Ports of Call - Austria - Vienna
The Basics | Events | Attractions | Airports | Restuarants
It is difficult not to be moved to hum a Brahms lullaby or a Strauss waltz as you explore the sights of Austria's beautiful Baroque capital, Vienna, which for centuries was the centre of the splendid Hapsburg Empire. The city remains infused with the grand imperial spirit in the form of magnificent palaces and grand mansions peppering the Innerestadt. The city's cultural heritage is mainly musical, the great composers like Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and Mozart all having lived and performed here. Today the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Opera House help keep alive the city's tradition by offering more classical music performances a year than any other city in the world.
Vienna is a city of music, but it is also synonymous with gourmet fare, cream cakes, superb coffee, the angelic strains of the Vienna Boys' Choir and the proud prancing of the Lippizaner stallions at the world-famous Spanish Riding School.
Vienna started out as a Celtic settlement on the banks of the Danube and became one of the Roman's most important central European bases. Its central location on the strategic river contributed to the city becoming a mighty empire, reaching its peak during the tumultuous reign of the dazzling Hapsburg dynasty. At the end of the 19th century the golden age of empire began to decline as Vienna's coffee houses filled with radical intellectuals like Freud, Klimt and Mahler. The Second World War Nazi occupation left scars, but Vienna survived it all to remain a captivating capital that blends Italian romanticism with a Germanic orderliness.
Most of the city's tourist attractions are within the largely pedestrianised inner city area, which was once enclosed by the city walls. The walls have been replaced with the Ringstrasse, a wide ring road. Further out in the suburbs is the thrilling Prater amusement park with its massive ferris wheel, and the opulent Schonbrunn summer palace. Visitors also should not miss a trip to the Vienna Woods, peppered with ancient 'heuringen' (wine taverns).
Vienna boasts one of the finest public transport systems in Europe; it is safe and easy to use, and consists of punctual buses and trams, a fast U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (railway). Most operate from about 6am to midnight; buses stop earlier but there are night buses on weekends covering the major routes. The U-Bahn is the fastest way to get around the city, while the S-Bahn is the cheapest way to get to the airport. The tram network is one of the largest worldwide and is the next best way of getting about with the added advantage of being able to see the city, although some lines don't operate on weekends. Buses are useful in the inner city where there are no trams. Fares are standard for all forms of public transport (EUR1.70 for a single), and once validated will allow one journey including transfers in the same direction. Travel passes are available, the Vienna Card is valid for three days and allows unlimited travel on public transport except night buses, and offers discounts at many attractions, shops and restaurants. Taxis are plentiful, reliable and metered, but have a list of surcharges and are among the most expensive in Europe. The most romantic, if expensive way to get about is by horse-drawn carriage, or Fiaker. A car is a burden in Vienna, but can be useful for trips outside the city.
Donau (Danube) Island Festival
Vienna - Donauinsel (Danube Island)
The Danube Island Festival has become one of the largest youth parties in Europe and attracts millions from around the world to take part in a weekend of free entertainment, music and dancing. Besides local bands and DJs there are world-famous international artists, and numerous open-air performances that take place on various stages around the island. Phone +43 (0)1 535 3535 or email office@donauinselfest.atfor more information.
25 - 27 June 2010 | Web:www.donauinselfest.at
Vienna Ball Season
Vienna - Various
Vienna is the only city in the world where balls still dominate the social calendar during the winter season, and a Viennese ball is a unique opportunity to experience the sophisticated charm of the city and the famous Viennese waltz. The official ball season offers about 300 public balls for every taste and pocket, of which the most famous are the Opera Ball, the social elite highlight of the European ball season, the Philharmoniker Ball, and the glamorous Kaiserball (Imperial Ball) at the imperial Hofburg Palace, which is the traditional opener and is a glittering New Year's Eve celebration which attracts tourists and Viennese alike. The season officially lasts from New Year's Eve until Ash Wednesday the following year, but balls can occur up until June. Numerous rental services in the city specialise in ball gowns and formal wear. For more information contact Vienna Tourism on (0)1 24 555 or email info@wien.info
December to February annually
New Year's Day Concert
Vienna - Vienna Musikverein
Performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the annual New Year's Day concert is seen by millions of viewers worldwide and is a traditional start to the New Year. The orchestra is considered to be one of the finest in the world and this most famous of concerts features some of the most popular waltzes by the celebrated composer, Johann Strauss. For more information, one can contact the ticket and ball office of the Vienna Philharmonic on +43 (0)1 505 6525 or consult their website.
1 January annually | Web:www.wienerphilharmoniker.at
Vienna Festival (Festwochen)
Vienna - Various
One of Vienna's summer highlights, the Vienna Festival is a cultural spread of art, music, dance, theatre and opera performed by top international artists at main venues around the city. There are a huge variety of events, ranging from classical to modern, with shows, concerts and exhibitions for every taste. The annual International Music Festival coincides with the Vienna Festival, traditionally opened by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
14 May to 20 June 2010 | Web:www.festwochen.at
Austria Skate Marathon
Vienna - Prater
The annual Skate Marathon is a great way to combine sightseeing with exercise and comprises a 26-mile (42km) skate race, as well as a 13-mile (21km) and six-mile (10km) run. There are open-air concerts in Prater Park to entertain participants and spectators. Email info@skatemarathon.atfor more information.
20 June 2010
Hofburg
The Hofburg Palace, or Imperial Palace, was the home of the Austrian Hapsburgs for 600 years. The first fortifications were erected by King Ottakar Premyst in the 13th century and were added to by every generation until it became the monumental structure it is today. As well as housing the president's offices, the palace now encompasses 22 separate museums, the National Library, a 14th-century Augustinian church, the famous Spanish Riding School and the Royal Chapel, where every Sunday the Vienna Boy's Choir sing Mass (they have performed for the Royal Court since 1498). It will be impossible to even catch a glimpse of everything on display at the Hofburg, so visitors should be selective. The most popular of the museums is the Kaiserappartements, which takes visitors on a tour of the Kaiser's imperial apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection.
Tel: (0)1 533 7570 Email: info@hofburg-wien.at
Tel: (0)1 533 9031
Schönbrunn Palace
The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace was used as the summer residence of the Hapsburgs from the 18th century onwards. Set amongst superb gardens this vast, symmetrical structure is everything you would imagine an imperial palace to be. A tour of the palace offers visitors the chance to view the superb assortment of Baroque and Rococo State Rooms and to admire the famous ceiling frescoes of the Great Gallery and the Hall of Mirrors where Mozart once played. The vast gardens are popular with locals and tourists alike, and include a zoo, a maze and labyrinth, the Privy garden, and the Gloriette with viewing terrace. Also within the grounds, the Orangery plays host to classical concerts during the summer season.
Tel: (0)1 8111 3239
Giant Wheel
One of Vienna's most recognisable attractions, the Giant Wheel is located in a large wooded park and playground known as the Prater. It was built in 1897 by an English engineering firm and is the only one of its era still standing (the ferris wheels in Chicago, London, Blackpool and Paris have long since been destroyed). The wheel with its 15 gondolas takes twenty minutes to manoeuvre around and offers magnificent panoramic views of the city.
Tel: (0)1 729 5430 Email: info@wienerriesenrad.com
Belvedere
The Belvedere consists of two splendid rococo mansions, designed in the early 18th century, which face each other across formal, sloping grounds offering excellent views over the city. From the outside it is Vienna's finest palace complex, built by Prince Eugène of Savoy (1680-1735), the famous general who saved Vienna from the advance of the Ottoman Empire. The museums in the two palaces house some of Vienna's most renowned art galleries, offering excellent examples of Austrian art from the middle ages to present day. Their displays include an unrivalled collection of paintings by Klimt as well as famous works by Schiele and Kokoschka, Renoir and Monet. The Medieval and Baroque works are presented in the Lower Palace where many rooms have been preserved in their original state.
Tel: (0)1 795 570, or (0)1 79 557 134 Email: info@belvedere.at
Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera performs a repertoire of near-one hundred operas, operettas and ballets every day from September to June. The opera house was founded in the early 18th century (it was rebuilt in 1955 after being all but destroyed in 1945) and makes for a romantic and regal setting in which to enjoy the performances. As seating tickets are not easily available, an alternative is to buy standing-room tickets, which are well priced and can be purchased on the same day (but expect long queues). The State Opera collaborates closely with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and their famous New Year concert requires advance bookings of up to one year.
Tel: (0)1 51444 2250
Karlskirche
Karlskirche is the most outstanding Baroque church in the city and its 236-foot (72m) high dome flanked by two columns forms a dramatic landmark on the Viennese skyline. The church was commissioned by Emperor Charles VI after the Black Plague that swept Vienna in 1713 and is dedicated to the patron saint Charles Borromeo who was revered as a healer for plague sufferers. The lavishly decorated interior includes frescoes and visitors can get a closer look by taking the elevator to the roof.
Email: kontakt@karlskirche.at
St Stephen's Cathedral
The Cathedral is one of the city's most recognisable symbols and the massive south tower standing at 445 feet (136m) tall is a dominant feature on the Vienna skyline. The 343 steps can be climbed for a fantastic view over the city. St Stephan's Cathedral is the most important religious building in the city and is one of the greatest Gothic structures in Europe, and has been in a state of continual preservation and repair since its original construction in the 12th century due to fire, city sieges and bombardment. The cathedral is built of limestone and has an ornately patterned and richly coloured roof covered by glazed tiles. The interior is rich in wood carvings, sculptures and paintings and has numerous chapels and altars, as well as the catacombs, which can be visited on a guided tour. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was married here, had children baptised here, and his funeral was held in the Chapel of the Cross.
Tel: Guided tours: (0)1 5155 23526
The Albertina
The former Hofburg residence today houses one of the largest and greatest graphic art collections in the world with drawings, old master prints and modern graphic works. The museum explores the development of graphic arts since the 14th century and there are over 60,000 works on show, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Manet, Picasso and Cezanne. The Albertina is also one of the most beautiful examples of classical architecture in the world.
Tel: (0)1 53483 525 Email: tourismus@albertina.at
Imperial Treasury
The Schatzkammer, located in the Hofburg Palace, houses the greatest treasury in the world spanning 1,000 years of treasures such as relics and vestments from the Austrian Empire and the Holy Roman Empire. Included in the collection are the crown jewels, particularly the priceless imperial crown, which dates from 962, and is studded with precious stones, as well as the Holy Lance was thought to be the lance that pierced Jesus' side while on the cross. Also housed is the Burgundian Treasure, and treasures connected to the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Tel: (0)1 52524
Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
The Fine Arts Museum across from the Hofburg Palace houses many of the art collections gathered by the Habsburgs and is one of the foremost museums of fine arts and decorative arts in the world. The magnificent building is crowned with a 197-foot (60m) high dome, while the inside is sumptuously decorated with marble, gold leaf and stucco ornaments, a fitting home to the formidable artistic treasures collected over the centuries. The collections range from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman relics to medieval art, and Renaissance and Baroque paintings. The museum faces the Natural History Museum across the Maria-Theresian Platz, which has an identical exterior.
Tel: (0)1 52524
Haus der Musik
The House of Music is an interactive, high-tech discovery museum devoted to music and is located in the former Palais of Archduke Charles. Four floors take visitors past the music and memorabilia of the great composers who lived in Vienna, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert; discover the top musicians of today; and explore the future of music on computers. Conduct an orchestra, listen to what an unborn child hears in the womb or paint a musical picture. The museum was awarded top prize for its innovative design and allows visitors to experience music using the senses of sight, sound, touch and hearing.
Tel: (0)1 51648 Email: info@hdm.at
Austrian National Library
Situated in the Hofburg Palace, the royal library of the Habsburgs dates from the 14th century and is among the oldest and finest libraries in the world. The six million items stored in the library include papyri, manuscripts, ancient and rare books, maps, globes, portraits, music, photographs and graphics. The Grand Hall is a palatial room topped by a dome, designed in the Baroque style, and is decorated with statues and exquisite frescoes and is regarded as one of the most beautiful library rooms in the world.
Tel: (0)1 53410-444
Natural History Museum
The impressive Natural History Museum is sited within a neo-Renaissance building that is identical from the outside to the Fine Arts Museum opposite. It is the third largest natural history museum in the world and has some of the oldest exhibits, including early Stone Age artefacts. Visitors can travel through the planet's history ranging from the diversity of nature to the origins of culture.
Tel: (0)1 521770
Wiener Prater
This large public park is a great place for families to enjoy a day in the sunshine. Stroll along the Hauptallee where chestnut trees line the way, or visit the Planetarium and the Prater Museum, both located inside the park. There is plenty of open space here for kids to run around.
Vienna Woods
With beautiful tree-lined paths and exquisite scenery, the Vienna Woods are a fantastic place to go for a walk with the kids and get out into the great outdoors for some fresh air. The miles of open space is perfect for more active kids and walking or riding through this breathtaking scenery is a must for everyone.
Minopolis ? City of Children
Minopolis is Europe's first theme park featuring a city that was specifically designed for children with buildings, doors, cars, etc reduced to children's size. Children can pretend to be adults and go about their daily life in the city if Minopolis working as whatever their hearts desire - a journalist, fire-fighter, policeman, doctor or dentist. Children can discover their dream jobs in a fun and safe environment. There are over 80 professions for children to try their hand at.
Tel: 0810 970 270 Email: office@minopolis.at
House of the Sea
Boasting more than 3,500 animals, the House of the Sea (Haus des Meeres) features a terrarium where children can marvel at crocodiles and snakes, or for the more impressive creatures, the tropical seawater section features piranhas, sharks and sea turtles. The crocodile park is another attraction, while the tropical house features free-flying birds and monkeys who have free reign over everything.
Tel: 587 14 17 Email: office@haus-des-meeres.at
BOGI Park
BOGI Park is Austria's largest indoor playground. Featuring a climbing volcano, quad train, a trampoline area, slides, ball pools and much more. Children will love exploring the magic cave and train rides as well as meeting other children. BOGI Park also features a restaurant where parents can unwind while the kids are at play.
Tel: 01 23 000 00 Email: wien@bogipark.at
Vienna International Airport
The airport is located 11 miles (18km) southeast of Vienna.
Tel: +43 (0)1 7007 22233 (24-hour telephone information service).
There are more than 70 shops, including duty-free, as well as various restaurants and bars in both terminals. Bureaux de change and banks are available. Other facilities include airline lounges, luggage storage, business centres, Internet cafes and wireless Internet access, and a medical centre.
Short- and long-term parking is available. The parking lots and multi-storey car parks are connected to the terminal by signposted footpaths.
Car hire companies include Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt and Thrifty.
Altwienerhof - French
Vienna - Herklotzgasse 6
The queen of Vienna's formal restaurants is Altwienerhof, fittingly to be found near the Schönbrunn Palace. The Kellner family have run the establishment since 1928, and offer a seasonally changing menu of French-based cuisine with delicate flavours and highest-quality ingredients. Pride of the Altwienerhof is its award-winning vast wine cellar, containing more than 20,000 bottles. Open daily, except Sundays, for lunch and dinner. Jacket and tie essential.
Web:www.altwienerhof.com
Wiener Rathauskeller - Local
Vienna - Rathausplatz 1
The venue may be Gothic, sunk into the cellars beneath the historic town hall, but the style, atmosphere and cuisine are very up to date. This spacious eatery features various rooms furnished in different styles and can handle up to 1,100 people. The food can be described as 'modern Viennese', offering fare such as goulash, Wiener Schnitzel and apple strudel. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Web:www.wiener-rathauskeller.at
Café Demel - Café
Vienna - Kohlmarkt 14
Arguably the best of Vienna's 300-odd traditional coffee shops, offering their legendary confections and pastries, is the Café Demel. The café is best known for its original Sachertorte (chocolate frosted cream cake), but the rest of the range of sweet delights on offer is just as delectable. Demel also serves a large range of sandwiches and, of course, really good coffee. Open daily from 10am to 7pm. Vienna's other renowned coffee shop is Café Central near the Hofburg Palace, where Lenin and Totsky once met regularly.
Web:www.demel.at
Figlmuller - Local
Vienna - Wollzeile 5 (St Stephansplatz)
When in Vienna do as the Viennese do and indulge in Wiener Schnitzel, the delicacy most associated with the romantic city. Reputed to serve the biggest and best schnitzel is Figlmuller's, next door to St Stephen's Cathedral, a wine tavern where the long tables are always packed with hungry customers sampling the golden-brown schnitzels, that overhang the plate. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Figlmuller is closed during August.
Web:www.figlmuller.at
Steirereck - Local
Vienna - Rasumofskygasse 2
Meaning 'corner of Styria' (a state in south east Austria), Steirereck is one of Austria's top restaurants featuring seasonal Austrian cuisine with a Styrian emphasis. The menu is small and changes regularly according to the freshest ingredients available, but everything is superbly prepared. Meals begin with freshly baked bread, and close with a selection of more than 60 cheeses from the restaurant's own cellar. Seasonal offerings might include gooseliver Steirereck, Styrian roast beef, lobster, lamb with crepes, rabbit with risotto or smoked monkfish. Dress is smart and reservations are recommended. Open Monday to Friday.
Web:steirereck.at
DO & CO - International
Vienna - Stephansplatz 12
Located on the seventh floor of the Haas Haus, Do & Co is the flagship restaurant of Do & Co International Hotel and offers the best views in town, situated opposite St Stephan's Cathedral. The cuisine is international, featuring mainly modern Viennese and Asian fare, but the extensive menu also covers South America and wider Europe. The menu covers 'Tastes of the World', 'Beef & Co', 'Kebab, Wok and Curries', 'Catch of the Day', 'Austrian Classics', and different kinds of sushi. Reservations are highly recommended, and dress is smart. Open daily from 12pm.
Web:www.doco.com
Café Central - Café
Vienna - Herrengasse 14
Café Central is probably one of the most famous cafes in the world due to its high profile clientele during the history of Vienna, which included famous artists, writers and intellectuals such as Lenin and Trotsky. The grand, cathedral-like setting with its marble pillared hall and soaring ceiling is a fine setting for the excellent coffee and Apfelstrudel that they serve up, along with an assortment of other desserts and pastries for tea. Light lunches are served and the menu includes a variety of provincial dishes and Viennese specialties as well as salads, soups, sandwiches and vegetarian dishes. Piano music plays daily from 5pm. Open daily from 10am.
Web:www.palaisevents.at
Hietzinger Bräu - Local
Vienna - 1130 Wien, Auhofstraße 1
This award-winning restaurant stays true to its traditional values and is somewhat of an institution when it comes to Viennese steak restaurants. The tasteful décor and impeccable cuisine ensure that this eatery stays within the top ranks of Vienna's dining scene. The Tafelspitz(boiled beef) is without a doubt the most famous choice of beef and is the flagship dish of this restaurant. The beef is served in the traditional manner - in beef soup, with apple and horseradish, roast potatoes and chive sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
Web:www.plachutta.at
Restaurant Imperial - International
Vienna - Kärntner Ring 16
The warm, cosy and classic style of the Restaurant Imperial lends itself perfectly to a stylish dining affair. The décor is tasteful and evokes a feeling of old-world charm while chef Hans Juergen Schauer creates delectable dishes such as fillet of turbot with goose liver and fillet of veal, or the old favourite, Wiener Schnitzel. Open daily for dinner. Reservations essential.
Mörwald - Local
Vienna - Kaerntner Strasse 22, Ambassador Hotel
This trendy eatery decked in beige colour schemes and crisp white linen tablecloths is one of Vienna's hottest restaurants. Serving tantalising and creative cuisine, Mörwald lays on the charm with an extensive wine listing of over 1,000 wines and classic Viennese food with inventive twists, such as the venison with nuts, pureed celery and broccoli. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
Web:www.moerwald.at
