Leslie Massey
Austria is famous for its shopping, with Vienna rivalling other European capitals in terms of the number of shopping centres. The country is known for its high-quality, stylish designer items and premium perfumes, as well as its food and drink, including chocolate, cheese, and wine.
Austria is also famous for its unique souvenirs, including the Zaunhocker, the Dirndl, and the original Perzy snow globes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Famous shopping places | Designer-Outlet, Fashion outlets, SCS shopping center, Europark, Kärntner Straße, Graben, Stephansplatz, Naschmarkt Vienna, Grüner Markt, Innsbruck, Wattens showroom, Vienna, Salzburg, Kirchberg countryside, etc. |
| Famous products | Swarovski crystals, boiled wool clothing, Mozartkugel candies, Sacher Torte, Zaunhocker, Dirndl, Bergkase (mountain cheese), Alpkäse, Tiroler Graukase, Austrian coffee beans, Austrian wine, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Austrian chocolates, including Manner Hazelnut Wafers and Leschanz Chocolate
- Local cheeses, such as Bergkase, Alpkase, and Tiroler Graukase
- Austrian wines, including the Grüner Veltliner from the Wachau region
- Clothing and accessories, including boiled wool fabrics and custom tailoring
- Souvenirs, including snow globes, Zaunhocker figurines, and edelweiss-themed items
Austrian chocolates, including Manner Hazelnut Wafers and Leschanz Chocolate
Austria is famous for its chocolate, with many chocolatiers experimenting with unusual combinations. Manner is a well-known Austrian company that has been producing its classic Neapolitan wafers with hazelnut cocoa cream for over 100 years. The Original Neapolitan Wafers, invented in 1898, are Manner's best-selling product and have become a symbol of Viennese culture and lifestyle. The wafers consist of five layers of wafer filled with four layers of hazelnut cocoa cream, containing 12% hazelnuts. They are cut into bite-sized pieces and sold in convenient 75g packages. In addition to their famous wafers, Manner also offers a variety of other chocolate products, including pure dark chocolate bars and chocolate cream tartlets.
Leschanz Chocolate is another famous Austrian chocolatier. This little shop, located behind St. Peter's Church between Graben and Stephansplatz, was previously a button shop dating back to 1844. In 2004, Wolfgang Leschanz took over the shop for his chocolate business, and the only thing he changed was the glass over the chocolate counter for hygienic reasons. Leschanz offers a variety of chocolates, including pralines and truffles.
Other popular chocolate brands in Austria include Zotter, Milka, Haribo, Lindt, and Suchard. Austrian chocolatiers are known to experiment with unusual combinations, such as Zotter's chocolate with cheese, tequila with salt and lemon, raspberry, coconut and trout, and bacon.
In addition to its famous chocolates, Austria also offers a variety of other unique shopping experiences. The country is known for its wine, with the Wachau Valley being its most famous wine region. Austria is also a great place to buy traditional clothing, such as boiled wool fabrics and Dirndl dresses. For those looking for something more modern, there are also designer outlets and fashion boutiques located in Parndorf and other shopping areas.
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Local cheeses, such as Bergkase, Alpkase, and Tiroler Graukase
Austria is famous for its cheeses, including Bergkase, Alpkase, and Tiroler Graukase. These cheeses are made from goat, cow, or sheep milk, and sometimes combined with fruits or herbs, giving them a unique flavour. Austrian cheese is also known for its diverse palette, ranging from soft to firm and aromatic to mild.
Bergkase, or "mountain cheese" in English, is a hard cheese with a powerful, fully aromatic taste and a tenderly melting body. It is made from silage-free pasture milk, which gives it a high-quality appearance. Bergkase has a ripening period of 14 weeks and is characterised by scattered, pea-sized eye formation.
Alpkase is another type of hard cheese that is manufactured in the summer months on select Tyrolean alpine pastures. It is made from milk that has been churned with various alpine herbs, giving it a rich, aromatic flavour and a tangy taste. After a 3-month ripening period, Alpkase is available to purchase from October until March.
Tiroler Graukase is one of the oldest cheese varieties in Austria. It is made from low-fat milk with no chemical additives or rennet, resulting in a pure, natural product. This cheese has a lively sharpness and slightly sour style, with practically no taste of fat. Tiroler Graukase is a strong, crumbly cheese that is used in traditional dishes such as Kasespazle.
Austria's cheese culture has developed over several centuries, and the country's cheesemakers often specialise in specific regional recipes that have been passed down through generations. As a result, each region in Austria has its own cheese specialties, and these cheeses are often characterised by their ripening processes, smooth consistency, and eye formation.
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Austrian wines, including the Grüner Veltliner from the Wachau region
Austria is famous for its wines, with the country ranking among the top 15 wine exporters. However, most of its best wines are kept for local consumption, meaning visitors can find high-quality wines at affordable prices. One of the most renowned wine regions in Austria is the Wachau region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Danube Valley. The Wachau region is known for its steep vineyards, ancient soils, and breathtaking scenery along the Danube River.
The signature grape variety of the Wachau region is Grüner Veltliner, a versatile grape that can produce a range of wines from dry and crisp to sweet and luscious. Grüner Veltliner wines are characterised by their high acidity, long finish, and distinct flavours of white pepper and citrus fruits. The unique terroir of the Wachau region, with its steep vine terraces and ancient crystalline soils, imparts a remarkable minerality and complexity to the wines.
The winemaking techniques used in the Wachau region also influence the flavour profile of Grüner Veltliner. Wines fermented in stainless steel tanks tend to be more crisp and refreshing, while those aged in oak barrels develop a fuller body and more complex flavours. The climate of the region, moderated by the Danube River, helps retain the grape's acidity and freshness.
Grüner Veltliner wines from the Wachau region offer an exceptional balance of vibrant acidity and rich flavours. They can be enjoyed young and fresh or aged for years to develop complex aromas. The wines pair beautifully with seafood, poultry, and pork dishes. With over 1,000 growers in the Wachau region and more than a third of Austria's vineyard plantings dedicated to Grüner Veltliner, this wine is a true Austrian specialty.
When shopping for Austrian wines, visitors can expect to find excellent quality at affordable prices. In supermarkets, decent bottles start at €6-€10, while premium options can cost up to €40 or more. The Wachau region's scenic beauty, combined with its exceptional wines, makes it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts exploring Austria's wine culture.
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Clothing and accessories, including boiled wool fabrics and custom tailoring
Austria is known for its clothing and accessories, including boiled wool fabrics and custom tailoring. Boiled wool, known for its dense weave, warmth, and coziness, has been used by Alpine herdsmen for centuries. Today, it is a popular fabric for jackets and other clothing items in Austria. Visitors can find boiled wool clothing and accessories in traditional Austrian department and clothing stores.
In addition to boiled wool, Austria also offers a range of custom tailoring services. The country is known for its men's wear shops and skilled tailors, where one can find stylish and well-crafted items. For example, Wilhelm Jungmann & Neffe in Vienna is a renowned menswear store and tailor offering silk neckties and other accessories.
Traditional Austrian folk wear, such as the Dirndl dress, is also a unique feature of the country's clothing and accessory options. The Dirndl, often worn during celebrations and festivals, consists of a tight bodice, short-sleeved blouse, flared skirt, and an apron. The apron knot indicates relationship status—a left-side knot means single, while a right-side knot means taken.
Austria is also known for its high-quality fabrics and contemporary designs. The Styrian brand Mothwurf, for instance, offers puristic and feminine fashion with a touch of folk dress, while also incorporating international trends. Their collections feature a range of materials, including linen, cotton, felt, and wool.
Lastly, Austria boasts a variety of unique accessories, such as those made from edelweiss, the national flower. Visitors can find edelweiss jewellery, accessories, and trinkets in shops throughout the country, offering a special reminder of their time in Austria.
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Souvenirs, including snow globes, Zaunhocker figurines, and edelweiss-themed items
Austria is known for its unique souvenirs, including snow globes, Zaunhocker figurines, and edelweiss-themed items.
Snow globes, a classic souvenir, hold a special significance in Austria, as they were first invented in the country in 1905 by Erwin Perzy. Perzy created the snow globe by accident while working on a special lamp for surgical operating rooms, consisting of a fluid-filled orb with glass particles. Today, snow globes can be found in shops and markets across Austria, offering a fun and nostalgic reminder of one's travels.
Zaunhocker figurines are another quirky and unique souvenir option when visiting Austria. These decorative figures are typically made from metal or stoneware and feature various animals or characters. They are designed to sit on fences or windowsills, adding a touch of whimsy to any space. Zaunhocker are particularly rare in big cities, so if you spot one, it's worth grabbing as a unique memento of your trip.
Edelweiss-themed items are also popular souvenirs in Austria. Edelweiss is the national flower of Austria, known for its delicate white petals and its ability to thrive in the tough conditions of the Alpine mountains. In Austria, the edelweiss flower symbolizes strength, adventure, sacrifice, courage, and devotion. You can find edelweiss-themed jewellery, accessories, and trinkets in shops throughout the country, including dried edelweiss flower locket necklaces, brooches, earrings, and pins.
Whether you're looking for a classic snow globe, a quirky Zaunhocker figurine, or a beautiful edelweiss-themed item, Austria offers a range of unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip. These items not only provide a tangible reminder of your travels but also capture the spirit and culture of this captivating country.
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