Frühstück commonly consists of bread, toast, and/or bread rolls (the term for which varies a lot by region) with jam (Marmelade or Konfitüre) or honey, eggs, and strong coffee or tea (milk, cocoa or juice for children). Deli meats, such as ham, salted meats and salami, are also commonly eaten on bread in the morning, as are various cheeses. A variety of meat-based spreads such as Leberwurst (literally “liver-sausage”) can be found during breakfast as well. Muesli (Müsli) and cereals such as cornflakes are also popular. You will also encounter these items during your hotel breakfasts.

Traditionally, the main meal of the day has been lunch (Mittagessen), eaten around noon. Vegetables are often eaten in stews or vegetable soups, but can also be served as a side dish. Carrots, turnips, spinach, peas, beans, and many types of cabbage are very common. Noodles are usually thicker than Italian pasta and often contain egg yolk. The predominant variety of noodles is Spätzle which contain a very large amount of yolk. Besides noodles, potatoes and dumplings (Klöße or Knödel) are very common. Austria is unique in that Mehlspeisen, or sweet meals, are often served as main courses. This could be sweet omelets, soufflés, strudel with fruit fillings, or gnocchi or dumplings with poppy seed, nut or fruit filling, or sauces.

Most cafes and restaurants will offer daily specials, which commonly come with a side dish such as a salad or similar. If you are interested in something lighter, most bakeries (Bäckerei) and oftentimes butcher shops (Metzgerei) offer prepared sandwiches. Last but not least, grocery stores are a good option; you can get bread, cheese and cured meats and prepare your own sandwiches.

We will provide suggestions for the evenings scheduled for dinner on your own.

Abendessen or Abendbrot when eaten at home in Austria is usually a smaller meal, often consisting only of a variety of breads and meats, similar to breakfast, or possibly sandwiches. However, in Austria, as in other parts of Europe, dining habits have changed over the last 50 years. Today, many people eat only a small meal in the middle of the working day and enjoy a hot dinner in the evening at home with the whole family. Nevertheless, the traditional way is still rather common, especially in rural areas.

Groceries, butcher shops and bakeries are commonly open from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. Some smaller shops might take a break between noon and 3 p.m. Lunches are commonly served from 11.30 a.m. till 1 p.m. and dinners starting at about 6 p.m. as late as 9 p.m., depending on the type of restaurant and whether you are in a smaller town or village or a major city.