In Austrian capital Vienna, you feel Music, literally, in the air. I myself experienced this feeling when I went to a live concert. The legacies of the immortal music of Mozart and the waltzes of Johann Strauss have termed Vienna as the music capital of the world.
The centuries old musical tradition and the imperial flair of Vienna have left their mark in the city. The historic center of Vienna has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Historic center has magnificent architectural ensembles which include Baroque castles, Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, gardens and Ringstrasse lined with many monuments and parks.
When I ventured out to explore the city, it started drizzling intermittently. Luckily, I was carrying my umbrella and I decided to take up lot of walking tours, which I enjoyed immensely. I did a walking tour of historic center and was thrilled to be a part of Vienna’s heritage.
I strolled in Volksgarten adorned with temples, fountains and rose garden where 400 varieties of roses bloom. More than half of Vienna’s metropolitan area comprises of green spaces. No wonder Vienna has been chosen the most livable city in the world, for many years in a row
To get the feeling of the powerhouse of Austria, I sneaked into Austrian parliament. Its magnificent architecture with rich artistic details made me forgot for a moment that I was entering a very sensitive area and I have to be careful.
One comic situation, I will like to share with you is, that I went to a shop to purchase souvenir and I saw huge pictures of kangaroos on some souvenirs with caption kangaroos in Austria. For a moment I got confused whether Kangaroos are found in Austria, too. Before I would react I saw word ‘no’ tucked in. When I enquired, the shopkeeper described few instances when tourists would confuse Austria with Australia and they would enquire about Kangaroos. So, that is how they came up with the idea of such souvenirs which were quite popular amongst tourists.
I will give befitting tribute to the city, ‘ Vienna is ancient, Vienna is modern, Vienna is green’.
Other than that, one special mention I would like to attribute to the city is that ‘Vienna is different’.
Vienna is different in its architectural contributions. But its best unconventional example is Hundertwasser House, which is a low cost housing block, yet a wonderful showcase of Hundertwasser design, with trees and shrubs jutting out into the balconies and terraces is a treat to the eyes.
Hundertwasser House is the weirdest thing not to be missed in Vienna. Some may find it odd, but this is one of the architectural delights of Vienna, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the famous Austrian architect. Born in Vienna, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, although controversial, became one of the best known contemporary artist by the end of 20th century. His works reflect his prominent individual touch, rejecting straight lines and use of bold colors. He is widely acclaimed for his revolutionary designs that consist of irregular forms in his building designs which incorporate natural features of landscape.
One more thing which stands out in Vienna and makes Vienna different is the way they serve coffee. Its variation in coffee amazed me. I read a signboard ‘there is no coffee in Austria’. When I enquired, I got my answer,”that is true”. If you just order for a coffee in a café, waiter will look at you strangely. Ordering and serving coffee is sort of an art in Vienna. You have to order specific coffee out of more than dozen specialities like Melange, Café latte, Eiskaffee, etc… I ordered Mokka coffee with lot of sugar as I like it more sweet.
I sum up saying; Vienna is ancient, Vienna is modern, Vienna is green. And Vienna is the city I would love to come back, in future, to stay longer and to explore more.
VIENNA TALE CONTINUES IN NEXT POST…..
once part of great roman empire ,of course they would love to do things differently and beautifully.
travelling through all these places sometimes you must have felt human existence so insignificant ; who knows us when we leave four-walls of our house…but atleast you are not like us KOOP-MANDOOKS,
keep expanding your awareness and ours as well.
Thank you. Travels to different countries have certainly raised my awareness levels.
Vienna is beautiful and Vienna is the city that I would love to visit one day. 🙂
Its unique. You should visit.
Wonderful architecture! Coffee is always a must for me and traveling it always amazes me how different the ordering process can be haha!
This was so peculiar of Vienna.
This looks like a city of rich history and culture.
Indeed rich in heritage.
I had never thought of going to Vienna. But your review is so awesome that I would love to visit that place.
You will certainly fall in love with the city.
Vienna is also gorgeous! I hope I am lucky enough to visit one day.
Vienna is absolutely gorgeous.
I would really love to visit Hundertwasser House.
Must to do thing in Vienna itinerary.
These old cities are my favorite. I had a similar feeling in Singapore where history is something on the same lines even when it is not that old as Vienna. Hope to explore Europe some time in future.
Wish you best for your future travels.
Wow! This is so amazing. Great photos and and great experience 😀 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you.
Hundertwasser House has caught my attention. Vienna has been on my bucket list for many years and I can’t wait until I visit.
Yes true feel can be experienced by being there.
It looks like a beautiful city from your pictures and buildings architecture is so classy. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing architecture and valued heritage indeed.
Wow! I also love Vienna! One of my target destinations! Lovely photos! Thanks for sharing. I’ll be visiting this next year, hopefully 😊
You will just love the city.
Vienna is gorgeous and a classic city! Would love to visit her someday!
A great destination in Europe.
I’ve always wanted to go to Austria ever since I saw sound of music!!! It’s so insanely beautiful. I will have to go someday!
Truly so. Everywhere felt aura of music.
Vienna has been on our radar for some time. I enjoyed reading your post. Happy travels!
Thank you Puja.
You have just greatly summarized Vienna for me. I still am comfortably country hopping Southeast Asia but in the future, I really would want to see this part of the world too. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post.
Thank you Sheena.
What an adventure from Vienna. I literally felt i was walking the streets with a guide on how he expressed each place visited
Thank you.
Hundertwasser House looks strange at first. But, it is a gem, very colorful and has it’s own story!
Yes it tells a unique story.
Vienna definitely has a spot on my to visit country. The Hundertwasser House seems creepy but it has its character.
Hundertwasser house is mysterious.
Exotic Vienna! Austria is one of the beautiful lands in Europe..
Absolutely mesmerizing.
What a lovely glimpse into Austria. I love that they play off of the confusion with the Kangaroos.
Thank you Danielle.
Kangaroo gesture made me so laugh.