Summer 2026
Stay informed about everything happening in Austria this summer, from travel news to weather forecasts and from cultural and sporting events to all the law changes you need to know.
IN PICTURES: The best outdoor pools in Vienna
Summer is here, and the pool season has started in Vienna. Here are six of the city's best ones that you should definitely visit.
Gelato for lunch? Bedlinen in the freezer? Heatwave tips from southern Europe
With scorching temperatures breaking records across Europe this summer, The Local has put together tried and tested tips for surviving heatwaves from southern Europe, where locals have had decades of practice coping with the heat.
KEY CHANGES: Everything that changes in Austria in July 2026
July brings changes to food prices, online shopping, train travel, parking, housing paperwork and family life in Austria. Here are the main changes residents should know about.
What passengers need to know about Vienna’s S-Bahn summer closures
Major works on Vienna’s central S-Bahn line will disrupt travel from July 4th, with replacement buses, rerouted journeys and extra pressure on the city’s public transport network.
HIGHLIGHTS: The best events in Vienna in July 2026
Summer is in full swing and that means plenty of events are happening around Vienna. We round up some of the best this July.
Europe's EES border checks won't be suspended, EU insists
The European Commission is refusing to suspend strict new border controls despite pressure from airports and airlines who have demanded they be put on hold until after summer amid fears of chaos at holiday hotspots.
How to stay safe when swimming in Austria's lakes and rivers this summer
Austria’s lakes and rivers are perfect for summer swims, but experts warn of hidden dangers. Here are key safety tips to know before you dive in.
What to know before going to Vienna’s Donauinselfest this year
Vienna’s Donauinselfest returns from July 3rd to July 5th, bringing three days of free concerts, food, crowds and summer festival atmosphere to the Danube Island.
Austria knocked out of World Cup after 3-0 Spain defeat
Austria’s World Cup campaign came to an end on Thursday as Spain coasted into the last 16 with a 3-0 win.
How to watch the 2026 men's football World Cup in Austria
The men’s World Cup is already under way - and while Austria have started with a win, fans watching from Austria will still face some awkward kick-off times.
Austria records longest-ever June heatwave
The recent heatwave that roasted Europe marked Austria's longest-ever in June, the national weather agency said on Wednesday.
'Critical point': Europe's airports demand urgent action to avoid summer border delays
European airport and airline associations have once again urged the European Commission to take immediate action as they warn the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) risks travel mayhem and misery for millions this summer.
Should Austrian schools be allowed to send children home during extreme heat spells?
Europe has been experiencing a deadly heatwave this June, with temperatures of 40C recorded in Austria. As classrooms become unbearable, some in Vienna are calling for schools to be allowed to close during heatwaves or shut early for the holidays.
Hugo, Almdudler and Radler: 5 drinks to try in Austria this summer
It is easier to face the summer heat with a proper cold drink in your hands. Austrians know that well and have created (or made popular) several delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Here are five you should try.
Cyanobacteria: What you need to know about bacteria risk in Austrian waters
A cyanobacteria scare at a popular Vienna swimming pond has put so-called blue-green algae back on the summer health agenda.
Extreme weather: How the heatwave has disrupted life in Austria
Austria’s extreme June heatwave has moved beyond uncomfortable weather and started disrupting transport, roads, rail infrastructure and daily life.
More than 1,300 excess deaths recorded in Europe heatwave: WHO
The World Health Organisation said Sunday that over 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded in Europe since June 21 in connection with the record-breaking heatwave roasting much of the continent.
OFFICIAL LIST: Where to watch the football World Cup at public viewings in Austria
Austria will have public viewing spots across the country for the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup, with around 200 locations listed by ORF.
At least 193 million in Europe to face temperatures above 35C on Saturday
At least 193 million people across Europe are expected to experience temperatures above 35C on Saturday, AFP calculations found, up from Friday as the heatwave was set to shift eastwards.
EU worries jet fuel supply situation to worsen
Commercial supplies of jet fuel may worsen this summer despite the improving situation in the Strait of Hormuz, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said Friday.
Where can you cool down for free in Vienna this summer?
Vienna’s free cooling spaces have reopened for summer, giving residents somewhere to escape the heat without having to buy anything.
40C and higher: What Austria’s red heat warning means for your weekend
Austria is heading into an unusually severe early-summer heatwave, with the highest heat warning level in place for several parts of the country and temperatures of around 40C possible in the east.
European heatwave's unlikely accomplice is an ocean 'cold blob'
The heatwave battering Europe may have an unlikely partner-in-crime: a patch of cold ocean water south of Iceland and Greenland that can influence weather patterns over the continent.