Whether you have been in Austria for just a few days or many years, there is always more to discover about the country’s history and culture.
Austria has a rich history and cultural heritage, with beautiful Alpine landscapes in the west and picturesque cities and vineyards in the east.
To get to know Austria and Austrians better, you do not need to spend all your time studying history books or reading complex literature. You can also learn about Austria by joining a walking tour, watching a good film, or dancing at a Feuerwehrfest.
Here are eight easy and enjoyable ways to deepen your understanding of Austria’s history and culture that will help you integrate.
Visit a local festival
Austria offers a lot of local and traditional festivals throughout the year.
For example, you can visit a "Feuerwehrfest," organised by local fire brigades in towns and villages across Austria. These festivals are both a fundraiser for the fire brigade and a fun community event.
At a Feuerwehrfest, you can enjoy traditional Austrian foods like sausages, schnitzel, local beer, and live music.
Another festival to check out is the "Kirchtag." This traditional village or town festival traditionally celebrates the anniversary of a church's consecration or the feast day of its patron saint.
Today, the Kirchtage also offer a wide range of cultural events and are seen as very important in Austrian culture, especially in rural areas.
READ ALSO: 8 Austrian festivals you need to go to this summer
At a Kirchtag, it is common to see people dressed in traditional Austrian clothing, such as dirndls for women and lederhosen for men. The festival offers lively music, performances and dancing, with local bands playing music until the early morning.
Food and drink are also central to the Kirchtag experience, and you can enjoy many traditional dishes, such as local sausages, soups, pastries, and beers or wines.
Some of the larger Kirchtags, such as Villacher Kirchtag, also offer carnival rides, games, and attractions for families.
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Try local food and drinks
Make an Austrian music playlist
Listening to music from Austria can be a great way to learn more about the culture.
You can download a playlist of classical music by famous Austrian composers such as Mozart and Strauss or explore modern Austrian artists across different genres.
Falco was a famous Austrian artist known for blending pop, rock, and rap, leaving a lasting impact on the Austrian music scene.
READ ALSO: Falco to Schwarzenegger - Six Austrian cultural icons that you need to know
Wanda is another great option. This indie, pop, and rock band is one of Austria's most famous, and you can check out songs like "Amore" or "Bologna."
Another popular artist is Yung Hurn. His music blends elements of rap, trap, and contemporary pop. Some of Yung Hurn's most famous tracks are "Ok Cool" and "Perrier."
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Join a Stammtisch
“Stammtisch” is an Austrian tradition where the same group of people meet up on the same day every week at a specific pub to talk, maybe play cards, and enjoy some drinks together.
Stammtisch can be a great way to meet new people, improve your German skills, and get an insight into life in Austria.
Some Stammtisch gatherings are open to newcomers and are advertised in local pubs, on community boards, or online. You can find these on university notice boards, cafes, or websites like Meetup.com or Facebook groups.
READ ALSO: What you should know about Austria and Germany's 'Stammtisch' tradition
Watch Austrian films and series
Going to the cinema or having a movie night at home is a fun and effortless way to get to know Austria better. Most popular films have English subtitles or dubbing, so language should not be a problem.
Austria has a lot to offer in terms of films and series. Classic films such as Amadeus, Mundl—Ein echter Wiener geht nicht unter, Der Bockerer, and The Sound of Music teach you about Austrian history, culture, and landscape.
Amadeus is a critically praised biographical drama about Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It focuses on his genius, chaotic relationships, and the envy and admiration of his rival composer, Salieri.
For more modern films, you can watch The Counterfeiters, Before Sunrise, and series like Tatort, a well-known crime series with many episodes in Vienna and other parts of Austria.
READ ALSO: From classics to thrillers: Seven movies set in Austria
Go on a walking tour
Websites like GetYourGuide and Airbnb are good places to start looking for tours in your area, but if you are interested in something specific, you can always Google it and see what comes up.
Visit museums and exhibitions
Visiting different museums and exhibitions is a great way to learn more about Austria, the country’s history, culture, and traditions. Some museums bring up the general history of the country, while others focus on local heritage, history and culture.
In Vienna, you can visit Schönbrunn Palace and learn about the Habsburg dynasty and their impact on European history. At the Haus der Geschichte Österreich, you learn about Austria’s transformations in the 20th century.
The Salzburg Museum presents Salzburg’s artistic heritage, while the Tiroler Landesmuseum in Innsbruck teaches about Tyrol’s unique history and culture.
Travel within the country
Exploring the different regions in Austria is a great way to learn about the country, its traditions, culture, and history.
Austria has much to offer in terms of nature, culture and historical spots. You can spend a day at one of the lakes in Salzkammergut, and then travel to the vineyards in Burgenland or the tall mountains in Tyrol. Each region has its own charm, traditions, and beautiful natural spots.
Getting the Klimaticket is a good idea if you want to travel a lot within the country. A standard annual ticket costs €1,095.
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