We Germans like Austria. This is mainly due to the fact that we generally think of our neighbors as a genuinely sympathetic people. But what is the country really about?
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Austria? Maybe a delicious Wiener Schnitzel? The idyllic mountain landscape of the Alps? Or rather a yodeling skier who greets you in a friendly way? Yes, we like to think in pigeonholes – even when travelling. But we shouldn’t rely on the images in our heads when we set off to explore new lands. Because we often miss how the people in the country really tick.
When it comes to Austrians, most people in Germany agree: they are likeable! According to a current survey by the opinion research institute YouGov on behalf of the German Press Agency, Austria is even the most popular of our neighboring countries. It is not for nothing that more than three million people travel to the southern republic of the Alps every year.
And while we’re on the subject of statistics: Austria has been one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe for years, ranks 11th in the “World Happiness Report” – and thus three places ahead of Germany – and with Vienna is home to the “most livable city in the world”, according to the “The Global Liveability Index 2022”.
Understand the Viennese joke
So much for the facts. But what is the country with its almost nine million inhabitants, divided into nine federal states, actually made of? If you ask Austrians what is typical for them, you often get similar answers. In many places, the attitude to life is characterized by serenity and a well-placed sense of humour.
Anyone who visits the Austrian capital Vienna will sooner or later come into contact with the proudly lived “Viennese humor”. Admittedly, not every Piefke, as Germans in Austria like to be jokingly called – and yes, also a little pejoratively – understands the sophisticated and dry pun with a sarcastic undertone.
Because: The Viennese are also known for their grant – i.e. their urge to complain. But they do it in an extremely charming way and only rarely with really negative ulterior motives. Anyone who knows how to take the Viennese joke will quickly find pleasure in the dry manner of the Viennese – and can perhaps take one or the other snotty sentence home with them, if only sarcasm helps.
Serenity instead of pressure to perform
What if things don’t work out with the Viennese? The Austrian would say: “That’s all right”. That is one of those sentences that Austrians are practically born with. It means something like: That’ll be fine. It’s the kind of serenity that’s so common in the country – and of which Austrians are justifiably proud.
There is a feeling of self-sufficiency and down-to-earthness – at least in many places in the country. While we in Germany like to strive faster, higher and further and have cultivated the meritocracy, the Austrians are often satisfied with what they have. Maybe that’s why Austria is a stone’s throw ahead of us when it comes to happiness.
It is hardly surprising that many holidaymakers travel to Austria primarily to switch off. Relaxation and nature are among the main reasons for a trip to the Alpine Republic. Of course, the mountains play a particularly important role. More than 40 percent of the country is over 1000 meters above sea level, especially in the west the Alps form impressive mountain landscapes. The highest mountain in Austria is the Großglockner with a proud 3798 meters.
Good thirst and hospitality
And what is the best thing to do on mountains? That’s right – skiing. Among many other things, of course. But the image of the Austrian who is already on skis before he can even walk properly persists in Germany. And yes, Austrians generally like to ski. But they prefer to do that where there aren’t hundreds of tourists all year round, for example in Ischgl or Kitzbühel.
That doesn’t mean that Austrians don’t feel like having guests – on the contrary. The country was even voted the most hospitable holiday destination in Europe in 2012. But when it comes to some activities, the Austrian prefers to be among himself. Because, and this is also part of the truth, the German-Austrian sympathy is quite one-sided in many places. German guests quickly attract attention in Austria, above all because of the clear High German – or the unfortunate attempt to imitate the dialect.
For example in one of the many wine taverns. The typical wine taverns are an integral part of the culture, especially in wine-growing regions, and are often visited by locals for a relaxed and exuberant evening. In general, the Austrians are very keen drinkers – the annual per capita consumption is around twelve liters. For comparison: Germans drink an average of ten liters of alcohol a year. A “Krügerl” (small beer) or a “G’spritzter” (wine spritzer) is the most popular dish.
What makes Vienna so lovable
But the Austrians do not have an ambition for alcohol, but also for good coffee. Above all, the Viennese coffee house culture is internationally known and has a significant impact on the cityscape of the metropolis. So much so that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Served in cozy coffee shops, often on traditional marble tables, the “kleine Braune” or “Melange” is a piece of history that is still lived and loved.
Of course, the history of Austria also includes Empress Sissi and her beloved Franz. Not only Schönbrunn Palace impressively tells the story of the notorious couple, but also many architecturally valuable buildings throughout Vienna. Many Austrians are very proud of the history of their country and are only too happy to show the cultural diversity behind their attitude towards life.
Spielberg, Torten and Australia
Completely useless knowledge about Austria
An attitude to life that is characterized by a fair health system, a good sense of security and a stable economy. Not for nothing was Vienna again voted the most livable city in the world in 2022. The ranking of the British “Economist” analyzes a city’s healthcare system, education, culture and infrastructure, security, political stability and crime rate. And you could say: Runs in Vienna.
So there are many good reasons for a holiday in Austria. While Germans are happy about every encounter with a funny and relaxed Austrian, the joy on the other side is often limited. The cliché of Germans that prevails in Austria: stuffy, small-minded, humorless. Not necessarily the best basis for real friendship between neighbors, is it? But as we all know: Not every cliché applies. So it is important to convince ourselves and our counterparts of the opposite. With this in mind: Here’s to good (country) neighbourhoods.
Sources: World Happiness Report, Global Liveability Index 2022,