Where to buy souvenirs to take home
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to finding a keepsake from your adventure in the Alps.
Popular souvenirs
Each country has its own traditions and its own unique selection of souvenirs. Here are some suggestions of what you might find:
Germany
• Locally brewed beers and ales
• Handcrafted wooden cuckoo clocks
• A nutcracker doll
• Items made from German linen
Switzerland
• Chocolate
• Swiss-made watches
• A handcrafted music box
• A Swiss Victorinox army knife (just make sure you pack this in your checked luggage before travelling home)
Austria
• A snowglobe
• Swarovski crystal jewellery
• Handmade Christmas decorations
• The Sound of Music memorabilia
Liechtenstein
• Handcrafted pottery and ceramics
• Local wines
• Items made from Balzner marble
Italy
• Limoncello
• Items made from Italian leather
• A moka pot
• Biscotti biscuits
Tax-free shopping
A refund of local VAT is available to all non-residents of the EU (except Norwegian residents) who are departing from the EU/EEA with the purchased goods, within 3 months of the purchase date.
Many shops across Germany, Switzerland and Austria offer tax-free shopping. You can identify participating stores by the TAX FREE logo. This is usually displayed near the store entrance or the register.
The minimum purchase amount per receipt eligible for a refund is €50 in Germany, ₣300 in Switzerland, and €75.01 in Austria.
Keep all your receipts and have them, along with the goods purchased, ready to present at the tax refund counter at your departing airport, harbour or border crossing. Goods must be presented and receipts must be stamped and verified before you check your luggage and pass through customs.
When are shops open?
Most shops in major cities and towns are open Monday–Saturday, with many staying open until as late as 8 or 9 PM. Some shops may close for a break over midday, and most tend to close on Sundays across each country.
Opening hours tend to be reduced in rural areas.
If you forget something
Major cities and towns are packed with shops that supply cosmetics, clothing and other general items. If you’ve forgotten anything on your trip, these shops will make it easy to restock your supply.
