Category: Austrian News

The chances of a white Christmas this year are quite high. Light snowfall is possible on Christmas Eve, especially in southern and eastern Austria. In Vienna, it would be the first white Christmas since 2012. Snow could also fall on Boxing Day and Christmas Day, according to forecasts by meteorologists at Geosphere Austria. New week starts with fog and black ice On Monday, however, the sky will still be gray. At the beginning of the week, the lowlands in the eastern half of the country will continue to be covered…

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On December 24, 2025, numerous stores in Vienna will be open, as Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year. We have compiled an overview of the opening hours of supermarkets, drugstores, and shopping centers for last-minute Christmas shopping. On December 24, Vienna’s shops are traditionally still bustling with activity as many people rush to buy last-minute gifts, food, or decorations. Christmas Eve falls on a Wednesday this year, and although it is not a public holiday, special rules apply to opening hours. Shortened opening hours in shops on Christmas Eve…

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The flu wave has already hit Austria – around a month earlier than in previous years. While the peak is usually reached in January, the number of cases is already rising significantly this year at Christmas and New Year. Mutated variant spreads The H3N2 influenza variant is currently dominant. According to Judith Aberle, Professor of Virus Immunology at MedUni Vienna, around 80 percent of cases are caused by H3N2, with the rest caused by H1N1. The new mutant is not considered more dangerous, but it could be more easily transmissible.…

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Austria may be in for a rare festive treat this year: fresh snow right on Christmas Eve. While the current calm weather pattern continues through the weekend, meteorologists warn that a dramatic shift is on the horizon just in time for the holidays. Calm Before the Christmas Change A strong high‑pressure system over northern and western Europe is maintaining mostly quiet conditions, bringing sunshine to the west of Austria and persistent fog to the east. But the situation looks very different to the south, where a Mediterranean low‑pressure system is…

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The long‑standing Christmas tradition continues: on 24 December 2025, the Peace Light can once again be collected at all main fire stations of the Vienna Professional Fire Brigade. The light will be available between 9:00 and 12:00. At the Central Fire Station in Vienna’s 1st district (Am Hof 7), the Fire Brigade Museum will also open its doors from 9:00 to 12:00, offering another opportunity to pick up the Peace Light. Families and visitors of all ages are invited to spend part of Christmas Eve morning exploring the museum while…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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