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How Europe’s strikes will affect people in Austria this summer

Austria itself isn’t experiencing the labour disputes many other countries are due to rising cost of living, but travellers in the alpine republic could still see some knock-on effects from other places.

Published: 9 June 2023 15:57 CEST

There may be delays on some Austrian train lines this summer due to possible German rail strikes. Photo by Frederic Köberl on Unsplash

With Austrian Airlines having reached an agreement with its workers back in April and no major public transport or train strikes on the horizon – at least within Austria itself – people living here may have escaped the worst of any potential travel chaos in Europe this summer.

But as a landlocked country in the middle of Europe, there’s bound to be some knock-on effects for both air and train travellers.

Travel by train: watch out for German and Italian strikes

Northward, in Germany, the EVG union representing train workers in their action against German state railway company Deutsche Bahn, have yet to reach a deal.

No further strike dates have been set, but the two sides are due to sit down for five days of talks from Monday, and if they can’t find a resolution there’s speculation that strikes could take place later in the month or in July. For people in Austria, any industrial action is likely to lead to some train cancellations, especially for those who use the well-travelled Salzburg to Munich route.

Any strikes in Germany are also likely to mean big disruptions for people travelling between Salzburg and Kufstein in western Austria – a route that is also necessary for many direct trains, such as the Westbahn, that travel between Vienna and Linz onward to Innsbruck.

That’s because trains between Salzburg and Kufstein have to go through the “Deutsches Eck” area – a small enclave of Germany that separates the two Austrian border towns.

Strikes in Germany are typically announced a few days beforehand, and previous German strikes have made travel through Deutsches Eck impossible, leading Austrian state railway ÖBB to set up replacement shuttle services between Salzburg and Kufstein.

ÖBB has previously warned that while using the shuttles to go around Deutsches Eck means travel between Salzburg and Kufstein is still possible during German rail strikes, it can lengthen the trip by several hours and involve changes in either Salzburg, Kufstein, or both.

An Austrian ÖBB train speeds through the country. (© ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger)

Italy is also set to have several public transport and train strikes this summer, including in its northern regions near Austria.

Milan public transport plans to strike on June 16^th, with nationwide public transport following suit on July 7^th.

On June 23^rd, staff at Trenford, which operates regional trains in Lombardy, where Milan is, are set to strike from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Travel by air: watch out for British, French, and Italian strikes

Although Austrian Airlines and its workers have reached a deal, air travellers should watch out for air traffic control strikes that could ground their travel plans.

On July 15^th, staff with Italy’s main air traffic control operator ENAV will stage a 24-hour walkout, meaning anyone flying south from Austria could see their flights disrupted or cancelled – even if they’re bound for a destination that isn’t in Italy itself, like Malta or Tunisia.

Although there aren’t any strikes affecting Austria itself, air traffic control and security staff strikes in the UK, France, and Italy may have knock-on effects. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)

Air traffic controllers in France have also gone on strike several times in the last few months, grounding flights going into or out of France – and even some just flying over France. Air traffic controllers haven’t announced any new strike days since their last day of action on June 6^th. But if they announce any others, it could well affect westward travel from Austria.

Travellers from Austria heading to or from the UK should also be aware that security staff will be striking at Heathrow Airport on most weekends from mid-June to late August, potentially affecting flights to Vienna into and out of Heathrow’s Terminal 3. Staff at Edinburgh Airport, which has some direct services to Vienna, have also voted to strike over the summer buy haven’t set any dates.

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10 things you definitely should know if you cycle in Vienna

If you use a bike to get around in Vienna, it is important to be aware of a few rules and key tips so you stay safe, warm, dry and out of trouble with Austrian police.

Here are 10 things that you should think about before jumping on your bike in Vienna.

Autumn and winter weather can be tough – but so can summer

Vienna weather’s can be brutal sometimes both in the winter, and summer.

During autumn and winter, you will experience rain, wind, and sometimes even snow, although it usually does not last for long. This means you might need to prepare yourself for whatever comes during your ride.

A good idea is to always keep a waterproof and windproof jacket in your backpack and a cap that you can wear under your helmet in case of rain.

If snow is still on the ground, waiting a while before jumping on your bike is better, given the streets may be slippery. Since snow tends to melt quickly in Vienna, you will probably not have to wait long.

Cycling in extreme heat during summer—as heatwaves become longer, harsher, and more common—is also not advised. On days when temperatures are forecast to go over 30C, it might be better to leave the bike at home.

Don’t forget your lights

In Vienna (and Austria in general), you must use front and rear lights when riding during darker hours and during times of reduced visibility, such as fog or heavy rain.

If you do not use bike lights, you put yourself at risk and face a fine of over €20 if caught. Some Vienna police officers are especially vigilant about catching bikers breaking the rules.

Look for the bike lanes

While biking around Vienna, you often ride alongside cars, trams, and buses. Many cycle lanes are available, but they are not everywhere, and sometimes, you may need to take a longer route to your destination if you want to avoid sharing the road with cars.

A good idea is to check where the bike paths are located and plan your route ahead of time to stay on dedicated paths as much as possible.

Although most car drivers in Vienna tend to show respect to cyclists, complex situations can take place on busy streets, especially during rush hours (mornings and late afternoons after work).

Exploring Vienna by bike during quieter times, such as Sunday mornings, is a good idea to get to know the city, its biking paths, and different roads better.

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Do not leave your bike outside overnight

Vienna is not known for being a city where bikes are often stolen, but it can definitely happen. According to the VCÖ, an Austrian public welfare organisation specializing in mobility and transport, 6,328 bikes were stolen in the Austrian capital last year, a decrease of almost seven percent from the year before but still the highest number in Austria in absolute figures.

A good idea is to always bring your bike into your basement, inner yard, or even your flat during the night.

Always lock your parked bike, even if you only go into a shop briefly, the VCÖ says. When locking up, ensure the frame and lock are attached to a bicycle bracket.

“If only the front wheel is attached to the bike stand, there is a risk that the bike will be removed and the rest of the bike stolen,” explained VCÖ spokesperson Christian Gratzer.

The organisation adds that people should replace the quick release on the saddle and front wheel with safety bolts and use a high-quality bicycle lock.

Always bring some tools with you

While riding around, it is not unlikely that something sometimes breaks, falls off, or starts causing problems. Therefore, it is important to always carry a small kit of the most essential tools with you, such as small screwdrivers and a compact bike pump.

The city has spots with bike pumps in some places, but since you never know when you might need one, it’s a good idea to bring your own.

If you don’t know how to repair minor issues with bikes, such as fixing a flat tire, watching YouTube videos can help.

Watch out for the electric scooters

You are likely to sometimes consider electric scooters as your worst enemies.

They move quickly, can be very quiet, share your lane, and are often ridden by people in groups. Many electric scooter riders tend to change speed quickly.

However, as long as you notice them in time, it should not be a bigger problem.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol

Just like with driving, cycling while under the influence of alcohol is not allowed in Austria. So, you will be fined if you are caught over the limit.

In fact, cyclists are only allowed up to 0.4mg of alcohol per litre of breath. If a breathalyser detects more alcohol in your system, you will be fined based on how much you have consumed.

From 0.4mg: €800 to €3,700 fine
From 0.6mg: €1,200 to €4,400
From 0.8mg: €1,600 to €5,900
Refusal to test: €1,600 to €5,900

As well as a fine, cyclists can lose a driving licence if caught cycling while drunk. According to the federal government, this is because “riding a bicycle while intoxicated can be an indication of a lack of traffic reliability”. Because of that, authorities may determine that you are not fit to drive and, therefore, revoke your driver’s licence.

Do not use a bike with thin tyres

Since Vienna is a city filled with tram lanes, using tyres that fit well into them can be dangerous.

In the city, it is almost unavoidable not to ride where you have to cross tram lanes or ride next to them.

Using slightly thicker tyres can make your trip safer. But if you absolutely want to ride your racing bike with thin tires, that should also be safe, as long as you always watch where you go.

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Vienna is sometimes hilly

Vienna is not completely flat; if you go higher up in districts such as Ottakring, Hernals, and Währing, you might feel like you are getting a bit of a workout.

During Viennese hot summers, this workout might make you arrive somewhat sweaty at your destination. If you want to avoid this, it is important to plan to wear breathable clothes, bring an extra set, or bike so slowly that you barely start sweating.

Also, it is good to remember that you are allowed to take your bike on the metro outside of rush hours.

Pedestrians share paths with bikes

In many parts of the city, such as along the Ringstraße surrounding the inner district, bikers share paths with pedestrians, sometimes leading to stressful situations.

Many pedestrians do not watch out for bikes, change their walking patterns, or might be listening to music. It is therefore very important to pay attention to your surroundings when you ride in this part of the city.

Take the red lights into consideration

If the light is red, you are not allowed to go through it, even if there are no cars or pedestrians crossing your route.

Another important thing regarding traffic lights is that, if you are unlucky, you might have to wait for the green light multiple times during your bike trip, which could make you arrive later than expected.

A good idea is to start a little earlier to avoid arriving late if you are going somewhere important.

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