In this week’s Inside Austria we look at how Austria’s homes and offices are coping with extreme heat, and what you should pack in your travel first-aid kit this summer.
Inside Austria is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points, and gossip in Austria that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday, and members can receive it directly in their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.
Are Austrian homes and offices ready for extreme heat?
Austria has faced sweltering temperatures this week, with parts of the country recording highs above 35C. While the heatwave has residents flocking to lakes and swimming pools, many are also struggling with dangerously hot indoor spaces at home, work, and on public transport.
Unlike in countries with hotter climates, most Austrian homes, offices, and public buildings lack air conditioning. Traditionally, this was considered unnecessary and environmentally unfriendly, but with more frequent heatwaves, the debate is shifting. Many older apartments retain heat, making nights uncomfortable and even risky for vulnerable people such as the elderly or those with health conditions.
Hospitals have also reported challenges keeping wards cool, adding to the discomfort for patients and staff. Meanwhile, commuters have faced stuffy and suffocating journeys on public transport, with some trains and trams running without air conditioning or sufficient ventilation.
Austria has been slower than some neighbouring countries to adopt air conditioning, partly due to cultural attitudes but also environmental concerns.
Experts worldwide warn that widespread AC installation could increase emissions, suggesting that better building insulation, shading, and urban cooling strategies are more sustainable long-term solutions.
For newer buildings, options such as ceiling cooling are becoming increasingly common and worth considering when buying or renting. For older buildings, however, landlords and companies may need to rethink their usual ‘no AC’ policies, often justified by rules against major changes to building facades.
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What to pack in your travel first-aid kit this summer
With summer holidays approaching, Austria’s Ministry of Health and Chamber of Pharmacists are reminding travellers to prepare a well-stocked first-aid kit before heading abroad.
Getting sick in another country can be stressful, especially if you cannot access the medication or care you are used to at home.
Experts recommend packing a clinical thermometer, pain and fever medication, treatments for diarrhoea with electrolyte solutions, remedies for heartburn or constipation, and medicines for travel sickness.
They also suggest including allergy tablets, decongestant nasal sprays (helpful on flights), insect repellent, sunscreen with high protection, after-sun products, wound disinfectants, bandages, blister plasters, and basic tools like scissors and tweezers. For children, add age-appropriate fever medication, electrolyte preparations, and insect repellent.
People on regular medication should carry enough for the entire trip in their hand luggage, ideally in the original packaging, along with English prescriptions and a doctor’s certificate.
It is also worth checking country-specific rules on bringing medicines via Austria’s Foreign Ministry travel information. And if you’re planning an ‘adventure holiday’ in a region with limited medical facilities, experts advise having an evacuation plan in case of serious illness or injury.
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