14 Things Austrians Do That Totally Shock Foreigners

Daily habits in Austria feel tightly structured, even in casual settings. Greetings, for example, often follow a specific pattern that leaves little room for improvising. Small talk with strangers is rare, and public spaces tend to stay quiet and orderly. Many of these behaviors result from long-established customs, and visitors usually pick up on these patterns quickly once they’re in the middle of them.

Here’s a look at some of the most surprising Austrian ways that stand out to outsiders.

The Dance of Austrian Greetings

Austrians greet each other with two quick air kisses, starting on the right cheek (the other person's left). This precise social greeting is a formal, practiced way to say hello. Trying a casual hug here can throw off the carefully choreographed rhythm.

Small Talk Is Earned, Not Given

In public, Austrians usually avoid small talk with strangers. Casual chit-chat is reserved for friends and close colleagues, and even then, conversations tend to be sincere rather than superficial. At work, brief personal questions help ease tension and signal the start of business.

Inviting Means Paying

Saying “Ich lade dich ein” doesn’t just mean “let’s go out”; it implies paying the entire bill. This cultural nuance often surprises visitors who think it’s a casual invitation. To avoid footing the tab, it’s better to suggest going out without using “einladen.”

Shoes Stay at the Door

Taking off your shoes upon entering a home is standard in Austria. Many hosts provide slippers to guests for cleanliness and comfort. This custom is so common that schools require children to wear indoor slippers to reinforce the practice from a young age.

Elevators Speak Alphabet

Austrian elevators use letters instead of numbers for floors. “K” is basement, “E” means ground level, and others represent mezzanines or attic floors. This system is rooted in Austria’s architectural traditions, but can confuse visitors expecting a simple numeric display until they adjust.

The Toilet Shelf’s Purpose

Many Austrian toilets have a porcelain shelf above the bowl. It prevents splashback, offers space for inspecting waste discreetly, and facilitates collecting medical samples. Though unfamiliar to many visitors, this practical feature highlights Austrians’ focus on hygiene and health.

Duvets Are Personal Space

Each sleeper has their own duvet in Austria. Rather than sharing, individuals enjoy personal blankets to avoid nightly tug-of-war struggles. While it might feel less intimate, this practice emphasizes comfort and personal boundaries.

Nudity Is Natural

In Austria, being bare is normal in spas, saunas, and designated naturist areas. Mixed-gender saunas often require going “textil-frei” (without clothes) to focus on hygiene and relaxation rather than shock.

Quiet Time Is Law

Austrians observe strict quiet hours from 10 pm to 6 am and all day Sunday. Activities like lawn mowing, drilling, or loud music are prohibited during these times. The country has a cultural respect for rest and neighborhood tranquility.

Dogs Live the High Life

Dogs in Austria live like royalty. They hop on trams, sit in cafés, and stroll through shopping centers with impeccable manners. Unlike many countries where pets have limited access, Austrian society embraces well-behaved dogs as part of everyday life.

Grantigkeit: The Lovable Grump

“Grantigkeit” describes a uniquely Austrian grumpiness that’s more humor than hostility. It manifests as a dry, sometimes sarcastic take on everyday annoyances, often noticeable in service workers.

Sides Are Set in Stone

When ordering classic dishes, Austrians expect traditional side dishes. Schweinsbraten comes with sauerkraut, and Schnitzel arrives with fries or potato salad. Requests to swap sides are rare and might raise eyebrows, since sticking to these combinations honors culinary tradition.

Smoking Outdoors Persists

While indoor smoking has been banned since 2019, smoking outside remains widespread in Austria. The scent of tobacco often lingers around cafés, parks, and sidewalks and is a prominent part of Austria’s social fabric.

Vienna’s Clean Streets Have Personality

Vienna has exceptionally clean streets, thanks to MA48, the city’s waste management department. Their bins display witty messages and clever public service announcements. This approach combines humor and hygiene.

Respecting Pedestrian Rules

Pedestrians in Austria strictly follow traffic signals, waiting patiently for the green man before crossing, even when streets are empty. Jaywalking is rare and socially frowned upon. After all, the rules are designed to ensure safety and fairness in public spaces.