Category: Austrian News

Vienna is heading into yet another pre‑holiday weekend wrapped in thick fog. According to the latest forecast, the city won’t be shaking off its grey blanket anytime soon. Expect single‑digit temperatures and, with a bit of luck, perhaps a warm cup of punch at a Christmas market to brighten the mood. It’s a dreary December in the capital. And no, the grey isn’t coming from artificial snow on Christmas trees — it’s the weather right outside the door. Fog has become a constant companion for people making their way through…

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Vienna will not only see higher public transport fares and parking costs next year — several other municipal fees will also increase beginning January 2026. MeinBezirk provides an overview of what residents can expect. Budget Background A few weeks ago, the City of Vienna presented an initial outline of its 2026 budget. The projected deficit stands at 2.65 billion euros, with planned expenditures of 22.16 billion euros. The full draft budget was published on November 14. Some fee increases had already been announced earlier. As of January 1, the annual…

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For most people in Austria, Christmas is all about family. A new survey shows that three out of four Austrians see the holiday primarily as a family celebration. Interestingly, it is the younger generation that holds on to rituals most strongly, while older adults are increasingly letting go of traditional customs. Christmas as a Family Affair According to a recent ImmoScout24 survey, 76 percent of respondents plan to celebrate Christmas with their families. Only a small minority spend the evening with friends or on their own. Two-thirds (66 percent) celebrate…

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Christmas Eve is exactly two weeks away, and as every year, many people are wondering whether we’ll see snow for the holidays. A reliable forecast won’t be possible until December 19, but the current weather trend is sending a clear message. No Snow in Sight Across large parts of Austria, temperatures are unusually mild for December. According to current forecasts, the weather is unlikely to change much before Christmas. Meteorologists say there is absolutely no sign of a winter cold spell. Instead, the next two weeks are expected to remain…

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High pressure will determine the weather in the eastern Alpine region on Tuesday. This means mostly sunny and dry weather. On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, we can expect sunny and dry weather in Austria. “Thin high cloud cover will not interfere. However, there will be persistent fog or high fog in the inner Alpine basins and valleys, as well as generally in the lowlands in the north and east, on the eastern edge of the Alps, in southeastern Styria, and in the Rhine Valley,“ according to weather experts at GeoSphere…

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December 8 falls on a Monday in 2025. We have an overview of which supermarkets, shops, and shopping centers in Vienna will be open on the public holiday. Monday, December 8, 2025, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception—and thus traditionally one of the most important shopping days of the Advent season. Although it is a public holiday, shops in Austria are allowed to open on this day. December 8 as an important additional date in the Christmas shopping season Every year, many retailers use December 8 to boost Christmas…

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Vienna, December 2025 – The City of Vienna continues to experience significant migration flows, with international immigration driving population growth and shaping the city’s cultural landscape. Recent figures show that Austria hosts more than 2.5 million people with a migrant background, underscoring the importance of integration policies and community support. Migration Trends Integration Efforts The Austrian government has reinforced its integration framework, focusing on three pillars: Vienna has expanded programs in schools, community centers, and local organizations to foster inclusion, particularly for children and families. Community Response Despite challenges in…

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Since 1995, Austrian retailers have been permitted to open their doors on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The arrangement, negotiated between social partners, remains contentious. Employees working on the holiday are entitled to extra pay and compensatory time off. Which Stores Are Open Retailers are generally allowed to trade between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.. A Chamber of Commerce survey shows that most shops in Vienna plan to open, with larger chains taking advantage of the opportunity while smaller businesses often stay shut. Importantly, employees cannot be…

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Austrians are feeling the pinch of inflation in the energy sector, not only in terms of electricity and gas, but also in terms of fuel, where we are among the most expensive countries in Europe. While the EU is discussing the end of combustion engines, countries in northern Europe are pulling ahead in terms of the share of electric cars. The sharp rise in inflation in Austria is also noticeable at gas stations. Prices have risen significantly recently, putting Austria above the European average, according to the mobility club ÖAMTC.…

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