Articles by this author
EXPLAINED: What Austria’s 2026 pension changes mean for you
Austria will adjust pensions in January 2026, but the uplift will not be equal for everyone. So who gets full inflation protection, who does not, and why ministers say the model is 'socially balanced'?
EXPLAINED: What happens on Easter Monday in Austria?
Easter Monday is a public holiday across all of Austria, which means most people get the day off work and many shops, offices and services run on holiday schedules. In 2026, it falls on April 6th.
What is the 'cold line' in Austria and how you can use it to save lives
Two men have died in Vienna after exposure to freezing temperatures. Caritas says the cases show why using Austria’s winter cold lines can be crucial.
Inside Austria: where to go in Vienna with kids when it’s too cold to be outside
If you're running out of ideas on what to do in Vienna during these cold days, The Local Austria's editor Amanda Previdelli has a couple of suggestions that are great for grown-ups too.
Inside Austria: Semesterferien and why they can be a nightmare for working parents
Austria’s Semesterferien are not a public holiday, but the country still feels different for a week in February. For working parents, especially foreign residents without family help, it can be a logistical hell, writes The Local Austria's Amanda Previdelli
What Austria’s new lower VAT on food could mean for your shopping bill
Austria will cut VAT on selected staple foods to 4.9 percent from July 1st, aiming to ease household costs. Here's what's getting cheaper (and what will still be expensive).
What drivers in Austria must do this winter to stay safe and avoid expensive fines
From frozen windows to ski boot rules, drivers in Austria need to follow the guidelines to stay safe over winter and avoid fines.
Major hotel group files for bankruptcy affecting 5,500 jobs in Germany and Austria
A major hotel operator with properties in Austria has filed for insolvency proceedings covering around 140 companies. The group says hotels will continue operating for now.
Inside Austria: The most outrageous things I’ve seen in Austrian bureaucracy
Austrian bureaucracy regularly throws up obstacles for foreigners living in the country and editor Amanda Previdelli recalls some of the more memorable things she's seen or experienced over the years. Share your own stories below.
Do you have to wear a helmet by law when skiing in Austria?
In short the rules in Austria around whether skiers and snowborders have to wear helmets are a little complicated. It all depends on where you are.
Inside Austria: What Austrians can teach you about living in cold weather
Austria has been hit by some extreme wintery weather and whilst many foreign residents are shivering, Austrians seem generally unfazed. The Local Austria's editor Amanda Previdelli explains how you can take a tip from the locals and enjoy the cold.
What's the reason for Austria's empty egg shelves this winter?
Shoppers in Austria might have noticed empty supermarket shelves where they'd normally find the eggs. So what's the reason and when will eggs return?
Where will jobs be lost in Austria in 2026?
From public broadcasting to car suppliers, Austria’s shifting economy means some workers will face redundancies next year.
Inside Austria: The bizarre Austrian dinner habit I resisted for years, but now love
Learning to eat like Austrians means letting go of old rituals and discovering new ways to feel at home, as The Local's Amanda Previdelli explains in this week's Inside Austria.
Why Austria’s economy is improving while many households feel worse off
Austria’s economy is set to grow again in 2026, but new forecasts suggest many households will see their incomes fall despite the recovery.
Can I opt out of giving my biometrics under Europe's new border checks?
Non-EU travellers heading to EU/Schengen countries will soon face biometric border controls as the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) comes into force from October 12th. But can travellers opt out?
Why hikers with dogs face extra risks near cows in Austria
A woman was seriously injured after a herd of cows charged during a hike in Styria. Here's why experts say dog owners must be extra cautious.
Inside Austria: Where the locals holiday and Vienna's summer cinemas return
In this week’s Inside Austria we look at the favourite summer destinations for Austrian holidaymakers, and why open-air cinema is one of Vienna’s best seasonal traditions.
Former student kills ten in Graz school shooting
Ten people were killed in a shooting at a secondary school in the Austrian city of Graz on Tuesday, the city's mayor has confirmed. Austria's president called it an "incomprehensible act".
German Word of the Day: die Zölle
With sweeping new US tariffs making headlines again, there's no better time to learn the word Zölle - the German term at the heart of every trade dispute.
German grammar tips: How to say ‘you’ in German without sounding rude
Getting to grips with German grammar is not easy -which is why we run this series offering tips and tricks for German learners. This week, we’re tackling one of the most deceptively simple words in German: you.
German Word of the Day: pascht scho
If you spend time in Austria or Bavaria, especially in informal conversations, you’ll definitely hear the phrase pascht scho. It’s one of those expressions that perfectly captures the laid-back Alpine attitude.
Austria's far-right led coalition talks collapse
Austria’s far-right-led coalition talks collapsed on Wednesday after FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl withdrew from negotiations.