Benjamin Wolf, Author at Metropole

Coronavirus

Coronavirus in Austria | Ski Teacher Cluster Grows

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria this week – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - January 27, 2021

Coronavirus

How Austria Plans to Support Its Schools & Artists

With schools in distance learning until February and cultural institutions closed perhaps through March, the government is stepping up support measures.

Benjamin Wolf - January 27, 2021

Coronavirus

Austria’s New COVID-19 Support Measures for Businesses

After extending the current lockdown until at least Feb. 7, the government promised additional support for businesses and workers.

Benjamin Wolf - January 27, 2021

Coronavirus

Traveling to Austria in Times of Corona

Since January 15, travelers to Austria have to register online and enter a quarantine. Find here all the rules, exceptions and forms you may need.

Benjamin Wolf - January 15, 2021

Coronavirus

COVID-19 Vaccine: How Austria Plans to Do It

Austria’s CoV vaccination campaign is picking up speed. The federal government will provide the vaccine, while the federal states organize the distribution. Here is how it works

Benjamin Wolf - January 13, 2021

Coronavirus Daily Updates

CoV on Jan. 4-10 | New Cases Stabilize Around 2,000 a Day

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Jan. 4-10, 2021.

Benjamin Wolf - January 10, 2021

Coronavirus

CoV on December 19 | New Travel Restrictions in Place

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 19, 2020 – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 19, 2020

Coronavirus

Austria’s Coronavirus Rules for Christmas, the Holidays, and Travel

Everything you need to know about the COVID rules in Austria during the Christmas holidays and around the New Year.

Benjamin Wolf - December 19, 2020

Coronavirus

CoV on December 18 | Hard Lockdown From Dec. 26 – Jan. 17

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 18, 2020 – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 18, 2020

Coronavirus

CoV on December 16 | Austria to Receive 900,000 Pfizer/Biontech Vaccine Doses in Q1, Kurz Says

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 16, 2020 – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 16, 2020

Coronavirus

CoV on December 15 | Holiday & Travel Rules, Vaccine Approval on Dec. 21

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 15, 2020 – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 15, 2020

Coronavirus

CoV on December 14 | 2 Million Went to Mass Tests

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 14, 2020

Coronavirus

CoV on December 12 | Tyrol Makes Free Antigen Testing Permanent

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 12, 2020 – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 12, 2020

Coronavirus

CoV on December 11 | Mass Tests in Salzburg, Upper Austria, Carinthia

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 11, 2020 – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 11, 2020

Coronavirus

CoV on December 9 | Only 4 Out of 22 Tested Disinfectants Effective

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 9, 2020 – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 9, 2020

Coronavirus Daily Updates

CoV on December 7 | Mass Testing Proceeds

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 7, 2020 – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 7, 2020

Coronavirus

Coronavirus in Early December | Entry Restrictions May Be Extended

COVID-19 is shaping our daily lives. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including where to get help, information and tips – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - December 5, 2020

Coronavirus

How Vienna Plans to Mass Test the Population for COVID-19

The city plans to test 1.2 million people from December 4-13 with rapid antigen tests. Here’s how it is supposed to work

Benjamin Wolf - December 4, 2020

Coronavirus

How Austria Plans to Roll Out the CoV Vaccine

The first people in Austria may get vaccinated against the coronavirus already at the beginning of 2021. Until then, the logistics and timetable have to be worked out

Benjamin Wolf - November 22, 2020

Coronavirus

Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in November

The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s what happened in November 2020.

Benjamin Wolf - November 20, 2020

Coronavirus

The Rules of Austria’s Second “Hard” Lockdown

In response to surging case numbers, Austria re-entered full lockdown on Tuesday, Nov. 17. These rules apply until Sunday, Dec. 6.

Benjamin Wolf - November 14, 2020

Home is where the Herz is

METROPOLE Wins the Jean Monnet Prize 2020

Our ongoing project “Home Is Where the Herz Is” was awarded the 2020 Jean Monnet Prize for European Integration for “celebrating diversity” and “giving a voice to Vienna’s immigrant communities.”

Benjamin Wolf - November 11, 2020

Coronavirus

Gag Order? Austria’s Education Ministry Attempts to Silence Reports of Coronavirus Cases at Schools

Keeping schools open in the pandemic has become a hot-button topic. A new directive of Austria’s Education Ministry now wants to control who should know about positive cases

Benjamin Wolf - November 10, 2020

Online

“Long live freedom! Long live our common, peaceful Europe!”

After the tragic events of November 2, Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen held a speech addressed to all people living in Austria. We translated it for our readers.

Benjamin Wolf - November 3, 2020

Online

“We will never forget the victims of yesterday evening and together we will resolutely defend our ba...

Following the tragic events of November 2, Austria’s chancellor held a speech addressed to all people living in Austria. We translated it for our readers.

Benjamin Wolf - November 3, 2020

City Life

How the Viennese Reacted to a Night of Terror – with Solidarity, Resilience and Wit

It was a night of grief and terror. But in their unique way, the Viennese showed heroism, resilience and wit.

Benjamin Wolf - November 3, 2020

General

Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | More Than 1,000 People in Austria Have Died From COVID-19 – A...

The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including where to get help, information and tips – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - October 27, 2020

Coronavirus

Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in October

The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including where to get help, information and tips – updated regularly.

Benjamin Wolf - October 27, 2020

Coronavirus

“Austria can manage this. Together.”

On Austria’s National Day, October 26, 2020, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed Austrians and “all people living in our country” with a calm plea for reasons, fortitude and unity.

Benjamin Wolf - October 27, 2020

Coronavirus

New COVID-19 Measures – What Will Change

The federal government has once again tightened rules for restaurants and events. Here’s what it means for Vienna.

Benjamin Wolf - October 25, 2020

Online

Vienna Has Voted – The Final Results in Detail

Viennese voters have handed the ruling SPÖ of Mayor Michael Ludwig a decisive victory. All other parties win a higher vote share. Only the far-right-wing FPÖ implodes, losing more than three quarters of its voters.

Benjamin Wolf - October 12, 2020

Online

7 German Words That Will Spoil Austrian Appetites

Erdäpfel, Topfen & Paradeiser are more than just words.

Benjamin Wolf - October 11, 2020

Online

Let the People Vote!

In Austria, every 5th person over 16 cannot vote, in Vienna, every 3rd. For democracy to flourish, we need to make these voices heard.

Benjamin Wolf - October 6, 2020

Coronavirus

Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in September

The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s what happened in September, 2020.

Benjamin Wolf - September 30, 2020

Online

The Latest News from Austria & Vienna

All that’s currently moving Austria – short, concise and in English.

Benjamin Wolf - September 6, 2020

Coronavirus

Austria, Slovakia, Czechia Vow to Avoid Border Closures

The parliamentary presidents of the three countries met in Grafenegg, 50 km outside of Vienna. Hungary’s recent steps to close its borders were also discussed.

Benjamin Wolf - September 3, 2020

Online

Vienna Offers to Take in Refugee Children From the Greek Islands

The City Council voted to take in 100 minors from the overcrowded refugee camp – principally from the Moria camp on Lesbos.

Benjamin Wolf - September 2, 2020

Online

Austria Offers Citizenship to Descendants of Victims of the Nazi Regime

A new law entering into force on September 1, offers a path to citizenship to tens of thousands whose ancestors were persecuted by the Nazis.

Benjamin Wolf - September 1, 2020

Coronavirus

Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in August

Here’s all you need to know about current measures and developments, including trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.

Benjamin Wolf - August 31, 2020

International

In This Land of Immigrants, Tales of International Families

Having relatives all around the planet makes for exciting family stories, but keeping in touch with your loved ones is also a constant challenge.

Benjamin Wolf - August 14, 2020

Coronavirus

The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in July

After the lockdown, here is how Austria is dealing with the “new normality” of the coronavirus.

Benjamin Wolf - July 31, 2020

City Life

Vienna’s Ultimate Swimming Pool Guide

It will be a summer like no other. This year due to Corona, many Viennese will opt to spend a good part of their holiday in the city. Lucky for us, there are few better places for relaxing in the shade and swimming in pools or rivers than Vienna.

Benjamin Wolf - July 10, 2020

Coronavirus

The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in June

With summer approaching, new challenges await Austria in dealing with the coronavirus.Here’s all you need to know about current measures and developments, including trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.

Benjamin Wolf - June 30, 2020

Online

In Austrian Schools, Laptops for All & €200 Million for the Digital Classroom

From digital devices to digital platforms, the government is launching an ambitious new program to bring technology to Austrian schools.

Benjamin Wolf - June 18, 2020

Coronavirus

Austria to Open Borders to All Neighbors – Except Italy

Starting on June 4, Austria will open the borders to Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czechia and Hungary. Travelers from these countries won’t need to go into quarantine or present a negative COVID-19 test result.

Benjamin Wolf - June 3, 2020

Coronavirus

The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in May

Austria has successfully flattened the curve, for now. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including available resources, trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.

Benjamin Wolf - May 31, 2020

General

Solar Roofs for All New Buildings in Vienna & a Turbocharged Climate Budget

A new city planning law stipulates that all new residential buildings in Vienna have to be built with solar collectors on the roof. Meanwhile, the federal government almost doubled funds for climate initiatives.

Benjamin Wolf - May 30, 2020

General

Home is where the Herz is

Understanding Vienna means understanding all the cultures that make up this diverse city. Vienna is home to people from over 180 nations. Metropole g...

Benjamin Wolf - May 26, 2020

Online

Vienna Ranked as Greenest City in the World – and Metropolitans Show Why

Our readers share some of their favorite pictures of springtime Vienna.

Benjamin Wolf - May 14, 2020

Coronavirus

The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in April

Austria has successfully flattened the curved. Here’s all you need to know about what happened in April 2020 in Vienna and beyond.

Benjamin Wolf - April 30, 2020

Coronavirus

How Austrian Businesses Are Now Fighting the Coronavirus

The pandemic and the shutdown have shaken the country’s economy. Now businesses gear up to help fight the coronavirus, with masks, hackers, drones and more.

Benjamin Wolf - April 22, 2020

How To

“Where There’s a Will…”

Getting our affairs in order in time of a crisis can be a huge relief for all parties, while protecting those you love.

Benjamin Wolf - April 21, 2020

Coronavirus

The ORF Goes Multilingual – a Little Bit

Austria’s public broadcaster now offers current news snippets in multiple languages. The short videos published every other day on Instagram cover coronavirus news in 9 languages.

Benjamin Wolf - April 17, 2020

Coronavirus

The Austrian Cultural Forum New York Invites You to Vienna’s Digital Concert Hall

The sound of Austrian music reverberates even in times of the lockdown, from Vienna to New York. The Konzerthaus’s digital concert hall brings live music to your home.

Benjamin Wolf - April 15, 2020

Coronavirus

All Eyes on Austria as it Reopens Stores, Eases Coronavirus Lockdown

The world watches as Austria becomes one of the first countries European countries to start lifting its lockdown. A media review.

Benjamin Wolf - April 14, 2020

Coronavirus

An Easter Sunday in the Prater

This spring is different. A report from a Styrian in Vienna, as we all stay together apart.

Benjamin Wolf - April 13, 2020

Coronavirus

What to Eat to Keep Your Immune System Fit

Two immunologists share which nutrients can support our resistance to disease in the times of corona.

Benjamin Wolf - April 10, 2020

Coronavirus

Vienna’s Artists Bring the Best of Culture to Your Couch

Cultural life on Austria is on standby – but not quite. Many institutions are trying to keep the spirit alive online. We’ve compiled the best of Vienna’s cultural offerings you can enjoy from your couch.

Benjamin Wolf - April 1, 2020

Coronavirus

The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in March

The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s all you need to know about what happened in March 2020 in Vienna and beyond.

Benjamin Wolf - March 31, 2020

Coronavirus

Help Us Help You

In these turbulent times, we are there for you, every day. Now we need your support to keep it up.

Benjamin Wolf - March 24, 2020

Coronavirus

English-language Updates on the Coronavirus in Austria

Metropole is there for the roughly 500,000 non-German speakers across Austria who need information on COVID-19 developments. Their contribution to the #stayathome effort is vital for the success of Austrian safety measures.

Benjamin Wolf - March 19, 2020

Coronavirus

The MA 35 & Vienna’s City Administration in the Time of Corona

The MA 35 still operates, but remotely. And Vienna’s Mayor issued an urgent plea to the Viennese to not overwhelm the city’s administration at exactly this time.

Benjamin Wolf - March 17, 2020

Online

3 Ways to Swear Like a Real Wiener

Entire books have been written about the ingenious ways the Viennese swear, rant, yammer and nag. And we know how to help you get acquainted with the high art of Viennese swearing.

Benjamin Wolf - February 26, 2020

Online

5G Comes to Austria

In a “game-changing” advance, all major Austrian telecom companies have launched the next generation of telecommunications network – 5G.

Benjamin Wolf - January 28, 2020

Online

Can’t Vote in Vienna? Here’s Your Chance to Have a Voice

A new project by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) aims to bring Viennese who are not citizens into the political conversation. And you can be part of it!

Benjamin Wolf - January 25, 2020

Online

Austria’s New Government | Who’s Doing What

Here are the people who will be running the country: their backgrounds, portfolios and plans

Benjamin Wolf - January 14, 2020

Online

New Austrian Government Sworn In

Austria’s first ever coalition between ÖVP and the Greens is being sworn in today – setting quite a few records.

Benjamin Wolf - January 7, 2020

Online

How the ÖVP & Greens Reached the Coalition Deal

How Austria got its first-ever coalition government between Conservatives and Greens

Benjamin Wolf - January 3, 2020

Online

“With Courage and Confidence”

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addresses the nation in his New Year’s Speech 2020

Benjamin Wolf - January 2, 2020

Online

The Best Train Trips from Vienna in 2020

The Austrian capital has become the best-connected city by rail in Europe

Benjamin Wolf - December 31, 2019

Online

Apprenticed Asylum Seekers Can Stay

A new law ends the practice of deporting asylum seekers in formal training for jobs in Austria

Benjamin Wolf - December 26, 2019

Online

Strache Loyalists Found New Party

Three FPÖ members of the Viennese municipal council announced today that they’d form a new political club – The Alliance for Austria (DAÖ). Former FPÖ chief H.C. Strache is expected to head the new party in due time.

Benjamin Wolf - December 12, 2019

Online

New Nightjets for the ÖBB

New nightjets for the ÖBB | A new generation of sleeper trains promise futuristic comfort to train travelers all over Austria.

Benjamin Wolf - December 11, 2019

Online

Crime Group Smuggling Nuclear Materials Arrested in Vienna

In an internationally coordinate operation, a group attempting to sell nuclear containers could be arrested.

Benjamin Wolf - December 6, 2019

Online

The Ephrussis Are Back in Vienna

Once one of Europe and Vienna’s most famous Jewish families, expropriated and expelled by Nazi terror – the Ephrussis – are back in Vienna with a new grand exhibition.

Benjamin Wolf - December 4, 2019

Online

Metropole on Spotify

Listen to all the best music from our current issue on Spotify

Benjamin Wolf - December 2, 2019

Online

ÖVP & Greens Enter Coalition Talks

After flirting and courting, now come the hard-nosed marriage negotiations

Benjamin Wolf - November 28, 2019

Online

ÖBB Launched Night Train Service to Brussels, Starting at €29

The new night train connection from Vienna to Brussels will be launched on January 19, 2020. And the ÖBB are already working on more nocturnal rail connections.

Benjamin Wolf - November 24, 2019

Online

Metal Workers Get a 2.8% Raise

Always first to negotiate the new sectoral wages, metal workers are a bellwether for economy-wide wage negotiations in Austria.

Benjamin Wolf - November 14, 2019

Online

Diversity in Parliament

Austria’s newly elected National Assembly is the most female and diverse in its history – but imbalances remain.

Benjamin Wolf - November 8, 2019

Local Finds

7 Austrian Expressions that Sound Hilarious in English

Translating expressions word for word into another language seldom makes sense, as anyone who ever tried it can attest. Chances are you will be met with befuddled looks or cackling laughter, like a human version of google translate.

Benjamin Wolf - November 8, 2019

Diplomacy

Livestream: 30 Years of Democratic Transition in Central and Eastern Europe

Benjamin Wolf - October 24, 2019

General

Metropole Turns 4 🥳

Metropole turned 4 this week. Here are some of our major milestones.

Benjamin Wolf - October 13, 2019

Online

What Coalition the Media Expect – and Want

The elections have been fought, the winners and losers on the record. Now all eyes are turning to the decisive coalition negotiations.

Benjamin Wolf - October 11, 2019

Opinion

Maria Theresia Is to Blame

In September, over 220,000 Viennese students went back to school. Some go willingly, some have to be dragged, but Austrian parents have a stock response to unwilling schoolgoers: Blame Maria Theresa

Benjamin Wolf - October 1, 2019

Online

What Coalition Now for King Kurz?

A coalition between Conservatives and Greens seems currently like the most feasible option. Will ÖVP chief Sebastian Kurz go for it?

Benjamin Wolf - September 30, 2019

Online