The Austrian Look: Decoding Alpine Beauty Secrets

Austrians tend to dress quite formally and stylishly, with a preference for dark, solid colours. Jeans are not commonly worn, except by younger men on occasion, and sneakers are considered a fashion faux pas. Instead, Austrian men and women tend to opt for smart pants, dresses, and skirts. In the summer, Austrian men might wear a light, button-down shirt with well-fitting pants, while women might opt for a sundress or a blouse with a skirt. In the winter, Austrians bundle up in fur coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and soft rubber-soled boots to protect against the freezing temperatures.

Fashion

Given the prevalence of the Alps, it's no surprise that outdoor clothing is important in Austria. Hiking bags, sneakers, and sandals are considered fashion faux pas. Instead, leather shoes with thick soles and heels are recommended for traversing the country's paved, cobbled, and unpaved roads. Sneakers are generally only worn for sports.

In terms of style, individuality and uniqueness are admired in Vienna, but the overall aesthetic is classic, conservative, and sophisticated. Neon colours and risky choices are avoided. Austrians dress to impress, especially in the nation's cultural capital, Vienna. When in doubt, it's best to dress more conservatively, as Austrian values tend to be traditional and the population is aging. Revealing clothing is generally frowned upon.

In summer, Austrians dress down but keep it classy. Men typically wear light, button-down shirts with well-fitting pants, while women opt for sundresses and blouses with skirts. Showing too much skin is discouraged, and shorter shorts and cutoffs are likely to attract glares. A light cardigan or pullover sweater may be needed if the weather turns cool.

Autumn in Austria is the perfect time to showcase your personality through layers and accessories. Scarves, light jackets, light gloves, and hats are common during this season. Men often wear collared shirts, earth-toned pants, and pullover wool sweaters, while women wear dark jeans, pants, dresses, blouses, and skirts, depending on the weather.

Austrian winters are incredibly cold, so accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves are essential. Sensible shoes, such as snow or leather boots, are also important for navigating the cold rain and snow. Inside, sweaters and turtlenecks are common, as Austrians bundle up in the warmth of cafes and bars.

Spring in Austria can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures, rain, and even snow. Umbrellas, trench coats, and hats are necessary, and it's important to be prepared for inclement weather. As the season progresses, Austrians start to shed their dark winter clothes in favour of pastels and brighter colours.

When attending cultural events or going to the theatre, it's generally better to dress up rather than down. Making an effort shows respect and will help you fit in with the locals.

Hair and facial hair

Austrians are known for their straight or slightly wavy hair, which can range from light blond to dark brown, with various shades of red also being found. The typical Austrian woman's hair is fine and silky, giving it a natural shine and lustre. This hair texture, combined with the common colour options, creates a natural and effortless look that is both elegant and understated.

When it comes to facial hair, Austrian men have a reputation for sporting impressive moustaches. The moustache ratio in Austria is reportedly above average, with some men carefully tending to their facial hair to achieve a 1940s-style masterpiece.

In terms of hair styling, Austrian women often prioritise their physical appearance and may use hair styling to enhance their features. This focus on appearance is reflected in the country's high standard of living, which grants many women access to quality hair care products and services.

Food

Austrian cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighbouring countries in Central Europe, particularly Hungary, Bavaria, Bohemia, and Northern Italy. It is also one of the most multicultural cuisines in Europe, with influences from Czech, Polish, Jewish, Italian, Balkan, and French culinary traditions.

Austrian food is known for its rich flavours and focus on meat and carb-dense foods. Here is a list of Austrian dishes and drinks to try:

Appetisers and Snacks

• Brettljause – a wooden board of meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, and spreads.
• Belegte Brote – open-faced sandwiches with various toppings.
• Speckknödel – hearty dumplings from Tyrol packed with bacon and boiled, often served in a warm broth.
• Spinatknödel – spinach dumplings from Tyrol, often served as a main course and topped with brown butter.
• Kaspressknödel – flat bread dumplings stuffed with grey or mountain cheese, served in a beef broth or with a salad.

Main Courses

• Wiener Schnitzel – a classic Austrian dish of breaded and fried veal cutlet, served with a simple salad, parsley potatoes, or cranberries.
• Tiroler Gröstl – a cosy, filling dish from the Tyrol region made with sliced potatoes, onions, and bits of beef or pork, fried in butter. It is often topped with a fried egg and served with pickles or horseradish.
• Tafelspitz – a traditional dish of beef boiled in a flavourful broth with root vegetables and spices, served with horseradish and minced apples.
• Käsespätzle – Austria's answer to mac and cheese, made with soft egg noodles and a generous helping of cheese.
• Goulash – a hot soupy stew with many variants, often made with vegetables, sausages, and seasoned with hot paprika.
• Fiakergulasch – a variation of the traditional Viennese goulash made with diced beef, onion, lots of paprika, wiener sausage, pickle, and fried egg, served with various garnishes.
• Kaiserschmarrn – a rich, fluffy, sweet thick pancake made with raisins and other fruits, torn into pieces and served with a fruit compote.
• Beuschel – a traditional Austrian stew with a rich history, made primarily from offal, usually calf's heart and lungs, in a dark brown sauce.
• Kasspatzln – a comforting cheese noodle dish popular in parts of Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, made with local cheeses like Bergkäse or Graukäse.
• Martinigansl – a festive dish of roasted goose filled with dried plums and chestnuts, served with red cabbage, potatoes, or Knödel dumplings.
• Vienna Sausage – a staple street food made with slow-smoked pork and beef, served in a bun or with white bread, dark sourdough, mustard, and horseradish.
• Schweinebraten – a classic Austrian dish of succulent oven-roasted pork served with bread dumplings and sauerkraut.
• Kaisersemmel – crusty bread rolls with a spiral pattern on top, commonly known as Kaiser rolls.
• Faschierte Laibchen – ground meat patties made with beef and pork, bound with egg and fresh breadcrumbs, and flavoured with onion, garlic, thyme, marjoram, and parsley.
• Erdäpfelsalat – Austrian potato salad made with boiled potatoes, sliced onions, vinegar, oil, mustard, and sometimes fresh parsley or chives.
• Linzer Augen – Linzer cookies, which are sandwich cookies with a hole in the top layer to reveal the redcurrant jam filling.
• Sachertorte – a luxurious chocolate cake filled with apricot jam, dating back to 1832.
• Prügeltorte – a special type of Austrian cake with a distinctive hollow centre, filled with cream or adorned with flowers.
• Linzer Torte – a shortcake pastry filled with redcurrant jam, named after the Austrian city of Linz.
• Marillenknödel – dumplings filled with apricots and covered with streusel and powdered sugar, a speciality of the Wachau Valley.
• Powidltascherl – plum jam turnovers, a delicacy in Austria and Germany.
• Knödel – dumplings that can be both sweet and savoury. Savoury Knödel are served as a side dish or in soup, while sweet Knödel are often made with plums.

Desserts and Pastries

• Viennese Apfelstrudel – apple strudel is considered Austrian national food. It consists of thin pastry wrapped around a filling of apples, raisins, and almonds, served with cream or warm vanilla sauce.
• Topfenstrudel – similar to a rolled-up cheesecake inside a pastry, filled with a creamy cheese curd and often mixed with raisins.
• Buchteln – baked food with sweet fillings of jam, ground poppy seeds, or sweet curds

Language

Austrians speak Austrian Deutsch, a variety of German. While the language is technically German, there are many subtle differences. For example, while Germans will greet you with "Guten Tag", Austrians will say "Gruss Gott" (God Bless).

Austrian German sounds "softer" than German German, and German speakers can easily discern the difference. There are also regional dialects of German, such as Weinerisch, spoken in Vienna.

Austria's Slavic minority, located mostly in the south and the east, speak Slovenian and Croatian as their first language. English is taught in all schools as a second language.

Social customs

Austrians are known for their punctuality, and it is considered rude to be late. They also place great importance on politeness and formality, with greetings such as "Gruss Gott" or "Gruss dich" being commonly used. Austrians are also known for their love of nature and tradition, often blending modern elements with customs to create a harmonious experience.

Austria has a rich history and cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on music, art, and landmarks. The country is home to many castles, palaces, monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Vienna, the nation's capital, is known for its imperial past and modern attractions, making it a cultural hub.

The Austrian society values cleanliness and order, with well-maintained public spaces and a strong sense of civic responsibility. They also have a strong coffee culture, with coffeehouses serving as meeting places and spaces for social interaction.

Austrians are known for their love of fashion, with Vienna being recognised as a European culture capital that attracts fashionable people. Dressing conservatively is generally preferred, reflecting the country's traditional Catholic roots and the ageing population.

The country also has a strong food culture, with schnitzel and strudel being iconic dishes. Pork and potatoes form the basis of many traditional Austrian meals, and dairy products are widely consumed.

Overall, Austrians value their unique culture, traditions, and natural wonders, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

Frequently asked questions