Assumption Day

📣 Traveler notes

Austria is a heavily visited, German-speaking, landlocked country in Central Europe, known for its historic cities and Alpine hiking. It receives a large number of international visitors relative to its population.

• Manners and formal etiquette are valued in Austrian culture.
• Use the formal 'Sie' when addressing older or unfamiliar people, rather than the informal 'Du'.
• Maintain calm and polite public behavior; public outbursts are strongly discouraged.
• Smoking is generally prohibited indoors, including in restaurants and hotels.
• Using formal titles (e.g., Prof., Dr.) is common, especially with older individuals.
• Nudity is acceptable in designated areas such as spas, saunas, and nude beaches (FKK Strände).
• Always use formal greetings such as 'Grüß Gott' or 'Hallo,' and say 'Auf Wiedersehen' when leaving public spaces. Informal greetings like 'Servus' are suitable, particularly in rural areas. When meeting people, maintain eye contact and shake hands. Direct eye contact is required when toasting, accompanied by saying 'prost'. Remove your shoes before entering most private homes. Be aware of local laws prohibiting Nazi symbolism.