10 Austrian Resolutions for 2026: From “Glücksfisch” to Financial Growth
As the final echoes of the St. Stephen’s Pummerin bell fade into the night, millions of Austrians will wake up to the first morning of 2026. While the traditional New Year’s survey by IMAS suggests a cautious outlook among the population due to global inflation and economic shifts, there is a renewed focus on personal resilience and “nourishing” habits.
Whether you are watching the Four Hills Tournament from your couch or planning a hike in the Tyrolean Alps, here are 10 resolutions tailored specifically for life in Austria in 2026.
1. Mastering Your “Nettolohn”: Financial Literacy
With the significant 2026 Tax Reform taking effect this month, your first resolution should be to understand your paycheck. Most residents will see an increase in their net income. Instead of letting it disappear into daily expenses, 2026 is the year to automate your savings or look into the “Green Investment” options currently trending in the Austrian banking sector.
2. The “Manner” Rule: Protecting Your Luck
Tradition matters. If you find yourself holding a pack of Manner “Lucky Fish” (Glücksfisch) today, remember the cardinal rule: Always eat them from the fin first. Legend says this prevents your luck from swimming away in the new year. While it’s a lighthearted custom, it represents a larger resolution: reconnecting with the small, unique cultural quirks that make the nine federal states of Austria so special.
3. Movement as Medicine: Beyond the Gym
“Exercising more” is the top resolution for 42% of Austrians this year. However, rather than expensive gym memberships that go unused by February, the 2026 trend is “Micro-Movement.” Resolve to use Austria’s world-class public transport—like the newly expanded ÖBB routes and get off one stop early to walk. The goal is 8,000 steps a day, fueled by fresh Alpine air.
4. Digital Deceleration (The Salzkammergut Shift)
As we noted in our 2025 Year in Review, our lives have become increasingly digital. For 2026, many are resolving to implement “Tech-Free Sundays.” This is the perfect time to visit the Salzkammergut or the Wachau valley without the constant urge to post to social media.
5. Conquering the “Winter Blues”
With the current flu wave hitting its peak, physical health is a priority. But mental health is the silent resolution of 2026. Austria is seeing a rise in “Nourishing” resolutions—prioritizing sleep, reducing stress, and using the 1450 health hotline for preventative advice before burnout sets in.
6. Sustainable “Alpinism”
Austria’s mountains are our greatest treasure. In 2026, resolve to be a “Conscious Climber.” This means sticking to marked trails to protect local flora, using regional mountain huts (Hütten) to support local economies, and reducing single-use plastics during your weekend getaways.
7. The Sunday Museum Habit
Cultural engagement in Austria is world-renowned, yet many locals forget to visit the treasures in their own backyard. Resolve to visit one museum or gallery every month. From the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna to the Ars Electronica in Linz, these spaces offer the intellectual “reset” many are craving in a skeptical year.
8. Mastering the “E-Card” System
Efficiency is a virtue. With changes to the E-Card service fees, make it a resolution to digitize your health records and stay on top of your “Vorsorgeuntersuchung” (preventative check-up). It’s free, and it’s the most effective way to ensure a healthy 2026.
9. Localism: Support Your “Grätzel”
The local butcher, the corner bakery, and the family-owned coffee house are the heart of Austrian society. In a year of “modest growth,” a resolution to buy local—even just twice a week—makes a massive impact on your community’s economic health.
10. Optimism Against the Grain
Finally, resolve to be part of the “Optimistic Third.” While 61% of the population looks toward 2026 with concern or skepticism, 33% remain optimistic. By focusing on personal growth, community connection, and the resilience that helped Austria emerge from its longest recession, you can ensure that 2026 isn’t just another year, but a better one.
