Introduction

Vienna, the capital of Austria, has long been the epicenter of the imperial 🌐 Habsburg dynasty This enchanting city resonates with the harmonious notes of music, where Johann Strauss’s waltzes captivated audiences and Mozart’s operas graced the grand stages. Wander the streets of Vienna, and you’ll encounter aspiring singers and musicians from diverse corners of the globe.

But Vienna is more than just a cultural hub. It’s an ecologically conscious metropolis, blessed with pristine water sourced directly from the majestic Alps. Europeans consistently rank Vienna among the finest places to reside on the old continent. Embark on an extraordinary journey to this city, where every footstep leads to discoveries, inspiration, and unforgettable moments.

We recommend exploring this incredibly inspiring city starting with a brief overview of the key events that shaped it.

The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation

Vienna, with its origins as a Celtic settlement, has been mentioned since ancient times. It is known that around 15 BCE, it functioned as a Roman frontier post, safeguarding the Roman Empire from Germanic tribal invasions. In 1221, during the Babenberg dynasty’s reign, Vienna was granted city rights. It was this same dynasty that Leopold IV the Generous hailed from. His role in the Treaty of Mautern contributed to the future construction of 🔗 St. Stephen’s Cathedral. By 1276, the city had come under Habsburg rule, eventually becoming the capital of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

Vienna, under the rule of Rudolf IV the Founder (1358-1365), thrived as a hub of learning and culture. In 1365, it witnessed the establishment of its first university, which remains the oldest and largest institution of higher education in German-speaking lands. In 1485, Vienna was conquered by Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia (1443-1490), who made the city the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary for 5 years.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city of Vienna bravely repelled Turkish assaults on two occasions. Notably, on September 12, 1683, King Jan III Sobieski of Poland led his army to the city’s aid. In the historic Battle of Vienna, they successfully thwarted the Ottoman Empire’s siege, significantly diminishing the Ottoman influence in Christian Europe. The 16th century witnessed the Reformation, while the late 17th century was marked by a somber atmosphere of death and apprehension.

In 1679, a devastating plague epidemic swept through, claiming the lives of approximately 76,000 residents. From that time, the Baroque column of the Holy Trinity, also known as the Plague Column, was erected between 1687 and 1693. This magnificent structure served as an expression of gratitude to God for ending the plague. Emperor Leopold I generously funded its construction, and it stands today on the very ground that once held the mass graves of its victims.

Austrian Empire

During the 19th century, Vienna experienced a golden era marked by significant advancements in trade, industry, and culture. From September 1814 to June 1815, the Congress of Vienna convened in the city. At this pivotal international gathering, delegates from 16 European nations collaborated to forge a fresh continental framework in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution.

Austro-Hungarian Monarchy

In 1848, the city experienced the Spring of Nations, marked by social demonstrations, and calls for reforms throughout Europe. As a consequence of these events and driven by the aspirations of the peoples residing within Habsburg territories—particularly the Hungarians—the Austro-Hungarian Compromise was reached in 1867. This pivotal agreement transformed the Austrian Empire into a dual monarchy, under the Habsburgs, but preserving both national identities and governance structures. Francis Joseph I assumed the title of King of Hungary, all while safeguarding the privileges of the nobility in the Lands of the Holy Crown of St. Stephen and the parliament in Budapest.

After the Spring of Nations, Emperor Francis Joseph I ordered the demolition of the city walls, which had been fierce battlegrounds during the revolutionary conflicts. This move aimed to prevent their use as a stronghold against the Habsburgs. In their place, the grand boulevard known as Ringstraße was constructed, encircling the Innere Stadt from the south.  This monumental avenue is adorned with historic buildings, including landmarks like the Parliament, the Vienna State Opera, the University of Vienna, and the🔗 Museum of Art History and the 🔗 Museum of Natural History.

Republic of Austria

After World War I, Vienna became the capital of the Austrian Republic. The Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1919 defined the borders of the new state. It also limited the size of its military and prohibited it from merging with Germany. The interwar period was marked by economic crisis and social tensions, leading to Vienna being dubbed “Red Vienna” due to the dominance of the Social Democratic Party of Austria during that time.

Federal State of Austria

Adolf Hitler’s triumphant entry into Vienna in March 1938 preceded the Anschluss, which was the annexation of Austria into the Third Reich in April of the same year. This action violated the provisions of the Treaty of Vienna from 1919. Consequently, Vienna lost its capital status to Berlin, becoming a provincial city on the outskirts of the Reich.

Republic of Austria

After the successful Vienna Offensive in 1945, carried out by the Soviet Union, the city was liberated from German occupation. In the subsequent years, Vienna once again became the capital of Austria. Initially, like Berlin, the city was divided into four occupational zones: the British, French, American, and Soviet zones. These zones also divided the entire country, each having separate military and civilian administrations, exerting control over specific areas of the city. This division symbolized the Cold War conflict between the Eastern and Western blocs, significantly impacting the daily lives of Vienna’s residents for many years. It was only with the end of the occupation in 1955 that Austria regained full sovereignty, and Vienna was reunified under a single administration.

Visit

Vienna is divided into 23 districts (der Bezirk in German). Each district has its own name and number. When asking someone where they live, they are more likely to respond with the district number rather than its name. You can find these numbers on street signs, making it easy to orient yourself even if you get lost. District number 1 is the Innere Stadt (Inner City), often referred to as the Old Town. The next districts, numbered 3 to 9, circle it in clockwise direction. They were established between the outer and inner defensive walls of the city. District number 2 The Danube Island lies on an island between the Danube River and the Danube Canal. Historically, it was the Jewish quarter, but during the Nazi era, it lost most of its residents. Today, it has been revived again, and when you visit it, you can feel its Jewish heritage.

Vienna’s population currently stands at just over 1.9 million people, accounting for 24% of the entire country’s population. Interestingly, Vienna had even more residents—2.2 million—back in 1916. The demographics of the city have changed significantly over time, reflecting its rich history and diverse communities.

In Vienna, remarkable individuals were both born and worked, leaving an indelible imprint on global culture and history. Among them were Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, exceptional composers who forever transformed classical music. Sigmund Freud, the pioneer of psychoanalysis, revolutionized our understanding of human psychology. The painter Gustav Klimt, an emblem of the Secession movement, bequeathed unforgettable masterpieces, including the iconic painting “The Kiss” which graces the halls of the 🔗 Belvedere. And then there’s Empress Elisabeth of Austria, affectionately known as Sisi, who became a symbol of beauty, independence, and enigma.

Planner

To get to Vienna, you have several options based on your preferences and departure location. If you’re flying, you’ll arrive at Vienna’s Flughafen Wien-Schwechat Airport, which is 18 km from the city. From there, you can choose between the high-speed train (City Airport Train – CAT, with green carriages), regional trains (S-Bahn, with red carriages), buses, or taxis to reach the city center. The quickest choice is the CAT train, departing every half hour and making a non-stop journey from the airport to Wien Mitte station in just 16 minutes. Tickets are available at the airport vending machines or 🌐 on-line.

Vienna boasts excellent rail connections to other European cities. The main train stations, Wien Hauptbahnhof and Wien Westbahnhof, serve as major transfer hubs.

For car travelers, remember to pay tolls for highway use (Vignette). Be mindful of paid and often restricted parking zones within the city (Kurzparkzone). In some areas, purchasing a parking ticket (Parkschein) grants a limited parking time of up to 2 hours, and specific spaces are exclusively reserved for residents.

Public transport

Vienna’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient, allowing easy movement throughout the entire city. The public transport network includes the following modes:

1. Metro (U-Bahn): Comprising five lines (U1, U2, U3, U4, and U6), the metro covers major areas of the city, including the center and suburbs.
2. Trams (Straßenbahn): Trams operate on an extensive network, serving both central areas and more distant neighborhoods.
3. Buses (Autobus): Buses provide additional connections and flexibility for travel.
4. Urban trains (S-Bahn): These connect Vienna with its suburbs.
5. Regional trains (Regionalzug): Offering connections to nearby towns and regions.

Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at stops, kiosks, or via a 🌐 mobile app. Notably, the metro does not have typical entry gates to the ticketed area, but it is clearly marked with a line. While there is no obligation to validate tickets every time you travel by metro, you must have a valid ticket while within the ticketed area. Various ticket types are available, including single-use, daily, and season passes. Additionally, Vienna offers a city bike system (Citybike Wien) for short-distance rentals, providing an alternative to public transportation

The entire public transportation system in Vienna is well-coordinated and efficient, making travel convenient and easy for both residents and tourists

Specialities of Viennese cuisine

While strolling through Vienna’s streets, treat yourself to a Wiener Schnitzel. It’s one of the most iconic dishes in Austrian cuisine—a thinly sliced and pounded meat (usually veal or pork) coated in egg, flour, and breadcrumbs, then fried to a golden crisp. Traditionally, it’s served with potatoes or salad.

Vienna is also a paradise for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts. Let’s begin with Kaiserschmarrn, a favorite of Emperor Franz Joseph I, often dubbed the “emperor’s dessert”. It’s a sweet, fluffy pancake-like creation served as both a dessert and a main course. After baking, the pancake is torn into pieces with a fork, giving it that delightful “shredded” appearance. Legend has it that the original version wasn’t intentionally torn, but serendipity led to its unique presentation. Kaiserschmarrn is typically dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by plum jam.

Next up is the classic Apfelstrudel, also known as Viennese apple strudel. This delicate pastry encases sweet apples, raisins, and cinnamon, often served alongside ice cream or vanilla sauce.

Lastly, we can’t forget the legendary Sachertorte, named after the renowned Hotel Sacher. This cake boasts two layers of tender chocolate sponge, filled with apricot jam, and generously coated in a luscious chocolate glaze.