Welcome to Fugging, the Austrian village that made the English-speaking world look twice.
Country lanes, a quiet village and a road sign with an unexpectedly international audience. Come for the curious story, then make a little time for the countryside.
ATA illustration, a playful introduction to the village.
A village with a sense of humour
“Welcome To A Wonderful Village”
This comedy video uses the village’s former name, Fucking, for its wordplay. The village is now officially called Fugging. Expect adult language and double entendres.
For centuries, the village carried a perfectly ordinary local name. In English, its spelling, Fucking, had a very different effect. Visitors came to photograph the signs, and some signs even disappeared as souvenirs.
The settlement is recorded as far back as 1070. Its name is commonly traced to a personal name, Focko, with the old Germanic ending -ing referring to the people associated with him. The English joke arrived much later.
On 1 January 2021 the official spelling became Fugging. Behind the headlines was a wish to restore some peace and privacy to village life.
Fugging, 5121 Tarsdorf Innviertel, Upper Austria, Austria
This is the village in the municipality of Tarsdorf, near the German border and north of Salzburg. Include Tarsdorf in your map search, as there is also a Fugging in Lower Austria.
For a country-drive itinerary, use the directions link for a route from your starting point. Public transport connections depend on where you begin, so check the journey planner before setting out.
Treat this as a brief village stop. Leave driveways clear, keep to public areas and ask before photographing residents.
Stay for the countryside
Make a day of the detour.
Pair the village story with a lake or a walk through a remarkable wetland landscape.
Holzöstersee, Franking
A small moorland lake with a bathing tradition, wooded surroundings and a relaxed change of pace. In warm weather, add time by the water. Check local bathing facilities and seasonal arrangements before you go.
Follow the moor nature trail from Ibm for boardwalk scenery and views over the wetland. The published circular route is about four kilometres, with roughly two hours suggested. Wear sturdy shoes and stay on the marked paths.
Background and planning sources, checked 24 October 2026. The illustration is an ATA graphic, not a photograph of the current sign. Routes and local conditions can change.
