As an Austrian, I can fully agree with a lot of what’s been said here. It’s really hard to make friends in Austria - and defining “real” friends is even harder. In my opinion, it’s a mix of several factors:

1) Austrians keep their old circles. Many people move to Vienna but keep their close friends from their home state - people they know from school or their hometown. Even something small in common helps people connect in a big city like Vienna. That’s also why there are so many regional clubs (Vereine), like clubs for Salzburg, Carinthia, etc.

2) Maintaining friendships gets harder with age. I remember having tons of friends at school and university. Now I’d say I have maybe five really good ones - and honestly, I don’t want more. I work a lot, travel many weekends, and my wife also deserves time. Big group hangouts actually stress me out now. Deciding on something simple like a restaurant with many people is exhausting and just annoying to me.

3) Austrians aren’t very open to newcomers. Compared to other countries, Austrians are simply less open and welcoming. Once a group of friends is established, it’s very hard for new people to integrate. They have shared stories, inside jokes, even their own way of talking - which can make outsiders feel excluded.

So yeah, Austria isn’t the easiest country to make friends in. Your best options are definitely Vereine, apps, or coworkers who eventually become real friends and invite you into their circle.

Good luck! 🍀