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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Austria

149 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Austria

Updated April 23, 2025

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This 19th-century cobweb painting depicts a wealthy Austrian gentleman.

For Sale: A 19th-Century Portrait Painted on a Spiderweb

One of the last surviving cobweb paintings is on display this weekend.
by Diana Hubbell
Schütte-Lihotzky believed architecture could be a tool for helping women, children, and the working class.

Meet the Feminist Resistance Fighter Who Created the Modern Kitchen

Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky left an indelible mark on Austria, architecture, and how we cook.
by Kaja Seruga
The Schiachperchten traditionally scare away bad fortune.

Krampus Has Come and Gone. Next Up, the Perchten.

These masked marchers bring blessings and fun.
by Joy Anderson
Frau Perchta is often called the Christmas Witch, but that is just one aspect of who she is: a powerful winter goddess who has endured a centuries-old campaign to vilify her.

Fearsome Frau Perchta Is an Ancient Alpine Winter Goddess

Today, she's commonly called the Christmas Witch or even "the female Krampus"—but she is so much more.
by Victoria Linchong
A handstein, circa 1740 from Hungary, in the German Mining Museum in Bochum.

The Raw Ore Centerpieces That Turned Grueling Labor Into Cutesy Dioramas

Handsteins were beloved of 16th-century princes because they affirmed the social order.
by Eve Kahn
A 14th-century painting of Saint Corona by the Master of Palazzo Venezia Madonna.

Is Saint Corona a Guardian Against Epidemics?

Well, she might be now, at least.
by Matthew Taub
The world’s largest wine bottle held 1,590 liters of Austrian red wine—until recently.

The World's Largest Bottle of Wine Just Spilled in Austria

We're gonna need a bigger napkin.
by Luke Fater
Archaeologists found these Late Bronze Age feeding vessels in Vösendorf, Austria.

Found: Milk Residue That Proves Ancient Europeans Used Cute-as-Heck Baby Bottles

The clay vessels are shaped like mythical animals.
by Reina Gattuso

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