Austrian People: Culture, Traits, And Lifestyle

Austrians are known for their love of good food, with influences from Italian, Hungarian, and Bohemian cooking styles. They are also deeply fond of dairy products, and their cuisine is diverse, with many regional variations and dishes that are much lighter than expected. They are also big fans of coffee, with the tradition of Kaffe & Kuchen, or mid-afternoon coffee and cake, being an integral part of Austrian culture. Austrians are typically conservative and value tradition, family, fairness, the environment, and a good work-life balance. They are also known for their punctuality and their love of the outdoors, with hiking and winter sports being very popular.

Austrians are punctual and polite

Austrians are known for their punctuality and politeness. In fact, being punctual is so important in Austrian culture that it is common knowledge you should always aim to be about five minutes early to any meeting or social occasion. Being late or cancelling an arrangement at the last minute is considered rude. If you do anticipate being late, it is polite to give your Austrian counterpart a warning and an apology for your delay.

Politeness is also a key aspect of Austrian culture. Austrians tend to be polite, formal, and reserved. You can expect a certain level of formality in social situations. For example, you will usually shake someone’s hand when you first meet them, and certainly in business settings. It is also customary to greet people with their professional titles, such as ‘Doktor’ or ‘Herr’ (Mr). First names are generally only used with friends, family, and people you know well.

In addition, it is considered rude to enter someone's home without knocking on the door first. It is also important to respect an Austrian's personal space and physical and personal privacy when among strangers. For example, it is polite to ask for permission before taking someone's photograph or video.

They enjoy talking about their home region

Austrians are known to be proud of their home regions and enjoy talking about them. Many feel a sense of belonging to their region of birth, even if they left many years ago. This pride in their home region is complemented by a love for their country's natural beauty and landscapes.

Austria is a country with diverse landscapes, from the Alpine way of life in Tirol to the laid-back vibe of Carinthia, the futuristic technology of Upper Austria, and the artistic treasures of Styria. The country's natural beauty is a source of national pride and is deeply valued by Austrians.

The diversity of Austria's regions is a great conversation topic for anyone interacting with Austrians. Each region has its unique culture, traditions, and natural wonders. For example, Salzburg is known as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, while Vienna, the nation's capital, is a cultural and political hub with imperial and modern influences.

Austrians also enjoy discussing their regional food variations. While Austrian cuisine is generally known for its pork and potatoes, each region has its specialties and unique dishes. For instance, Vienna is famous for its coffeehouse culture, and Austrian grannies are renowned for making the best potato salad.

In addition to their regional diversity, Austrians are known for their punctuality, love of good food, and appreciation for nature and the arts. They value family, fairness, and a good work-life balance. They are also known for their conservative nature and preference for moderate behaviour, although they do enjoy socialising with friends and family.

Austrian fashion is conservative

Austria is a country that values tradition, and this is reflected in its fashion choices. The country's national dress, known as "tracht", includes "lederhosen" for men and "dirndl" for women. This traditional style of dress has seen a recent resurgence, with more people choosing to embrace their cultural heritage and express their patriotism through fashion.

In general, Austrian fashion is conservative and understated. Austrians take pride in their appearance and tend to dress neatly and tidily, even when dressed casually. Flashy outfits are uncommon, and it is typical to adhere to a conservative dress code for formal occasions like going to the theatre or a concert. Most restaurants also enforce a semi-formal dress code.

When visiting Austria, particularly its largest city, Vienna, it is important to blend in with the conservative fashion choices of the locals. This means avoiding revealing clothing and, instead, opting for a more sophisticated and classy look. For women, sundresses and blouses with skirts are common choices, while men typically opt for light button-down shirts and well-fitting pants. It is also important to be mindful of the season and pack accordingly, as Austrian summers can be scorching, while winters are incredibly cold.

In terms of footwear, comfortable and practical shoes are always in fashion. Leather shoes with thick soles and heels are ideal for navigating the diverse terrain, including paved roads, cobblestones, and unpaved paths. Sneakers and sandals, on the other hand, are considered a fashion faux pas.

Accessories also play a significant role in Austrian fashion. Hats, gloves, and scarves are essential during the colder months, allowing Austrians to showcase their sense of style while staying warm. Additionally, a discreet backpack is ideal for sightseeing, providing ample space for provisions and a small foldable umbrella, which is necessary to navigate the unpredictable weather.

Overall, Austrian fashion is conservative, sophisticated, and classic. While there is a strong emphasis on tradition, Austrians also value individuality and uniqueness, as evidenced by the resurgence of traditional dress and the emergence of sustainable fashion labels.

Austrians are nature-lovers

Austria's diverse and breathtaking landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for many nature-loving traditions. For instance, land art in the Austrian Alps uses nature as its canvas for sculptures, installations, and architecture that blend seamlessly into the surroundings.

The people of Austria cherish their customs and traditions, often blending modern elements to create a harmonious experience. This is evident in the country's castles and palaces, which transport visitors back in time while also showcasing innovative design and a unique blend of old and new.

The country's rich history and creative personalities have resulted in a remarkable heritage of art, culture, music, and landmarks. From grand concert halls to open-air festivals, Austria celebrates its musical heritage while also embracing modern elements.

The federal state of Styria, known as the "Green Heart" of Austria, is particularly renowned for its natural beauty, artistic treasures, and the charming lifestyle of its residents. Here, one can truly appreciate the Austrians' deep connection to nature and their commitment to sustainability.

In addition to their love for the outdoors, Austrians also value family, fairness, and a good work-life balance. They are generally conservative, polite, and reserved, with a strong sense of punctuality and formality. With their appreciation for nature, tradition, and a well-balanced life, Austrians embody a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sensibilities.

They have a unique sense of humour

Austrians have a unique sense of humour, which is described by the colloquial expression "Schmäh". This term describes a good-natured yet edgy rhetoric that forms the base of the country's humour. Each area has its own type of "Schmäh", which can be classified as snide wit coated with irony and harmless ribbing. Newcomers to Austria often mistake this type of banter as offensive, but it is all meant in good fun.

The roots of this type of humour hail from servants mocking their aristocratic employers. Austrians also enjoy explicit radio, with full uncensored versions of songs being played in the middle of the workday.

Austrians are also known for their love of acquiring knowledge and learning. They value straightforward and direct communication and questions, and being clear and honest is highly valued. They also enjoy talking about their home region and feel a sense of belonging to it, even if they left many years ago.

Frequently asked questions