The historic city of Vienna is the capital city of Austria
and the largest city in the country, with a population of approx.
2 million. It is situated along the banks of the Danube river
and at the foothills of the Alps. Vienna is a popular tourist
destination for many reasons, among which are its music, concert
halls, theatre, museums, cafes, wine taverns, parks – and
even its skiing! The great composers Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart
and Haydn all lived in Vienna.
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Throughout the 19th century Vienna became known as a major cultural
and scientific location. It was famous for the Strauss waltzes
in the first part of the 19th century. Vienna was also home to
the famous psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud. Many other famous composers
and musicians were also attracted to Vienna, such as Schoenberg,
Mahler and Brahms.
In 1938 Hitler annexed Austria with Germany and Vienna sustained
damage during WW2. A huge percentage of the Jewish population
were annihilated by the time the war was over.
The city’s main boulevard is called the Ringstrasse (
Ring Boulevard), and many of the buildings are of architectural
interest, including the Opera House and Natural History Museum.
The city also has many art-nouveau buildings from the turn of
the century.
Vienna is home to the world famous Spanish Riding School with
its Lipizzaner horses, as well as the Vienna Boy’s Choir,
and the Vienna State Opera – which are all well worth a
visit. The Gothic Rathaus also puts on concerts during the summer
months. Tours of the city can be made by many means, including
foot, bus, or horse drawn carriage. The 850’ Danube Tower
gives a great view of the city from its observation decks or
revolving restaurants.
The city’s cafes are famous for their Viennese pastries,
and some of the most popular cafes are to be found along the
Ringstrasse, as well as many of the most interesting museums.
After seeing the Ringstrasse, the Old City is also a must-see
with its many attractions. Not to be missed are the Schonburnn
Palace which was a summer home of the Habsburg’s, Karlskirche – a
huge Baroque style cathedral, St. Stephen’s Cathedral,
the historic Naschmarkt (market) and main shopping streets. Prater
Park has a historic amusement park with a huge ferris wheel.
The magnificent Belvedere Palace contains a great collection
of Viennese art, including works by Gustav Klimt.
Tours are available of the homes of many famous past inhabitants,
including the homes of Sigmund Freud, Johann Strauss, Beethoven
and Mozart. The Central Cemetery contains the graves of Beethoven,
Brahms, Schoenberg, Schubert, and other famous people.
The annual
Vienna International Festival attracts orchestras from all over
the world.
Many people may not think of Vienna as a winter sports destination,
but it is possible to ski at Hohe Wand Wiese, within the city
borders! There are several other skiing and winter sports destinations
within a short distance of Vienna.
Austria’s climate is typically mild and moderate with
summer temperatures ranging from approx. 20-30°C, and in
winter around 0°C. |
