Austria Today

Austrian news in English

Friday, November 22, 2024

Arlberg Tunnel Reopens Amid Heavy Snowfall

Heavy snowfall in Tyrol has led to the temporary closure of the Arlberg Pass road, stranding numerous drivers. The Arlberg Tunnel, which is undergoing a major renovation, was briefly opened to allow these drivers to pass through safely.

4 h

Weather

Graz's Enchanting Advent Markets Unveiled

The city of Graz is set to transform into a festive wonderland as the Advent season kicks off with a series of enchanting Christmas markets. Starting November 22, 2024, 16 locations across Graz will host these markets, offering a blend of traditional crafts, local gastronomy, and vibrant music programs.

4 h

Culture

Vorarlberg's New Government Faces Criticism

In Vorarlberg, Austria, the newly formed ÖVP-FPÖ coalition government has unveiled its program, which has sparked mixed reactions. Landeshauptmann Markus Wallner presented the program as a roadmap for the region's future, emphasizing key projects like the Lünerseekraftwerk II and the Rhesi flood protection initiative.

4 h

Politics

Newborn Abducted from Vienna Hospital

A dramatic incident unfolded at the Klinik Favoriten in Vienna, where a newborn baby was reportedly abducted from the neonatal ward. The disappearance was first noticed by a nurse, who alerted the mother upon her return to the room.

17 h

Crime

Tragic Farm Accident Claims Life

A tragic accident occurred in Neuhofen an der Krems, Austria, when a 70-year-old farmer lost his life while working on his farm. On Wednesday evening, the farmer's family, concerned by his unusual absence, began searching for him.

22 h

Local News

Tiny House Theft Leads to Germany

In a bizarre theft in Kirchbichl, Tyrol, a "Tiny House" along with its ten-ton terrace was stolen from a parking lot. The incident occurred between November 14 and the following Tuesday, with the total damage estimated at over 100,000 euros.

Yesterday

Crime

Austria's Early Winter Surprise

Austria is experiencing an early winter surprise as a cold front sweeps across the country, bringing snow to both mountainous and lowland areas. In Upper Austria, the Salzkammergut region saw a drop in temperatures with snow expected to reach as low as 500 meters.

Yesterday

Weather

Controversy Over New Ombudswoman Appointment

The Austrian National Council convened for its second session of the legislative period, focusing on economic and employment issues. A significant agenda item was the appointment of Elisabeth Schwetz as the new Ombudswoman, succeeding Walter Rosenkranz.

Yesterday

Politics

Austria's Coalition Talks: A New Era?

Austria's major political parties, the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos, have embarked on coalition negotiations to form a new government. The discussions, described as a "Bündnis der Vernunft," aim to address key national issues without succumbing to minimal compromises.

20 November, 07:38

Politics

Vienna U-Bahn Fire Disrupts U1 Line

A fire broke out in an empty special train on Vienna's U-Bahn line U1 on Tuesday evening, leading to significant disruptions. The incident, which occurred between the Südtiroler Platz and Taubstummengasse stations, resulted in the temporary closure of the U1 line between Schwedenplatz and Reumannplatz.

20 November, 07:38

Transportation

Austria's Urgent Data Seizure Reform

Austria is racing against time to finalize a new regulation on data seizure, with a deadline looming at the end of the year. The ÖVP plans to introduce an initiative in the National Council to address the legal framework for data handling by law enforcement.

19 November, 18:48

Politics

Austrian Chocolate Maker Faces Insolvency

The renowned Austrian chocolate manufacturer, Franz Hauswirth GmbH, based in Kittsee, has declared insolvency amidst rising costs and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for producing chocolate figures like Easter bunnies and Santa Claus, Hauswirth has been a staple in local supermarkets.

19 November, 14:13

Business

Woman Found Dead Weeks After Disappearance

In a tragic discovery in Frannach, Südoststeiermark, a 60-year-old woman was found dead in her home after being missing for weeks. The woman, last seen on October 17, was reported missing by a friend on November 15 after repeated attempts to contact her failed.

19 November, 09:47

Local News

Gault&Millau Honors Culinary Legends

The prestigious restaurant guide Gault&Millau has awarded its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to three culinary icons: Markus Mraz, Helmut Rachinger, and Sepp Schellhorn. Dubbed the "Healthy Dad Band," these chefs have significantly influenced Austria's gastronomic landscape.

18 November, 20:29

Food & Dining

Bank Austria Accounts Emptied by IT Glitch

Bank Austria customers faced a shocking start to the week as technical issues during a system update led to unexpected account discrepancies. Many found their accounts inexplicably emptied, with some reporting multiple unauthorized transactions.

18 November, 15:55

Finance

Austria's Coalition Talks: A New Dawn?

Austria's political landscape is on the brink of transformation as the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos have officially entered coalition negotiations. After eight weeks of exploratory talks, the parties have committed to forming a government, signaling a potential shift in governance.

18 November, 11:16

Politics

Tragic Diver Accident in Feldkirchen

A tragic incident unfolded in Feldkirchen an der Donau, Upper Austria, when a professional diver drowned while retrieving golf balls from the Mühldorfweiher, a popular fishing lake. The diver, a 55-year-old professional associated with the fire department, was observed by his girlfriend as he embarked on his dive.

18 November, 06:48

Local News

Austria's Airspace Left Unprotected

Austria's airspace was left unprotected over the weekend as the Eurofighter jets remained grounded due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. This unprecedented situation arose from a long-standing issue of insufficient personnel, exacerbated by many controllers moving to better-paying civilian roles.

17 November, 18:11

Politics

Tense Battle in Styria's Upcoming Election

The political landscape in Styria is heating up as the state prepares for its upcoming Landtag elections on November 24. The ÖVP, led by Christopher Drexler, is facing a significant challenge from the FPÖ, which has been gaining momentum in recent polls.

17 November, 09:05

Politics

Tragic Fall in Tirol's Mountains

A tragic accident occurred in the Tiroler Pitztal mountains on Saturday, claiming the life of a 40-year-old German mountaineer. The climber, along with his 66-year-old companion, was attempting to summit the Verpeilspitze.

17 November, 09:05

World

Tragic Crash Claims Three Lives in Austria

A tragic traffic accident occurred on Friday evening in Leopoldsdorf im Marchfelde, Lower Austria, claiming the lives of three Hungarian harvest workers. The car, carrying five people, veered off the L9 road and crashed head-on into a tree.

17 November, 00:38

Accident

Heightened Security at Austrian Christmas Markets

In Austria, the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets is accompanied by heightened security measures this year. Despite no specific threats being identified, the police presence has been significantly increased to deter potential extremist threats.

16 November, 11:37

Security

Austria Prepares for Russian Gas Halt

Austria is set to face a significant shift in its energy supply as Russia halts gas deliveries starting Saturday. This marks the end of a long-standing energy partnership dating back to 1968.

15 November, 22:47

Energy

Schönbrunn Concerts Cancelled Over Noise Limits

The Show Factory has announced the cancellation of all open-air concerts and musicals planned for 2025 at Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace due to stringent noise regulations. This includes the Fendrich-Musical "I Am From Austria" and the "Schönbrunn Classics" series.

15 November, 18:11

Culture

Austria's Budget Crisis Amid Brunner's Farewell

Austria is grappling with a significant budget deficit, projected to reach 3. 9% of its GDP this year, exceeding the EU's Maastricht criteria of 3%.

15 November, 04:37

Politics