What is the Legal Drinking Age in Austria?
When we travelled to Austria a couple of years ago with my teens, one of the things that came up during our trip research was the drinking age.
So, if you are also wondering what the legal drinking age in Austria is, then you have come to the right place!
Navigating a foreign country with its own set of alcohol laws can be a little confusing.
While Hubby and I were definitely looking forward to sampling some Austrian beer, we did have our 18-year-old daughter with us for that trip.
So, making sure that we knew the drinking age was pretty important.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the legal drinking age in Austria, what you need to know as a traveller, and some fun facts about Austria’s alcohol culture. Prost!
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Austria?
In Austria, the drinking age depends on what you’re drinking. You can legally enjoy beer and wine from the age of 16.
For stronger drinks like schnapps, gin, or vodka, you’ll need to be 18.
This is similar to the drinking age rules in Germany.
So, if you’re heading to festivals, bars, or restaurants, just remember—beer and wine at 16, everything else at 18.
What is the Drinking Age in Vienna?
Vienna follows Austria’s national drinking laws.
So, it’s the same story here: beer and wine at 16, stronger spirits and distilled beverages at 18.
Simple enough!
Can You Drink at 16 in Austria?
Yes, you can!
In Austria, once you hit 16, you’re free to enjoy beer and wine.
It’s one of the cultural differences my older teens were excited to experience.
Why? I have no idea! They ordered the beer and then passed it to John and me because they didn’t like the taste! 😂😂
Just keep in mind, if you want something stronger like vodka or schnapps, you’ll still have to wait until you’re 18.
Can You Buy Alcohol at 16 in Austria?
Absolutely! If you’re 16 or older, Austrian law allows you to buy beer and wine without hassle.
Feel free to stock up at supermarkets or liquor stores.
But remember, for spirits and other hard drinks, you must be at least 18.
Stores in Austria are generally strict about checking IDs, especially in supermarkets.
I found it really interesting, however, that locals said that bars and restaurants were a bit more relaxed when it came to beer and wine.
What are the Rules Regarding Drinking in Austria?
Beer is definitely a big part of Austrian culture, but there are rules in place to keep things safe and fun.
The drinking laws in Austria are pretty straightforward and mostly apply in public spaces like bars, restaurants, and festivals. Here’s a quick summary:
Drinking Age in Austria
🍺 16 Years Old – Can purchase and consume beer and wine.
🍾 18 Years Old – Can purchase and consume Spirits and other distilled alcoholic beverages.
Purchasing or Selling Alcohol in Austria
It’s illegal to sell alcohol to minors, and sellers must check IDs to avoid fines or legal trouble.
Adults buying drinks for minors can also face penalties, so keep that in mind!
Impaired Driving in Austria
Austria takes drinking and driving very seriously.
The legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 0.5 mg/ml, lower than in North America.
For new drivers (under two years of having a license), the limit is even stricter at 0.1 g/L.
Is it Legal to Drink in Public in Austria?
Drinking in public places in Austria is generally okay, as long as you’re not causing problems and you’re of legal age.
Parks, squares, and public areas are usually fine.
However, always check local rules. Some places might restrict public drinking on certain streets or near transportation hubs.
From our own experience, even if it’s allowed, locals in Vienna tend to frown upon drinking openly on the street.
We preferred enjoying drinks in biergartens. They’re great spots to relax, enjoy the weather, and watch the world go by!
Does Austria’s Drinking Age Apply to Tourists?
Yes, Austria’s drinking age rules apply to everyone, including tourists.
Beer and wine at 16, spirits at 18.
Always carry ID, like a passport or driver’s license, since establishments might check your age.
Can a 16-Year-Old American Drink in Austria?
Absolutely! Austria’s drinking laws apply regardless of your nationality.
So, if you’re a 16-year-old American visiting Austria, you’re free to enjoy beer or wine.
As you can see in the above photo, my 18-year-old was pleased as punch to be able to order a beer.
Did she drink it all? HECK NO! 🤣🤣
Remember, for spirits, you’ll still need to be 18.
At What Age Can You Drink with Parents in Austria?
Austria doesn’t have a specific drinking age when minors are supervised by parents or guardians.
It’s generally up to parental discretion if minors can have alcohol in their presence.
Is Alcohol Expensive in Austria?
Alcohol prices in Austria are quite reasonable, especially for local beer and wine from supermarkets.
Imported drinks or dining at trendy spots can be pricier, but overall, Austria offers good value.
Hubby found that the beer in Austria was very comparably priced to what we were used to spending in Germany.
What Liquor is Austria Known for?
Austria loves beer and wine, but it’s also famous for schnapps, a fruit brandy.
Popular flavours include apricot (Marillenschnaps), pear (Williamsbirne), and cherry (Kirschwasser).
Often used as a post-meal digestif, schnapps has a pretty high alcohol content, often surpassing 30%.
And much as I do not really enjoy strong alcohol, I find Austrian schnapps to be remarkably smooth and completely enjoyable (especially the peach and the plum 😄😄).
What Do Austrians Drink After Dinner?
After dinner, Austrians often enjoy schnapps or Obstler—a fruit brandy blend from apples, pears, plums, or cherries.
My favourite schnapps has always been peach-flavoured, but my German family made their own plum schnapps. And that was pretty awesome as well!
Other popular digestifs include walnut liqueur (Nüssenschnaps), Williams pear schnapps (Willi), and pine cone liquor (Zirberl).
🍑 Fun Fact: A fruit schnapps or brandy is considered to be an “Obstler” if it has been distilled from the mash of two or more different fruit varieties combined.
How Do You Ask for Beer in Austria?
When it comes to ordering beer in Austria, it’s always helpful to know a few key phrases.
To ask for a beer, you can use the phrase “Ein Bier, bitte” (pronounced “ine beer, bit-teh”).
This simple phrase translates to “One beer, please” and will generally get your message across to the bartender or server.
If you have a preference for a specific type of beer, you can mention it within the phrase, such as “Ein Helles Bier, bitte” for a light beer or “Ein Märzen Bier, bitte” for a Märzen-style beer.
Of course, many Austrians are pretty fluent in English, especially in tourist areas. So you can also use the English phrase “A beer, please” if you prefer.
And while both Hubby and I are proficient in German, if we needed to slip back into English for one reason or another, we never had any issues being understood.
What is Austria‘s Most Popular Beer?
Austria’s favourite beer is definitely Stiegl.
Brewed in Salzburg since the 15th century, Stiegl’s signature beer, Goldbräu, is a smooth, balanced Märzen lager.
This golden brew has gained popularity not only within Austria but also internationally.
🍺 Fun Fact: Stiegl now boasts an impressive annual beer production of over 1 million hectoliters (equivalent to 852,168 US barrels).
How Old Do You Have to Be to Go Clubbing in Austria?
The legal age to enter clubs in Austria is typically 16, though many venues set the entry age at 18.
Always check specific club rules, as they can vary by event or venue.
Drinking Age in Austria – FAQs
In Salzburg, the drinking age is 16 for beer and wine and 18 for stronger spirits, just like the rest of Austria.
Austrians typically enjoy beer or a glass of wine with their lunch.
In Austria, pubs are usually called “Beisl” or “Gasthaus.”
Most bars in Austria close between midnight and 2 AM, although clubs can stay open much later.
Yes, tipping at bars in Austria is common—round up the bill or leave a small tip.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—the lowdown on the drinking age in Austria!
We’ve explored how the legal age varies for different types of alcohol, the nuances for tourists and locals, and even touched on the cultural aspects of drinking in Austria.
So, whether you’re raising a glass at a local Gasthaus, enjoying a post-dinner Obstler, or exploring Austria’s awesome nightlife scene, let’s toast to a wonderful and enjoyable time in this beautiful country. Prost!
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