A crucial deadline is now looming for anyone planning to drive on Austria’s motorways in early February. Those who want their digital annual vignette to be valid from 1 February must complete their online purchase no later than Wednesday, 14 January. Why the Rush? Although the sea‑green 2025 vignette remains valid until 31 January 2026, drivers who continue without a valid replacement after that date risk hefty fines. The digital version, while convenient, comes with a catch that often surprises motorists: it does not become valid immediately. Digital vs. Sticker:…
Read MoreCold Snap in Austria Nearing Its End, Experts Say
Austria’s sharp drop in temperatures appears to be easing after two weeks of intense cold that followed an unusually mild December. While icy roads continue to pose risks and both rail and air travel remain disrupted as of Tuesday, meteorologists emphasize that the current conditions do not qualify as a record-breaking cold wave. Konstantin Brandes, meteorologist at the weather service Ubimet, notes that such cold spells were far more common in past decades. “In the 1970s and 1980s, cold waves like this were routine,” he explains. The past four Januaries,…
Read MoreGlobal Save Life Foundation Marks 7th Anniversary in Vienna
The Global Save Life Foundation (GSLF) celebrated its 7th anniversary on January 11, 2025, with a warm gathering of officers, members, supporters, and distinguished guests in Vienna. Among those in attendance were the Ambassador of the Philippines to Austria, Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas, and Consul General Zoilo Velasco, whose presence underscored the importance of the foundation’s humanitarian mission. A Mission Rooted in Compassion Founded by Filipinos in Austria, GSLF has dedicated itself to providing financial and medical assistance to individuals affected by natural disasters and serious health conditions in the Philippines.…
Read MoreExtreme cold followed by increased risk of black ice
Following the extreme cold, there is an increased risk of black ice in Austria. Geosphere Austria issued a yellow black ice warning for large parts of the country until Tuesday. The slippery conditions increase the risk of accidents and may cause local traffic disruptions. Road users should check that their vehicles are suitable for winter conditions and adjust their speed to the current conditions. After the cold front, a warm front reached Austria from the west. Initially, it is snowing at low altitudes, but as the temperature rises at higher…
Read MoreNew coronavirus variant discovered in Austria
A new Omicron subvariant is spreading and has also reached Austria. Why experts are closely monitoring BA.3.2. Since the turn of the year, a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has been the focus of attention: the Omicron descendant BA.3.2. This variant was first discovered in South Africa at the end of November 2024, but was not officially classified as a variant under observation by the World Health Organization (WHO) until December 2025. This was a long period of time during which BA.3.2 spread quietly and secretly, earning it the…
Read MoreFilipino Devotees in Vienna Join 2026 Translación of Hesus Nazareno
A Historic Tradition from Quiapo to Europe Vienna, Austria — January 11, 2026. Filipino Catholic devotees in Vienna gathered in deep faith and vibrant unity as the Translación of Hesus Nazareno was celebrated at the Johann Capistran Church, Forsthausgasse 22, in the 20th District. Despite the winter cold, devotees filled the church and surrounding streets, joining a centuries‑old tradition that traces its roots to one of the Philippines’ most iconic religious events. The Event in Vienna The celebration began with a solemn Mass, followed by a devotional procession carrying the…
Read More232 million items: Austrian Postal service sets parcel record
Postal service sets parcel record thanks to online shops and other factors The Austrian Post delivered an incredible 232 million shipments last year – every Austrian received the equivalent of around 25 parcels, and the boom is likely to continue … The domestic postal service set a new record in 2025: 232 million parcels were delivered in this country alone – an increase of 3.5 percent. This means that every Austrian between Lake Boden and Lake Neusiedl received more than 25 parcels delivered directly to their door. In December, postal…
Read MoreThe Secret Psychology of Snow Lovers: What Winter Reveals About Who We Are
Across Austria and much of Europe, the past days have unfolded in white. Streets softened, rooftops muted, and landscapes transformed into quiet, shimmering worlds. For many, this first real snowfall of the season is more than a weather event. It’s an emotional shift — a moment when the world slows down just enough for us to notice ourselves again. Recent reflections in psychology and sociology suggest that people who adore snow often share a cluster of personality traits. Far from trivial, these traits reveal how deeply our environment shapes our…
Read MoreWarm front brings rain and sunshine to Austria
The new week brings everything your heart desires: a warm front is moving across Austria from the west, bringing sunshine, mild temperatures, and rain. But snow and fog are also on the way, and Geosphere Austria is warning of black ice. Light snow will fall in Vorarlberg and the Tyrolean Oberland in the early hours of the morning, spreading along the northern side of the Alps to the east as the day progresses. With rising temperatures, freezing rain threatens on the still frozen roads, especially north of the main Alpine…
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