“You can always rely on the Upper Austrians”

“That fits” – a simple sentence that describes the Upper Austrians best for Michaela Novak-Chaid, head of Apple Austria. “These are the words with which the Upper Austrians always end a sentence when a project has been successfully completed or a decision has been made. And you know: you can always rely on this ‘fit’ in business life”said the Apple boss, herself a native of the Innviertel, at the 120th Upper Austrian Ball on Saturday evening.

If you ask around the decision-makers in Vienna, it quickly becomes clear: the Upper Austrians enjoy a very good reputation in the federal capital: innovative, cosmopolitan, pragmatic are the characteristics with which employees from Upper Austria are immediately associated. “We already notice one thing here in Vienna: Upper Austrians are wanted and valued, especially in the business sector. They tackle things, bring something further, take an active part in social life. This is exactly what distinguishes us as compatriots”said Günther Mayrleitner, Viennese by choice and chairman of the Association of Upper Austrians in Vienna.

dialect and humor

With 70,000 residents from Upper Austria, Vienna is already the second largest city in the state, says Mayor Michael Ludwig’s wife, Irmtraud Rossgatterer. “I’m a newcomer myself, as the saying goes. As a native of the Mühlviertel, I was warmly welcomed in Vienna at the time, long before I met my husband. Apparently, the Viennese particularly like our dialect. I’ve often heard that this one seems so down-to-earth. And that’s what we Upper Austrians are, and above all, we are characterized by great resilience”said Rossgatterer.

The only drawback: “The humor of the Upper Austrians is often misunderstood by the Viennese”said the wife of the host in the Vienna City Hall with a smile.

For the CEO of Borealis, Thomas Gangl, the straightforwardness of the Upper Austrians is much more decisive than the humor: “It doesn’t take long to think about. It says: ‘Let’s try it’, and projects are put into practice right away”, according to Gangl. As a native of Upper Austria, he did not miss the 120th Upper Austrian Ball in Vienna on Saturday. “It’s a great evening, where my homeland can once again present itself here in Vienna”said Gangl.

Strongest industrial region

The many representatives from politics, business, art and culture on the evening of the ball showed just how firmly rooted the Upper Austrians are in the federal capital.

“You have to hand it to the Upper Austrians: They are very well recognized here as the strongest industrial region in the country”said Andreas Lampl, editor-in-chief of the business magazine trend. “But we also distinguish ourselves through tourism”adds Andreas Winkelhofer, Managing Director of Upper Austria Tourism. “Vienna in particular is a hot place, because it is the Viennese who visit our federal state most often. There are many reasons for this, and we can be proud of that.”

“This charm is amazing every time”

The 120th Upper Austrian Ball was the perfect interplay between Upper Austria and Vienna: the entry of the guests of honor was accompanied by the 40-strong Musikverein from Grünau im Almtal, and the march “Vienna remains Vienna” was also played. Staff leader Fabian Drack enjoyed the performance: “The atmosphere was sensational,” said the clarinet player. A bridge was also built between the federal states in culinary terms: Sacher sausages and Käsekrainer met Upper Austrian snacks and specialties from Leberkaspepi.

“The savory variety is particularly good,” said 18-year-old Jasmine, who served the ball guests together with schoolmates from the Bad Leonfelden Tourism School. Colleague Jana, who served drinks, was enthusiastic: “Of course I’d rather be here as a guest today, maybe next year.” After the meal, many people went to the dance floor. There “Big Band Project” played dance music. What distinguishes the Upper Austrian Ball from other events? “The many costumes and that there is so much dancing here as rarely at balls,” said band member Andreas Lachberger. State police director Andreas Pilsl was also able to confirm this: “Otherwise my wife and I don’t come to dance that often, today we were on the dance floor four times.”

The midnight interlude was performed by a Viennese singer Julian le Play: “If everyone from Upper Austria is already visiting today, it obviously needs a native Viennese like me for the midnight interlude,” said the 31-year-old with a wink. After midnight, the stage with DJ Rene Rodrigezz belonged to an Upper Austrian again: “I’m playing ball here for the third time now. The Upper Austrian charm in the middle of the federal capital is crazy for me every time.”