Welcome, Nico! Austria’s First Baby of 2026 Arrives in Linz
While the sky over the Austria was still illuminated by New Year’s fireworks, a very special arrival was celebrated in Upper Austria. At exactly 00:00:15, baby Nico became the first citizen born in Austria in 2026.
Born at a clinic in Linz, Nico weighed in at a healthy 3,420 grams and measured 51 centimeters. Both the newborn and his parents are reported to be doing excellent, marking a joyful start to the year for the family and the hospital staff.
The Race for the “Neujahrsbaby”
The title of the “Neujahrsbaby” is a beloved tradition in Austria, with hospitals across the country—from the heart of Vienna to the mountains of Tyrol—monitoring the clocks with precision. Nico’s arrival at just 15 seconds past midnight makes him one of the “fastest” New Year babies in recent years.
A Symbolic Start to 2026
Nico’s birth coincides with a day of immense change across the country. He is among the first to be born into the new era of the 2026 Health Care Reform, and his parents will be among the first to benefit from the Abolition of Cold Progression as they plan their future.
Even as the city crews work to clean the streets of Vienna, stories like Nico’s remind us of the new beginnings that every New Year represents.
Congratulations from Across the State
Upper Austria’s provincial leadership has already extended their congratulations to the family, a gesture that is traditional for the first birth of the year. Following Nico’s arrival, several other “New Year babies” were reported in Graz and Salzburg shortly after 12:05 AM, ensuring that the next generation of Austrians is already off to a busy start.
