Articles by this author
What Austria's new work-permit rules mean if you lose your job or change employer
Austria has changed some of the rules governing employer-linked residence permits, with consequences for third-country nationals who become unemployed or want to change employers.
Six things Austria’s new migration report reveals about life for immigrants
Austria’s migration-background population has grown to 2.55 million even as net migration slows. The latest official yearbook also offers a closer look at where people come from, how much German they use, their place in the labour market and how migrants themselves view life in Austria.
Could Austria face another record flood this autumn?
The mix of a record-breaking drought in Austria and unusually warm weather in the Mediterranean is prompting warnings about the potential for extreme rainfall. What do meteorologists say?
The essential advice for hiking safely in Austria's mountains this autumn
Austria offers superb late-summer hiking opportunities, but experts say smart planning and the right kit make all the difference for staying safe. Here’s what you need to know.
Is Austria's gas supply secure for the coming winter?
Austria's gas stores are filling more slowly than they did last year as high wholesale prices weigh on the European market. So, will there be enough gas for the winter?
Why AI can give you the wrong advice about your employment rights in Austria
Austria's Chamber of Labour says it is increasingly seeing workers arrive with chatbot answers that mix up Austrian and German employment law.
How much money do you need before moving to Austria?
Moving to Austria can require far more cash upfront than the monthly rent suggests. How much you should have set aside depends on where you're moving, whether you already have a job and which residence rules apply to you.
The free services and benefits new Vienna residents should know about
Moving to Vienna can get expensive quickly. Deposits, furniture, German classes, transport, paperwork and the first confusing weeks in a new city all add up.
Which country’s inheritance law applies if you live in Austria?
Living in Austria doesn’t necessarily mean that every part of an international inheritance will be handled under Austrian rules.
What rules do you need to know about bathing in Austria’s lakes and rivers?
Austria’s lakes, rivers and outdoor bathing areas are among the highlights of summer. But rules on swimming, dogs, boats and barbecues can change from one spot to another.
LISTED: Where can you travel by night train from Vienna?
Vienna has retained its position as the EU’s night-train capital, with overnight rail links stretching from Amsterdam to Bucharest and the Adriatic coast.
Why Canadian Olympian Dillan Glennie chose Austria for a different kind of summer
After four demanding competition seasons and her Olympic debut, Canadian halfpipe skier Dillan Glennie tells The Local why she came to Innsbruck for a European summer experience.
What you need to know about the new Zurich-Vienna night trains
ÖBB’s new-generation Nightjet is now running on the Vienna-Zurich route, bringing updated sleeper, couchette and seating options to one of Austria’s key international overnight rail links.
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.