Category: Austrian News

In Austria, the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday—known as Fasching or Carnival season—are marked by color, costumes, and, above all, Krapfen. These golden, pillowy doughnuts have been part of Austrian pre‑Lenten customs for centuries, offering a final moment of indulgence before the fasting period begins. Krapfen have been associated with Carnival since at least the 17th century, when they became a symbolic treat for feasting before the austerity of Lent. Deep Roots in Austrian Food Culture The history of the Krapfen reaches even further back. Records show that a…

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Austria is bracing for a renewed blast of winter as a cold front sweeps across the country in the coming days. According to Geosphere Austria, snowfall down to low elevations and at times strong winds will make for increasingly unpleasant conditions, particularly on Sunday. Unsettled Start: First Snow Showers on Friday Friday begins with rain and snow showers, especially in the northern regions, with the snow line hovering around 1,000 meters. As the day progresses, clouds gradually break up and sunshine returns, though the north remains overcast the longest. Winds…

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Austria is seeing a sharp rise in infections with the West Nile virus (WNV), with 2024 marking a record year. According to new findings from the Institute of Tropical Medicine and a long-term study by the Medical University of Vienna, 37 human cases were confirmed—more than ever before. The virus was first detected in Austria in 2009. Researchers warn that the pathogen, transmitted by native mosquito species, is no longer appearing sporadically. Instead, it is spreading continuously across the country. As a result, experts now classify West Nile virus as…

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Austria’s population continued to grow in 2025, but at a noticeably slower pace than in previous years. According to preliminary figures released by Statistics Austria on Monday, 9,219,113 people were living in the country on 1 January 2026 — an increase of 21,900, or 0.2 percent, compared with the beginning of 2025. The growth rate marks a further decline from previous years: population increased by 0.4 percent in 2024, 0.6 percent in 2023, and 1.4 percent in 2022. “Austria’s population is still growing, but the pace has slowed again in…

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The Chamber of Labour of Upper Austria (AK OÖ) has issued a sharp warning about dubious locksmith services that exploit people in stressful situations. When someone is locked out of their home, the urgency and panic often make them vulnerable to dishonest providers who demand excessive fees and use questionable practices. According to the AK, many complaints involve so‑called “emergency services” found online. What appears to be a local company often turns out to be a mailbox firm registered abroad. Customers report long waiting times, only to be met by…

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Austria faces another week of unsettled weather, according to forecasts from Geosphere Austria. While sunshine will make occasional appearances, a warm front arriving Tuesday will bring milder air and rising temperatures of up to 12°C — but only for a short time. In short: the sun will return, but only briefly, before Austria slips back into a cycle of clouds, rain, and shifting snow lines.

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The debate over COVID-19 vaccines continues years after the pandemic began. A new long-term study now provides crucial scientific insights into how effective mRNA vaccines truly were and what impact they had. Researchers led by Laura Semenzato from France’s drug safety authority analyzed data from more than 28 million people. The study compared 22.7 million vaccinated individuals with 5.9 million unvaccinated people aged 18 to 59 over nearly four years (November 2021 to September 2025). By statistically balancing the two groups, the researchers ensured reliable conclusions about benefits and risks.…

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In Austria, the temptation to call in sick without being truly ill is widespread. Whether it’s exhaustion, stress, or simply the desire for a day off, many employees consider asking their doctor for a sick note even when their health is not genuinely impaired. But while the practice may seem harmless, lying to obtain a medical certificate carries significant risks—both medically and legally. Why Patients Sometimes Mislead Their Doctors Common excuses such as stomach flu or back pain are often used because they are difficult to verify from a distance.…

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The year 2026 got off to a chilly start, with January coming in about one degree colder than the long-term average from 1991 to 2020. Looking further back, however, paints a different picture. Compared to the reference period from 1961 to 1990, January 2026 would actually be considered normal — even around 0.5 degrees warmer than average, according to meteorologists at the weather service Ubimet.“This is yet another sign of how climate change has already shifted our perception and reference points,” the experts noted. Foehn Winds Push Temperatures Up February…

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