The flu epidemic has begun in Austria. The Center for Virology at the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna) has reported a significant increase in influenza viruses in clinical samples. Cases of real flu are rising throughout Europe; experts still advise vaccination. In the previous week, a more than four-fold increase in cases of real flu (influenza, note) was observed in clinical samples nationwide compared to calendar week 50, MedUni Vienna’s Center for Virology announced on Monday. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) reported 905 sick days due to influenza.…
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8th place for Vienna: these are the best food travel destinations worldwide in 2025
TasteAtlas has selected the 100 best food travel destinations in the world. From street food gems to culinary traditions, the ranking is a must for anyone who plans their vacation by taste. Vienna is among the top ten. With 8th place in the current ranking, Vienna proves why it deserves a top position worldwide regarding culinary delights. The Austrian capital leaves cities such as New York (12th place) and Madrid (11th place) in its wake. Whether it’s Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Zwiebelrostbraten, or apple strudel, the variety and quality of the…
Read MoreShort-term parking zones in Vienna apply on December 24: parking tickets required
Since 24 December 2024 is a Tuesday and working day, parking tickets are generally required in Vienna at Christmas, remind the ÖAMTC traffic experts. As 24 December is not a public holiday, parking tickets are required in Vienna’s nationwide short-term parking zones between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. or a parking sticker in the zones with parking space management. All regulations concerning shopping streets, train stations, hospitals, and parking lots for residents are also in force in Vienna at Christmas. Beware of short-stay parking and residents’ parking lots in Vienna…
Read MoreAustria: Dental fillings are free after all, but not for everyone!
Now that amalgam fillings will be banned at the end of the year, the struggle to find a free alternative is proving tedious. An agreement was reached just before Christmas, but not for all patients in the country. While no solution has yet been found with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), the Insurance Institution for Public Employees, Railways, and Mining (BVAEB) and the Dental Association have now agreed on amalgam fillings. From 1 January 2025, filling materials, glass ionomer cement, and alkalies will be covered by health insurance instead…
Read MoreMinus 10 degrees! We are now feeling extremely cold due to the winter
The weather remains exciting, with temperatures well below freezing and a varied mix of sun, clouds, and precipitation. Here is a detailed preview of the days leading up to Christmas. Sunny Saturday morning, cloudy afternoonThe influence of an intermediate high will initially calm the weather, but this will not last long. After local patches of early morning fog clear in the south, the sun will appear everywhere. However, from the afternoon onwards, denser clouds will move in from the west, especially along the northern side of the Alps. Above around…
Read MoreWhite Christmas in Austria? Here are the chances
A change in the weather shortly before Christmas will most likely result in snowfall across Austria. This means the chances of a white Christmas are extremely good—even in Vienna. Chances of a white Christmas are decreasingAustria has a good chance of a white Christmas this year. As the experts from Geosphere Austria forecast, an area of low pressure will cause snowfall—even heavier—in the west on Monday. On Christmas Eve, Tuesday, there should also be scattered snowfall in the eastern lowlands. In the first half of Friday, it will be widely…
Read MoreShopping on December 24: How long are the stores open?
Every year again: Even if you have firmly resolved to have done all the important shopping by Christmas, you can always forget something. After all, the pre-Christmas stress should not be underestimated.Whether it’s a few last presents or missing groceries for the holidays, local retailers have the following opening hours on 24 December. Generally, shops are open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve. This is because workers are employed; therefore, regular working hours end at 1 p.m. on 24 December.However, confectionery shops and flower stores can stay…
Read MoreGastronomy and food: Prices rose by 1.9 percent in November
On average, consumer prices in Austria were 1.9% higher in November than a year ago—as expected in the flash estimate just under three weeks ago. According to Statistics Austria, the average price level rose by 0.3% compared to October 2024. Inflation was below the European Central Bank’s (ECB) 2% target for the third month. Household energy as a price damperIn October, the year-on-year price increase was slightly lower at 1.8%. Once again, lower household energy prices proved to be the strongest price dampener in November 2024, with cheaper fuel also…
Read More“Watch”out”—Scammers on the move just before Christmas
Numerous warnings are currently circulating on Facebook. It’s about a scam involving apartments. This is how the trick works.Facebook groups warn people about a new scam being used to scam people looking for an apartment. The perpetrators have other people view apartments that they themselves have booked at short notice via platforms. They then apparently demand a furniture deposit or a deposit. The internet tip is: “Please check whether the apartments have a key box.” If so, you shouldn’t pay anything.“ Please spread the word to anyone you know who…
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