Austria, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning Alpine landscapes, and classical music, attracts millions of tourists each year. While it’s a welcoming place for visitors from around the world, there are certain things that travelers should avoid doing to ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit. Here are some key “don’ts” when visiting Austria:
#### 1. **Don’t Ignore Local Customs and Etiquette**
Austrians are generally formal and polite. When entering shops, restaurants, or even when using public transport, it is customary to greet people with a polite “Guten Tag” (Good day) or “Grüß Gott” (an informal greeting used mainly in Bavaria and Austria). Additionally, try to adhere to the local etiquette of maintaining quietness on public transport and being punctual if you have arranged to meet someone.
#### 2. **Don’t Forget Table Manners**
When dining in Austria, keep your hands visible by resting your wrists on the edge of the table (not your elbows). It is considered polite to wait until everyone has their food before starting to eat. If you finish all the food on your plate, it indicates that you enjoyed your meal. Conversely, leaving a small amount suggests you did not like it much – an important subtlety in Austrian dining etiquette.
#### 3. **Don’t Leave Without Tipping**
Service charges are typically included in hotel or restaurant bills; however, it is customary to round up or leave a little extra (about 5-10%) as a tip if you were pleased with the service. It’s appreciated when tips are handed directly to the waiter or waitress rather than left on the table.
#### 4. **Don’t Underestimate Weather Changes**
Austria’s climate can be quite variable. The mountainous regions make weather conditions unpredictable and can change rapidly from sunny to stormy within hours. Always carry layers and rainwear if you plan to explore outdoor sites such as Salzburg’s beautiful Mirabell Gardens or when hiking in the Alps.
#### 5. **Don’t Disregard Quiet Hours**
Many Austrian towns observe Ruhezeit (quiet time), especially in residential areas where loud noises are discouraged during late evening and midday hours (typically from 10 PM to 6 AM and between noon and 2 PM). This also applies strictly on Sundays and public holidays.
#### 6. **Don’t Overlook Pedestrian Etiquette**
Jaywalking is frowned upon in Austria; always use pedestrian crossings and obey traffic signals when crossing streets. Remember that pedestrians do not necessarily have the right of way unless they are at a marked crossing when the pedestrian light is green.
#### 7. **Don’t Take Photos in Sensitive Locations**
While capturing memories of your trip is important, be mindful of places where photography might be restricted such as churches during services or museums with specific photo policies.
#### 8. **Don’t Expect Shops to Be Open Late or on Sundays**
Shopping hours may be shorter than what many tourists are used to – most shops close by 6 PM during weekdays and are usually closed on Sundays except for some tourist areas like Vienna’s Museum Quarter.
#### Conclusion
Visiting Austria can be a wonderful experience filled with culture, history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality if one respects local customs and regulations. By being aware of these don’ts while traveling through this majestic country, tourists can enhance their enjoyment while showing respect towards Austrian traditions.