https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Austria in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed There are several ways to greet people in Austria – all with different meanings. So stop saying “Hallo” and learn how to sound like a local instead. https://www.thelocal.at/20221206/how-to-greet-people-like-a-local-in-austria Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:32:11 +0100 how-to-greet-people-like-a-local-in-austria Austrian humour is often dry and subtle - even in texts. Here’s what to expect when chatting online, and how to respond without going over the top. https://www.thelocal.at/20250520/from-haha-to-lach-how-to-express-laughter-online-or-in-texts-in-austria Tue, 20 May 2025 16:07:35 +0200 from-haha-to-lach-how-to-express-laughter-online-or-in-texts-in-austria You may have heard Americans talking about 'house burping' – a practice inspired by the Austrian and German practice of Lüften or ventilation. We break down what you should know about airing out your home in the cold months. https://www.thelocal.at/20260202/luften-how-often-do-you-have-to-air-your-austrian-home-during-winters Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:16:30 +0100 luften-how-often-do-you-have-to-air-your-austrian-home-during-winters Is Austria actually rude, or just reserved? A new survey shows how politeness is oftentimes a matter of cultural perceptions. https://www.thelocal.at/20260324/opinion-why-austria-scores-low-for-politeness-abroad-but-higher-at-home Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:24:58 +0100 opinion-why-austria-scores-low-for-politeness-abroad-but-higher-at-home Whether you want a palace setting in Vienna, a family-focused outing in Burgenland or a slower browse through crafts and food in Lower Austria, these are some of the best options in each province. https://www.thelocal.at/20260318/nine-unmissable-easter-markets-in-austria-in-2026 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:42:32 +0100 nine-unmissable-easter-markets-in-austria-in-2026 Austria may still be in winter mode, but soon enough, the signs of spring will start appearing. From packed ski resorts to the return of sidewalk cafés, here’s how you’ll know. https://www.thelocal.at/20250219/the-sure-signs-that-tell-you-winter-is-coming-to-an-end-in-austria Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:27:33 +0100 the-sure-signs-that-tell-you-winter-is-coming-to-an-end-in-austria While those living near the Alps may be used to subzero temperatures, the cold front hitting the whole country has caught many - especially foreigners - off guard. Here's how to dress for the cold spell in Austria. https://www.thelocal.at/20231204/how-to-dress-for-the-cold-weather-in-austria Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:27:46 +0100 how-to-dress-for-the-cold-weather-in-austria Saunas are a cornerstone of Austrian culture, and the country is full of public places where people can try them relatively cheaply. However, foreigners should be aware of some specific rules both written and unwritten. https://www.thelocal.at/20240122/the-rules-and-customs-of-austrian-saunas-foreigners-need-to-know Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:35:59 +0100 the-rules-and-customs-of-austrian-saunas-foreigners-need-to-know As the colder months set in, you may notice a shift in your personality - and recognise yourself in some of these Austrian winter personality types. From Morgenmuffel to Saunaschnecke, here are some famous characters. https://www.thelocal.at/20241202/which-austrian-winter-personality-type-are-you Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:03:30 +0100 which-austrian-winter-personality-type-are-you Thought snow was just for sledding, snowball fights, and cursing at while trudging through slush on your way to work? Think again. You can also use it to wash your clothes during an Austrian winter. Here’s how. https://www.thelocal.at/20260105/the-magic-of-snow-cleaning-how-to-wash-your-woollen-clothes-in-austria Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:09:23 +0100 the-magic-of-snow-cleaning-how-to-wash-your-woollen-clothes-in-austria Office Christmas parties in Austria come with some unwritten rules. Here's what you need to know about whether you’re required to attend and how to navigate tricky situations like the use of “Du” or “Sie.” https://www.thelocal.at/20241216/flirting-in-small-doses-a-survival-guide-for-an-austrian-office-christmas-party Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:03:42 +0100 flirting-in-small-doses-a-survival-guide-for-an-austrian-office-christmas-party Winter is soon here, and if you are in the mood for some adventurous off-piste skiing, ski touring might be something for you. Here is what you need to know. https://www.thelocal.at/20241016/what-you-need-to-know-about-ski-touring-in-austria Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:41:00 +0200 what-you-need-to-know-about-ski-touring-in-austria From handy things that you will no longer live without to some head-scratching devices (not literally), here are a few things you will almost always find in Austrian homes. https://www.thelocal.at/20220404/five-things-you-will-almost-always-find-in-austrian-homes Mon, 04 Apr 2022 16:44:47 +0200 five-things-you-will-almost-always-find-in-austrian-homes Many Austrian businesses prefer cash payments, but can they legally charge extra for card transactions? Consumer protection laws say no - but there’s a loophole. https://www.thelocal.at/20250218/can-austrian-restaurants-charge-extra-for-card-payments Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:43:53 +0100 can-austrian-restaurants-charge-extra-for-card-payments At Vienna's Oktoberfest, the Wiener Wiesn, you can experience Austrian culture, food, customs, music, and a lot of different beers. Here is what you need to know about it. https://www.thelocal.at/20240924/what-to-expect-from-viennas-version-of-oktoberfest-at-wiener-kaiser-wiesn Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:38:55 +0200 what-to-expect-from-viennas-version-of-oktoberfest-at-wiener-kaiser-wiesn If you haven't been in Austria that long, perhaps you're wondering why it's so difficult to get things done in summer, or why the Heuriger is so beloved. We explain a few of the local quirks you'll find in the lighter months. https://www.thelocal.at/20250815/five-unusual-austrian-summer-habits-that-confuse-newcomers Fri, 15 Aug 2025 10:45:59 +0200 five-unusual-austrian-summer-habits-that-confuse-newcomers Practice Fingerhakeln, prepare some Gurken salat, go hiking or try swimming in a lake. Here are the best ways to enjoy a hot summer afternoon like a true Austrian. https://www.thelocal.at/20240612/how-to-spend-a-summer-afternoon-in-austria-like-a-local Wed, 12 Jun 2024 17:34:32 +0200 how-to-spend-a-summer-afternoon-in-austria-like-a-local Tipping is part of daily life in Austria, but new data shows habits and trends are shifting. https://www.thelocal.at/20250707/how-tipping-customs-are-changing-in-austrias-cafes-and-restaurants Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:42:56 +0200 how-tipping-customs-are-changing-in-austrias-cafes-and-restaurants Do you find yourself valuing punctuality and appreciating a sunny day more than ever before? Have you taken out insurance for every possible scenario, no matter how unlikely? If so, you might be embracing the Austrian way of life. https://www.thelocal.at/20230419/10-signs-youve-become-more-austrian-than-the-austrians Wed, 19 Apr 2023 18:01:00 +0200 10-signs-youve-become-more-austrian-than-the-austrians Many people in Austria have been waiting to dig up their shorts and shirts and enjoy warmer spring weather. So, when do we know when spring has finally arrived in Austria? https://www.thelocal.at/20230418/the-five-signs-that-spring-has-really-arrived-in-austria Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:36:40 +0200 the-five-signs-that-spring-has-really-arrived-in-austria