the right-coiled, globular shell of "c. vindobonensis" is about 17–21 mm high and 20–25 mm broad with 5,5-6 whorls. the umbilicus is completely covered in adult specimens. the lip is always red-brown at the inner and outer side with a fine white stripe at its margin. this specific lip coloration allows to separate it from the conchological similar "cepaea hortensis" (pure white lip) and "cepaea nemoralis" (consistent dark brown lip), with which "c. vindobonensis" often co-occurs. the shell is whitish or yellowish, with about 5 brown stripes, the upper two are usually weak. the lowermost stripe is quite near to the covered umbilicus. there is a slight variation of shell coulour within this species (see below). the animal itself is yellowish with grey tentacles.