Vienna: Much more than just Viennese schnitzel written by Cecilie Saustrup Kirk.
One of the pearls of the Danube
Just on the edge of the Danube lies one of Europe's most amazing cities. Whatever you are looking for history, culture, wine, wienerschnitzel or experiences for life, then is Austria capital of Vienna an obvious city to visit.
Since there is so much to experience in Vienna, we have collected 5 themes that you can use to guide you in this beautiful city.
Habsburg Vienna
If there is one thing Vienna has to offer, it is history and beautiful architecture. Vienna and Austria in general were the headquarters of the Habsburg family, a powerful royal family that ruled to a greater or lesser extent in large parts of Europe. The Habsburgs ruled, among other things Spain, Hungary, Croatia, Czech Republic, Portugal The Netherlands, Italy as well as their overseas colonies.
Therefore, we also find lots of exciting architecture from the Habsburg heyday, which is definitely worth a visit.
You should experience the Hofburg castle, which was then the imperial residence in Austria, but which today serves as the office of the country's federal president. The castle is a beautiful sight with white columns along the front and statues on the roof; all in beautiful baroque style. Hofburg consists of 18 wings and over 2000 rooms, so here is enough to look at.
For example, explore the National Library, visit the Imperial Treasury and see the treasures of the past or go through the Imperial Rooms and see how the Habsburg family lived. Also stop by the Spanish Riding School and see a world-class show where proud traditions and refined abilities in the art of riding have been passed down through the centuries.
If your taste is for magnificent art, then a visit to the Belvedere Castle Complex is something to be experienced. Here you will find two palaces, which are also built in the characteristic baroque style.
In the Lower Belvedere you can experience the Austrian Museum of Baroque Art including the beautiful marble hall with ceiling painting inspired by the Greek god Apollo. In addition, at Upper Belvedere you can see world-famous art. Here you will find the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's works as well as a number of Impressionists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir. Up from the Upper Belvedere you also have an unsurpassed view of Vienna.
Finally, we do not get around Schloss Schönbrunn, which was admitted in 1996 World Heritage List. The impressive castle is built in the Rococo style and is located in beautiful surroundings with gardens, fountains, labyrinths and parks on all sides. The castle is today a museum, but was originally built as a summer place for the Habsburg family.
Classic Vienna
Vienna offers lots of classic features; classical art, classical culture and of course classical music.
At the Sigmund Freud Museum you can learn more about the man behind psychoanalysis and the modern world's greatest thinkers, and at the Künstlerhaus you will be invited inside to a sea of changing exhibitions on everything from architecture and paintings to sculptures and other forms of art.
If you did not get enough Gustav Klimt in Belvedere, then slip out to Klimt Villa in the southwestern part of town. It was in this house and the adjoining garden that Klimt created some of his most famous paintings. In the villa you can, for example, see the unfinished works "The Bride" and "Adam and Eve".
When we talk and the classic Vienna, we also have to take a stroll past St. Stephen's Church - or St. Stephen's Cathedral, which is the name under which it is best known. The church is dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first martyr, and was built way back in the year 1147. It has since been extended, rebuilt and rebuilt by several rounds, but still stands today in Gothic style as a beautiful landmark of the city. Austria's largest church bell, hangs in the cathedral's northern church tower.
One does not need to know much about classical music to know that many of the world's great classical composers originate from Vienna and Austria. This applies to composers Schubert and twice Strauss from Vienna and of course Mozart from Salzburg, and they have left their mark on the Austrian capital. There are always classical concerts to be found in Vienna.
The Vienna State Opera is the most important opera house in Vienna and one of the most famous in the world. The opera offers both concerts, opera productions and ballet performances, so find a ticket and let yourself disappear into some of the world's most famous and beautiful music.
Wine and schnitzel - culinary Vienna
What is a holiday without food? And what is Vienna without wienerschnitzel? The world-famous dish is synonymous with Vienna, and one can hardly visit the city without having tried a real wienerschnitzel. The real thing is found in lots of places all over the city, but especially noteworthy is the restaurant Figlmüller, which is loved by both tourists and locals. Figlmüller's wienerschnitzel is so large that two people can share one - just the way we like them.
Austria is also the land of cakes and desserts. Whatever you are looking for the famous apfelstrudel, the delicious Linzertorte, Sachertorte or the little exquisite ones shortbread biscuitscookies - then Vienna is the city for you.
Sit down at a café and have the taste of Austria served with your coffee. A good place to try some of the exquisite delicacies is at Café Central, which is possibly Vienna's most beautiful café and a sight in itself. The café is every cake lover's dream and a magnificent example of the café culture that still prevails in the Austrian capital.
Austria also excels at a point that is most for the adults; namely wine. Most wine lovers are familiar with the well-known varieties such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay - all fabulous wines made from grapes from the Austrian vineyards.
An old Austrian grape variety, Grüner Veltliner, has also gained more and more ground in the wine market in recent years. A great place to get acquainted with one of - or all - these wines is in the wine lounge Tinto Rosso. With skilled staff and a great variety of wines, you can easily make an evening go here.
Austria is also good for beer, and both beer and wine go well with wienerschnitzel - and with most other food you can get in Austria and Vienna. Here it is the good experience that counts - not so many fine sensations.
Austria's family - friendly capital
Vienna is the perfect city to take the children on holiday i. Not so far from Denmark that the journey becomes uncomfortable, a safe city to move around in and a climate that is not too great an upheaval for the little ones. And then of course Vienna has a lot activities for children.
Try Vienna's Zoo - or Schönbrunn Zoo, as it is actually called due to its location by Schönbrunn Palace. It is the world's oldest zoo and dates back to 1752. At that time, only the royal family and the nobility had access, but today the garden is visited by over two million people annually. The zoo has spread to 17 hectares and contains about 8500 animals spread over 700 different species.
Another family friendly experience to be tried is Prater. Talks a real name of a large public park area, which is located in the district Leopoldstadt. But in everyday speech, people use the word Prater to refer to the amusement park Wurstelprater, which is located in the western part of the park.
The Prater is especially known for its Ferris wheel, the Riesenrad, which is 65 meters high and weighs 430 tons. In the same way that the London Eye is a landmark for London, the Riesenrad is a landmark of the Prater and Vienna and well worth a trip.
Depart for Viennese fun and Viennese schnitzel - find cheap flights to Vienna here
Skewed and crazy Vienna
Vienna also has a sea of quirky and fun experiences. One of the literally crookedest attractions is probably the Hundertwasserhaus. An apartment complex built between 1983 and 1986, which immediately became a hallmark of Vienna. The apartments are built up of quirky waves, fun colors and flower-covered roofs and balconies - a certain distinctive look that you probably will not find anywhere else.
How about a visit to a park dedicated to butterflies? The Schmetterlinghaus is the royal butterfly park and is part of the Hofburg castle in the form of a giant greenhouse. Inside, a landscape of exotic plants, rippling waterfalls, tropical temperatures and butterflies has been created in the hundreds. It is one of the most beautiful attractions in the center of Vienna and is a magnet for both tourists and locals who are looking for a place to relax and get completely in gear.
You know the Free City of Christiania - now you have to meet the Republic of Kugelmugel. Vienna's own micronation declared its independence in 1976 and consists of only one house: the Ball House.
The ball house was built by Edwin Lipburger, who after disagreements with the authorities about the ownership of the ball house was sent into the damper for 10 weeks. In 1982, the house was moved to the Prater area and has stood there ever since. Despite the fact that Kugelmugel only has a single house, the republic has over 650 citizens - no one lives in the 'nation' itself. The republic is today under the administration of Vienna and is used as a tourist attraction.
As it turns out, Vienna can offer a bit of everything. All that is missing now is to get booked the flight ticket, packed the suitcase and set off for Vienna - one of Europe's most wonderful cities.
Have a good trip and good wienerschnitzel appetite!
Read much more about traveling in Austria here
Did you know: Here are 7 overlooked food experiences you must try in Austria
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