Viennese Spring Water: Energy Drink the Austrian Way
With its lakes, rivers, and countless streams, Austria is considered the "land of water" among the Alpine countries. Vienna’s drinking water is especially famous.
The most beautiful water springs in Austria
Rain, Mountains, and Reservoirs
Austria – Land of Water
You might have heard of Vienna's famous water. But what is it that makes it so outstanding, so different that it earns the country the title "land of water"? For geologists or hydrologists, the appeal is first and foremost the result of a series of lucky coincidences when Earth was formed. Dr. Gerhard Schubert, head of the Hydreology and Geothermal Energy department of the Geological Survey of Austria in Vienna, an institution researching and documenting the country's geology, focuses his research on domestic and mineral waters as well as healing and thermal springs.
Sufficient rain, mighty Alps, and plenty of reservoirs in the mountains for thermal, mineral and ground water all play their part in making Vienna's water the best in the world. However, there's more to it! Dr. Gerhard Schubert uses his expert knowledge to explain why Austria is so blessed with pure water.
"Austria's Energy Drink" in Numbers
"A Glass of Water, Please, Waiter!"
It wasn’t long ago that ordering tap water was frowned upon in restaurants, especially by the owners who were - perhaps rightly - concerned about their turnover. Austria's coffeehouses, however, are a different story: No Kleiner Brauner, Melange or Häferlkaffee is ever served without a glass of water on a silver tray. The little tradition is upheld first and foremost in Vienna – unsurprisingly considering the Viennese mountain spring water is particularly valued here.
By now, the majority of Austrian restaurants has made peace with many guests' preference for tap water as well. And most guests are aware that water shouldn't be your only order once seated. Many hosts consider it a courteous gesture to place a water jug on the table without even being asked for it. Hospitality might have been invented in Austria after all...