Most of the time my thoughts of Europe revolve around the big three cities of London, Paris and Rome. Secondarily, Berlin, Barcelona, Athens and Venice spring to mind. However, when a business meeting was upcoming in Vienna I did a little homework and then knew this should be one of the top cities in European travel.
I have most of the Rick Steves travel DVD’s on various cities that I purchased from Ebay. So I took out the Vienna episode and gave the DVD a spin. While my wife hates the tone of his voice, I like his shows and he does a really great job providing many highlights of a city, but how much really can you show in a 22 minute overview? Digging deeper I quickly came across The Third Man movie that was based in post WWII Vienna. Learning quickly that Vienna was also a divided city like Berlin it gave me a new perspective on the city. While it was early in the day when I got to the Wiener Riesenrad, Vienna ferris wheel, I did indeed feel like I captured just a bit of what Orson Welles felt so many years ago.
Some cars setup for dining 
Enjoying the ride on the 
Metal and spokes 
Like little trams moving around the big wheel 
Today the doors lock so no one falls out of the cars
Of course the Home to Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven and more it truly was the capitol of classical music. While others may not enjoy classical music, I really enjoy it and was walking around Vienna with Strauss’ On the Beautiful Blue Danube in my head most days…now it may be in yours! While I was working we did take time out one evening to go to the Golden Hall and listen to Mozart, Strauss and Beethoven’s music performed by people in period costumes. It was fantastic!
Beautiful hall 
Pipe organ above at the rear 
People assembling 
Almost time to begin 
Time for Mozart 
Where do you get a powdered wig? 
Maestro 
Prima Donna
Of course like most major European cities Vienna wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t have a major cathedral (or more). The main one in Vienna is St. Stephens Cathedral, which is a beautiful gothic church with a unique multicolored tile roof. Inside there are images, icons and even mementos of when Mozart was married in the church.
It’s roof was damaged during WWII but has since been rebuilt. A nice side trip is to go to each of the towers. The North tower leads to the bell tower and has an elevator to whisk you up and down, at least most of the way. However, getting to the top requires negotiating some scaffolding type of walkways with a mesh floor and if you are afraid of heights, then, likely, it won’t be one of your most favorite memories!
The South tower only requires you to walk up and back down 343 steps in a small circular staircase. While I was up to the challenge my legs definitely felt like rubber for the next 1-2 hours. If memory serves I think I was fortified afterwards by a nice cappuccino and a slice of famous Sachertorte cake. It is a beautiful church and is the heart of Vienna in Stephensplatz (Stephens square).
Amazing tiles on Roof. 
Intricate workmanship 
Reconstructed with Eagles 
Alter area 
Closeup of tile work 
Standing at the top….down look down through mesh! 
Door for bells to be lifted up through 
How many steps to go?
Walking is easy in Vienna and public transportation is easier. People are friendly, buses, subways and trams are clean, safe and cheap. Lots of shopping, coffee shops with delicious chocolates and other goodies, and history all around. Around the corner not too far from Stephensplatz is the home of Mozart. While many items are reproductions it does give you a sense of the actual person. It felt like I was almost looking first hand into the movie Amadeus.
Shops Galore 
Mozart’s Clothing 
While this has been changed a bit it was the home of Mozart and his wife. 
Vienna from Mozart’s house 
The ceiling relief in Mozart’s bedroom 
Amazing fountains 
She having a bad day? 
I think he is pointing at me! 
The butterfly house 
Cherubs 
Strauss 
Rathaus Burgtheater 
Rathaus (City government office) 
Lipizzaner Stallions 
Hofburg Palace
The ruling family for 400 ish years in Vienna was the Habsburg family. Austria ruled over a large section of eastern Europe. Most of the family tombs can be seen in Austria and the palaces are amazing to behold. I didn’t have enough time to view the Hofburg palace or Belvedere palace but did make a point to see the Schoenbrunn Palace and grounds. In the main ballroom Nakita Khrushchev and JFK met for the Vienna Summit.
When the formal meetings were over, Kennedy insisted on a short private meeting with Khrushchev. At that meeting, Khrushchev stated: ” Force will be met by force. If the US wants war, that’s its problem” . ” It is up to the US to decide whether there will be war or peace. The decision to sign a peace treaty is firm and irrevocable, and the Soviet Union will sign it in December, if the US refuses an interim agreement. ” Kennedy responded: ” Then, Mr. Chairman, there will be a war. It will be a cold winter.”
History Central
Mugging for a photo at Schoenbrunn 
Meet the Habsburgs 
Beautiful Staircase 
Gardens Galore 
Fountian mid-picture and Gloria in back 
Is this my fountain? 
Zoo 
Gardeners apply here! 
Looking at the Gloria 
Colonnades to enter Gloria
Final morning before my flight I willed myself up and went to the main cemetery of Vienna. Beethoven had 20,000 people follow his casket to its final resting place yet all we know of Mozart was the general area where he was buried in a mass grave. Their music lives on enduring hundreds of years.
Memorial to Mozart 
Strauss 
While this too is only a small sliver of Vienna I hope you enjoyed my pictures and memories. I was wonderfully surprised at the history, culture and music of Vienna and look forward to going back for a second helping. Please feel free to let me know your thoughts or experiences of your time in Vienna.
The Sane Adventurer 
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