Austrian Brands: Top Picks For The Discerning Shopper

Austria is known for its unique fashion scene, with a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. The country boasts a variety of brands, from high-end labels to affordable options, all showcasing Austrian creativity and innovation. From folkwear to modern trends, Austrian fashion has something for everyone. The country is also known for its commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, with many designers prioritising eco-friendly materials and production methods. In addition to clothing, Austria also offers a range of other products, from food and beverages to home goods and souvenirs.

Austrian crystal

Austria's most famous crystal manufacturer is Swarovski, which has a showroom in Vienna and a production plant in Wattens. Swarovski crystals are known for their stringent quality controls and are used in a variety of applications, including jewellery, fashion, glassware, and lighting.

For those seeking vintage Austrian crystal, 1928 Jewelry offers a collection of exquisite vintage pieces crafted from authentic Austrian crystal. Their collection includes necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in a variety of styles, such as Art Deco, Victorian, and Edwardian. These vintage pieces are one-of-a-kind and designed to be cherished forever.

Whether you're visiting Austria or shopping online, Austrian crystal is a brilliant choice for those seeking high-quality, sparkling treasures.

Folk fashion

The dirndl is a feminine dress that consists of a close-fitting bodice with a low neckline, a blouse worn underneath, a wide high-waisted skirt, and an apron. It is regarded as a folk costume and is traditionally worn by women and girls in some Alpine regions of Austria, as well as in parts of Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

In Tirol, the national costume is not just a history or custom, but a lifestyle. It is worn by over 10,000 members of the Provincial Association of Tirolean Tracht, who are dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the cultural heritage of the region. The costume is mainly worn on special occasions, such as festivals, weddings, and religious events.

In recent times, the Tirolean costume has inspired a new fashion style called Landhausmode (Country House Style). Designers have combined rustic elements and embroidery with the latest fashion trends to create a style that promises individuality, unique looks, durability and comfort.

Local chocolates

Austria has a long and rich history of chocolate-making, and there are many local brands to choose from. Here is a guide to some of the most popular Austrian chocolates:

Mozartkugeln

Also known as 'Mozart Balls', these are the quintessential Austrian treat. Wrapped in foil featuring the famous composer Mozart's face, these chocolate spheres contain a marzipan centre and are usually coated in dark chocolate. They can be found in most supermarkets across Austria and in a dedicated cafe in Salzburg, Mozart's homeland.

Manner

Famous for their Neapolitan-style chocolate wafers, Manner is one of the top-selling Austrian chocolate brands. Manner wafers are instantly recognisable due to their hot pink packaging. The recipe, which includes hazelnut cream, chocolate, and a wafer, has remained unchanged since its creation in 1898. The company has since expanded its repertoire and now offers a range of products, including pure dark chocolate bars and chocolate cream tartlets.

Zotter

Zotter is a modern legend in Austria, founded by the eccentric Josef Zotter in 1999. The brand is known for its experimental approach to chocolate-making, combining unique and often wild flavours. Some of their exotic flavour combinations include goji berries and bacon, tequila with salt and lemon, and coconut and trout.

Hofbauer

One of the oldest chocolate makers in the country, Hofbauer is synonymous with fine Austrian confections. Their menu includes classic pralines, chocolate cakes and tarts, bars, and Rohkost (chocolate-covered fruit slices).

Heindl

Heindl prides itself on using exclusively Fair Trade-sourced ingredients. This family-run business is known for its socially conscious and experimental approach to chocolate-making. Some of their classic creations include the 'Naschherzerl' (nougat chocolate hearts with a creamy filling) and dark chocolate-coated orange slices.

Ildefonso

If you're a fan of nuts and chocolate, then Ildefonso is the brand for you. This Viennese company specialises in nougat chocolate confections, using only hazelnuts. Their chocolates are hand-wrapped in a cube-shaped red and gold package, making them instantly recognisable.

Casali

Casali is a trailblazing Austrian chocolate manufacturer that aims to fill a gap in the market by offering something different. Their signature line of chocolate bars uses lighter, milkier chocolate than its competitors, combined with fresh coconut and bananas.

Mirabell

Named after Schloss Mirabell in Vienna, where the Habsburgs resided, Mirabell is one of the most successful chocolatiers in Austrian history. Known for their elaborate, baroque packaging, they produce a variety of historically and musically-themed chocolates, including their own spin on Mozartkugeln.

Victor Schmidt

Now owned by Manner, Victor Schmidt is one of the greatest historical chocolate brands from Austria. The chocolatier specialises in made-to-order chocolate gift boxes, especially those themed around Mozartkugeln. They also mass-produce their patented Kugeln, as well as other nutty, nougat-rich Austrian marzipan chocolates.

Fashion boutiques

Austria's fashion scene is known for its blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, with an emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. The country's fashion capital, Vienna, boasts a variety of fashion boutiques showcasing both local and international brands.

JCH Juergen Christian Hoerl

The flagship store of celebrity designer Juergen Christian Hoerl, who has worked with celebrities such as Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst, is located on Opfernring in Vienna. The store offers high-quality womenswear, bags, jewellery, and accessories, with prices starting as low as €50. Hoerl aims to cater to all budgets and also offers tailor-made pieces by appointment.

FERRARI ZÖCHLING

Founded by Romana Zöchling in 2013, this women's apparel label is known for its limited-edition, handmade designs. The boutique, located in the heart of trendy Neubau in Vienna, showcases clear cuts, eye-catching colours, and prints, often emerging from collaborations with Austrian artists. Zöchling uses high-quality materials such as viscose and silk to create relaxed and comfortable styles.

KAYIKO

Salzburg-born designer Karin Oèbster's label, KAYIKO, offers unique, cosmopolitan, and handcrafted clothing and accessories. Her boutique, located in a beautiful Baroque building on Windmühlgasse, features minimalist interiors that contrast with the building's elaborate facade. Oèbster's designs are extravagant yet wearable, aiming to boost her customers' self-confidence.

Not Another Concept Store

Located inside the prestigious Ringstraßen-Galerien shopping mall, this brightly lit shop sells womenswear, menswear, accessories, and beauty products from both Austrian and international designers. The store also doubles as an event space for fashion-related exhibitions, workshops, and talks, creating a unique shopping experience.

Song

Myung-Il Song's boutique, located in Praterstraße near the Danube Canal, offers womenswear, menswear, and furniture from designers around the world, with a focus on new talents on the brink of their breakthrough. The store combines the latest fashion trends with art, creating a unique and special vibe. Part of the shop is dedicated to showcasing the works of emerging artists.

Pregenzer Fashion Store

This stylish boutique, located in Schleifmühlgasse, just a short stroll from Vienna's popular Naschmarkt, has been attracting fashion fans for over 20 years. The simplistic and light-filled interiors showcase trendy yet timeless womenswear and accessories crafted from high-quality, locally produced materials with a focus on sustainability.

In addition to these boutiques, Austria is also home to well-known fashion brands such as Palmers, Wolford, and Lenzing, specialising in lingerie and high-quality fabrics, as well as contemporary clothing brands like Staud and Lena Hoschek.

Food and drink

Austria is known for its culinary delights and traditional specialties. Here are some of the best food and drink products to try when visiting Austria:

Food

Austria has a wide range of traditional dishes that showcase the country's culinary diversity. Here are some must-try food items:

• Tiroler Gröstl: A hearty dish from the Tyrol region, Tiroler Gröstl combines sliced potatoes, onions, and beef or pork fried in butter. It is often served with a fried egg and a side of pickles or horseradish.
• Wiener Schnitzel: This legendary dish is a breaded and fried veal cutlet, accompanied by a simple salad or parsley potatoes. It is a classic example of Austrian cuisine.
• Erdäpfelsalat: A traditional Austrian potato salad, Erdäpfelsalat is made with boiled potatoes and sliced onions in a tangy vinegar, oil, and mustard dressing. It is a popular side dish, especially in Vienna.
• Tafelspitz: Tafelspitz is a classic Austrian dish where beef is gently boiled in a flavourful broth with root vegetables and spices. It is usually served with horseradish mixed with minced apples.
• Speckknödel: These dumplings from Tyrol are packed with bacon and boiled to perfection. Speckknödel are commonly served in a warm broth or with sauerkraut and a fresh salad.
• Spinatknödel: Spinach dumplings, or Spinatknödel, are another Tyrolean specialty. They are made with spinach, eggs, butter, garlic, onions, and parmesan cheese, and are often served with melted butter and grated cheese.
• Beuschel: A traditional Austrian stew, Beuschel is made from calf's heart and lungs (or other meats) simmered in a dark brown sauce. It is a dish typically found in old-school eateries that embrace their traditional offerings.
• Kasspatzln: A comforting cheese noodle dish, Kasspatzln is popular in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. It is made with local cheeses like Bergkäse or Graukäse, giving it a unique taste.
• Martinigansl: This festive dish is traditionally enjoyed on St. Martin's Day. Martinigansl consists of roasted goose filled with dried plums and chestnuts, served with red cabbage, potatoes, or Knödel dumplings.
• Vienna Sausage: Vienna Sausage is a staple street food found at sausage stands throughout the city. It is slow-smoked, slender in shape, and often served with bread and a side of mustard or horseradish.

Drink

Austria also offers a variety of beverages, from soft drinks to alcoholic options:

• Almdudler: This soft drink is considered the national beverage of Austria. Almdudler features the flavors of alpine herbs and provides a unique taste.
• Coffee: Coffee is an essential part of Austrian culture, and Vienna's cafes are renowned. Try a traditional Viennese coffee, or for a sweet treat, indulge in a decadent hot chocolate topped with cream.
• Wine: Eastern Austria, particularly the region around Vienna, is known for its wine production. Sample the local Riesling and Veltliner wines for a taste of Austrian viticulture.
• Beer: Austria has a number of local breweries offering a variety of beers. Popular brands include Stiegl, Ottakringer, Egger Bier, and Zillertal Bier.
• Pumpkin Seed Oil: A specialty product from Styria, pumpkin seed oil is used in salads and for dipping bread. Look for award-winning brands such as Bauernhof JÖBSTL and Steirerkraft.
• Schnaps: Austria has a strong tradition of producing fruit brandies, and schnapps is a popular alcoholic drink. Try Williamsbirne (pear schnapps) or Zwetschgenbrand (plum schnapps) for a taste of local spirits.

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