many. It offers a dedicated gluten-free menu with local Austrian dishes, ensuring a safe dining experience. The Schweinsbraten (roast pork with potatoes and cabbage salad) and the Salzburger Nockerl are popular choices.

Gablerbräu

While Gablerbräu does not have a specific gluten-free menu, the waiters are very knowledgeable and can accommodate gluten-free requests. The Beef Goulash is highly recommended, and it's worth trying the Kasnockn (Spätzle with cheese and caramelized onions), but remember to order it in advance.

Steinlechner Wirtshaus

At Steinlechner Wirtshaus, located at Aigner Straße 4-6, 5020 Salzburg, the waiters are well-informed about gluten-free options, and the menu clearly labels gluten-free dishes. They offer a wide variety of local Austrian dishes suitable for gluten-intolerant diners.

Die Weisse

Die Weisse is a local beer garden known for its wheat beers. Recently, they started brewing a gluten-free version using a special distillation process that removes gluten proteins. Now, gluten-intolerant individuals can enjoy a cold beer without worry!

Heart of Joy Café

Heart of Joy Café caters to various dietary needs, offering vegetarian and vegan options alongside an extensive selection of gluten-free dishes and cakes. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Heart of Joy has something delicious for everyone.

Café Classic

For a typical Austrian breakfast experience, Café Classic provides gluten-free rolls, ham, salami, eggs, and other traditional breakfast items. It's a great way to start your day like a local.

Café Sacher

No trip to Austria is complete without indulging in their famous cakes. Café Sacher offers a selection of gluten-free cakes, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without worrying about gluten.

Pizza Per Tutti, Lievitamente, and Pizzeria Restaurant Bella Palma

These pizzerias offer gluten-free options, with Pizza Per Tutti receiving a special mention for its gluten-free schnitzel, a rare find in Salzburg!

When dining out in Salzburg, it's always a good idea to inform the staff about your gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Additionally, be cautious of potential cross-contamination in the kitchen, especially in hotels and restaurants that also serve gluten-containing dishes.

Communicating your dietary needs

Learn the Local Language

Understanding key phrases in German, the official language of Austria, can be incredibly helpful when communicating your gluten-free needs. Knowing how to read menus and ingredient lists is essential to making informed choices. Familiarize yourself with terms like "glutenfrei," which means gluten-free, and be able to identify gluten-containing grains like "Weizen" (wheat), "Roggen" (rye), "Gerste" (barley), and "Hafer" (oats).

Carry Translation Cards

Consider carrying translation cards or downloading translation apps on your phone. These cards can explain your dietary restrictions in German, making it easier for waitstaff and chefs to understand your needs. You can include specific details about gluten-containing ingredients to avoid, such as flour, bread, breadcrumbs, and dressings. This approach has proven successful for travellers in other European countries like Italy, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Research and Plan Ahead

Before visiting restaurants, take some time to research their menus online. Many restaurants in Austria are required by law to label allergens on their menus, making it easier to identify gluten-containing dishes. Additionally, look for dedicated gluten-free restaurants or those with gluten-free options, especially in larger cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Zell am See.

Stock Up on Safe Options

When in doubt, it's always a good idea to carry your own gluten-free snacks or meals. Stock up on gluten-free products from supermarkets like Billa, Spar, and Merkur, which offer a range of gluten-free items, including bread, pizzas, cakes, and sandwiches. That way, you'll have backup options when dining out is not an option.

Join Support Groups and Online Communities

Connect with gluten-free communities, both locally and online. Facebook groups, such as the "Gluten-free Austria" group, can be a valuable source of information and recommendations. Members often share their personal experiences and suggestions for gluten-free-friendly restaurants, stores, and products.

Be Proactive and Ask Questions

When dining out, don't hesitate to ask questions about the ingredients and preparation methods. Inquire about gluten-free options and explain your dietary restrictions to the waitstaff. Be mindful that cross-contamination can occur, especially in kitchens where gluten-containing items are also prepared. It's always better to be cautious and confirm the safety of your meal.

Remember, effective communication is key to safely navigating your gluten-free dietary needs in Austria. By taking these proactive steps, you can enjoy your travels while confidently making gluten-free choices.

Gluten-free ski resorts in Austria

Austria is known for its impressive ski resorts, with numerous gluten-free-friendly hotels and restaurants specialising in catering to coeliac disease sufferers. From Tyrol to Vorarlberg, you will find many gluten-free ski hotels that cater to your dietary requirements.

The small resort of Seefeld, just half an hour away from Innsbruck by train, is popular with those who want to travel by train. Seefeld offers cosy mountain huts, 26km of skiing on a high plateau at 2,000m above sea level, and free ski buses to other nearby ski areas.

Flachau is another great option, located in the heart of Snow Space Salzburg with 120km of pistes and direct connections to the wider Ski Amadé area. There is plenty to do for snowboarders, cross-country skiers, and non-skiers, including thermal baths in nearby Altenmarkt.

St Anton is excellent for advanced skiers and is known for its lively après-ski scene. It is recommended to book a hotel in one of the nearby villages and take advantage of the free ski bus.

The Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrenn is one of Europe's finest, with 70 lifts and 270km of pistes. A new lift now connects to the Zell Am See-Kaprun ski area.

In addition to these ski resorts, Salzburg, Vienna, and Zell Am See are highlighted as gluten-free-friendly destinations in Austria, with Salzburg and Vienna offering gluten-free cakes and lovely lunchtime cafes.

When booking your trip, be sure to inform your accommodation of your gluten-free dietary requirements so they can prepare accordingly and ensure your meals are prepared safely and according to your needs.

Frequently asked questions