Cultural Etiquette & Travel Tips for the Austrian Alps & Dolomites

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When I moved to the region over ten years ago, it took me time to adjust to the way of life here. While it’s less than 2 hours on a plane from where I grew up in the UK, I didn’t expect the culture shock from how different things are here. Whether you’re coming to the Austrian Alps or the Dolomites, these alpine regions share many similarities (due to their complicated history), so most of the things I’ll talk about in this article are relevant to both areas.

If you’re coming from abroad, there are a few cultural differences can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. From sleepy Sundays to steamy saunas, this guide will help you navigate the charming quirks of life in the Alps during your visit.

Most Shops Are Closed on Sundays

Planning to grab snacks, champagne, or some last-minute florals the day before your elopement? Just make sure it’s not a Sunday. Most shops—and even some restaurants—close completely on Sundays. Sundays are family days in the Alps – and for many people, that means spending time outside and active as a family.

Opening hours are also shorter than you might expect, with many stores closing between 5-7pm on weekdays and 12pm on Saturdays. So it’s best to stock up ahead of time, especially if you’re arriving late or staying in a remote mountain village.

Grocery stores are also a lot smaller here. Don’t expect loads of variety from different brands. Most shops will stock their own brand and one or two other well-known brands, but the selection can be quite limited for some items. What you will often find however, is a great selection of locally produced meats and cheeses. Many towns also have a great selection of smaller specialist food shops selling local produce from the region.

Here are the main supermarket chains if you’re searching for a grocery store in Austria and the Dolomites:

• Spar (or DeSpar, InterSpar or EuroSpar)
• mPreis
• Billa (and BillaPlus)
• Hofer/Aldi (usually only in larger towns)
• Adeg
• Conad
• EuroSpin

Pro tip: Some train stations in bigger towns or gas stations might have small convenience shops open on Sundays, but options are very limited.

We Eat Slowly – And Early

In this region, meals are meant to be savored. You won’t be rushed out the door, but you also won’t get your bill unless you ask for it. Don’t take it personally—it’s just the way things are done.

It’s also common to eat relatively early here. Unlike further south in Italy, where it’s perfectly acceptable to walk into a restaurant at 9pm, across the Alps most people typically eat their evening meal between 6-8pm. That means that if you’re planning on going out for dinner, 8pm is the latest that many places will accept a booking (as many will start to close the kitchen around 8:30pm).

Tipping Culture

Tipping is part of the culture here, and it’s normal to tip even for small orders in bars, restaurants and cafes. The most common thing to do is to round up, or add around 10% of the total as a tip. For example, if you order a coffee for €3.60, most locals would round-up to €4. This is the same whether you are paying by cash or by card.

Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

I’m a vegetarian and I have celiac disease which means that most restaurants really love me! Haha, just kidding – they HATE me! So if you have any dietary restrictions, I can sympathise with you.

If you have any particular dietary requirements, such as being a vegan or having an allergy or intolerance, things can become a bit more complicated. The “alpine diet” is very meat, dairy and bread-heavy. While most hotels (especially “fancier” ones) and larger restaurants will try to accommodate your needs, in smaller villages or in mountain restaurants, you may find that your options are limited.

Across the EU, restaurants, cafés, and food outlets are required to provide allergen information for the food they serve. The allergen information can either be written (on the menu, a separate sheet, or a sign) or given verbally by staff. However, from personal experience, the information isn’t always accurate. Written information is usually more reliable, but I have come across menu items that I am 99% sure are incorrectly marked. I’ve also lost count of the number of times that staff have confused gluten with lactose.

If you have any severe allergies or intolerances, I highly recommend contacting establishments ahead to explain your needs and discuss options (sometimes they may actually recommend you bring your own food). Over the years, I’ve just had to accept that in many mountain huts, the best they can offer me is a salad, so I usually bring my own snacks (and sometimes a dried backpacker meal) just in case.

Dogs In Restaurants

It’s extremely common for hotels and restaurants to allow dogs. So don’t be shocked if you see people in even some quite fancy restaurants with a dog under their table. If you have allergies or a phobia of dogs, just mention it to staff so you can be seated away from anyone with a dog.

Accommodation Differences in the Alps

The “Austrian Twin” Room

It’s very uncommon to find a double bed and double duvet in most accommodation across the Alps (in both Austria and the Dolomites). What you’ll find in 99.9% of accommodation is something known in the tourism industry as the “Austrian twin”. This is usually two single mattresses that are pushed together to form a double bed, or in some cases, two single mattresses in a large double frame. While many hotels will use a double sheet to “bridge the gap”, not all of them do. It’s also the norm here to have two separate duvets rather than one large one – and honestly, if your partner has a body temperature similar to the surface of the sun, and you like to sleep cold, you may never want to go back to a shared duvet after your trip!

You Won’t Find Air Conditioning, Just Tilting Windows

Don’t expect air conditioning in most hotel rooms. The weather here is usually pretty mild, and nights tend to cool off naturally, even in summer. Most hotels are in older buildings or traditional chalets that were built to stay cool without A/C and more modern buildings are insulated to the highest specifications. Plus, there’s a big focus on sustainability in the region, so keeping things energy-efficient is a priority. With hotter summers becoming more common, this could change in the future, but for now, it’s still totally normal to find yourself relying on open windows and a fan.

Also—little heads-up about the windows and balcony doors! A lot of hotel rooms have these tilt-and-turn windows, and if you’re not used to them, they can be super confusing. You might think they’re broken because they only open a crack at the top (that’s the “kip” position—it’s for ventilation). But if you turn the handle a different way, the whole window swings open like a door. So don’t panic if you can’t get it open at first—you’re not the first person to stand there fiddling with it for five minutes. As a general rule, they work like this:

⤵️ Handle down = closed
➡️ Handle horizontal = opens fully
⤴️ Handle pointing upwards = tilts inward

Saunas Are Often Naked—and Coed

Alpine spa culture is the real deal here. If you visit a sauna or wellness area, don’t be surprised if clothing isn’t allowed inside. Yep—most spas in Austria and parts of northern Italy are “textile-free“, including the ones in your hotel, meaning swimsuits are a no-go (but keeping your towel wrapped around you is ok).

You will also find that in many public pools and spas, the changing area is communal too – with only the showers and toilets separated by gender. It can feel like a shock at first, but locals are very relaxed about it and respectful of personal space. If it’s not your thing, no pressure—but if you’re curious, it’s an incredibly liberating experience!

No Kettles in Rooms

I’m British, so I can’t survive without regular access to tea. However, unlike in a lot of other places I have travelled, it’s not common to find a kettle and tea and coffee making items in your room here in the Alps. If you are like me and need 24/7 access to tea and coffee, you could consider bringing a travel kettle (although make sure it’s for European voltage or you have a converter).

Recycling Is Part of the Culture

We love recycling here! When you go to the supermarket, you may notice that you’re charged an extra fee for some items that come in glass bottles, and since 2025, also some plastic and cans too. This extra charge is usually between €0.09 and €0.25 cents and is known as a “Pfand”. This is essentially a deposit that you pay on items that you get back when you return them.

Inside most supermarkets you’ll find a machine with a hole in the wall where you return these items. It issues you with a voucher that can be redeemed against your next purchase.

For all items without a Pfand on them, we separate them and take them to the recycling centre ourselves. We separate plastic, glass, paper, cardboard and metal. We also separate compostable waste (bio) from general waste. While you may not be expected to take out your own recycling, you may find that your hotel or holiday apartment does expect you to separate your waste and use different bins.

Don’t Buy Bottled Water

We have some of the cleanest drinking water in the world here in the Alps, so there’s really no need to be buying bottled water (which also creates more plastic waste). Instead, bring a re-useable water bottle and refill it. You’ll find many spring water fountains along hiking trails (like the one pictured above) and in most public restrooms the tap water can also be used to refill your bottle.

Only if you see a sign that says “Kein Trinkwasser / Acqua non potabile” is the water not suitable for drinking. You should also refrain from refilling your water bottle from rivers or streams, no matter how clean the water looks unless you have a filter system in your water bottle).

The only places where you may need to purchase bottled water are at mountain huts. This is because many don’t have access to a fresh water source due to their remote locations.

Unexpected Alarm Bells

If you’re visiting Austria, Bavaria, or the Dolomites, you’ll quickly notice the church bells ringing throughout the day—especially in the mornings and evenings. This region of the Alps is traditionally Catholic and ringing the bells has deep cultural and religious significance, marking time, events, and even local celebrations.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Regular Ringing: Most towns and villages will have bells that ring on the hour, and sometimes at quarter-hour intervals. You’ll often hear them at 6 am and 6 pm, marking the beginning and end of the day.
• Special Occasions: Bells also ring for weddings, holidays, and community events, so you might hear a particularly festive toll if there’s something special going on.
• Ringing for Mass: If you’re eloping in a church or nearby, you’ll likely hear the bells calling locals to mass on Sundays (and sometimes for daily services). It’s a beautiful and old tradition that locals appreciate and expect. Don’t be surprised if the bells ring early on Sundays—it’s the way things are done here. It’s considered a lovely, timeless reminder to appreciate the start of the day.

For some, the sound of church bells is a calming part of daily life, while for others, it can feel like an unexpected wake-up call! Either way, it’s just another charming feature of life in these regions.

What’s That Siren? Don’t Worry, It’s Just a Test

If you’re in Austria or South Tyrol on a Saturday at 12 noon, you might hear loud air raid-style sirens going off. It can sound pretty intense if you’re not expecting it—but don’t panic! This is just a weekly test of the emergency siren system, and it happens every Saturday at noon. It’s totally routine and nothing to worry about. The sirens are part of the civil protection system used for emergencies like natural disasters (avalanches, wildfires, floods, etc.)—so regular testing is important to make sure everything’s working properly.

Fun fact: On the first Saturday of October, Austria does a nationwide siren test, and you’ll hear several different tones to simulate different alert levels. It’s kind of wild, but also a fascinating peek into how seriously they take preparedness here.

Respect for Nature and one-another Is important

Whether you’re hiking to a ceremony spot, popping champagne on a mountain peak, or just heading out for a little post-wedding hike, leave no trace is a must. That means packing out everything (including food waste and tissues), staying on trails, and being mindful of protected areas and private property (Austrian’s in particular really don’t like drones, and in many areas they are not allowed).

It’s also expected that you’ll be respectful and considerate of other people when you’re out in the mountains. Regardless of whether it’s your elopement day, or you’re just going for a hike, the mountains are for everyone to enjoy. That means things like playing music from a speaker or setting up a wedding ceremony in the middle of nature is very much frowned upon. People are happy to share the trails and nature, as long as every has the opportunity to enjoy it equally.

Grazing Animals

One of the most picturesque sights in the Austrian Alps and the Dolomites are the herds of cows, goats, and sheep peacefully grazing in the meadows or along the mountain slopes. These animals are not just for show—they’re an important part of local agriculture and contribute to the cultural heritage of the region. While the animals are usually calm and accustomed to people, they are still working livestock and may be protective of their space or young. If you come across a herd while hiking, make sure to keep a respectful distance.

Culture of Self-Responsibility in the Mountains

In alpine culture, there’s a deep-rooted principle of Selbstverantwortung—self-responsibility. It’s a beautiful (and empowering) approach that trusts individuals to respect the power of nature and to prepare accordingly. This mindset may feel different if you’re used to more regulated or monitored national parks, and a culture where you’ll have warning signs and fences everywhere.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• Trails may be narrow, steep, or exposed with no fences, warning signs or railings, even at high altitudes. You’re expected to know how to choose your route based on your ability and experience.
• You’re expected to check weather, avalanche and trail conditions and decide yourself if a route is safe.
• You’re responsible for your own safety. Emergency rescue isn’t free unless you’re covered by special insurance (like the Alpenverein membership or travel insurance with mountain coverage).

Tip: Consider Rescue Insurance
In Austria and the Dolomites, mountain rescues can cost thousands of euros. One great option is joining the Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV / Alpenverein), which offers annual memberships that include rescue coverage and discounts for overnight stays in many mountain huts across the Alps.

Alternatively, check your travel insurance to make sure it includes coverage for mountain activities or helicopter rescue.

Emergency Numbers

Austria:
– Mountain rescue – 140
– General Emergency Number (Police, Fire, Ambulance) – 112

Dolomites:
– All emergencies – 112 (This is the EU-wide emergency number and works across all EU countries)

I also recommend downloading the free SOS EU ALP emergency app (Android / Apple). This app is specifically designed to be used in the mountains. When used, it shares your GPS coordinates with the mountain rescue services in Tirol, South Tyrol and Bavaria.

Another app I recommend is the 112 Where Are U? app (Android / Apple), which works across Europe. This app allows you to provide the emergency services with your location.

Best Map & Weather Apps

Over my years as a guide, I’ve come across a number of different weather and mapping apps, and there are a few that I prefer for planning hikes around the Alps:

Best Map Apps for planning Hikes

While popular mapping apps like AllTrails and Komoot are common in the UK and the USA, they are less-widely used in the Alps. If you are looking for the most popular tourist hiking trails, you’ll almost certainly find them on these apps. However, if you are looking for hikes in less well-known areas, you’re more likely to find more options on the apps that are more commonly used by locals. While these apps are mostly in German, Google Translate can get you a long way! These apps include:

• AlpenvereinAktiv (part of Outdooractive) – this is the app that many mountain guides use
• Bergfex – a favourite with locals

For driving, I haven’t found a huge difference between the accuracy of Google Maps and Apple Maps (I’m an Apple user) so you use whichever one you prefer.

Best Weather Apps in the Mountains

As a hiking guide, I actually look at a number of different weather apps when I’m making plans. Especially when it comes to the unpredictability of mountain weather, I’ve found that there isn’t one single app that is the most reliable. Instead, I’ve found looking at a few different ones gives me the best overview of how the weather is looking. I also don’t recommend the AccuWeather or Apple Weather apps. These tend to be the worst for accuracy in the mountains. The apps I prefer to use are:

• Windy
• Meteoblue
• YR.no
• Weather South Tyrol