Things You Can Buy Only In Austria

Austria, with its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions, offers a treasure trove of exclusive gifts and souvenirs. From delectable culinary delights like the famous marzipan-filled Mozart Kugel to the indulgent chocolate Sachertorte, the country’s culinary heritage is a delight for the senses. But Austria’s offerings go beyond gastronomy, with chic wristwatches renowned for their precision and exquisite crystalware that adds a touch of elegance to any home. Join us as we explore the finest gifts exclusive to Austria, each a testament to the country’s craftsmanship and culture.

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Sachertorte

This option isn’t the most transportable, but if you are determined enough, it is well worth the hassle. If you’re worried about it turning your suitcase into a chocolately mess, however, you can always get a tea towel with a picture on it instead, to make you nostalgic for the rich Austrian goodness. The Sacher Hotel, where it is a status symbol, sells a variety of merchandise related to the dessert.

Lobmeyr Crystal

Mühlbauer Hats

Hat-maker Julianna Mühlbauer opened a small shop in the Viennese suburb of Floridsdorf in 1903 and went on to conquer the hat world. Fans of the Austrian brand include Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Madonna and Yoko Ono, and the brand is renowned around the world for its distinguished quality. Although many styles can be found in shops around the world, some exclusive pieces can only be picked up in Vienna.

Styrian Pumpkin Oil

A speciality of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, oil pumpkin seeds were used in Styria as far back as the 1600s. The oil is used in a variety of dishes, including pumpkin soup and many traditional Austrian desserts. You can find it in most good Austrian supermarkets.

Lichterloh Watches

Inspired by the Vienna’s cube-shaped clocks, Fredi Brodmann created this watch in a similar design. It has since become a iconic Austrian product, and many exclusive versions are only available in the flagship store in Vienna.

Zotter Chocolate

The Willy Wonka of Austria, Zotter, is a chocolatier like none other. His ethical fair-trade practices and unique attitude to the creation of the world’s favourite sweet treat have made him a national treasure in Austria. The packaging is as dainty as the contents inside, and he has experimented with highly unusual combinations for the brave and foolhardy to sample, including cheese, tequila with salt and lemon and raspberry, coconut and trout. If those exotic flavours don’t float your boat, there are more conservative choices available – the marzipan is exceptionally good. Zotter is widely available at most good supermarkets around Vienna, including SPAR and Denn’s Organic Supermarket.

Meinl’s Jam

Julius Meinl’s is Vienna’s answer to London’s Harrods, an elegant department store in the heart of the city selling a sleek spread of Austrian gourmet food and treats. Meinl’s fruit preserve is one of many exclusive Austrian goods that the store sells, and among the finest and most sought after. It’s created using natural sun-ripened fruits, supplied by the best farms throughout Europe and carefully selected, picked and processed. Flavours range from traditional apricot to tangy cranberry. Be sure to pick up a jar when you visit.

Viennese Wine

Austria is unfortunately, and unfairly, not universally recognised for its wine-making culture. Taverns in the vineyards surrounding Vienna sell a wide variety of whites and reds. Pick up a bottle and impress your friends back home with your knowledge of Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s most popular dry white wine.

Ceramics from Gmunden

These green- and white-striped ceramics can be found all over Austria. They are manufactured in Gmunden, a lakeside town in Upper Austria; the company that produces the earthenware dates back to the 1400s. The company continues to produce the ceramics to the original design, and they are extremely proud of their heritage.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.