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 Vienna's history |
Obere Augartenstraße Vienna, Vienna 1020 Austria +43 1 216 1300 http://www.filmarchiv.at/ |
A huge, steel and concrete building stands in the middle of the Augarten. It was constructed during World War II and served as a concrete air-raid shelter as Vienna did not have enough of them. At this time, many people tried to defend the city by firing rifles from its roof at the aircraft overhead. This building is constructed in a way as to make it virtually indestructible, like the other flak-towers to be seen in Vienna. Today, one of them is used as an aquarium, Haus des Meeres. The Augarten is a nice park and in summer there is an open-air cinema. It is also the home of a porcelain manufacturer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alfred Diem  |
 Photo: Dr I Forstenlechner |
 Photo: Richard Hemmer |
 An old Viennese legend |
Schönlaterngasse 7 Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria |
All Viennese children learn the story of the Basilisk: in 1212, there was a Basilisk, a cross-breed of a cock and a toad, which lived in the well at the baker's house. All who looked into his eyes were immediately turned to stone. The clever apprentice to the baker showed a mirror to the beast and so it was turned into stone itself. An inscription and a drawing still remind us of his heroic deed. Walking down the Schönlaterngasse and the little neighbouring roads with their small old buildings is a real trip down memory lane. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Biking to Austria's borders |
Vienna, Vienna Austria +43 (0)1 2 4555 (Tourist Information) |
If the wind is on your side (blowing down the Danube) why not plan a grand cycling tour? Wherever you start, you should join the northern bank at the Steinspornbrücke. The Lobau begins near the Ölhafen (harbour) with a wonderful riverside landscape. The way is well signposted, even with signs for restaurants and sights. Eckartsau and Bad Deutsch Altenburg are nice for small excursions. The distance from Vienna to Hainburg is about 60km (40 miles). After rest and recuperation in Hainburg, you can travel back to Vienna either by bike, or by train to Landstraße station (Wien Mitte). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cycling along the Danube Canal |
Throughout the City Vienna, Vienna Austria +43 1 21 1140 (Tourism Board) |
The Danube Canal, for a long time neglected, now boasts a fine cycle path. The path starts near the city centre and leads north to Klosterneuburg. The path meets the Danube near Nußdorf and continues past steep slopes and through forests to Klosterneuburg, where cyclists could round off their trip with a refreshing swim in the lake - or with a refreshing beer in one of the Heurigen taverns! Energetic cyclists could then head on to Greifenstein, Melk, Linz or Passau. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: tomxnelson |
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Ski slopes for beginners and children |
Waldweg Vienna 2392 Austria +43 1 812 12 01 |
A short drive or bus ride will bring you to the beautiful Wienerwald, and a 120m ski lift will provide the ingredients for the perfect winter outing. Specifically designed for novices and children, it is also located directly next to the Gasthof Lindwurm. So, there's no need to worry about getting cold, tired or hungry - especially if you bring your little ones along. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A traditionally built wooden house |
Schönbrunn Vienna, Vienna 1130 Austria +43 (0)1 876 6666 http://www.tirolergarten.at/ |
In 1803, Erzherzog Johann built the Tiroler Haus, which was originally used as a farmhouse. In 1920, the last royal cow left the building. From 1921 to 1973 it was served as a restaurant known as Tiroler Garten. This Gasthaus Tiroler Garten was restored and rebuilt as recently as 1997. You can find it just by the upper exit of the Schönbrunner zoo, near the Gloriette. The wooden house was built in the old, traditional way. The corners of the wooden walls are fixed together with dovetails. Inside is also all wooden. The waiters serve in leather trousers. It's really comfortable and full of Old World charm. On the menu is soup with Tiroler Knödel and a children's schnitzel; beer is on tap. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Pedestrian area with good mix of shops and cafes |
Graben (Between Kohlmarkt and Kamtner Straße) Vienna Austria +43 1 21 1140 / +43 1 2 4555 (Tourism Board) |
During the 1300s Graben was located at the very edge of the city. Originally a large moat protecting the ramparts, it was filled in later to create a market area. This illustrious commercial history is continued today by an amazing array of stylish shops. Many old, established shops are located here including Schwabbische Jungfrau featuring linens, Habab and Heldwein the illustrious jewellers, and Julius Meinl am Graben with the finest in gourmet foods. Viennese Meissen porcelain is carried at Albin Denk. For the Persian carpet of your dreams, look no further than Adil Besim with some unrolling to gargantuan proportions. Men and women's fashions can be found in numerous boutiques, offering everything from tailored business suits to chic sportswear. To restore flagging energy, stop in one of the charming open-air cafes and indulge in a luscious cream pastry and rich coffee while gazing at the architectural confections that surround you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sun, Li |
 Photo: Gertrud Kanu |
 Photo: Sarah Ingolfsland |
 Photo: dearheart |
 Photo: audrey |
 Photo: zaki_moosa |
 Photo: Reiter Jakob |
 Photo: Kay Marshall |
 Photo: Lukas Chatzioannidis |
 Photo: Mathias Wellner |
 Photo: Chris Duller |
 Photo: zdravko |
 Photo: Aunt Sassy |
 Photo: Andrew Nash |
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Historical taverns and magical atmosphere |
Grinzing Vienna, Wien 1190 Austria +43 1 21 1140 / +43 1 22 4555 |
Vienna is known for its famous heurigen restaurants, traditional taverns serving local wine and hearty food, often accompanied by live Viennese music. The district of Grinzing is full of such establishments, most of which are beautifully preserved and lend the whole district a magical feel. Authentic heurigen taverns hang a branch of pine above the door to indicate the sale of home-made wine. Traditionally, these taverns were small, intimate and great value for money. Fortunately, this still rings true today. Numerous vineyards are located nearby and make a great place for a walk. Follow in the footsteps of Franz Schubert and Ludwig van Beethoven who both found inspiration in the (then unspoiled) surrounding nature. Composer Gustav Mahler is buried in Grinzing Cemetery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Dillon |
 Photo: Patricia Firca |
 Photo: Ignazio Dadduzio |
 Photo: John Wrench |
 Photo: Myrto Lazopoulou |
 Photo: Anna |
 Photo: PlatonM |
 Photo: Carl R. Strathmeyer |
 Photo: Francesco Orsi |
 Photo: Mary Hess |
 Photo: Hanka Davidkovova |
 Photo: Gunther B Weinlich |
 Photo: Cee Cee Gaffney |
 Photo: Matti Battista IT |
 Photo: marcin pietraszek |
 Photo: drittenorn |
 Visit an Empress' home |
Lainzer Tiergarten (Lainzer Tor) Vienna 1130 Austria |
To the west of the city lies the delightful Lainzer Tiergarten, a large park-cum-animal reserve where the famous Lippizaner horses spend their summer holidays. In this rural idyll, Franz Josef had the Hermesvilla summer house built for his unhappy wife, Empress Elisabeth, the Princess Diana of her time. Constructed between 1882-86, this rather gloomy house did little to cheer up the depressed Empress and she rarely stayed there. Today, exhibitions are occasionally held on the grounds here, and there is a pleasant café to rest after a walk in the woods. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ernst_raser |
 Photo: Raki Nikahetiya |
 Photo: segana |
 Photo: Will Close-Brooks |
 Photo: m. vieira |
 Photo: irinaonline |
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A dwelling house as battlefield |
Februar Platz 12 Vienna, Vienna 1190 Austria +43 1 21 1140 (tourist board) |
When the Social Democrats came into power at the beginning of the 1920s, they started a social project to construct more buildings in the hope of improving the bad living conditions in crowded Vienna. The Karl-Marx-Hof is an impressive example: more than 1km long, with pinnacles and thick walls for the balconies, it looks like a fortress. At one time it really was a fortress: in 1934, on February 12th, the building was bombarded with cannons. The revolution called for by the Social Democrats, who hid themselves in the Karl-Marx-Hof and tried in vain to prevent the elimination of the democratic institutions in Austria, was quashed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Veres |
 Photo: fishbrain78 |
 Photo: snarepusher |
 Photo: pavlentij |
 Photo: Ronan Head |
 Photo: M. Duimstra |
 Photo: emmetti2001 |
 Photo: Claudia Dannehl |
 Photo: Alexandros Mentzos |
 Photo: kalvin.homme |
 Photo: nbelsylvain |
 Photo: paulabert |
 Photo: stacie gin |
 Photo: Will Gray – Purdue |
 Photo: nicostrada |
 Photo: sonoateo |
 Photo: Boris_D |
 Photo: Nick Wright |
 Photo: ba.nane |
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A small tavern area near the Danube |
Heiligenstädter Straße Vienna 1190 Austria +43 1 21 1140 / +43 1 2 4555 (Tourism Board) |
The clue is in the name: Nußdorf (nut village) got its name from the many walnut trees that grow here. If you don't want to go straight to a tavern, you can take a walk up the very romantic Beethovengang or down to the Danube. The smaller houses here are reminiscent of this place in former times; this is a suburb of Vienna, which became a part of the city just 100 years ago. The Viennese like to visit the taverns here because of their pleasant atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Medhurst |
 Photo: Rita Quaglia |
 Photo: Markus Vollmeier |
 Photo: montnoir@ |
 Photo: Michael Smuc |
 Photo: thomasauswien |
 Photo: Muttnik |
 Photo: carloshwa |
 Photo: Annieinwonderland |
 Photo: sebacologne |
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Frolic in the Forest |
Prater Hauptallee Vienna 1020 Austria |
If you fancy a hearty walk through Vienna's largest park, the Prater, make the sexy-sounding Lusthaus your destination. Located at the southern end of the Hauptallee (main avenue), the present Lusthaus (or pleasure pavillion) dates back to 1782 when it was renovated after serving as a hunting lodge to the Habsburgs. Today it is a rather stuffy café-restaurant catering for Sunday strollers. Check out the nearby Freudenau race course with its superb 19th century grandstand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Rent a bike at train stations |
Mariahilfer Strasse (Westbahnhof) Vienna, Vienna 1070 Austria +43 (0)1 21 1140 (Tourist Information) |
Unlike most typical cycle rentals, which are usually only open during the warm season, Vienna's train stations offer bikes to rent the whole year around, so visitors can even go on a cycling tour in February. The rent for a city-bike is EUR12 per day and is even cheaper with a train ticket. For more than one bike, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fairytale castle |
Schlossplatz 1 Laxenburg Vienna, Vienna 2361 Austria +43 1 2111 / +43 1 2 4555 (Tourist Board) |
Situated in the middle of wonderful parkland some 17km south of Vienna, Schloss Laxenburg is a prime example of 18th century garden artistry. Full of wonderful canals, bridges and monuments, the garden is one of Austria's finest pieces of landscaping. The architectural highlight is the stunning 14th century castle which stands in the centre of the grounds. The castle was a favourite residence of the Habsburgs, which explains why you will find an 'imperial railway station' here. Schloss Laxenburg is now a popular destination with day-trippers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benjamin Busche |
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Fabulous architecture |
Heiligenstädter Lände Vienna, Vienna 1090 Austria +43 1 21 1140 (tourist board) |
The architect Friedensreich Dunkelbunt Hundertwasser is very well known to tourists for the municipal lodgings he has built in the Löwengasse. His style presents color, nature, and a belief that nothing should ever be even! The suitability of the embellishments to the chimney of the neighboring heating plant was the subject of much discussion in Vienna. Finally, the plant's roof was crowned with a big "hat," typical of Hundertwasser's work. It's a very bright, colorful building - well worth a look. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Damien Blake |
 Photo: Jędrek Kostecki |
 Photo: Th. Wonderka |
 Photo: Su Yi Tan |
 Photo: Walter Gehr |
 Photo: Sakoku |
 Photo: Agata Siegel |
 Photo: Mehrdad Mashaie |
 Photo: Ewa Szymczak |
 Photo: rewolve44 |
 Photo: betsyness |
 Photo: bjoerns |
 Photo: Elisabeth Beanca |
 Photo: Jim Stoddart |
 Photo: Ver Ber |