There is a big misunderstanding of the Austrian waiter culture. Similar to the noise level of your conversation in public, it's considered extremely unpolite for waiters to be intrusive or disturb the conversation of the guests. The perfect waiter stays invisible and shows up only when called or when serving or - and this makes a top waiter in Austria - when his sixth sense tells him he's needed at the table. Bringing the bill without being asked for is an absolute no-go.
@@olracsobi8352 yes, they are. You get a time slot. If you eating out alone, and you are occupying a table for three, the devil appears: they call it fast-food. The staff convenience-food. 😮
@@olracsobi8352 I've been to a TGI Fridays in Ireland once and they have that whole U.S. service mentality as part of their brand. At first I thought it was a fun gimmick when I went there with my family. But after we finished our burgers, the waiter came immediately and asked if we wanted dessert. When we told him we're full right now, he immediately came back with the bill. Our intention was to wait 5 min. to think about whether we wanted to share something, but it felt like we were thrown out because we didn't order sth. immediately.
That's only half the truth. When i am actually sincerely friendly and that gets mistaken for fakeness or me wanting something, it is just shitty behaviour, creates distance from mistrust and suspicion or probably more often uneasyness with themselves in the moment. These behaviours have deep roots in our cultural fabric. It's the same reason why partying and having genuine fun feeling the moment with people you don't know is hard here without alcohol. Also don't forget not all Austria is the same and even though i love Vienna it objectively is a relatively unfriendly city internationlly speaking. Socially everybody with their little social circle, which of course also has benefits like long term deep stable relationships ...
Yeah I get it. I am Austrian from Tirol, moved to Vorarlberg, literally 40km away from my hometown. Been here for 2 years and I don't have any friends from around here, just people that moved here from somewhere else 😂. It's so incredibly hard to find genuine friendship. It's the same for "outsiders" in my village though, my parents have neighbours from germany, they've been living in the village for 10 years, yet no one knows their last name, they're called the germans 😂😂
@@Flex2212 If you really mean it, then the person will trust you over time because they realize that it's not just a mask. But what I have often experienced as an Austrian in my language exchange contacts is that friendliness only lasts as long as you speak face to face, after that you are quickly forgotten. And such experiences make you more cautious. It's okay not to find me likeable, people are different and not all characters get on so well with each other that they want to stay in contact. But the difference is that Austrians don't want to pretend anything. It's much clearer and you can orientate yourself better. There are no misunderstandings or unpleasant situations (e.g. the other person feels harassed because they are simply sending out the wrong signals and not showing what they actually feel)
I agree, but being a waiter its part of his job to be welcoming to people. No one likes to sit in a restaurant or cafe and have someone bringing your food and spread a really bad mood. Simple things make a huge difference.
That is the same thing that Germans say. You justify rudeness by telling yourself you are being sincere. Also, as someone who lived in Germany for three years, I find Austrians to be much colder than Germans. Additionally, I have encountered much open antisemitism in Austria. I mean unapologetic hatred and mistrust of Jews.
As Austrian, one thing I absolutely implore you is to follow these two rules when it comes to public transit: First, let people OFF the ride before you get ON the ride. I've seen too many people stand in front of the door of a full tram, desperately trying to get in while people are trying to get out. Let people out first, then get in. Secondly, you will see a lot of escalators, especially on subway stations in Vienna. Stand on the right, not the left. The left side is for people who walk up and down the escalator. It's like on the road: Right lane is slow, left lane is fast. Thank you very much.
As an Austrian, I'm really impressed with how well you have grasped our culture and how things work around here. I can confirm almost everything in this video is 100% correct.
As a local let me add a don't for Vienna: Don't queue in front of one of the famous coffee houses - that takes the idea ad absurdum. How can you enjoy your visit there if you know somebody else is standing outside waiting for you to leave? Just go to a less famous coffee house. The Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel there taste better, because they can't relay on an endless stream of one-time-tourists.
Whoa, I thought only Viennesse were this passive aggressive. 🤣🤣 After the illegal lockdowns and mask mandates (Vienna was one of the worst) people openly cough and sneeze into each other's faces constantly, year round and half the people don't speak a language the other half understands so...
As an Austrian who lives in France it always strikes me how similar etiquette is in these two countries. The smokers, the greeting when entering, the quietness, even the waiters...... :-)))
I LOVED Austria. I flew into Vienna for a few days, took the train to Graz in southern Austria to see friends for a couple of days (Did a trip to Italy for dinner) train to Salzberg for a few days, train back to Vienna for the last two days and then flew back to the US. The train going down to Southern Austria had the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. I lost count on how many waterfalls I passed. Thank you for this video.
@@irenehopfner4915 But take the right connection. We have to pass too. Maybe go via beautiful lower Austria? The scenic Route via Salzburg? Far more enjoyable. Also the Burgenland has some well-hidden gems! Another castle-route! Hungary, Slovakia also very close. Maybe you can do a little infestigation in a local archive? Unite families. What a nice summer project this would be. And history lessons for people with only a little bit of history like the united states of America. They need to learn everyrhing. How are they treating their locals today? are they still suffering from colonialism? How are the Human rights going for indigeneous people these days? I am asking canada, the USA, New Zealand and Australia. Latin America we know by heart anyway. Suerte.
@@irenehopfner4915 and the local street markets. But be aware. The locals here are not used to foreigners. But if they realize that you want to pay them in EUROS in Cash, they will open up to you. Their hearts will be melting. You have succeeded if you maybe need to do a little logistical challenge for them too. A very small country we are. Always people in need for good transportation. Capitalism said: close your local schools and hospitals. Then Covid-19 came around. What can you do?
1. Don’t eat at the overpriced Five Guys at Graben, 2. Don’t wait in line more than 10 minutes to grab a cake and coffee. There are more than 2 Cafes in Vienna 3. Don’t drive, take the train or trams 4. Don’t bunch up in small streets with large groups 5. Don’t expect to understand Vienna by visiting the first district (city center) only.
Don't take the train or trams? Why not? Seems like Vienna has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe, and the city is big enough that it might be very convenient if you want to see more than just the city center, no?
As a Slovenian I have to say that I love Austrians. Normal people (not loud, well behaved, they don’t fake etc.). Probably one of the best on the world🫶🏻
Im from carinthia and i was often in slovenia. I think we are pretty similar when it comes to our values and behavior. Never had a bad situation or something with a slovenien brother. 🙂
Hi Mark. Thank you for your very fitting video about Austria. As somebody who lives now in Vienna for arround 10 years I hope you don't mind if I add some additional points (especially with regards to Vienna) (For all (espacially austrian) readers, this is just my personal opinion, trying to be objective, so don't be upset if one or more mentioned points contradicts your opinion. Thank you! 1. Don't stay an the left side of the escalator! Viennesse people are very relaxed when it comes to going out to eat & drink or similar but don't expect people at public transport stations to be this calm, since vienna is a big and busy city and vienesse people really hate it in particular when they are in a hurry (e.g. for work) when you are standing in their way. 2. Don't stick just to the most known viennesse dishes, espacially when it comes to desserts and sweets. Vienna (but also other austrian cities like salzburg) is known in europe to be one main capital for cake and coffee. A lot of austrian people even say the "Sachertorte" which you get in the cafés is the worst choice you can make on dozens of other cake choices and really marks you as a tourist. 3. If you are the type of person, which loves to get lost: Don't just stick to the 1st district. (I don't want to say that the 1st district is not beautiful and worth a visit, but vienna is not just its 1st district) You also will get very beautiful architecture and also often way more authentic shops, cafés and cuisine in other districts. Every district in vienna is worth a visit and a discovery on its own, which makes vienna (at least for me) one of the most interesting cities in europe. But if you come the first time to vienna, try at least to "get lost" in some of the districts ranging from the 3rd to the 9th. 4. My biggest "negative don't" in vienna. Don't expect vienna to be a party city. Of course there are more than enough possibilities to go out and have fun. But if your main goal is to "party hard", vienna can't compare to cities like Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, London and so on. 5. My biggest "positive don't" in vienna. Even if vienna has the reputation to be a very unpolite city, don't stick to that cliché. Of course like in every other metropolis, there are some really rude people living in Vienna. But in general, viennesse and austrian people in general are very friendly and welcoming. I have been to a lot of other countries in Europe and even if I personally think its nuts to judge a whole country's friendliness after just being 1 or 2 weeks there, I personally had way worse first time impressions in other countries compared to my first time(s) in austria (as a tourist). Just keep Mark's advice in mind and don't compare or confuse austrians with germans (or australians ;) ) and you'll be fine. Hope I could help somebody out there.
From personal experience I would say that the Viennese are more grumpy towards strangers than people in other places around Austria. That's not a general rule, just an overall observation.
I don´t want to slam other cities now, but having been in Munich recently for a few days, I really think Vienna and it´s people are simply more...hm...charming. Everyone was quite self-centered and uncaring in Munich. However, I want to say, Vienna is not _as_ unfriendly and cold ;)
As an austrian, a Viennese even, I agree with you. I feel like, if people are on their way or doing something, they are a little default-annoyed. Which is where I think the "rude" impression comes from. Of course I am annoyed if my train to work is late and then someone stands in the way on the escalator and it's hot and the AC in the Ubahn is broken and someone steps on my foot. Yeah, you'd get at least a tongue click and some eyes rolled at you haha But despite showing their annoyance, I don't think Viennese people actually start fights or come onto you, you know what I mean? Everyone just likes to be left alone haha But if you hang out with people here, or are in a "leisure time" activity spot, people are very friendly and open. I don't mind the city being like that, I honestly love it and I am that vibe personified hahaha. To potential tourists: don't let that put you off hahaha It's not a bad thing, I think many countries are just used to put-on friendliness or politeness, especially by service workers. People here just don't like to be over the top, but many tourists might be confused by that attitude hahaha. When it comes to partying, I am not the best example since I don't usually go out in other countries. Not my main interest, but also I'd feel unsave, especially because I don't know what kind of club I'd run into and what crowds there are... On that note, Austria is at least relatively save to go out to clubs. Sure, Vienna has different clubs that pull different crowds, but I'd say there is barely one you could stumble into and land in a weird, unsave or unwanted place, you know? If you come to Austria and want to party, just go wherever and you'll be fine :)
As a Finn i feel right at home with the cold and quiet Austrian people, as somebody who enjoys nature and lives around flat farmland all year i would recommend to anybody who wants to visit Austria to just head to the Tirol region and explore that, you will not regret it
@@NoctLightCloudas a Tyroleam I can't agree with that - there's lots of public transportation for cheap and even for free (skibuses in winter) to get people around. There is no need for renting a car when in Tyrol unless you're really trying to get to lots of different places fast. For most destinations bus and railway will absolutely get you there
As an Austrian I'll completely agree on most points you mentioned, just wanted to add some things. In terms of service it's true there are restaurants, cafes etc. where you get treated badly, especially in Vienna, but times are changing and the variety and number of places where u can go eat and drink is bigger than ever. There are plenty of great places with excellent service and food, not only the more pricy ones. My advice: don't pick too touristic places for lunch and dinner, if you have time, visit the districts around the inner district (2.-9.). Also the younger locals tend to be more friendly and welcoming to foreigners.
Medl Bräu in the 14th district and Meixners Gastwirtschaft in the 10th district serve amazing local cuisine for a very affordable price and are frequentet by locals. You can avoid most Restaurants in the immer City since most of them are either as pricy as they are fancy or just pure tourist traps, where they'll charge you 35 euros for a Schnitzel (Medl charges 12, and it's amazing). Also don't get a full meal at Naschmarkt, also very overpriced and many tourist traps there Depending on when you come, you can go to a "Heuriger" in late summer and autumn (avoid the ones in the 19th district, again - tourist trap - the ones in the 10th, 16th and 17th are the local's tip)
@@leopoldakaleopoldalsoknown5050 hi. I am coming to Vienna in June, we are a completely vegetarian family. Would it be possible to recommend a few budget friendly as well as non-touristy restaurants. Would be very grateful to you.
@@CycleEnder You'll probably find veggie options in every restaurant. As for cheaper locations - the further you leave the city center, the more budget friendly it will be (by rule of thumb). If you can approximatly tell me in which district/area you're going to stay I might can give you a couple tips near you, since I'm living (mostly) vegetarian myself. Classic austrian vegetarian dishes to for in restaurants are: "Eiernockerl mit Salat" (a sort of local noodle with egg and salad), "Linsen mit Knödel ohne Speck" (lentils and dumplings w/o bacon), "Kraut und Knödel" (cabbage and dumplings), "Spinatstrudel" or "Spinatknödel" (idk how to translate the last 2 to english, but you'll find it on google). Also tons of sweet dishes are vegetarian (Palatschinken, Marillenknödel, Apfelstrudel and tons of cakes) as well as many soups. Additionally you'll find plenty of international cuisine in Vienna with varying veggie options
I am an American and have lived in Austria for almost 30 years! I love it here and it is well worth touring Austria! I live in Upper Austria about an hour and a half east of Salzburg! It is very beautiful in Austria and well worth visiting!
As a foreigner who has been here for years, this video is spot on. Accurate information and fair commentary. And yes, coffee and cake is really a thing in Vienna: the French word for pastries is after all viennoiserie. By the way, if schnitzel is not your thing, try Tafelspitz. Who would have thought boiled meat could be so good. Have it with Kren.
Absolutely! Apfelkren as well as Semmelkren, if you can get it. (Grated apple with grated horseradish, and diced bread rolls soaked with beef broth plus horseradish - looks like someone has eaten it already, but tastes wonderful to Tafelspitz.)
As an Austrian/Viennese it's heartwarming to see how much you like our country. Great to have someone that positive here. We are way to grantig all the time 😬
Best chocolate we have ever had was in Vienna. Dear lord, it is indescribable... just, amazing. Sample box from the little shop in Ferstel Passage. Worth it!
if you're gonna do a "don'ts of Vienna" please mention the CAT train to the airport. it's just like 5 minutes or so faster than the regional train, but costs more. the only plus side is that it's really made for tourists with big signs so you can't miss it and don't have to look up the local train connections
tl,dr: it all depends whether the amenities coming with the 14,9€ price tag vs. a lower fare of 4,4€ (or even just 2€) is worth it to you. When using the 'City Airport Train' you can check-in your luggage at Wien Mitte train station (a major hub for public transport) already, then spend time at the mall, it's restaurants, and parks nearby with just your hand luggage -- instead of lugging your suitcases to Schwechat after clearing your hotel at 10am, and then pacing the overpriced cage that is airport gastronomy until you board your flight. Of course, if the timing is up to your discretion and you know how to navigate public transport in Vienna (and in time to account for check-in), the regular "Schnellbahn" will take you to the same train station at the airport just as well, but for just 4,4 € (or 2 € if you have a "Jahreskarte" or similar flatrate ticket for public transport in the Vienna zone).
@@GutnarmEVE ah thank you, didn't know about the luggage check-in right there. does this mean they move your luggage right onto the plane and you don't have to worry about it?
I take the regional train there every day. I also would never pay for the CAT, HOWEVER!! recently the S7 was late or had some disturbance more often and sometimes it'd be 30min late... I always feel bad for the tourists waiting for that train, having a flight to catch... Definitely something to plan into your schedule! (Not sure if the CAT would be free of those troubles, after all they share the same tracks. But I think usually the disturbance happens in Floridsdorf, which die CAT doesn't pass, so it's probably save.)
Viennese here. If we want to pay, wie usually say 'Die Rechnung, bitte!' (The check/bill please.) But it's true, you often have to wait a looong time before you are allowed to pay...
As an austrian myself i gotta say, you covered all the big topics pretty well. Though there is still something i'd like to add regarding the "Don't think it is just amazing cities" @ 5:00 ; It's great you mention the beautiful nature in our country and also all the various, regional museums that are worth visiting, but there is more to just that. What i personally want to specify on is all the neat little towns all around, the "every day" kind of towns. Like the state Salzburg for example doesn't only consist of the city of Salzburg, Steiermark of just Graz, and so on and so on... There are many many more places worth seeing, visiting, and most importantly, worth staying at. All those "hidden gems" sorf of places. I feel like a lot of people fail to ever mention them, whether because they've never left the cities vicinity or think they are not worth talking about. But for a true Austria experience i'd advice leaving the big time cities for a while. The changes in nature, people, cuisine, prices, history, attractions, etc are massive. Rural tourism is a real thing here and it really displays our country the best in various ways, especially if you spend your time in one of the many picturesque farm resorts/farm stays.
Nice video, as always. I already know Vienna and Salzburg, both beautiful, and next summer I'm visiting Hallstatt and Salzkammergut (and also some wonderful nearby places in Germany). Can't wait for it! ❤
I have been performing in Graz for the AIMS music festival and I appreciate this video so much and can’t thank you enough for this important educational video! Totally love Austria 🇦🇹❤️🌹💕
Vienna looks incredibly beautiful and clean. That's one thing I know about Austria - very high standards. I do love their Wiener Schnitzel, Apfel strudel and of course the bratwurst in a bun with sauerkraut.
I visited Austria while on a Danube river cruise. I enjoyed Salzburg, it's a fascinating little town and I'm not a big sound of music fan. I spent a day in Vienna and instantly fell in love with the city, it has a wonderful vibe to it. I would also recommend wachau valley, which we visited on the river cruise ship but you can also do by bicycle or ship or train and it's a beautiful region with great wine and food.
Well done, Mr Wolters! :-) I am Austrian and used to live in the states. I think you give tourist a great head start and may I say in a very sympathic way :-)
As Austrian from the area around Linz i can just confirm that this video is really spot on. One thing he was nice enough to not mention is that austrians sometimes have some prejudice over foreign people. Most of the time its not bad intended but we're somewhat 'shy' meeting people that are from another country or not speaking our language. Most of the austrians can speak english to some level, however only maybe 20-30% are really fluent in that. The example with the hard shell and sweet internals is really spot on, as soon as you are accepted as 'one of us' all of that vanishes. So please dont judge us too hard on our first meeting, its just how we are :)
I did notice several of the Austrians in the background giving you a bit of side eye as they walk by. Thanks Mark! Good stuff. Austria is great for marionettes too.
As an Austrian, this was pretty wholesome. ^^ Especially the friendship part. Yeah, Austrians are naturally grumpy/hard to crack, but even we can be sweet. xP And overall, the video was very respectful, informative and thoughtful. Lot of truths in there. And he even undermined that we are our own country and not Germany 2.0, which was nice. Shout out also for mentioning Wiener Wald. People usually come to Salzburg for the scenary and Vienna for the culture. But every place in Austria has both. I live in Vienna and it's got so many beautiful places for a walk. I recommend hiking (or walking really, it's not that high xP) up Kahlenberg with the vineyards and such a great view of the city! Also has some nice (and sometimes expensive, watch out!) "Heurigen", kinda the Austrian version of pubs, only that they focus on wine and not beer.xP
Strange, I made a lot of conversations starting with small talk. Mainly in Salzburg, people there are so nice and kind, they are open to talk about everything and even about themselves. I even got a photos from a cinnamon shop owner, she took photo of animals as a hobbie and gave me one, it was so cute and nice. Made friends with the hotel staff and we often had long conversations. Shared my pizza with a guy waiting for his pizza. I just keep thinking about all the good talks that started with small talk.
There's a big different between the East of Austria and the West. Here in the east, where I live, people are much more aloof and don't like to be "disturbed". In the West they are way more open, agreeable and talkative.
@@donalonso2785 Thank you for the reply! It's always good to know how it really is from a native perspective. You're only making it looks like Austrians are kind hahahahaha!
👍👍👍 ich liebe deinen Kanal ich habe mir schon einige Videos von dir angesehen muss sagen du magst das sehr sehr gut ich als Österreicher und Wiener liebe es wie du unsere Stadt und unser Land erklärst. Da ich selber im Tourismus arbeite und viel mit Gästen zu tun habe freue ich mich immer wieder auch wenn amerikanische Gäste kommen und die Kleinigkeiten beachten die das Leben hier so wunderbar wunderbar machen.
I am looking forward to spending several weeks in Austria next summer! I want to move to Alto Adige (Italy) or Austria by the end of the decade but if I can make it work out, I am leaning more to settling in Austria, maybe around Linz. I love Mark's videos and find them educational, especially regarding the culture.
Just advice. Don’t say alto adige. Rather say South Tyrol. If you move to Austria and you say alto adige you’ll not be welcomed. In South Tyrol the elder German speakers will not really want to be around you anymore.
We're heading to Vienna in a few weeks...we have reservations to have a white-tablecloth dinner with friends on the Riesenrad, the giant 1897 Ferris wheel in the Prater Park. We'll have a 3-course dinner in one of the enclosed cars...they change the course every 2 revolutions. How cool is that?
I agree with you!😀But don t forget the amazing east part of Austria, Burgenland. Here were Joseph Haydn and Franz Liszt born. And you get really the best wine in this area!
Hello, thank you very much for your fantastic, loving description! AND the important distinction between Austria and Germany!💯👍 ...based on your video I would go to Austria straight away,...if I wasn't already here! 😁😅 Best wishes from Ottensheim near Linz!🧡
Actually, alpine skiing in Austria is cheaper compared to 95% of other countries. Switzerland, France, Italy, Canada, USA, Australia is very very pricey in comparison. And, the infrastructure at the skiing areas is simply great in Austria!
Thank you for posting this. It is very helpful and I am looking forward to a trip to Vienna and Salzburg. I have to add that I also find the information from some of the commenters helpful too, more so than other travel channels. I am looking forward to trying the "heuriger" in Vienna.
One major "don't" I'd love to add, regarding "local" pubs, "local" restaurants, those "hidden gems you must try": don't waltz into those places like you own them: you're a _guest_ , not their patron. A very important distinction. They'll welcome you to stay, it's not you gracing them with your credit card's presence. There's plenty of other places sprung up all over town to cater just to that attitude over the past decade if you're into that. Literally, in German, a "Gast", a guest, is someone who's invited, be it at your fireplace in the woods some 4000 years ago, your house, café, restaurant, dinner party. "be my guest" in the truest sense. While 'patron' has different meanings in English (what a surprise): is it a customer, maybe even a regular one? At the store, at the bar? Or is it a patron, as in latin 'patronus', a supportive and/or kindly figure looking out for my (and/or their) well-being? Sponsoring my arts? Telling me what to do as they're my better? Bottom line: don't patronize waiters in Vienna and you'll most probably enjoy your time as a Guest ;)
I loved my visit to Austria last year. I really want to go back and explore more. It was so beautiful, but I feel like I missed out on a lot. On my list for another visit at some point in the future.
Thank you very much for your video. I have just back home from Vienna and Steyr. My wonderful trip. I love the peaceful and quiet attitude of Austrian. I love the punctuation too. To me amazing Austria. Definitely i will come back again ❤️
Mark, I am glad other people like Hot Chocolate instead of Coffee like I do. I have yet to go to Austria, but I look forward to going I especially like that they are quiet since I tend to be quiet also.
Gruesse aus Melbourne, Australien!! Gutes Video Mark. Ich bin dreimal in Österreich gewesen. Österreich ist mein lieblings Land in Europa! Die Landschaft ist unglaublich. Die Leute sind nicht immer nett aber sie sind trotzdem hilfbereit wenn du eine Frage hast.. Deine Videos sind toll und ich freue mich auf mehr Videos von dir!!
As an English woman living in Austria for over 5 years, I must say you have given a lot of good advice in this video! By the way, if you do need to shop for something on a Sunday you might get lucky if you go to a railway station - for example, I live near a small city in Upper Austria and the station there has a Resch (bakery and café) which is open on Sundays, and the MPreis supermarket at Innsbruck station was open when we passed through recently. It was doing a lot of trade!
Great vid, Wolter! As you mentioned, the service isn't the friendliest (although depending on where you are, Service is freindlier than in other regions). That is mainly because everyone has their basic fixed income, which isn't that bad, so they don't have to live off tips. Secondly, great advice with the small talk! Although again, the overall mindset differs between regions, we don't do small talk with strangers naturally during the work day. Vienna was known for overall grumpy people, they kinda bettered themselves, Tyrolians and Styrians are super friendly and will help you with basically everything and like starting conversations etc...
I came by this by chance and as an Austrian, I wanted to see if this was accurate. Can confirm haha Very good video. Afaik, smoking indoors in redtaurants is entirely prohibited now, but people can usually smoke at outside seats OR they go stand in front of the Restaurants to smoke. Which brings me to another don't: Don't be loud in front of bars/restaurants in the city past 10pm. There are "quiet hours" to protect residents' sleep, and usually restaurants have signs up that you need to tone it down a bit past 10pm, if it's a residential area. Usually ppl still speak outside but if you are drunk or laughing loudly, you might get reprimanded by the waiter haha People really value their alone-time here, as well as their privacy. So yeah, small talk is usually not it, people also might have a resting-sour-face, but if you ask them something or need something, people usually light up and are very friendly. Just don't think they'll speak more than nessecary with you haha but the things they do say are polite and friendly. Also, I am notoriously late, but that's me personally and it's definitely not a good thing. If you come late to any performance or movie, people WILL be rolling their eyes at you and complain to their companions haha
8:44 "don't smile randomly at people" may be true in big cities, but in the countryside you will be called unfriendly and avoided. I live in Bad Aussee the "Center" of Austria and here people always greet each other with a smile - without exceptions. 🙋🏻♀️
Greetings to you, I came across your video by another youtuber commenting on another video of you. I was born in Vienna and live now a little bit outside of the city in the "Wienerwald", and that´s a "don ´t miss" - especially if you like to do walks in nature, or visiting the more than 1000 years old cloister "Heiligenkreuz". A second "don´t miss" in Vienna is not going to a "Heurigen", the traditional wine - houses. They are are some in the center of Vienna, but they are more frequently situated at the outskirts like in Grinzing or Nussdorf in the North of Vienna on the foothill slope of Kahlenberg, or at the south like in Mauer or - just outside of the city - in Perchtholdsdorf. Most often they are wine producers selling their own local wine. In former days you brought your own things to eat, today there is always a buffet - but the main scope is to sit together, drinking your wine and listening to Vienese Music songs (do not mix that with classic music like Mozart!). And don ´t miss to go up to Kahlenberg / Leopoldberg, you have the best view over the city and the danube river. And dont´t miss to go to the "Donauinsel", its an artifical iland in the river Danube sporting a many kilometers long recreation area in the middle oft town - once in the year housing the famous "Donauinselfest", where 10000+ people get there for the party and music....
best video about austria and the "donts" so far. pedastrian street is like 50:50. you should go on the right side. stand up for old people to have a seat. elderly and people with kids go first (elevator and also im the puplic transportation).
I´m Austrian from Tyrol, Innsbruck. And you can smile at me and I smile back. And I like how you describe our country, it´s very nice. And yes, most of us have the knowledge of several languages. I love our mountains, our food an I´m proud to be an Austrian woman. 😍
There is a big misunderstanding of the Austrian waiter culture. Similar to the noise level of your conversation in public, it's considered extremely unpolite for waiters to be intrusive or disturb the conversation of the guests. The perfect waiter stays invisible and shows up only when called or when serving or - and this makes a top waiter in Austria - when his sixth sense tells him he's needed at the table. Bringing the bill without being asked for is an absolute no-go.
exactly
Are customers in U.S. restaurants presented with their bills without their asking for them?
@@olracsobi8352 yes, they are. You get a time slot. If you eating out alone, and you are occupying a table for three, the devil appears: they call it fast-food. The staff convenience-food. 😮
@@anna8VieAut Jeez. That would make me as a customer pretty uncomfortable.
@@olracsobi8352 I've been to a TGI Fridays in Ireland once and they have that whole U.S. service mentality as part of their brand. At first I thought it was a fun gimmick when I went there with my family. But after we finished our burgers, the waiter came immediately and asked if we wanted dessert. When we told him we're full right now, he immediately came back with the bill. Our intention was to wait 5 min. to think about whether we wanted to share something, but it felt like we were thrown out because we didn't order sth. immediately.
As an Austria I've got to say that this might be the best tourist info video about Austria I've seen on TH-cam. Everything you say is spot-on.
Spot on with this...
One excemption:
Dont show a starbucks when talking aboutcoffee... that does not belong to our coffee culture
it is starfucks ;-)
do we even have a starbucks in austria? i never saw one
@@Magma-Toast yeah, atleast in our cities/larger towns we do
Youll only find them near tourist hotspots though
@@royalblob4076 ah i was already wondering, guess there are no Starbuckses in smaller cities
@@Magma-Toast Yes, unfortunately there are quite a few of them
I agree, we aren't overly friendly. This is because we value sincerity and we don't like fake friendliness.
That's only half the truth. When i am actually sincerely friendly and that gets mistaken for fakeness or me wanting something, it is just shitty behaviour, creates distance from mistrust and suspicion or probably more often uneasyness with themselves in the moment. These behaviours have deep roots in our cultural fabric. It's the same reason why partying and having genuine fun feeling the moment with people you don't know is hard here without alcohol.
Also don't forget not all Austria is the same and even though i love Vienna it objectively is a relatively unfriendly city internationlly speaking. Socially everybody with their little social circle, which of course also has benefits like long term deep stable relationships ...
Yeah I get it. I am Austrian from Tirol, moved to Vorarlberg, literally 40km away from my hometown. Been here for 2 years and I don't have any friends from around here, just people that moved here from somewhere else 😂.
It's so incredibly hard to find genuine friendship.
It's the same for "outsiders" in my village though, my parents have neighbours from germany, they've been living in the village for 10 years, yet no one knows their last name, they're called the germans 😂😂
@@Flex2212 If you really mean it, then the person will trust you over time because they realize that it's not just a mask. But what I have often experienced as an Austrian in my language exchange contacts is that friendliness only lasts as long as you speak face to face, after that you are quickly forgotten. And such experiences make you more cautious. It's okay not to find me likeable, people are different and not all characters get on so well with each other that they want to stay in contact. But the difference is that Austrians don't want to pretend anything. It's much clearer and you can orientate yourself better. There are no misunderstandings or unpleasant situations (e.g. the other person feels harassed because they are simply sending out the wrong signals and not showing what they actually feel)
I agree, but being a waiter its part of his job to be welcoming to people. No one likes to sit in a restaurant or cafe and have someone bringing your food and spread a really bad mood. Simple things make a huge difference.
That is the same thing that Germans say. You justify rudeness by telling yourself you are being sincere. Also, as someone who lived in Germany for three years, I find Austrians to be much colder than Germans. Additionally, I have encountered much open antisemitism in Austria. I mean unapologetic hatred and mistrust of Jews.
As Austrian, one thing I absolutely implore you is to follow these two rules when it comes to public transit: First, let people OFF the ride before you get ON the ride. I've seen too many people stand in front of the door of a full tram, desperately trying to get in while people are trying to get out. Let people out first, then get in. Secondly, you will see a lot of escalators, especially on subway stations in Vienna. Stand on the right, not the left. The left side is for people who walk up and down the escalator. It's like on the road: Right lane is slow, left lane is fast.
Thank you very much.
Totally!!!
That "don't" is truly the one absolutely missing from the video. Don't stand on the left side of escalators. It's incredibly rude.
Are you telling this to the Muslims too ???
@@k.t.3120 your comment makes no sense. Please explain
@@Visitor1234 he can't, racism never makes sense
As an Austrian, I'm really impressed with how well you have grasped our culture and how things work around here. I can confirm almost everything in this video is 100% correct.
As a local let me add a don't for Vienna: Don't queue in front of one of the famous coffee houses - that takes the idea ad absurdum. How can you enjoy your visit there if you know somebody else is standing outside waiting for you to leave? Just go to a less famous coffee house. The Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel there taste better, because they can't relay on an endless stream of one-time-tourists.
Exactly!
good manners never get old.
in vienna they got very old
@@127-u4l So do the Viennesse!
Whoa, I thought only Viennesse were this passive aggressive. 🤣🤣 After the illegal lockdowns and mask mandates (Vienna was one of the worst) people openly cough and sneeze into each other's faces constantly, year round and half the people don't speak a language the other half understands so...
@@tomk.8146 yeah i agree with you
@@tomk.8146 We won't miss you ...
As an Austrian who lives in France it always strikes me how similar etiquette is in these two countries. The smokers, the greeting when entering, the quietness, even the waiters...... :-)))
Especially the waiters. Everywhere else they‘re friendly. 😅
Why are French waiters so rude to foreigners? What's the reason?
@@Alexandra-uk4vr because many of them are annoying
@@earlduke5032 That's fair, I guess 😂
@@Suedetussy yeah, that just seems wrong :D After my last US visit, I was really happy about our grumpy waiters :D
as an austrian, i can guarantee you that wolter is pretty spot on with this video!
Mark does agreat job at giving the culture, what to do, what not to do, the manners, food, etc!
agree haha
Danke!
Absolutely! Sowas von!
bist ana von uns@@woltersworld
I LOVED Austria. I flew into Vienna for a few days, took the train to Graz in southern Austria to see friends for a couple of days (Did a trip to Italy for dinner) train to Salzberg for a few days, train back to Vienna for the last two days and then flew back to the US. The train going down to Southern Austria had the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. I lost count on how many waterfalls I passed. Thank you for this video.
Well you didn’t go the correct way. South is not as beautiful as going west in the direction of Switzerland. Now that is stunning
@@irenehopfner4915 lol, its nice everywhere
@@metalslegend no 😂🤣 Try lower Austria from Schwechat to Bruck. Very erie
@@irenehopfner4915
But take the right connection.
We have to pass too.
Maybe go via beautiful lower Austria?
The scenic Route via Salzburg? Far more enjoyable. Also the Burgenland has some well-hidden gems! Another castle-route! Hungary, Slovakia also very close. Maybe you can do a little infestigation in a local archive? Unite families. What a nice summer project this would be. And history lessons for people with only a little bit of history like the united states of America. They need to learn everyrhing. How are they treating their locals today? are they still suffering from colonialism? How are the Human rights going for indigeneous people these days? I am asking canada, the USA, New Zealand and Australia.
Latin America we know by heart anyway.
Suerte.
@@irenehopfner4915 and the local street markets. But be aware. The locals here are not used to foreigners. But if they realize that you want to pay them in EUROS in Cash, they will open up to you. Their hearts will be melting.
You have succeeded if you maybe need to do a little logistical challenge for them too.
A very small country we are.
Always people in need for good transportation.
Capitalism said: close your local schools and hospitals.
Then Covid-19 came around.
What can you do?
1. Don’t eat at the overpriced Five Guys at Graben,
2. Don’t wait in line more than 10 minutes to grab a cake and coffee. There are more than 2 Cafes in Vienna
3. Don’t drive, take the train or trams
4. Don’t bunch up in small streets with large groups
5. Don’t expect to understand Vienna by visiting the first district (city center) only.
Don't take the train or trams? Why not? Seems like Vienna has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe, and the city is big enough that it might be very convenient if you want to see more than just the city center, no?
I think it should say: don't drive, take the trains or trams INSTEAD!
@@antonia4324 Ah, yes! That makes much more sense.
Nah I'm shipping over my Trans Am bro
@@RebeccaStropoli Lost in translation, he actually says the opposite thing: Don´t drive, (but) take the train or trams.
As a Slovenian I have to say that I love Austrians.
Normal people (not loud, well behaved, they don’t fake etc.).
Probably one of the best on the world🫶🏻
Wow that's nice of you!
Thank you 🙂
Thank you
Thank youuuuu🎉🎉🎉🎉
Im from carinthia and i was often in slovenia. I think we are pretty similar when it comes to our values and behavior. Never had a bad situation or something with a slovenien brother. 🙂
Some information is a little out of date. In Austria, smoking has been banned in cafés, restaurants and pubs etc. since January 2019.
True - but only inside. In the outside sitting areas it's still allowed.
@@44r0n-9 There are no "separate smoking areas inside". Smoking is generally forbidden inside cafés, restaurants, pubs e.g.
Hi Mark. Thank you for your very fitting video about Austria. As somebody who lives now in Vienna for arround 10 years I hope you don't mind if I add some additional points (especially with regards to Vienna) (For all (espacially austrian) readers, this is just my personal opinion, trying to be objective, so don't be upset if one or more mentioned points contradicts your opinion. Thank you!
1. Don't stay an the left side of the escalator! Viennesse people are very relaxed when it comes to going out to eat & drink or similar but don't expect people at public transport stations to be this calm, since vienna is a big and busy city and vienesse people really hate it in particular when they are in a hurry (e.g. for work) when you are standing in their way.
2. Don't stick just to the most known viennesse dishes, espacially when it comes to desserts and sweets. Vienna (but also other austrian cities like salzburg) is known in europe to be one main capital for cake and coffee. A lot of austrian people even say the "Sachertorte" which you get in the cafés is the worst choice you can make on dozens of other cake choices and really marks you as a tourist.
3. If you are the type of person, which loves to get lost: Don't just stick to the 1st district. (I don't want to say that the 1st district is not beautiful and worth a visit, but vienna is not just its 1st district) You also will get very beautiful architecture and also often way more authentic shops, cafés and cuisine in other districts. Every district in vienna is worth a visit and a discovery on its own, which makes vienna (at least for me) one of the most interesting cities in europe. But if you come the first time to vienna, try at least to "get lost" in some of the districts ranging from the 3rd to the 9th.
4. My biggest "negative don't" in vienna. Don't expect vienna to be a party city. Of course there are more than enough possibilities to go out and have fun. But if your main goal is to "party hard", vienna can't compare to cities like Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, London and so on.
5. My biggest "positive don't" in vienna. Even if vienna has the reputation to be a very unpolite city, don't stick to that cliché. Of course like in every other metropolis, there are some really rude people living in Vienna. But in general, viennesse and austrian people in general are very friendly and welcoming. I have been to a lot of other countries in Europe and even if I personally think its nuts to judge a whole country's friendliness after just being 1 or 2 weeks there, I personally had way worse first time impressions in other countries compared to my first time(s) in austria (as a tourist). Just keep Mark's advice in mind and don't compare or confuse austrians with germans (or australians ;) ) and you'll be fine.
Hope I could help somebody out there.
Love these add on donts. Thank you
But if you really want to party I would suggest Reumannplatz, it is a beautiful place, especially at nighttime.
From personal experience I would say that the Viennese are more grumpy towards strangers than people in other places around Austria. That's not a general rule, just an overall observation.
I don´t want to slam other cities now, but having been in Munich recently for a few days, I really think Vienna and it´s people are simply more...hm...charming. Everyone was quite self-centered and uncaring in Munich. However, I want to say, Vienna is not _as_ unfriendly and cold ;)
As an austrian, a Viennese even, I agree with you.
I feel like, if people are on their way or doing something, they are a little default-annoyed. Which is where I think the "rude" impression comes from.
Of course I am annoyed if my train to work is late and then someone stands in the way on the escalator and it's hot and the AC in the Ubahn is broken and someone steps on my foot. Yeah, you'd get at least a tongue click and some eyes rolled at you haha
But despite showing their annoyance, I don't think Viennese people actually start fights or come onto you, you know what I mean?
Everyone just likes to be left alone haha
But if you hang out with people here, or are in a "leisure time" activity spot, people are very friendly and open.
I don't mind the city being like that, I honestly love it and I am that vibe personified hahaha.
To potential tourists: don't let that put you off hahaha It's not a bad thing, I think many countries are just used to put-on friendliness or politeness, especially by service workers. People here just don't like to be over the top, but many tourists might be confused by that attitude hahaha.
When it comes to partying, I am not the best example since I don't usually go out in other countries. Not my main interest, but also I'd feel unsave, especially because I don't know what kind of club I'd run into and what crowds there are... On that note, Austria is at least relatively save to go out to clubs. Sure, Vienna has different clubs that pull different crowds, but I'd say there is barely one you could stumble into and land in a weird, unsave or unwanted place, you know?
If you come to Austria and want to party, just go wherever and you'll be fine :)
As a Finn i feel right at home with the cold and quiet Austrian people, as somebody who enjoys nature and lives around flat farmland all year i would recommend to anybody who wants to visit Austria to just head to the Tirol region and explore that, you will not regret it
only if you have a car. otherwise, exploring Tirol is expensive and not straight forward.
@@NoctLightCloudas a Tyroleam I can't agree with that - there's lots of public transportation for cheap and even for free (skibuses in winter) to get people around. There is no need for renting a car when in Tyrol unless you're really trying to get to lots of different places fast. For most destinations bus and railway will absolutely get you there
As an Austrian I'll completely agree on most points you mentioned, just wanted to add some things.
In terms of service it's true there are restaurants, cafes etc. where you get treated badly, especially in Vienna, but times are changing and the variety and number of places where u can go eat and drink is bigger than ever. There are plenty of great places with excellent service and food, not only the more pricy ones.
My advice: don't pick too touristic places for lunch and dinner, if you have time, visit the districts around the inner district (2.-9.).
Also the younger locals tend to be more friendly and welcoming to foreigners.
Thank you. I am going this year. What places would you recommend that are good but won't treat you rudely?
Medl Bräu in the 14th district and Meixners Gastwirtschaft in the 10th district serve amazing local cuisine for a very affordable price and are frequentet by locals.
You can avoid most Restaurants in the immer City since most of them are either as pricy as they are fancy or just pure tourist traps, where they'll charge you 35 euros for a Schnitzel (Medl charges 12, and it's amazing). Also don't get a full meal at Naschmarkt, also very overpriced and many tourist traps there
Depending on when you come, you can go to a "Heuriger" in late summer and autumn (avoid the ones in the 19th district, again - tourist trap - the ones in the 10th, 16th and 17th are the local's tip)
@@leopoldakaleopoldalsoknown5050 hi. I am coming to Vienna in June, we are a completely vegetarian family. Would it be possible to recommend a few budget friendly as well as non-touristy restaurants. Would be very grateful to you.
@@CycleEnder You'll probably find veggie options in every restaurant. As for cheaper locations - the further you leave the city center, the more budget friendly it will be (by rule of thumb). If you can approximatly tell me in which district/area you're going to stay I might can give you a couple tips near you, since I'm living (mostly) vegetarian myself.
Classic austrian vegetarian dishes to for in restaurants are: "Eiernockerl mit Salat" (a sort of local noodle with egg and salad), "Linsen mit Knödel ohne Speck" (lentils and dumplings w/o bacon), "Kraut und Knödel" (cabbage and dumplings), "Spinatstrudel" or "Spinatknödel" (idk how to translate the last 2 to english, but you'll find it on google). Also tons of sweet dishes are vegetarian (Palatschinken, Marillenknödel, Apfelstrudel and tons of cakes) as well as many soups.
Additionally you'll find plenty of international cuisine in Vienna with varying veggie options
@@leopoldakaleopoldalsoknown5050 Thank you.
I am an American and have lived in Austria for almost 30 years! I love it here and it is well worth touring Austria! I live in Upper Austria about an hour and a half east of Salzburg! It is very beautiful in Austria and well worth visiting!
I am taking my son to Austria in May. This video is gold. Thank you!!!
As a foreigner who has been here for years, this video is spot on. Accurate information and fair commentary. And yes, coffee and cake is really a thing in Vienna: the French word for pastries is after all viennoiserie.
By the way, if schnitzel is not your thing, try Tafelspitz. Who would have thought boiled meat could be so good. Have it with Kren.
Yes to Tafelspitz!!
Absolutely! Apfelkren as well as Semmelkren, if you can get it.
(Grated apple with grated horseradish, and diced bread rolls soaked with beef broth plus horseradish - looks like someone has eaten it already, but tastes wonderful to Tafelspitz.)
As an Austrian/Viennese it's heartwarming to see how much you like our country. Great to have someone that positive here. We are way to grantig all the time 😬
TOO grantig. That makes me grantig now :D
Grantig is kind of being nice inside only grumpy outside😊
"We're here to enjoy our cake, not your conversation!" So true!!
I went to Austria on holiday last summer. Zell-Am-See, Kaprun and Salzburg . Sensationally beautiful.
Thank you for your comment, and I'm happy that you folks enjoyed my home area!
Best chocolate we have ever had was in Vienna. Dear lord, it is indescribable... just, amazing. Sample box from the little shop in Ferstel Passage. Worth it!
This is great advice!! I am going on a trip to Austria and Germany in May, and I can't wait!
if you're gonna do a "don'ts of Vienna" please mention the CAT train to the airport. it's just like 5 minutes or so faster than the regional train, but costs more. the only plus side is that it's really made for tourists with big signs so you can't miss it and don't have to look up the local train connections
tl,dr: it all depends whether the amenities coming with the 14,9€ price tag vs. a lower fare of 4,4€ (or even just 2€) is worth it to you.
When using the 'City Airport Train' you can check-in your luggage at Wien Mitte train station (a major hub for public transport) already, then spend time at the mall, it's restaurants, and parks nearby with just your hand luggage -- instead of lugging your suitcases to Schwechat after clearing your hotel at 10am, and then pacing the overpriced cage that is airport gastronomy until you board your flight.
Of course, if the timing is up to your discretion and you know how to navigate public transport in Vienna (and in time to account for check-in), the regular "Schnellbahn" will take you to the same train station at the airport just as well, but for just 4,4 € (or 2 € if you have a "Jahreskarte" or similar flatrate ticket for public transport in the Vienna zone).
@@GutnarmEVE ah thank you, didn't know about the luggage check-in right there. does this mean they move your luggage right onto the plane and you don't have to worry about it?
yes I used it and with Austrian Airlines and no issues. picked up my lugage in my final destination after I got off the plane. @@nightowl356
Yeah, the S7 I guess.
I take the regional train there every day. I also would never pay for the CAT, HOWEVER!! recently the S7 was late or had some disturbance more often and sometimes it'd be 30min late... I always feel bad for the tourists waiting for that train, having a flight to catch... Definitely something to plan into your schedule!
(Not sure if the CAT would be free of those troubles, after all they share the same tracks. But I think usually the disturbance happens in Floridsdorf, which die CAT doesn't pass, so it's probably save.)
As an Austrian born in Vienna: well done! Danke, besonders für den letzten Punkt! 🥰😉
Wobei Wien für Restöstereich eh schon fast Deutschland ist.
Lol
@@FreddyKruegerl666NEIIIIN!!!😑
I love it, when you talk about the country I live in. 🙂 every time
I was in Austria last year, and thought all wait staff were really friendly, and fantastic.
My favourite place! The Christmas markets in Vienna are always incredible, went on a "pilgrimage" across all of them in 2021, no regrets!
The christmas market on the country sides especially Salzburg, Tyrol etc. are much more enjoyable and traditionell 😊
As an Austrian and with a warm smile : thumbs up for this video, best regards to you Wolter. 🤗
Viennese here. If we want to pay, wie usually say 'Die Rechnung, bitte!' (The check/bill please.) But it's true, you often have to wait a looong time before you are allowed to pay...
As an austrian myself i gotta say, you covered all the big topics pretty well.
Though there is still something i'd like to add regarding the "Don't think it is just amazing cities" @ 5:00 ;
It's great you mention the beautiful nature in our country and also all the various, regional museums that are worth visiting, but there is more to just that.
What i personally want to specify on is all the neat little towns all around, the "every day" kind of towns. Like the state Salzburg for example doesn't only consist of the city of Salzburg, Steiermark of just Graz, and so on and so on... There are many many more places worth seeing, visiting, and most importantly, worth staying at. All those "hidden gems" sorf of places.
I feel like a lot of people fail to ever mention them, whether because they've never left the cities vicinity or think they are not worth talking about.
But for a true Austria experience i'd advice leaving the big time cities for a while. The changes in nature, people, cuisine, prices, history, attractions, etc are massive. Rural tourism is a real thing here and it really displays our country the best in various ways, especially if you spend your time in one of the many picturesque farm resorts/farm stays.
Hallstatt is not in Salzburg, it's in Upper Austria:)
@@ischlersandra thx for letting me know, got something mixed up in my head, haha. corrected it :)
Nice video, as always. I already know Vienna and Salzburg, both beautiful, and next summer I'm visiting Hallstatt and Salzkammergut (and also some wonderful nearby places in Germany). Can't wait for it! ❤
I have been performing in Graz for the AIMS music festival and I appreciate this video so much and can’t thank you enough for this important educational video! Totally love Austria 🇦🇹❤️🌹💕
Went to Austria a few years back and I would love to go back again.
On our second trip to Vienna, with a river cruise, we took the U-Bahn (he subway) from the river to St Stephan's Cathedral, and back. Easy!
I just planning my trip to austria an I found your vid very helpful!
Thank you!
I loved Austria, my don’t is don’t forget to admire the fantastic and beautiful architecture in the cities
Couldn't agree more!
Vienna looks incredibly beautiful and clean.
That's one thing I know about Austria - very high standards.
I do love their Wiener Schnitzel, Apfel strudel and of course the bratwurst in a bun with sauerkraut.
Wolter.. 👍🏻 great video 🤝 big greetings from Graz/Austria
On spot 🎯, Mark!
Greetings from 🇦🇹🇦🇹🇦🇹
I visited Austria while on a Danube river cruise. I enjoyed Salzburg, it's a fascinating little town and I'm not a big sound of music fan. I spent a day in Vienna and instantly fell in love with the city, it has a wonderful vibe to it. I would also recommend wachau valley, which we visited on the river cruise ship but you can also do by bicycle or ship or train and it's a beautiful region with great wine and food.
It´s so funny, I think almost no-one in Austria has seen this movie... ;)
@@izno73 for me, it was a tradition as a little kid growing up in the US, we would watch it on TV.
@@FreddySherman I know it is a us-tradition. it´s just funny that in the story´s origin country, it´s completely not. all good.
@@izno73 I agree but it sure is big business.
Well done, Mr Wolters! :-) I am Austrian and used to live in the states. I think you give tourist a great head start and may I say in a very sympathic way :-)
Danke schön!
@@woltersworld Bitteschön ☀️
I would love to visit Austria someday.
Please, do so. You will love it. Greetings from Graz
As Austrian from the area around Linz i can just confirm that this video is really spot on. One thing he was nice enough to not mention is that austrians sometimes have some prejudice over foreign people. Most of the time its not bad intended but we're somewhat 'shy' meeting people that are from another country or not speaking our language. Most of the austrians can speak english to some level, however only maybe 20-30% are really fluent in that. The example with the hard shell and sweet internals is really spot on, as soon as you are accepted as 'one of us' all of that vanishes. So please dont judge us too hard on our first meeting, its just how we are :)
I did notice several of the Austrians in the background giving you a bit of side eye as they walk by. Thanks Mark! Good stuff. Austria is great for marionettes too.
Yes they do :)
As an Austrian, this was pretty wholesome. ^^ Especially the friendship part. Yeah, Austrians are naturally grumpy/hard to crack, but even we can be sweet. xP And overall, the video was very respectful, informative and thoughtful. Lot of truths in there. And he even undermined that we are our own country and not Germany 2.0, which was nice. Shout out also for mentioning Wiener Wald. People usually come to Salzburg for the scenary and Vienna for the culture. But every place in Austria has both. I live in Vienna and it's got so many beautiful places for a walk. I recommend hiking (or walking really, it's not that high xP) up Kahlenberg with the vineyards and such a great view of the city! Also has some nice (and sometimes expensive, watch out!) "Heurigen", kinda the Austrian version of pubs, only that they focus on wine and not beer.xP
Brilliant. You just bring it to the point with this video. I am amazed. (I am Austrian).
Strange, I made a lot of conversations starting with small talk.
Mainly in Salzburg, people there are so nice and kind, they are open to talk about everything and even about themselves.
I even got a photos from a cinnamon shop owner, she took photo of animals as a hobbie and gave me one, it was so cute and nice. Made friends with the hotel staff and we often had long conversations. Shared my pizza with a guy waiting for his pizza.
I just keep thinking about all the good talks that started with small talk.
There's a big different between the East of Austria and the West. Here in the east, where I live, people are much more aloof and don't like to be "disturbed".
In the West they are way more open, agreeable and talkative.
@@donalonso2785 Thank you for the reply! It's always good to know how it really is from a native perspective.
You're only making it looks like Austrians are kind hahahahaha!
@@donalonso2785No, that's not true!
Love that bit with the people that walk past @ 14:50 😁
I enjoyed my time visiting Austria. I like the formality and punctuality. Great beer 🍺
My tip: If you visit Tyrol, go to Schwaz and take the tour at the Silberbergwerk. Especially in summer.
👍👍👍 ich liebe deinen Kanal ich habe mir schon einige Videos von dir angesehen muss sagen du magst das sehr sehr gut ich als Österreicher und Wiener liebe es wie du unsere Stadt und unser Land erklärst.
Da ich selber im Tourismus arbeite und viel mit Gästen zu tun habe freue ich mich immer wieder auch wenn amerikanische Gäste kommen und die Kleinigkeiten beachten die das Leben hier so wunderbar wunderbar machen.
Danke schoen!!! Ich freue mich dass du meinen videos magst. Alles gut!
I am looking forward to spending several weeks in Austria next summer! I want to move to Alto Adige (Italy) or Austria by the end of the decade but if I can make it work out, I am leaning more to settling in Austria, maybe around Linz. I love Mark's videos and find them educational, especially regarding the culture.
Ill go with you Paul!!!
@@Ingrid0410 Maybe someday, we'll meet up at the Ars Electronica building!
Linz yes!! Just stay away from Vienna 🙃
Just advice. Don’t say alto adige. Rather say South Tyrol. If you move to Austria and you say alto adige you’ll not be welcomed. In South Tyrol the elder German speakers will not really want to be around you anymore.
@@Fredrik-de2p Thanks for the Tip! I will keep that in mind.
Simply beautiful! Great video!😊❤
This is absolutely spot on. Every single thing. Well done.
Don’t expect to be able to avoid sugar. The desserts must be sampled frequently.
We're heading to Vienna in a few weeks...we have reservations to have a white-tablecloth dinner with friends on the Riesenrad, the giant 1897 Ferris wheel in the Prater Park. We'll have a 3-course dinner in one of the enclosed cars...they change the course every 2 revolutions. How cool is that?
Great video, and great advice. You're absolutely spot-on!
❤ I'm Austrian, really appreciate this video. Spot on
Everything spot on, especially with The Sound of Music, never saw a single scene yet. And btw it's "Stelze", meaning "stilt" 🙂
Hey, that's surprisingly pretty accurate and you even have some language skills! That's much appreciated. 😊
Your advice is good! 👍 Greetings from Vienna!
Thank you, Mark.
Another helpful video with lots of advice to consider when planning a trip.
Always appreciate your insights.
I agree with you!😀But don t forget the amazing east part of Austria, Burgenland. Here were Joseph Haydn and Franz Liszt born. And you get really the best wine in this area!
Rust ist an very beautiful old town just on Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland. It has not yet been discovered by organized tourist groups, fortunately.
@@fruzsimih7214 Rust is my favorite town in my area.
Hey Mark, great video
Hello, thank you very much for your fantastic, loving description!
AND the important distinction between Austria and Germany!💯👍
...based on your video I would go to Austria straight away,...if I wasn't already here! 😁😅
Best wishes from Ottensheim near Linz!🧡
Ja genau😅, so ist es! Grüße aus Bludenz!
Appreciate the video. Thank you.
12:50 - as an austrian I can confirm :D
Thanks for that video!
Big fun to watch this as Austrian 😉☺️
Skiing in Austria? I go most years. Even at high-end resorts, like Lech, it's cheaper than North America.
Good guide.
Everywhere in Europe is cheaper skiing than North America, it seems
@@counterfit5 even switzerland and the french alps?
Actually, alpine skiing in Austria is cheaper compared to 95% of other countries. Switzerland, France, Italy, Canada, USA, Australia is very very pricey in comparison. And, the infrastructure at the skiing areas is simply great in Austria!
Thanks for mentioning "Grüß Gott", we wish more Austrians would still use it :-)
I, as an Austrian, always greet that way when entering somewhere. It is just basic politeness, I think.
I usually just say servus. Grüßgott seems a bit too formal in most situations
@@okuyasuniijimura you can say "Griaß Gott beinand" if "Grüß Gott" is too formal for you 😉
I live in a village in Austria. If you don't greet people here, you can almost expect a community meeting to be called 🙂
@@stprGG digga das sagt kein schwein in meiner gegend
Hawediere kann ich sagn
Thank you for posting this. It is very helpful and I am looking forward to a trip to Vienna and Salzburg. I have to add that I also find the information from some of the commenters helpful too, more so than other travel channels. I am looking forward to trying the "heuriger" in Vienna.
Grüß GOTT from Austria, great Video.
One major "don't" I'd love to add, regarding "local" pubs, "local" restaurants, those "hidden gems you must try": don't waltz into those places like you own them: you're a _guest_ , not their patron. A very important distinction.
They'll welcome you to stay, it's not you gracing them with your credit card's presence. There's plenty of other places sprung up all over town to cater just to that attitude over the past decade if you're into that.
Literally, in German, a "Gast", a guest, is someone who's invited, be it at your fireplace in the woods some 4000 years ago, your house, café, restaurant, dinner party. "be my guest" in the truest sense.
While 'patron' has different meanings in English (what a surprise): is it a customer, maybe even a regular one? At the store, at the bar? Or is it a patron, as in latin 'patronus', a supportive and/or kindly figure looking out for my (and/or their) well-being? Sponsoring my arts? Telling me what to do as they're my better?
Bottom line: don't patronize waiters in Vienna and you'll most probably enjoy your time as a Guest ;)
Amazing video sharing I love it
Spot on! Speaking as an Austrian I can only recommend you stick to these recommendations during your visit and you'll have a grand time with us :)
Perfect timing as heading to Vienna again next week :-)
I loved my visit to Austria last year. I really want to go back and explore more. It was so beautiful, but I feel like I missed out on a lot. On my list for another visit at some point in the future.
Thank you very much for your video. I have just back home from Vienna and Steyr. My wonderful trip. I love the peaceful and quiet attitude of Austrian. I love the punctuation too. To me amazing Austria. Definitely i will come back again ❤️
The Goldentime Sauna Club is a great place to go as well.
🤣👍
Because of the "Sauna"?
@@michaelkores6860 If they have one.
thx for sharing - soooooo true - every single point! ;) plus ... never say "no" when you get offered a Schnaps!!!
this was fantastic and very insightful thank you i appreciate everything you shared
Mark, I am glad other people like Hot Chocolate instead of Coffee like I do. I have yet to go to Austria, but I look forward to going I especially like that they are quiet since I tend to be quiet also.
Gruesse aus Melbourne, Australien!! Gutes Video Mark. Ich bin dreimal in Österreich gewesen. Österreich ist mein lieblings Land in Europa! Die Landschaft ist unglaublich. Die Leute sind nicht immer nett aber sie sind trotzdem hilfbereit wenn du eine Frage hast.. Deine Videos sind toll und ich freue mich auf mehr Videos von dir!!
Liebe Grüße zurück
Awesome you made it to cute little Feldkirch aswell! Born and raised there.
As an English woman living in Austria for over 5 years, I must say you have given a lot of good advice in this video! By the way, if you do need to shop for something on a Sunday you might get lucky if you go to a railway station - for example, I live near a small city in Upper Austria and the station there has a Resch (bakery and café) which is open on Sundays, and the MPreis supermarket at Innsbruck station was open when we passed through recently. It was doing a lot of trade!
As an Austrian I must say you are absoluter right. I really enjoyed watching , it's interesting how someone from outside sees us 😂
Great vid, Wolter!
As you mentioned, the service isn't the friendliest (although depending on where you are, Service is freindlier than in other regions). That is mainly because everyone has their basic fixed income, which isn't that bad, so they don't have to live off tips.
Secondly, great advice with the small talk! Although again, the overall mindset differs between regions, we don't do small talk with strangers naturally during the work day. Vienna was known for overall grumpy people, they kinda bettered themselves, Tyrolians and Styrians are super friendly and will help you with basically everything and like starting conversations etc...
Hi, I´m Austrian, living in Tyrol. You´re 100% right! 👍 😍
I came by this by chance and as an Austrian, I wanted to see if this was accurate.
Can confirm haha
Very good video.
Afaik, smoking indoors in redtaurants is entirely prohibited now, but people can usually smoke at outside seats OR they go stand in front of the Restaurants to smoke.
Which brings me to another don't:
Don't be loud in front of bars/restaurants in the city past 10pm. There are "quiet hours" to protect residents' sleep, and usually restaurants have signs up that you need to tone it down a bit past 10pm, if it's a residential area. Usually ppl still speak outside but if you are drunk or laughing loudly, you might get reprimanded by the waiter haha
People really value their alone-time here, as well as their privacy. So yeah, small talk is usually not it, people also might have a resting-sour-face, but if you ask them something or need something, people usually light up and are very friendly. Just don't think they'll speak more than nessecary with you haha but the things they do say are polite and friendly.
Also, I am notoriously late, but that's me personally and it's definitely not a good thing. If you come late to any performance or movie, people WILL be rolling their eyes at you and complain to their companions haha
Thank you for sharing valuable information 😊
I like that though "dont's" should be about negatives, you manage to bring positives in saying "don't miss..."
8:44 "don't smile randomly at people" may be true in big cities, but in the countryside you will be called unfriendly and avoided. I live in Bad Aussee the "Center" of Austria and here people always greet each other with a smile - without exceptions. 🙋🏻♀️
a very sympathic and respectful description of many characteristic an critical austrian points😊
Greetings to you, I came across your video by another youtuber commenting on another video of you. I was born in Vienna and live now a little bit outside of the city in the "Wienerwald", and that´s a "don ´t miss" - especially if you like to do walks in nature, or visiting the more than 1000 years old cloister "Heiligenkreuz". A second "don´t miss" in Vienna is not going to a "Heurigen", the traditional wine - houses. They are are some in the center of Vienna, but they are more frequently situated at the outskirts like in Grinzing or Nussdorf in the North of Vienna on the foothill slope of Kahlenberg, or at the south like in Mauer or - just outside of the city - in Perchtholdsdorf. Most often they are wine producers selling their own local wine. In former days you brought your own things to eat, today there is always a buffet - but the main scope is to sit together, drinking your wine and listening to Vienese Music songs (do not mix that with classic music like Mozart!). And don ´t miss to go up to Kahlenberg / Leopoldberg, you have the best view over the city and the danube river. And dont´t miss to go to the "Donauinsel", its an artifical iland in the river Danube sporting a many kilometers long recreation area in the middle oft town - once in the year housing the famous "Donauinselfest", where 10000+ people get there for the party and music....
best video about austria and the "donts" so far. pedastrian street is like 50:50. you should go on the right side. stand up for old people to have a seat. elderly and people with kids go first (elevator and also im the puplic transportation).
Man. just want u to know that i love the way and the vibe that u make this videos. Making my days much better, dreams pop up.... life stills onnnnn ;D
I´m Austrian from Tyrol, Innsbruck. And you can smile at me and I smile back. And I like how you describe our country, it´s very nice. And yes, most of us have the knowledge of several languages. I love our mountains, our food an I´m proud to be an Austrian woman. 😍