Austrian News

The Quadrantids will bring a spectacular fireworks display of shooting stars this weekend. Up to 120 meteors per hour are possible in the night sky. Weather permitting, a spectacular view of the sky awaits us tonight: the Quadrantids are one of the most impressive meteor showers of the year and, under ideal conditions, can deliver more than 100 shooting stars per hour. They are characterized by their particularly bright fireballs – a short but intense natural spectacle. For a long time, the origin of the Quadrantids was a mystery. It…

Christmas tree disposal in Vienna: 609 collection points open until January 17 – free and climate-friendly. After the holidays, Vienna’s environmentally friendly Christmas tree collection begins again. Until January 17, 609 collection points will be available throughout the city. They are open around the clock and marked with signs reading “Christbaum-Sammelstelle” (Christmas tree collection point). Trees can also be dropped off at all MA 48 waste collection sites throughout the year. Important: Christmas tree decorations, tinsel, and hooks must be removed beforehand so that the trees can be recycled. The…

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen used his 2026 New Year’s address to urge citizens to embrace what he called a “European patriotism,” warning against the growing tendency to disparage the European Union and stressing the need for Austria to remain capable of reform. Speaking against the backdrop of an increasingly unstable global environment, Van der Bellen emphasized that Europe remains “a place many people envy,” and cautioned that it must not be talked down. Belief in the European project, he said, is essential for the continent’s future. “Europe Is…

The new week will bring freezing temperatures, but it will be sunny in many places. With the turn of the year comes winter: In the coming days, a cold snap will bring frost down to minus 20 degrees. Snowfall will remain local for the time being, but the sun will still shine often. Vienna weather in detail The first Geosphere forecast of the year promises a prolonged period of wintry weather. The coming days will see a steady cooling: maximum temperatures will initially drop from plus seven degrees to a…

Changes in 2026: social assistance, care allowance, electricity price cap, tampon tax & vignette – an overview of what will change in Austria from January 1. When the new year begins on Thursday, Austrians will have to adjust to numerous changes. Some of the most important ones are: