Guide to Vienna
Vienna is the capital of Austria. It is famous for many important personalities, rich history and high standard of living. It is also the political, economic and cultural center of Austria. It covers an area of 414 square kilometers on the Danube River. The population living in Vienna is approximately 1.7 million.
Accommodation in Vienna
We can offer you a wide range of accommodation in Vienna. We have more than 3000 hotels, guesthouses, apartments and hostels at our disposal. The largest part of our offer in Vienna consists apartments. The most sought-after accommodation is in the center of Vienna near monuments and other attractions such as the city hall (Rathaus), the cathedral of St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), Hofburg Castle, Ringstraße boulevard or Hundertwasserhaus. Accommodation is located on both banks of the Danube in the city districts of Leopoldstadt, Josefstandt, Innere Stadt, Neubau, Mariahilf, Margareten or Wieden. If you would prefer less busy parts of Vienna, we can offer the districts of Donaustadt, Hietzing, Simmerin, Meidling or Floridsdorf for example. Vienna is densely interwoven with the metro network, so most accommodation is within walking distance. Accommodation prices depend on the period (seasonal, off-season), location, standard, time of holidays or other so-called top dates. As in all big cities, Vienna also has an offer of hotels of world chains such as Ambassador, Best Western, Marriot or InterContinental. Among the most popular accommodations in Vienna are Grand Hotel Wien, Vienna Marriott Hotel, Radisson BLU Style Hotel, Vienna, Le Meridien Vienna. If you have any questions regarding the choice of accommodation in Vienna, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to advise you or help you choose the ideal option.
History of Vienna
According to historical records, the beginnings of the city date back to 2000 BC. The place where Vienna is located today was inhabited already in the younger Stone Age. Vienna was founded by the Romans. The first name the city bore was Vedunia, later also Vindobona. In the 15th century, Vienna was destroyed by the Hungarians, but also by the Turks under the leader Suleiman. The inhabitants of that time did not want to allow the Turks to live here, so they set the city on fire. This led to considerable destruction, which was repaired only in the 16th century during the reign of Ferdinand I., who had massive fortifications built here. Vienna became the capital of Austria in 1155. In 1365, the bishopric and the University of Vienna were founded here. In the future, the Habsburg family played a major role in Vienna, which contributed to the significant development of the economy and culture. In 1918, Austria-Hungary disintegrated and Vienna thus lost its position within the entire empire. Vienna became an independent federal state in 1921. Until 1945, Austria was annexed to Germany. It wasn't until the 1970s that Vienna developed rapidly again and became the seat of many international organizations.
Transport to and around Vienna
Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat) is located a few kilometers southeast of the city center. In addition to international or domestic flights, the airport also operates continental flights to the United States, Great Britain or Africa. You can reach the city center from the airport by train (S-Bahn) in 25 minutes. You can also use the bus shuttle service or take a taxi. How and what to travel around Vienna? The most frequently used option is the metro, which runs through the city. You can also travel by trams offering 27 lines and regular routes. There is a relatively new bicycle rental system in the city. In the city center you will find many stations where it is possible to rent bicycles for a registration fee of 1 Euro, the first hour is then free, the next hour is 1 Euro. Vienna has several main train stations - Südbahnhof, Westbahnhof, Nord, Mitte, Wien Meidling. Vienna is a very important European rail link. Among the leading bus stations (stations), we can mention Vienna International Busterminal, Waldmanngründen or Praterstern.
Sights and attractions in Vienna
The famous and most frequently visited places and landmarks of the city include the Rathaus, or town hall, where Christmas markets with an indescribable atmosphere are held every year. Then the building of the State Opera House, the seat of the Habsburg Monarchy (Hofburg), the Cathedral of St. Stephansdom, Schönbrunn and Belvedere castles or Hundertwasserhaus. Vienna is a city of art, especially music, which gave place and fame to many famous world composers such as Johann Strauss, Beethoven, Haydn or Mozart. The most famous amusement park in Vienna is Präter, where there are many attractions and also a huge Ferris wheel offering beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. Among the Viennese museums, we can mention the Ernst-Fuchs Museum, the Pending District Museum or the Technical Museum Vienna. If you want to go shopping, then head to Mariahilfer Strasse, the main shopping street, with souvenir shops to luxury global boutiques. Who doesn't know Sacher cake or Viennese veal schnitzel? Another typical food that you can buy on every corner are sausages served in many variations.
Sports in Vienna
Vienna is home to several football teams. Among the most famous are FK Austria Wien, SK Rapid Wien or the oldest Viennese club First Vienna FC. Other popular city clubs include Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna, which plays American football. Also the hockey team Vienna Capitals or Vienna Celtic, the Viennese team of rugby players. Worth noting is the Vienna City Marathon, which is a running marathon in which over ten thousand competitors participate every year. In 2005, the city hosted the world hockey championship. The city's largest stadium is Ernst-Happel Stadion, named after a former football player. In addition to sporting events, concerts are also held at the stadium.
Famous personalities of Vienna
Composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss and Franz Schubert are among the personalities who were born in Vienna or who made a significant mark in its history. Then Emperor Francis Joseph I, painter Gustav Klimt, actor Leon Askin or architect Otto Wagner.