Lexi Webster
Austria is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, from its famous capital Vienna to the stunning countryside. It is a safe place to travel to, but it is always wise to be cautious of petty crimes that are common in tourist areas. Austrians value their privacy, so be mindful of this when taking photos. The country has a well-connected railway network, and you can easily get around by train, tram or bus. While card payments are becoming more common, it is a good idea to carry cash, preferably in smaller denominations, as some smaller shops and markets may not accept cards. Austrians love their pastries and sandwiches, so be sure to indulge in the local cuisine. If you plan to drive in Austria, you will need to purchase a road vignette to avoid fines. Finally, don't forget to pack comfortable walking shoes and layerable clothing for varying altitudes and climates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Austria is generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially on public transport and in tourist areas. |
| Religion | Preaching is illegal unless you belong to a registered religious group with a permit. |
| Face Coverings | It is illegal to cover your face in public places or buildings. |
| Transport | Austria has an extensive and well-connected railway network, with discounted tickets and deals available. |
| Water | Austria's tap water is of excellent quality, and you can even drink from most lakes. Bring a reusable water bottle. |
| Food | Austrians enjoy pastries in the morning and open sandwiches in the evening. |
| Shops | Most shops are closed on Sundays, except for some bakeries and smaller supermarkets at major train stations. |
| Culture | Austrians are proud of their country and do not like being mistaken for Germans. |
| Privacy | Austrians value their privacy and do not like having their photo taken without permission. |
| Staring | Austrians do not consider staring rude, so don't be surprised if you're on the receiving end of a long gaze! |
| Wine | Austrian wine is delicious and becoming more popular. Visit the vineyards in Vienna or take a trip to wine country in the fall. |
| Souvenirs | Consider buying a piece of Swarovski crystal or a snow globe, which were invented in Vienna. |
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What You'll Learn
- Austrians are proud of their country and dislike being associated with Germany
- Austrians enjoy staring and taking photos without permission, but it's considered rude to take photos of others' faces
- Most shops are closed on Sundays, but bakeries and smaller supermarkets at train stations may be open
- Austria's tap water is highly rated, so bring a reusable water bottle
- Terrorism and petty crime are threats in Austria, so be vigilant and follow local authorities' advice
Austrians are proud of their country and dislike being associated with Germany
Austrians are proud of their country and its unique identity, and they dislike being associated with their neighbouring country, Germany. While the two countries share a language and have cultural similarities, Austrians consider themselves distinct from Germans and want to be recognised as such. Respecting this aspect of Austrian identity is essential when visiting the country.
Austria has a rich culture and history, and Austrians take pride in their country's achievements and unique attributes. For example, Austrians will proudly tell you that croissants, also known as "Gebäck", are not French but an Austrian invention. Similarly, snow globes were first invented in Vienna, Austria, in 1905, and the world-renowned jewellery and decor brand, Swarovski, is also based in Austria.
The Austrian people have a strong sense of national identity and are proud of their country's natural beauty, from its majestic mountains and lakes to its elegant cities. They also take pride in their delicious food and beverages, including pastries, open sandwiches, and wine. Austria's tap water is also highly regarded, and visitors are encouraged to bring their reusable water bottles to enjoy the fresh mountain water.
When visiting Austria, it is important to be mindful of cultural differences and etiquette. Austrians value their privacy and consider it rude to take photos that might accidentally capture someone's face. On the other hand, staring is not considered impolite in Austria, so visitors might experience people staring at them in public places. Additionally, while Austria shares a language with Germany, there are distinct dialects within the country, and Austrians take pride in their regional variations.
Respecting the unique identity of Austria and its people is crucial when visiting the country. By recognising and valuing their differences from their German neighbours, visitors can avoid causing offence and build a more positive relationship with the Austrians they encounter during their stay.
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Austrians enjoy staring and taking photos without permission, but it's considered rude to take photos of others' faces
Austria is a beautiful country with majestic mountains, opulent palaces, and elegant cities. It is also known for its delicious food and drinks, including pastries, sandwiches, and wine. When planning a trip to Austria, it is important to keep a few cultural tips in mind to ensure a smooth and respectful experience.
One notable aspect of Austrian culture that may be surprising to some visitors is the attitude towards staring and taking photos. Austrians have a cultural difference where they don't consider staring at someone to be rude. It is not uncommon to find yourself being stared at by a stranger, which can be jarring for some people. However, it's important to remember that it's simply a cultural difference, and they don't intend to be rude.
On the other hand, while Austrians may be comfortable with staring, they highly value their privacy when it comes to photography. It is considered very rude to take photos that accidentally catch someone's face head-on without their permission. This is an important etiquette tip to keep in mind when visiting Austria, especially when taking pictures in public places. Be mindful of your surroundings and try to avoid including strangers in your photos without their consent.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Austria has strict laws regarding face coverings. In public places or buildings, it is illegal to cover your face with clothing or objects that obscure recognition. This law applies to both visitors and locals, and failure to comply can result in fines or legal consequences.
Respecting local customs and etiquette is an important aspect of responsible tourism. By being mindful of these cultural differences, you can ensure that your interactions with locals are positive and respectful, contributing to a more enjoyable travel experience for yourself and those around you. Remember to embrace the unique cultural aspects of your destination and always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.
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Most shops are closed on Sundays, but bakeries and smaller supermarkets at train stations may be open
Austria is a safe country to travel to, with excellent tap water and a comprehensive rail network. However, it's important to be vigilant in public places, especially when using public transport or visiting tourist areas, as petty crime is common.
When it comes to shopping, most shops, including supermarkets, are closed on Sundays. This may come as a surprise, but there are some exceptions. Bakeries are often open, and you may find smaller supermarkets open at the bigger train stations, such as Vienna Main Station or Linz Main Station. These smaller supermarkets will have a limited selection of goods. If you're looking for a more extensive selection of food items, you may want to visit a bakery or one of the farmers' markets or flea markets that sometimes take place on Sundays.
It's worth noting that Austrians take their weekends seriously, so this extended closing time on Sundays gives workers a well-deserved break. This also means that you may find some shops and attractions closing earlier on Saturdays to prepare for the weekend.
Additionally, it's important to be mindful of certain cultural differences when visiting Austria. Austrians do not like being mistaken for Germans, so avoid jokes or comments that equate the two. While Austrians are generally respectful, they do not mind staring, so don't be surprised if you find yourself on the receiving end of a prolonged gaze. Lastly, be cautious when taking photos in public, as it is considered rude to accidentally capture someone's face.
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Austria's tap water is highly rated, so bring a reusable water bottle
Austria's tap water is ranked among the best in the European Union. The water comes straight from the Alps through pipes, so there is no need to buy bottled water during your stay in Austria. You can bring your own reusable bottle and enjoy the tasty and refreshing tap water. In fact, even most lakes are of such excellent quality that they qualify as potable water.
In Austria, you can hop on any train or tram (and even most buses) without having to show a ticket, unlike other European cities such as London. It's a trust-based system. However, do keep an eye out for Sparschiene tickets, which are discounted tickets for certain days and times. If you plan to take multiple train journeys, you can sign up for a Vorteilscard online for €66, valid for a year, and get a 50% discount on all train journeys operated by ÖBB (except for night trains).
Austria is a small but mighty country, full of majestic mountains, opulent palaces, and elegant cities. It is well connected by rail, and you can get to most places comfortably and on time. If you want to explore beyond the famous cities of Vienna and Salzburg, consider visiting Steyr in Upper Austria, Leoben in Styria, or Lake Millstatt in Carinthia.
Some important cultural tips to keep in mind when visiting Austria are that Austrians do not take kindly to being mistaken for Germans. They are proud of their country and do not like it when people dismiss them as the same as Germans. Additionally, while taking photos of others' faces is considered very rude, staring is not considered impolite in Austrian culture. Lastly, be mindful of local laws and customs, such as the illegality of preaching unless you belong to a registered religious group with a permit, and the restriction on covering your face in public places or buildings.
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Terrorism and petty crime are threats in Austria, so be vigilant and follow local authorities' advice
Austria is one of the safest places you can travel to, whether you're visiting friends and family or going solo. However, it is important to be vigilant and aware of potential threats, such as terrorism and petty crime.
Terrorism is an ongoing threat in Austria, as in many European countries. There have been terrorist attacks and arrests related to planned attacks in the country. Most recently, there was an attack in Villach in February 2025. It is important to be alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places such as music and cultural events, festivals, Pride events, tourist areas, Christmas markets, shopping areas, transport hubs, and other public spaces, as these are possible targets for terrorists. Always follow the advice of local authorities and report any suspicious activity to the police.
In recent years, Austrian courts have imposed strong sentences for convicted terrorists. The country has comprehensive counter-terrorism legislation and law enforcement agencies that actively work to prevent and respond to terrorist threats. For example, the Federal Agency for State Protection and Counterterrorism (BVT) was established in 2002 to combat extremist activities, illegal arms, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, Austrian law criminalizes "travel for terrorism purposes" and ensures legal counsel for victims of terrorism.
Petty crime, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, is also a concern in Austria, particularly in popular tourist areas and on public transportation. It is important to be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Be careful when using ATMs, and avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket or an open purse. While Austria is considered a safe country, it is always a good idea to take precautions and follow local authorities' advice to ensure your safety.
When travelling to Austria, it is important to be aware of local laws and customs. For example, preaching is illegal unless you belong to a registered religious group and have a permit. Additionally, it is illegal to cover your face with clothing or objects that obscure your recognition in public places or buildings. Border controls are in place, and you may be subject to random checks by Austrian authorities, especially at borders with Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria has a low rate of serious crime, but petty crime is common on public transport and in tourist areas. Drink spiking can occur at popular nightclubs and lead to sexual assault. Digital identity theft is a growing concern, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi or shared computers.
Austrians value their privacy and consider it rude if you take photos that accidentally catch someone's face. However, Austrians don't mind staring at others, which might be surprising to some visitors. Tipping culture in Austria is not as aggressive as in North America. While card payments are becoming more common, carrying cash is advisable, especially in smaller denominations and coins for public bathrooms.
Austria's railway network is extensive and reliable, offering discounted Sparschiene tickets and Vorteilscard for frequent travellers. You can board trains, trams, and buses without showing a ticket, but you must validate your journey using the "SimplyGo!" app. If you plan to drive, purchase a road vignette to avoid fines.
Beyond Vienna, Austria has much to offer, including beautiful countryside, Christmas markets, and vineyards. Explore local bakeries and indulge in traditional pastries and sandwiches. Visit Mozart's Birthplace in Salzburg, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, and the Original Vienna Snow Globe Factory.
