Wiener Eistraum 2026 Opens Its 31st Season

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Mayor Michael Ludwig and City Councillor Barbara Novak visit construction site ahead of Thursday’s opening Vienna, 22 January 2026 – This Thursday marks the start of the 31st season of the Wiener Eistraum, Vienna’s iconic winter attraction. Since its debut in 1996—exactly 30 years ago—the event has become a beloved fixture of the city’s cultural calendar and is now considered one of Europe’s largest mobile ice-skating venues. Running for 46 days, one week longer than last year, the Wiener Eistraum will welcome visitors daily from 10:00 to 22:00. With more…

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SK Rapid U19 Clinch Mercedes-Benz Cup Bronze with Austro-Pinoy Talent Daniel Mahiya

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Vienna, January 2026 — SK Rapid Wien’s U19 team capped a strong international showing by finishing third at the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Cup, held this January and featuring elite youth sides from across Europe. The young Rapids delivered a series of disciplined and energetic performances throughout the tournament, showcasing the club’s renowned youth development system. After navigating a competitive group stage and rebounding from a narrow semifinal setback, SK Rapid U19 closed the campaign with a convincing victory in the third-place playoff to secure a spot on the podium. One of…

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Austria’s Night Sky Ignites: Rare Aurora Shines Across the Country — Even Over Vienna

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Austria witnessed an extraordinary celestial display on Monday night, as vivid auroras illuminated the sky from Vorarlberg to Vienna. Christian Möstl, head of the Austrian Space Weather Office at GeoSphere Austria in Graz, described the event as an “incredible aurora” — a rare spectacle at these latitudes. Western Austria Glows, Vienna Gets a Subtle Show Clear skies in western regions offered the most striking views, with bright red, green, and violet hues dancing above the Alps. Even in the east, where fog and city lights usually drown out faint phenomena,…

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Philippines Showcases Its Vibrant Tourism at the Ferien Messe 2026

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The Philippines made a dynamic and colorful appearance at the Ferien Messe 2026, Austria’s largest and most influential trade fair for holidays, travel, and leisure. The event was held from 15 to 18 January 2026 at Halle C, Messe Wien, drawing thousands of travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and international exhibitors. Located at Stand 0626, the Philippine booth welcomed a steady stream of curious and enthusiastic visitors eager to discover the country’s world‑renowned beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse adventure offerings. Guests explored interactive displays, destination highlights, and travel information showcasing…

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The World in Motion: A Feature on the Most Powerful Passports of 2026

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Singapore holds the world’s most powerful passport in 2026, offering visa‑free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow in second place with 188 destinations, while a strong cluster of European countries dominates the next tiers. Every January, the British consultancy Henley & Partners releases one of the most anticipated global mobility rankings: the Henley Passport Index. Based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index measures how many destinations passport holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance. In a world where mobility…

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Bitter Cold and Strong Winds Grip Vienna as Severe Cold Warning Issued

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Vienna is facing a spell of harsh winter weather as GeoSphere Austria issues a severe cold warning for the capital, Lower Austria, and parts of eastern Austria. While much of the country enjoys clear skies and sunshine, the east remains locked in a deep freeze. Persistent Fog in the West and South Across western and southern regions, pockets of fog and low stratus clouds linger throughout the day. Basin and valley areas are particularly affected, especially in East Tyrol and Carinthia, where some locations may remain grey and dim from…

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Filipino Community in Vienna Honors Sto. Niño with Vibrant Sinulog Festival Celebration

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The Filipino community in Vienna came together on Sunday, 18 January 2026, at the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy Church in the 10th District to celebrate the annual Sinulog Festival—one of the most cherished expressions of Filipino faith and culture. Organized by the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy and the Kapunongan ng mga Bisaya sa Austria (KBA), the event highlighted the community’s enduring devotion to the Sto. Niño and its commitment to preserving Filipino traditions in Austria. The celebration opened with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Ely Dalanon, Chaplain of the…

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Austrian Government Lowers VAT: These Everyday Groceries Will Soon Cost Less

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Shoppers in Austria may notice a pleasant surprise on their next receipt. The federal government has announced a targeted reduction of value‑added tax (VAT) on a range of essential food items, aiming to ease pressure on household budgets. During an interview on ORF’s Pressestunde on Sunday, Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) confirmed which products will benefit from the new reduced tax rate. The measure focuses on staple foods and locally produced agricultural goods—items that form the backbone of many Austrian households’ daily meals. The newly introduced VAT rate will be…

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False Friends? How to Recognize Them Before It’s Too Late

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Friendship is often described as one of life’s greatest gifts — a source of comfort, joy, and belonging. Yet not every person who enters our lives with a smile has our best interests at heart. “False friends” can drain energy, undermine confidence, and quietly destabilize relationships long before the damage becomes obvious. Recognizing them early is not about becoming suspicious of everyone, but about protecting emotional well‑being and nurturing healthier connections. The Subtle Signs of a False Friend • Support that disappears when you need it most – A reliable…

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