Best Austrian Buys: A Traveler's Guide

what is best to buy in austria

Austria has a lot to offer, from clothing to confectionery. If you're looking for a unique item of clothing, boiled wool products are a great option, and if you're a knitter, be sure to visit WollenWien in Vienna for a wide range of woollen fibres. For something more tailored, there are plenty of men's wear shops and custom tailors to choose from. When it comes to food, the Sacher Torte, a decadent chocolate cake made popular by the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, is a must-try, and you can even purchase a mini cake to go. For a unique treat, the Original Salzburger Mozartkugel, a chocolate confection with a marzipan and pistachio centre, is only available in Salzburg. Snow globes, which originated in Austria, also make for great souvenirs, and you can find them in most souvenir shops. For something more elegant, Vienna's exquisite porcelain products, including vases and tableware, are a great choice. Lastly, Austria's wineries offer a variety of wines to suit different preferences, and you can often taste and purchase wine directly from the cellars.

Characteristics Values
Clothing Boiled wool clothing and decor, silk neckties
Food Mozart Balls, Sacher Torte, Kaiserschmarrn mix, Jam, Sausages
Drinks Austrian wine
Crafts Snow globes, Glass statues, Porcelain utensils, Vases, Forks, Water bottles
Jewellery Bracelets, Necklaces

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Mozart Balls

The original Mozart Balls, or "Original Salzburger Mozartkugeln", are still manufactured by Fürst's descendants and can be purchased in Salzburg at one of the Fürst Konditorei locations. They are wrapped in blue and silver foil, whereas imitation Mozart Balls are usually wrapped in red and silver foil. The original Mozart Balls are a unique and rare treat, and the only place to buy them is in Salzburg.

There are also Mozart Balls produced by the Mirabell Company in Salzburg and Victor Schmidt (Manner) in Vienna, which can be found in most souvenir shops across Austria and are available in most supermarkets. A small box of Mozartkugeln can cost around 600-800 INR.

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Snow globes

When purchasing a snow globe, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, carefully examine the globe for any cracks or leaks in the glass or base. Gently shake the globe to ensure the snowflakes inside move freely and there are no air bubbles. Next, check the design and details to ensure it accurately represents Austrian landmarks or scenes. For example, you may want a globe that features a beautiful Austrian castle or a winter scene with snow-capped mountains. Verify the quality of craftsmanship, including the durability of the base and the clarity of the glass.

The price of snow globes can vary depending on factors such as size, intricacy, and quality. Small snow globes may cost around 800 to 1,500 INR, while larger or more elaborate ones can range from 2,000 to 5,000 INR. If you want a truly special experience, consider visiting the Snow Globe Museum in Austria to learn more about the history and craftsmanship of these beloved souvenirs.

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Wine

Austria produces a variety of white, red, and dessert wines, each with its own unique characteristics. The main wine-producing regions are Burgenland, Styria, Wien, and Niederösterreich, with the Wachau, Kamptal, and Kremstal sub-regions. The Wachau sub-region is known for its high-quality wines, while Niederösterreich is the largest wine-producing area, with about 67,000 hectares of vineyards.

When buying Austrian wine, consider the preferences of the recipient. Look for wines made from renowned Austrian grape varieties, such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Zweigelt, and Blaufränkisch, which are widely celebrated for their quality and distinct flavours. Grüner Veltliner, for example, is known for its racy acidity and herbal, peppery aromatics, while Austrian Rieslings are almost always dry and full of bright citrus flavours.

Some prominent Austrian winemakers include Gut Oggau, the Kracher winery in Burgenland, Weingut Bründlmayer in Kamptal, and Weingut Alzinger in Wachau. Weingut FX Pichler and Weingut Hutter are also excellent producers, according to Great Wines Direct.

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Porcelain

If you're looking for high-quality porcelain in Vienna, there are a few notable stores to consider. Augarten Porcelain is a well-known retailer that offers a diverse selection of porcelain goods. Another option is the Porcelain Manufactory, where you can find unique pieces to suit your taste. When purchasing porcelain, it's important to carefully inspect each piece for any cracks, chips, or imperfections to ensure you're getting a flawless product.

The prices of porcelain items can vary depending on their size and intricacy. Small items, such as teacups, tend to be more affordable, starting from around 2,000 to 5,000 INR. However, larger or more elaborate pieces can be significantly more expensive. If you're interested in learning about the porcelain-making process, consider taking a day trip to one of the porcelain factories in Austria. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at how this delicate craft is created.

In addition to porcelain, Austria also has a strong tradition of glass craftsmanship. You can find a variety of glass items, including statues, vases, and souvenirs. Both porcelain and glass items make for unique souvenirs or gifts, and their delicate beauty reflects the rich cultural heritage of Austria. Whether you're a collector or simply looking for a memorable memento of your trip, Austrian porcelain and glassware are definitely worth considering.

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Clothing

When packing for a trip to Austria, it's important to consider the activities you'll be doing and the regions you'll be visiting, as the weather can vary significantly. For example, the cities of Vienna and Salzburg tend to be more fashionable and conservative, while Innsbruck and other places in Tirol are cooler and more suitable for light jackets and scarves.

In terms of clothing to buy in Austria, traditional Austrian folk dress is a popular option for visitors. These outfits often feature handcrafted details and can be found in both simplistic and contemporary designs. Mothwurf is a well-known brand that offers puristic and feminine Austrian fashion with a touch of folk dress. Their collections include dresses, skirts, blouses, and accessories like bags and watches.

If you're looking for something to keep you warm, boiled wool (also known as loden) is a speciality. Giesswein is a popular brand that offers boiled wool jackets and traditional woollen home slippers, as well as quirky accessories like bags and shoes.

For those seeking high-quality shoes and boots, Ludwig Reiter is an excellent choice. This fourth-generation Austrian family business offers hand-made footwear using a patented sewing procedure, resulting in ultra-comfortable and long-lasting products.

Lastly, for men specifically, the brand Löffler is mentioned as a good option for casual wear. However, it's worth noting that Austrian manufacturers often design clothing in Austria but produce it in countries with lower wages to keep prices competitive.

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