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Current Atmosphere in Vienna

Interested in hearing from Vienna locals (Emily, any others that frequent this forum) what the current atmosphere is there. I come every December for a visit and am debating whether to cancel my plans for this year or keep them, assuming I am able to come - right now it appears UK residents can but if that changed or a quarantine was required I would of course cancel. (I am aware I’d have to quarantine on returning to the UK, that is something I’m weighing up when I consider whether the trip is worth it but not the focus of this question.)

Bearing in mind that I’ve visited many times and know the city well, would it be enjoyable to visit in the current situation or are the restrictions so onerous that it’s just not worth it? I’ve read the Christmas markets will go ahead with safety measures in place...are restaurants open normal hours? Looks like museums are largely open? Are masks required everywhere or just indoors? Would the tourism industry be happy to have a visitor or would it be seen as more of a burden?

I would advise against anyone visiting London for tourism purposes right now because of all the limitations on the hospitality industry and a general atmosphere of uncertainty and panic since our government keeps changing the rules every few days. On the flip side, I spent time in Italy and Germany this summer and it was a good balance of rigorous safety controls but still managing to live life. Wondering which camp Vienna falls into.

Posted by
1902 posts

As the infection rate had increased during the past week restrictions have been tightened somewhat.

You have to wear a mask - not a plastic shield - at every covered public place (e.g. public transport, underground stations, shops, concert halls, etc.). An exception is when being in a restaurant as long as you sit at the table. Guests in restaurants must give their contact data in case there was another person around who proved to be infectious.

In open air a distance to other people of at least one meter must be maintained.

Most businesses try to operate as normal as possible, but some hotels have closed completely, as it is not feasible to run a place with virtually no guests. Tourism in Vienna is down to 10% of the usual level.

Always check via the Internet whether there are special rules or limitations for a place you want to go to.

Posted by
5382 posts

I am avoiding going anywhere that cannot be reached by foot from my home. The atmosphere here feels grim and we are hunkering down for a long, hard winter. Restaurants are open, with restrictions. Many hotels are closed. Museums are open, with restrictions. Yes, Christmas Markets are happening, but I was shocked about that as cases are climbing here at a fast pace. By December who knows what it will all be like. I do think that the Christmas Markets will be a shadow of their normal greatness this year. Summer was good here. The fall and winter will not be good.

Posted by
234 posts

Thanks, both. This is helpful information. I guess I will see where things are when my trip is closer and make a decision.