Christine von Habsburg

Getting around

Travel on foot for commoners

Ordinary people generally traveled on foot, covering 20 to 35 kilometers per day, as horse-drawn transport like coaches was expensive and largely reserved for the wealthy or official use.

Daily life

The heart of the home: The Stube

The Stube was a central, heated room in homes, where children often sat on a bench over the stove to stay warm while others worked.

What people wore

Winter undergarments and petticoats

Women did not wear underpants, relying instead on multiple petticoats to stay warm during winter. Men wore long underpants in the winter that were tied at the belly and ankles.

Music

Authorities banned music during crises

Music performances were frequently forbidden by authorities during times of crisis, such as the appearance of a comet in 1681 or during the Turkish wars of 1605.

At the table

Common Drinks: Vinegar Water and Dark Beer

While beer was a standard staple for many, poor women who could not afford wine or other drinks often relied on water mixed with vinegar for hydration. When available, beer was typically top-fermented, dark, and lower in alcohol content than modern varieties.