Branded Goods To Buy In Austria: The Ultimate Guide

Austria is known for its rich cultural heritage, and its shopping streets are filled with unique items that make great souvenirs. From the nation's traditional cheese to its famous chocolates, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the top branded goods to buy in Austria:

- Austrian crystal: Austrian crystal is renowned for its brilliance and sparkle, and you can find a wide range of crystal products, from glassware and lighting to fashion and jewellery.

- Swarovski crystals: These glittering charms have been worn by celebrities and are manufactured in the small town of Wattens near Innsbruck.

- Dirndl: The traditional Austrian outfit for women, consisting of a tight bodice, short sleeves, a low neck, and a flared skirt.

- Enamel accessories: Modern and colourful, these accessories are a unique take on traditional designs.

- Austrian chocolates: With dairy products in Austria being of excellent quality, it's no surprise that their chocolates are delicious. Brands like Berger, near Salzburg, offer a variety of flavours, including whiskey, espresso, and orange.

- Walnut and chestnut woodenware: With sustainable forest management, Austria allows the cutting of trees for commercial purposes, resulting in high-quality woodenware.

- Manner wafer cookies: These cookies are synonymous with Vienna and can be found in various shops throughout the city.

Austrian wine

Austria is one of the world's top 15 wine-exporting countries, and its wines are renowned internationally. The country's diverse landscapes and mineral-rich soils lend a unique character to its wines. The most famous Austrian wine is the Grüner Veltliner, which has an earthy-lemony and nectarine taste. This wine is produced in Lower Austria, particularly in the towns of Wachau, Melk, Spitz, and Krems.

The Grüner Veltliner wine styles vary from refreshingly elegant and restrained to powerful and opulent, depending on the growing region, grape, and vintage factors. Other popular wines from Austria include Riesling and old-vine Grüner Veltliner, made by one of the country's finest winemakers, Weingut Bründlmayer.

Overall, Austrian wines offer a diverse range of flavours and styles, from crisp and refreshing to bold and zesty. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual drinker, Austrian wines are worth exploring and can be a delightful addition to your collection.

Austrian cheese

Austria has a wide variety of cheeses, from soft to hard, and mild to tangy. Each region has its own specialties, often based on century-old recipes and adapted to modern tastes. The cheeses are typically made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk, and may be exotically combined with herbs, fruits, or vegetables.

Some of the most popular Austrian cheeses include:

• Tiroler Graukäse—This is one of the oldest cheese varieties in Austria, made from low-fat milk with no chemical additives or rennet. It has a lively sharpness and a slightly sour style, with practically no fat taste.
• Vorarlberger Alpkäse—This hard cheese is made from milk infused with various alpine herbs, giving it a rich, aromatic note and a tangy taste.
• Tiroler Almkäse/Tiroler Alpkäse—These specialties are only manufactured during the summer months on select Tyrolean alpine pastures and are available from October to March. They are characterised by a strong, aromatic-piquant taste, developed over at least four months of ripening.
• Tiroler Bergkäse—This cheese is made from silage-free pasture milk and is distinguished by its powerful, fully aromatic taste and tenderly melting body. It has a scattered, pea-sized eye formation and is ripened for around 14 weeks.
• Gailtaler Almkäse—Produced on 14 alpine pastures above the villages of the Gail Valley, this award-winning hard cheese is made from the freshest alpine pasture milk. It is recognised by its natural rind and ripened for about seven weeks.
• Vorarlberger Bergkäse—This regional speciality has fans beyond Austria's borders due to its high standards and fine, tangy taste, which develops over at least six months of ripening.
• Ländle Braukäse—A versatile, low-fat mountain cheese from the Austrian Alps.
• Ländle Weinkäse—Made from the finest fresh Alpine milk, this cheese is another excellent choice from the Austrian mountains.

Austrian chocolates

Mozartkugel:

The Mozartkugel, also known as Mozart Balls, is an iconic Austrian chocolate confection. Created in 1890 in Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, this treat consists of a ball of pistachio marzipan covered in a layer of nougat made from pistachios, hazelnuts, and almonds, then dipped in dark chocolate. The original Mozartkugel can only be found in Salzburg at one of the Fürst Konditorei locations, identifiable by their blue and silver foil wrapping.

Berger Chocolates

Based near Salzburg, Berger Confectionary offers a range of chocolate flavours, including Whiskey and Espresso, as well as orange-flavoured chocolates. Their headquarters near Lofer, on the way to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road from Salzburg, is a great place to stock up on their chocolates, as they don't have many outlets or widespread availability in common stores.

Zotter Chocolates:

Zotter Chocolates is an Austrian company that is renowned for its Bean-To-Bar production and hand-scooped chocolates. They offer a wide range of flavours, including ButterCaramel, Currant'N'Chili, and single-origin dark chocolate bars. You can find their chocolates online or at select retailers.

Leschanz Chocolate

Leschanz Chocolate is a small shop located behind St. Peter's Church in Vienna, which previously sold buttons dating back to 1844. The shop retains its old-world charm, and you can find a variety of exquisite chocolates, making it a dream come true for chocolate lovers.

Manner Chocolates:

Manner is a well-known Austrian brand that offers a range of chocolate treats, including their famous wafer cookies and fine chocolates. Their products are widely available in Austria, and you can visit their stores in Salzburg, Mauthausen, Graz, and several locations in Vienna.

Mirabell and Heindl Chocolates:

Mirabell and Heindl are two other popular brands of Austrian chocolates that offer a variety of treats, including Mozart balls, marzipan sticks, and orange wedges. You can find their products in many shops across Austria or online.

So, whether you're visiting Salzburg, Vienna, or other parts of Austria, be sure to indulge in the country's chocolate delights and bring some treats back home for yourself and your loved ones!

Austrian spirits

Austria has a long tradition of crafting spirits, with the earliest records of spirit production found in monastic archives. Today, the country's strict laws ensuring the purity of ingredients and artisanal production mean that every bottle is a testament to centuries of distilling excellence.

The most popular spirit distilled in Austria is Schnapps, a fruit brandy often made from apricots, pears, or apples. However, Austrian whiskey, gin, and herbal liqueurs are also growing in popularity.

• Rothman & Winter: This brand offers a range of liqueurs, including apricot, peach, crème de violette, orchard pear, and cherry. The crème de violette liqueur captures the fragrance and taste of wildflowers found in the Alps, while the apricot liqueur combines the juice of seasonal harvests of Klosterneuberger apricots with an eau-de-vie produced from the same fruit.
• Zirbenz: This stone pine liqueur is made from the freshly picked fruit of the Arolla Stone Pine grown in the Austrian Alps, giving it a smooth, earthy flavour.
• St. Elizabeth: The St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram is a critical element of tropical drinks and cuisine, with flavours of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper.
• Gölles Manufaktur: This brand offers a range of spirits, including apricot, plum, and gin. Their Hands On Gin is made with only five essential, hand-picked ingredients, making it a true piece of Styrian art.
• Mohr-Sederl: The Fruchtwelt Kaiser Gin from this brand is elegant and flavourful, made with local herbs.
• STAUD'S: Specialising in fruit punches and rum pots, their products feature aromatic blood orange juice and Jamaican rum.
• Wildstueck: This brand's Danube Dry Gin is unfiltered and classic, made from 10 fresh botanicals and presented in an elegant ceramic bottle.
• Bailoni: Gold Apricot Liqueur.
• Blume Marillen: Captures the taste of the Klosterneuberger apricot found in the Wachau region of the Danube Valley.
• Monopolowa: Vodka.
• Mozart: A range of chocolate liqueurs in dark, coffee, gold, and white chocolate flavours.
• Nux Alpina: Walnut Liqueur.
• Purkhart: Pear Williams Eau-de-Vie.
• Reisetbauer: Specialising in vodkas and eau-de-vie, their Axberg Vodka is produced using 100% organic, estate-grown Mulan winter wheat.
• Destillerie Farthofer: Organic whiskey naked oats, matured in a Mostello barrel.

Austrian fashion

When it comes to fashion, Austrians tend to dress in a sophisticated, fairly conservative way. Overly revealing clothing is generally frowned upon.

If you're visiting Austria, it's important to pack the right clothing to keep you comfortable and stylish. The most important factors when planning your outfits are the activities you'll be doing and the weather.

• Choose comfortable, supportive footwear. Austria is a very walkable country, and you'll likely be on your feet all day.
• Dress in layers. The weather in Austria can vary, so it's a good idea to have layers that you can add or remove as needed.
• Opt for classic pieces in neutral shades that can be easily mixed and matched.
• Avoid revealing clothing. Austrians tend to dress conservatively, so it's best to avoid showing too much skin.
• Pack a raincoat or umbrella. The weather in Austria can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to be prepared for rain.
• Dress up rather than down. Austrians tend to dress up for cultural events and nice dinners.

Spring:

• Long-sleeve tops: Go for something breathable yet cozy, like a cotton blend tee.
• Sweaters: Cashmere, merino wool, and alpaca sweaters are great options as they are lightweight, breathable, and warm.
• Lightweight, quick-drying pants: Choose simple, sophisticated silhouettes that will look nice and perform well during sightseeing or outdoor activities.
• Jeans: Classic jeans are a popular choice, especially in early spring when the weather is still cool.
• Dresses: Pack a dress or two made from thicker fabrics for dinner and drinks in the city.
• Raincoat: A packable rain jacket is a must for spring showers.
• Trench coat: A trench coat is a timeless piece that will keep you warm and stylish.

Summer:

• Polished t-shirts: Opt for neutral tones that are perfect for casual, day-to-day outings.
• Linen blouses: Linen is a breathable fabric that will keep you comfortable and polished during hot summer days.
• Linen pants: Airy and relaxed, linen pants are perfect for exploring cities and enjoying scenic walks.
• Maxi or midi skirts: These skirts offer coverage while keeping your legs cool.
• Sundresses: Stylish and comfy sundresses are perfect for summer days and evenings out.
• Cardigan: A light layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Rain jacket: A packable, breathable rain jacket is a must for unexpected thunderstorms.
• Jean jacket: A classic and effortless piece that will go with any outfit.
• Sneakers: Choose a trendy and lightweight pair of sneakers with ample support and a flexible outsole for walking on cobblestone streets.
• Sandals: Save the flip-flops for another destination, and opt for a pretty pair of strappy sandals instead.

Autumn:

• Sweaters: Cashmere and merino wool sweaters are ideal for autumn weather.
• Long-sleeve t-shirts or thermals: Layer with long-sleeve tees or thermals to stay warm during cool mornings and evenings.
• Travel pants: Comfortable, moisture-wicking pants are great for navigating urban adventures and outdoor activities.
• Jeans: Dark wash or black jeans are a popular choice for autumn.
• Dresses: Long-sleeve dresses made from thicker fabrics or offering more coverage are perfect for autumn temperatures.
• Trench coat: A lightweight trench coat is ideal for early autumn weather.
• Insulated trench coat: As the temperatures drop later in the season, opt for a heavier trench coat.
• Leather boots: Stylish and practical waterproof ankle boots are a fall favorite among locals.
• Sneakers: Sleek and supportive sneakers are a popular footwear choice in Austria.

Winter:

• Sweaters: Pack cozy sweaters made from materials like cashmere, merino wool, or alpaca.
• Turtleneck sweaters: Turtlenecks add extra coverage and a sophisticated touch to your outfits.
• Insulated winter pants: These will keep you warm and dry during light snow or rain.
• Jeans: Comfortable jeans are a great choice for clear winter days in the city.
• Sweater dresses: For evening outings or dinner dates, pack a cozy sweater dress.
• Thermal underwear: In Austria's freezing temperatures, thermal underwear is essential to keep warm.
• Waterproof and insulated winter jacket: A down jacket or long puffer-style jacket will keep you warm and protected from the elements.
• Waterproof winter boots: These will keep your feet warm and dry during inclement weather.
• Sleek and stylish boots: For spending time in Austria's fashionable cities, opt for a pair of waterproof leather boots with excellent traction and support.

Frequently asked questions