Lexi Webster
Austria is known for its fine crystal, including glassware, lighting, fashion, and jewellery. If you're looking for a gift for an Austrian girl, you might consider a piece of Swarovski crystal, which is manufactured in Innsbruck and sold in showrooms and retailers across the country. Austrian wine is also renowned, and you can find a wide variety of whites and reds in the vineyards surrounding Vienna. For a unique gift, you could look for a Zaunhocker, a traditional craft from the charming town of Melk. Austrian chocolates are also a popular choice, especially the Neapolitan hazelnut wafers created in 1898 by Josef Manner, which have become a status symbol of the Viennese lifestyle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Austrian wine | Grüner Veltliner, Weingut Cobenzl |
| Austrian chocolates | Mozartkugeln, Neapolitan hazelnut wafers, Sachertorte |
| Beer mugs | Beer glasses etched with an Austrian brand |
| Enamel accessories | Enameled vases and tableware |
| Dirndl | Traditional dress with a tight bodice, short-sleeved blouse, a flared skirt, and an apron |
| Crystal | Glassware, lighting, fashion, and jewelry |
| Apricot liqueur | Schnaps |
| Traditional attire | Tracht |
| Linzer cookie cutters | |
| Austrian cheese | Bergkase, Alpkase |
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What You'll Learn
Austrian-made clothing
If you're looking to buy Austrian-made clothing for a girl, one option is to look into traditional Austrian attire. The traditional dress for women, known as a "Dirndl", typically consists of a tight bodice, a short-sleeved blouse, a flared skirt, and an apron. The Dirndl is a popular choice for celebrations and festivals in Austria, but it can also be worn casually by locals. The apron knot is not just decorative—in Austrian culture, the position of the knot indicates a woman's relationship status. A knot tied on the left means the woman is single, while a knot on the right means she is in a relationship.
Another option for Austrian-made clothing is to look for items made from Austrian fabrics and materials. Austria is known for its high-quality leather, so you could consider purchasing a leather jacket, skirt, or pair of shoes. Austrian wool is also renowned for its softness and warmth, so you could look for sweaters, scarves, or other knitwear made from Austrian wool.
In addition to traditional attire and items made from Austrian materials, there are also modern clothing brands based in Austria. Look for brands that emphasise sustainability and ethical production, as these values are important to many Austrian consumers. You may also want to consider purchasing clothing from outdoor recreation brands, as Austria has a strong culture of outdoor activities and many companies are based there.
Lastly, you could consider purchasing vintage or second-hand clothing from Austrian designers or brands. This could be a unique way to find one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect Austrian fashion and style. You can often find vintage or second-hand clothing at local markets or specialty boutiques.
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Austrian wine
Austria has a long history of winemaking, dating back over 4,000 years to the time of the Celtic La Tène culture. Viticulture thrived under the Romans and continued to develop with the introduction of new grape presses during the rule of Charlemagne. Austrian wine boomed in the 16th century but faced challenges in the 17th century due to wars and heavy taxation. In the 19th century, the industry was impacted by biological invaders, leading to the founding of the Federal Institute for Viticulture and Pomology at Klosterneuburg.
The 20th century saw Austrian wine become a high-volume, industrialised business, with much of it exported in bulk for blending. However, the "antifreeze scandal" of 1985 revealed that some wine brokers were adulterating their wines with diethylene glycol to make them sweeter and more saleable. This scandal destroyed the market for Austrian wine and compelled the country to reposition itself as a producer of quality wines, with a strong focus on sustainability and excellence.
Today, Austria is known for its diverse and high-quality wines, with 9 of its 16 wine regions classified as DAC (equivalent to the French AOP). The country's beautiful wine-growing landscapes vary from the vineyards of Wachau along the Danube in Lower Austria to the plains of Burgenland and the hillside vineyards of Styria. Austrian wines pair beautifully with a range of dishes, from Wiener schnitzel and grilled meats to fruit-based desserts.
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Austrian chocolate
Mozartkugeln
Smooth, foil-wrapped chocolate spheres with a marzipan centre, Mozartkugeln are a traditional Austrian sweet. They are named after the famous composer, Mozart, and the foil wrapping features his face – red for milk chocolate and blue for dark chocolate. Mozartkugeln can be found in most good supermarkets across Austria, as well as in a café in Salzburg, the composer's homeland, where they were first created.
Josef Manner Neapolitan Hazelnut Wafers
Created in 1898, these bite-sized wafers have become a status symbol of the Viennese lifestyle. They consist of a layer of hazelnut cream sandwiched between two wafers, which are then coated in chocolate. The recipe has remained unchanged since its creation and the wafers can be purchased at most souvenir shops.
Zotter
Zotter is an innovative, sustainable Austrian chocolate producer. All of their chocolate is made from bean to bar at their in-house factory in Austria and the company is Fair Trade verified. They produce a range of chocolates, including a milk chocolate bar with a layer of grey poppy cream, walnut praline and cinnamon, and a 50% cocoa milk chocolate bar with a layer of caramelised grey poppy seeds, homemade walnut nougat and cinnamon.
Sacher-Torte
The Sacher Hotel in Vienna sells a variety of merchandise related to its famous torte, including tea towels.
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Austrian crystal
One of the most famous producers of Austrian crystal is Swarovski, which has its headquarters in Innsbruck, Austria. Swarovski is known for its high-quality crystals, which are used in a range of products, including jewellery, chandeliers, and loose crystals for custom designs. The Swarovski Crystal World attraction in Innsbruck showcases the beauty and versatility of their crystals, while their showroom in Wattens boasts the biggest collection and exclusive designs.
When it comes to jewellery, Austrian crystal offers a range of options, from vintage-style pieces to modern designs. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings are adorned with crystals, adding a touch of sparkle and elegance to any outfit. The reflective brilliance of the crystals, whether clear or coloured, is what makes them so captivating.
In addition to jewellery, Austrian crystal is also used in home décor items such as chandeliers and lighting fixtures. These pieces can add a touch of luxury and glamour to any space, with the crystals reflecting light in a dazzling display. For those who want a more subtle approach, crystal figurines and ornaments are also available, providing a hint of sparkle without overwhelming the room.
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Austrian souvenirs
Austria is a great place to shop for souvenirs, with a wide range of unique and interesting items to choose from. Here are some ideas for Austrian souvenirs that would be perfect for an Austrian girl:
Traditional Austrian Clothing
The Dirndl is a traditional Austrian dress with a tight bodice, short-sleeved blouse, flared skirt, and apron. The apron knot indicates relationship status—a left-side knot means single, while a right-side knot means taken. It is a stylish and cultural souvenir and perfect for blending in at Austrian festivals. For a more casual option, consider a piece of clothing made from boiled wool, which is nearly waterproof, warm, and cozy.
Austrian Food and Drink
There are many delicious Austrian foods and drinks that make great souvenirs, including:
- Mozartkugeln: These traditional Austrian sweets are chocolate spheres with a marzipan centre, wrapped in foil featuring the famous composer Mozart's face.
- Manner Schnitten: These Neapolitan hazelnut wafers are a popular Viennese treat. They are often packaged in distinctive pink packaging with the Stephansdom logo.
- Sachertorte: This famous chocolate cake was invented in Vienna and can be purchased from the Sacher Hotel or other confectioners in beautiful wrapping.
- Wine: Although not universally recognised for its wine-making culture, Austria produces high-quality wine, particularly in Vienna and the surrounding areas.
- Beer: Austrian beer is another great option for those who enjoy a cold brew.
- Schnaps and Liqueurs: Look out for local farmers selling schnaps and other liqueurs like apricot liqueur and Austrian Marshmallow Liqueur at Christmas markets or farmers' markets.
- Styrian Pumpkin Seeds and Oil: These seeds are a naturally mutated pumpkin species that grow optimally in Styria, Austria. They are rich in antioxidants and can be purchased as whole seeds or as a pressed oil, which is great for cooking.
- Linzer Cookies: Linzer cookies are traditional Austrian sandwich cookies that are often made during the Christmas season but are enjoyed year-round. You can find Linzer cookie cutters at Christmas markets and specialty kitchen stores to make your own.
Crystal and Glassware
Austria is known for its fine crystal, and you can find a variety of crystal items such as glassware, lighting, fashion, and jewellery. Swarovski crystal is particularly famous and can be found in showrooms and retailers across the country, with a giant showroom in Wattens near Innsbruck.
Other Unique Souvenirs
- Zaunhocker: These unique and fun souvenirs are rare in big cities, so if you spot one, grab it! They are lightweight and easy to carry.
- Souvenir Shops: Museums and souvenir shops in Austria often sell unique items, such as miniature chests, books, drawers, and hatboxes that turn out to be chocolate boxes.
- Enamel Accessories: Enamel accessories, such as magnets and key chains with images of Austria, make for lightweight and easy-to-pack souvenirs.
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Frequently asked questions
Some unique souvenirs that can be bought in Austria include a Zaunhocker, a Dirndl, and Austrian wine.
Traditional Austrian foods that can be purchased as gifts include Linzer cookies, Mozartkugeln, Sachertorte, and Neapolitan hazelnut wafers.
Austrian drinks that can be purchased as gifts include Austrian wine, beer, and apricot or pumpkin liqueur.
Yes, there are several places in Austria known for shopping. Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck offer a variety of shopping options, including boutiques, markets, and showrooms.
