Austrian News

Vienna will sharply increase the cost of reserving a public barbecue site on the Donauinsel, raising the fee from 10 euros to 45 euros. The decision was approved on Thursday afternoon by the city council, prompting both political defense and criticism. The governing Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) justified the hike by pointing to recommendations from the Austrian Court of Audit, while the Greens condemned the measure as excessive and socially insensitive. Greens Call Increase “Disproportionate” Green council member Kilian Stark expressed surprise at the scale of the change, noting that…

Vienna – The fourth Advent weekend in Austria is set to remain calm but largely grey, especially in the country’s eastern lowlands. Persistent high‑pressure conditions continue to dominate the weather pattern, trapping stubborn fog and low stratus clouds in valleys and basins. Away from these fog zones, however, the days will be surprisingly bright and mild, with temperatures reaching up to 13°C in some regions. Vienna: Quiet Weather, Persistent Fog According to Geosphere Austria, the tranquil weather phase will continue through the weekend. In the lowlands, however, fog remains the…

Austria’s governing coalition has reached an internal agreement to raise the tax‑free allowance for overtime bonuses starting in 2026. The decision follows weeks of negotiation within the ÖVP–SPÖ–NEOS coalition and comes as part of a broader effort to ease the tax burden on employees. Higher Tax‑Free Limit for Overtime Beginning next year, up to 15 overtime bonuses per month—amounting to a maximum of €170—will be exempt from income tax. The previously planned limit for 2026 had been €120 for up to 10 overtime hours. The adjustment builds on earlier reforms…

A deeper look at the November inflation data reveals a mixed picture: the overall rate is stable, but the lived experience of Austrian households varies sharply depending on what they buy, how they commute, and how much of their income goes to essentials. Below is a structured breakdown of the real-world impact. 1. Food Inflation Is Easing — but Still Eating Into Budgets Even though food price growth slowed to 3.1%, food remains one of the most sensitive categories for households because it’s unavoidable and purchased frequently. What this means…

One week before Christmas, the question comes up again: what do people in Austria actually eat on Christmas Eve? Festive meals are a long‑standing tradition, but the dishes vary widely from one province to another. According to a recent iglo study, 43 percent of Austrians say they always serve a special dish on December 24, while another 28 percent stick to a traditional meal that can occasionally be changed. Raclette, cold platters, and soup are the favorites If you’re still undecided about your own Christmas dinner, the most popular choices…

Gift vouchers remain the most popular Christmas present among Viennese residents in 2025. According to the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, around one third of the population – approximately 495,000 people – will give vouchers this year. The average value has risen to 150 euros, about 25 percent more than in 2024. Altogether, this amounts to a remarkable Christmas voucher volume of 74 million euros. “Gift vouchers are a safe choice,” says Margarete Gumprecht, Chair of the Retail Division. “They strengthen local businesses while offering recipients maximum flexibility.” Where the voucher…