Category: Austrian News

The new annual vignette is valid from 1 December 2024. ASFINAG Managing Director Claudia Eder explains: “It is and remains important to obtain a valid vignette in good time, regardless of whether you click or pick.” If you want to ensure that the digital vignette is valid from 1 December 2024, you must purchase it online by 13 November at the latest. This is due to the statutory withdrawal period of 18 days for online purchases, which means that the vignette will only be valid after this period has expired.…

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In Austria, it is no longer the coronavirus that is causing most infections but the rhinovirus, according to figures from MedUni Vienna and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund. The former has caused the positive rate to rise to 23 percent, while SARS-CoV-2 was “only” detected in 13 percent of tests in the last week of October. This means the rhinovirus has caused almost twice as many infections as the coronavirus.The rising number of colds is also reflected in the number of sick days. After a significant drop in coronavirus infections…

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Wiener Linien is adjusting the rules for cancelling the annual pass from next year.From January 1, 2025, the cancellation policy for Wiener Linien’s annual pass will closely align with the existing cancellation policy for the Austrian Climate Ticket (KTÖ).Cancellation of the Wiener Linien annual travelcard: what’s changingAnnual travel cards whose validity period starts from 01.01.2025 can only be terminated regularly (i.e., “properly”) after seven months without giving reasons. An additional monthly fee (“fare replacement service” by fare regulations) will be charged in the event of termination. This monthly fee is…

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The aim is to recycle around 2.2 billion bottles and cans every year and achieve a return rate of 90% by 2027. “Consumers are the linchpin for the project’s success,” emphasize Monika Fiala and Simon Parth from Recycling Pfand Österreich. The deposit system promotes the circular economy by enabling the reuse of materials such as plastic and metal. The system is also intended to reduce littering, i.e. the careless throwing away of waste. By the end of 2025, the return rate should be 80 percent to meet the EU target…

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The city’s first ice rinks open this weekend. However, due to climate changes, the start of the ice rink season has been postponed until November. Energy costs are also becoming increasingly expensive. Some indoor rinks have been open since the end of October, with outdoor rinks following suit this weekend. The Engelmann artificial ice rink in Hernals opened on Friday. There you can skate above the rooftops of Vienna until 9 March. In addition to regular operations, courses and ice hockey are also offered. There is an ice disco on…

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Austria has been declared a high-risk area for bird flu. According to the Ministry of Health, stricter safety measures will be applied in poultry farming starting at midnight. The risk has been classified as highly increased in 25 districts. Farms with more than 50 animals are required to keep poultry there. Lower and Upper Austria, Styria, Salzburg, Carinthia, and Burgenland are high-risk areas for avian influenza. Farms with fewer than 50 animals are also exempt from the obligation to keep poultry in these areas, provided that ducks and geese are…

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From November, the weather-dependent obligation to use winter tires on all roads will apply again in Austria This regulation stipulates that in winter road conditions – i.e. snow, slush or ice – all vehicles must be equipped with suitable tires. Anyone who disregards the rules risks a fine of 50 euros. However, if other road users are endangered by incorrect tires, the fine can rise to up to 10,000 euros. The regulation applies to cars, small trucks and so-called “moped cars”. Check winter tiresEven if the weather is still mild,…

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Geosphere Austria is forecasting a cooling on Sunday after the end of a mild October. Light frost is to be expected in Lower Austria in particular. The cool temperatures will persist in the north and east. Last October was very mild.On Friday, after the fog and high fog patches in the north, the basin locations in the south, as well as in the Rhine Valley and some inner Alpine valleys, have cleared, an extremely sunny day will set in. The sun shines from the morning onwards. A few harmless, high…

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The pre-Christmas period in Vienna is traditionally the time of numerous Advent and Christmas markets. This year, the first Christmas market opens on November 7, and from November 16, all Christmas markets in Vienna will be open. Hardly any other city in Europe has more Christmas markets and market-like events than the city of 2 million inhabitants. Vienna’s Christmas markets have a total of 796 stalls, including 190 food stalls, with glittering Christmas tree decorations, small and large gift options of all kinds, Christmas decorations for a wide variety of…

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