Austria's Must-Buy Items: A Visitor's Guide

what is famous in austria to buy

Austria is famous for its unique and diverse products, ranging from delicious confectioneries to exquisite crystal creations. When visiting Austria, one must indulge in the famous Mozart Ball (Mozartkugel), a chocolate treat with a marzipan, pistachio, and nougat centre, wrapped in distinctive blue and silver foil. For those with a sweet tooth, the Grand Hotel Wien offers a special experience with its Grand Guglhupf cake, packaged with Klimt's The Kiss. If you're looking for something stronger, Schnaps, a fruit brandy produced by local farmers, is a must-try. Austria is also renowned for its crystal, with Swarovski crystal manufactured in Innsbruck and sold across the country. For fashion enthusiasts, Vienna offers unique eyewear from Andy Wolf, while traditional Austrian clothing made from Loden and boiled wool provides a cosy option. The country also boasts unique gift options, from portable portfolios at the Architekturzentrum to Klimt-themed products and historic porcelain from the Viennese Porcelain Manufactory.

Characteristics Values
Austrian crystal Swarovski crystal
Clothing Loden and boiled wool fabrics
Confectionery Mozartkugel, Neapolitan hazelnut wafers, chocolate and pralines
Alcoholic drinks Schnaps, beer
Tableware Vases, porcelain items, drinkware
Eyewear Andy Wolf glasses
Art Klimt's "The Kiss"

shunculture

Austrian crystal, including Swarovski crystal manufactured in Innsbruck

Austrian crystal is traditionally handmade and precision-cut, giving it a brilliance and sparkle that has made it famous the world over. The most well-known producer of Austrian crystal is Swarovski, which manufactures its crystal in Innsbruck. Swarovski is known for its jewellery and home accessories, showcased in an extravagant interplay of light, art, and crystal.

Swarovski Crystal World (Kristallwelten) is a magical attraction near Innsbruck, featuring an impressive giant with a waterfall cascading from its mouth, designed by artist André Heller. Inside the giant is an exhibition featuring 18 Chambers of Wonder, including Silent Light, a chamber with snow all year round, and The Art of Performance chamber, which showcases the history of Swarovski in Hollywood. The crystal dome, made up of 595 mirrors, is also a highlight.

Near the exit of Swarovski Crystal World is a generously designed Swarovski store with countless souvenirs and pieces of jewellery. The world-renowned crystal manufacturer also has a massive showroom in Vienna, as well as showrooms and retailers across the country.

Innsbruck, a city shrouded by snow-capped mountains, is also known for its colourful houses lining the River Inn, the cable car up Nordkette, and its ski resorts. The city also boasts several notable museums, including the Alpine Club Museum, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, and the Ambras Castle Museum. In addition to crystal, Austria is also known for its unique products and souvenirs, such as beer, eyewear, porcelain, and handmade jewellery.

shunculture

Mozart Balls, a chocolate confection with a marzipan centre, pistachio and nougat

Mozart Balls, or Mozartkugeln in German, are a world-famous chocolate confection with a marzipan, pistachio, and nougat centre. They were first created in 1890 by Paul Fürst, a confectioner in Salzburg, Austria, as an homage to the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

These delectable sweets have a rich history and are a popular souvenir from Austria. The original Mozart Balls created by Fürst feature a blue and silver foil wrapping, setting them apart from other variations. The only place to purchase these authentic treats is in Salzburg at one of the Fürst Konditorei locations.

Mozart Balls have a unique and indulgent combination of flavours and textures. They consist of a centre made of pistachio marzipan and hazelnut nougat, surrounded by a layer of almond marzipan. This centre is then dipped in fine milk and dark chocolate, resulting in a decadent chocolate confection.

Making Mozart Balls at home is also an option for those who want to try their hand at recreating this Austrian delicacy. The process involves creating a batch of homemade marzipan and pistachio marzipan, as well as preparing German nougat. Once the centres are assembled, they are refrigerated before being dipped in chocolate. The final step is to refrigerate the Mozart Balls again to allow the chocolate to set.

Mozart Balls are a delightful treat to enjoy and share with loved ones. They make wonderful souvenirs from Austria, capturing the essence of Salzburg's rich cultural and culinary heritage in every bite.

shunculture

Schnaps, a fruit brandy produced by individual farmers and regular people with fruit trees

Schnaps is a fruit brandy that is typically produced in Germany and Austria. It is made from fermented and distilled fruit, and is similar to French eau-de-vie. In English, the term "Schnaps" refers specifically to clear fruit brandies of German or Austrian origin.

In Austria, Schnaps is produced by individual farmers and regular people with fruit trees in small batches as each fruit comes into season. It is made from a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, apricots, plums, and cherries. For example, Obstwasser is made from apples and pears, while Marillenschnaps is made from apricots. Once the fruit is fermented and distilled, it is bottled immediately and kept for special occasions. It is usually served at the end of a meal and can be found at Christmas markets or farmers' markets.

The production of Schnaps, or Obstler as it is also known, is said to have originated as a way for Alpine farmers to use extra fruit. It is typically packaged young and clear, and served as an aperitif, digestif, or a warming drink in cold weather.

If you are looking to buy some Schnaps, keep an eye out for local farmers selling their produce at markets. The bottles are usually small and easy to pack, making them a great souvenir to bring home from Austria.

shunculture

Glasses by Andy Wolf, sold in design hubs such as Milan and Paris

Austria is known for its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and a host of unique products that are renowned across the globe. One such product is the exquisite eyewear crafted by the Austrian brand, Andy Wolf. These glasses have become a sought-after accessory, not just within Austria but also in renowned design hubs such as Milan and Paris.

Andy Wolf is an independent eyewear brand that was founded in 2006 in the small town of Hartberg, located in the picturesque province of Styria, Austria. The brand has become synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and a deep passion for creating unique and contemporary eyewear. Each pair of Andy Wolf glasses is a testament to the brand's attention to detail, use of high-quality materials, and a strong connection to its Austrian roots.

The designs created by Andy Wolf are a beautiful blend of contemporary trends and traditional Austrian aesthetics. The frames are crafted with precision, often featuring bold colors, unique patterns, and a mix of materials such as acetate, titanium, and gold-plated stainless steel. The brand also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using natural materials and ensuring that each pair of glasses is crafted with care and respect for the environment.

In the vibrant cities of Milan and Paris, known for their fashion-forward and design-centric cultures, Andy Wolf glasses have found a strong following. These cities, renowned for their appreciation of high-quality craftsmanship and unique design, have embraced the Austrian brand with open arms. The glasses can be found in select boutiques and optical stores, where they stand out for their distinct style and superior quality.

When you purchase a pair of Andy Wolf glasses, you are not just acquiring a fashionable accessory, but also a piece of Austrian design and heritage. These glasses are a perfect example of how Austrian creativity and attention to detail can come together to create a product that is not only functional but also a true work of art. So, whether you're strolling through the streets of Vienna or exploring the fashion capitals of Milan and Paris, keep an eye out for these stunning Austrian-designed glasses.

shunculture

Porcelain items from Augarten, including vases, tableware, figurines and other souvenirs

Augarten is one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Vienna, with over 300 years of history. All Augarten porcelain is made and painted by hand, with designs created in cooperation with notable artists. The manufactory is located in the oldest baroque park in the heart of Vienna, which was dedicated by Joseph I as a place of recreation for all people.

Augarten is famous for its vases, tableware, and figurines, all stamped with a blue-striped shield as a sign of authenticity. Their "Viennese Rose" decoration from the Biedermeier period is renowned, as is the world-famous melon service created by Josef Hoffmann in 1929. Augarten also produces more modern designs, such as the Pinocchio vase by Philipp Bruni and the Moments of Joy collection, which combines handcrafted porcelain with personal messages.

In addition to its porcelain items, Augarten offers a unique experience in its historic location. Visitors can enjoy the morning concerts held in the baroque park and immerse themselves in the fine arts.

The Augarten flagship store is located in the centre of Vienna (Spiegelgasse 3), and its porcelain museum can be found at Obere Augartenstraße 1 in the 2nd district.

Frequently asked questions

There are many famous things to buy in Austria, including:

- Austrian crystal, such as Swarovski crystal manufactured in Innsbruck

- Mozart Balls (Mozartkugel) in Salzburg

- Snow globes, which originated in Austria

- Schnaps, a fruit brandy produced by individual farmers throughout Austria

- Glasses by Andy Wolf, which are designed and manufactured in Austria

Some famous things to buy in Vienna include:

- Beer, such as the "original Viennese beer" from Ottakringer

- Porcelain items from Augarten, such as vases and tableware

- Jewellery from Freywille, which is known for its colourful, artistic designs and special enameling technique

- Neapolitan hazelnut wafers from Manner

- Products from Lobmeyr, which is famous for its drinkware, chandeliers, and lamps

Some other famous souvenirs to buy in Austria include:

- Clothing and decor made from boiled wool, which is dense, warm, and nearly waterproof

- Products themed around Klimt's "Kiss", such as a miniature sculpture or a Grand Guglhupf sweet cake featuring the painting

- Portable porta-folios from the Architekturzentrum, which include building data and maps for tourists interested in architecture

In addition to Mozart Balls and Neapolitan hazelnut wafers, some famous foods and drinks to buy in Austria include:

- Chocolates and pralines from Altmann & Kühne, a traditional confectioner

- Local liqueurs like Austrian Marshmallow Liqueur

- Styrian pumpkins, a naturally mutated pumpkin species with hull-less seeds and rich antioxidant properties

Austrian crystal, including Swarovski crystal, can be found at showrooms and retailers across the country. There is a massive showroom in Vienna where you can discover some brilliant finds.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment