Lexi Webster
Grocery shopping in Austria can be a unique experience, and there are a variety of options to choose from. From large supermarket chains to local markets, tourists and locals can choose to shop from a variety of stores. While the experience may differ from other countries, there is no shortage of options to find reasonably-priced food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supermarket chains | BILLA, Spar, Merkur, Lidl, Penny Markt, Hofer |
| Supermarket opening times | Monday to Saturday |
| Supermarket closures | Sundays |
| Supermarket closing times on Saturday | 6 pm |
| Shopping cart deposit | €1 or €2 coins |
| Shopping bags | Bring your own reusable bags |
| Payment | Cash or card |
| Groceries | Fresh local produce, meat, dairy products, alcohol, medicines |
| Groceries not available | Basic medicines |
| Other shopping options | Daily markets, meal-kit delivery services, restaurants |
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What You'll Learn
Austrian supermarkets are typically closed on Sundays
Austria has a range of supermarkets and grocery stores, including discount retailers like Lidl, Hofer (Aldi), and Penny Markt, which are popular for their affordable prices. There are also specialty stores like Spar Gourmet for health and organic food.
For those who don't want to shop at supermarkets, Austria offers alternatives like daily markets in towns and cities, where you can buy fresh local produce, meat, and dairy products directly from producers. There are also meal-kit delivery services available, providing fresh ingredients and recipes straight to your door.
While most Austrian supermarkets are closed on Sundays, you may find some exceptions in certain areas. For example, supermarkets in train stations and minimarkets at gas stations are often allowed to sell groceries on Sundays and public holidays. Additionally, some bakeries and coffee shops may be open, but it's a good idea to check their opening hours in advance.
Planning is essential when adapting to Austria's grocery shopping culture, especially with supermarkets usually closed on Sundays. However, with alternatives like smaller marts, meal delivery services, and the occasional exceptions to Sunday closures, you can still access essential items when needed.
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Discount retailers are popular in Austria
Discount retailers are incredibly popular in Austria, as in most European countries. These stores offer a no-frills shopping experience, with cheaper groceries but a more limited selection. German discounter Lidl, for example, has over 200 stores across Austria, selling a narrow range of food and non-food items at affordable prices.
Hofer, the local name for German discount supermarket Aldi, is Austria's largest discount grocery store, with around 450 stores across the country. Penny Markt, another German-owned discount retailer, has over 200 stores in Austria.
Austrian supermarkets are known for being closed on Sundays, so it's worth planning ahead to do your grocery shopping on another day. Smaller marts, such as those connected to fuel stations or public transit hubs, may be open on Sundays.
Austrian grocery stores have a reputation for being expensive, but this isn't always the case. For example, the chains BILLA and Spar are considered reasonably priced for everyday purchases, while Merkur offers a larger selection at slightly higher prices.
Austrian supermarkets also sell cheap meals, with breakfast or lunch costing less than €5 in the bakery department. They are a great place to find authentic Austrian souvenirs, such as Mozartkugeln (chocolate pralines filled with marzipan and nougat), at a lower price than in gift shops.
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Traditional Austrian groceries and souvenirs
When it comes to grocery shopping in Austria, you can opt for the local supermarket, which offers a different experience from other countries. Discount retailers, such as Lidl, Hofer (Aldi), and Penny Markt, are popular in Austria, providing affordable food and non-food items with limited choices. Austrian supermarkets are usually closed on Sundays, but smaller marts at fuel stations or public transit hubs remain open. Remember to bring coins for shopping carts and reusable bags for your groceries.
If you're looking for fresh local produce, meat, and dairy, daily markets in towns and cities are a great option. Alternatively, meal-kit delivery services provide fresh ingredients and recipes straight to your door. Austria also offers specialty stores, including health food and organic food markets, such as Spar Gourmet.
Now, let's explore traditional Austrian groceries and souvenirs you can find during your visit:
Groceries
Austria boasts a variety of unique foods and drinks that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Here are some traditional Austrian delicacies to indulge in:
- Schnapps is a distilled beverage that holds a special place in Austrian culture. It can be made from various fruits and herbs, with apricot and plum schnapps being popular choices. You can also find the well-loved Jägermeister, a herb-based schnapps.
- Kremser Senf is a classic mustard from Lower Austria, perfect for pairing with sausages.
- Darbo's Wild Lingonberry Sauce is a delicious treat, boasting a 60% fruit content.
- Austrian Soups are a must-try, ranging from crunchy soup and snack pearls to exclusive beauty and skincare ranges.
- Muesli is a popular choice in Austria, with a diverse range of healthy and tasty mixtures.
- Chocolate is a staple in Austrian culture, with handmade chocolates and brands like Dr. Oetker offering exquisite selections.
- Hot drinks are a speciality, with a variety of options to warm your soul.
- Easter specialties are a delight, featuring sweet treats and festive classics.
- Apricot jam is a staple of a typical Viennese breakfast, and Staud's is a favourite brand among locals.
- Hazelnut wafers wrapped in vintage-style strawberry pink packaging are a status symbol of the Viennese lifestyle. Created by Josef Manner in 1898, they combine hazelnut cream, chocolate, and wafers in a timeless recipe.
- Beer is a favourite Austrian beverage, best enjoyed at a Heuriger, the Austrian equivalent of a British pub.
- Wine is also part of Austria's cultural offerings, with the vibrant and lively wine of the Kamptal region being notable.
Souvenirs
Austria offers a plethora of unique souvenirs that reflect its culture and history. Here are some memorable items to consider:
- Swarovski crystal jewellery, produced in Austria since 1895, is a special way to commemorate your visit.
- Enamel jewellery by Frey Wille, known for its colourful abstract designs, is another distinctive option.
- Beethoven, Strauss, Mozart, and Schubert-related souvenirs are abundant in Vienna, ranging from tiny clay busts to fridge magnets.
- Traditional Austrian attire, known as Tracht, includes leather breeches for men and frilly corset dresses for women.
- Snow globes, invented in Austria in 1900, are a charming reminder of your trip.
- Austrian literature, such as "The Piano Teacher" by Nobel laureate Elfriede Jelinek, offers a dark yet humorous glimpse into Austrian culture.
- Empress Elizabeth souvenirs can be found at the Sisi Museum, celebrating the cult figure known for her rejection of royal duties.
- Beer glasses etched with Austrian brands are a great way to remember the country's beloved beer culture.
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Grocery delivery services in Austria
Grocery shopping in Austria can be done in-person at local supermarkets, daily markets, or online through delivery services. While Austrian supermarkets are typically closed on Sundays, there are smaller marts open, such as those connected to fuel stations or public transit hubs.
If you're looking for grocery delivery services in Austria, there are several options available:
Supermarket Chains
Many supermarket chains in Austria offer delivery services, allowing you to shop online and choose a delivery slot or pick up your groceries from a designated collection point. Billa, for example, has been a trusted local grocery store in Austria for over 60 years and provides delivery services to every postcode in the country. Another option is Merkur, one of the largest hypermarket chains in Austria, which offers a high-quality delivery service, Merkur Direkt, with over 20,000 products available.
Online Platforms
There are also online platforms that aggregate various shops and products in one place for delivery. foodora market, for instance, offers a wide range of groceries, drinks, flowers, pharmacy products, and even electronics, with many shops providing free delivery for orders over €10. INTERSPAR, the online store of SPAR Austria, also provides an extensive selection of products with same-day delivery options and collection box solutions.
Meal-Kit Delivery Services
If you're looking for a more convenient option, meal-kit delivery services like HelloFresh provide fresh ingredients and recipes delivered straight to your door.
International Delivery
For those craving traditional Austrian food and delicacies from outside of Austria, websites like AustrianSupermarket.com offer worldwide shipping for various Austrian products, including food, drinks, and beauty and skincare items.
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What to expect when shopping in Austrian supermarkets
Shopping in Austrian supermarkets can be quite different from what you might be used to. Here are some things to expect when navigating the aisles of an Austrian supermarket:
Variety of Supermarkets
Austrian supermarkets vary in size and selection. While Spar is the largest supermarket chain in Austria, with over 1,500 to 1,600 stores across the country, you can also find smaller supermarkets like Spar Express, which are attached to gas filling stations. Other popular options include Interspar, often found in shopping centres with a wider variety of products, Eurospar, scattered throughout cities, and the more upmarket Merkur, which caters to various dietary needs. Discount retailers like Lidl and Hofer (known as Aldi in the rest of Europe) are also prevalent and offer affordable prices, although with a more limited selection.
Location
In Austria, you'll typically find giant supermarkets on the outskirts of cities, near or in industrial zones. If you live in a smaller town, it may be a hub for shopping for the surrounding rural areas.
Opening Hours
Austrian supermarkets usually remain closed on Sundays. However, smaller marts, such as those connected to fuel stations or public transit hubs, may still be open. So, if you need groceries on a Sunday, these smaller shops can be a convenient option.
Shopping Essentials
When visiting an Austrian supermarket, remember to bring some €1 or €2 coins for the shopping cart deposit, which you'll get back once you return the cart. Also, bring your own reusable shopping bags, although you can usually purchase bags in-store if needed.
Products and Prices
Austrian supermarkets offer a good range of fresh and dried groceries, including local delicacies and in-store bakeries. You can also buy alcohol in these stores. However, for basic medicines like painkillers, you'll need to visit a pharmacy as they are not available in supermarkets. While Austrian supermarkets have a reputation for being expensive, particularly in touristy and city centre areas, you can find reasonably priced food if you know where to look.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy groceries from supermarkets, daily markets in towns and cities, or online.
Popular supermarket chains in Austria include Billa, Spar, and Merkur. Discount retailers like Lidl, Hofer (Aldi), and Penny Markt are also common.
Most stores in Austria are open from Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. On Saturdays, they close at the latest by 6 pm.
Some typical Austrian groceries or souvenirs include Extrawurstsemmel (a roll filled with deli meat), Almdudler (an herbal lemonade), and Mannerschnitten (hazelnut wafers).
