Summer vacation is a time encouraging us to travel more, no matter whether these are close or far trips. One of my favourite cities, which is worth visiting in the summer months, is Vienna. I’ve been fascinated by Princess Sissi and picturesque Austria since I was a child. I’ve had a chance to visit this fairytale city twice, in winter and in summer. I must admit that Vienna presents itself very beautifully at any time of the year and it’s a good idea to visit this place more than once!
What did I like the most during my stay? I can say without any hesitation that I loved everything! In this short article, I’d like to focus on the spots which you can’t really miss during your visit!
1.Kahlenberg – St. Joseph’s Church
Kahlenberg is a hill located in the district of Vienna. It’s also historically important for Poles, as in 1683 there was a battle of Vienna against Turkish invaders, and the victorious army was led by a Polish king Jan III Sobieski. You can find there St. Joseph’s Church, in which the visitors can get to know more about this fantastic story, as since 1906 the church has been run by Polish priests. They created there a chamber to commemorate Polish victory during the Battle of Vienna. What’s more, from the top of Kahlenberg visitors can admire the picturesque panorama view of Vienna from a little bit different perspective.
2.Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
It’s one of the places which always reminds me of Vienna. The palace was built in the park of Schönbrunn. The building has around 1441 rooms and apartments, out of which only 45 are open to its visitors. Most of the rooms delight the visitors’ eyes with their luxury and rich decorations. Thanks to a great number of antique furniture and utility goods, you can get to know everyday life of the aristocrats who used to live there a little bit closer. You can visit the palace with a guide or you can use an audioguide just like me. However, in my opinion, the audioguide isn’t the best option to choose, as the descriptions of the rooms and apartments are a little bit too long to listen to them till the end … unless you’re going to spend the whole day on sightseeing anything but this venue. The exterior of the building owes its yellow tint to Maria Theresa, who loved this particular colour. In the penthouse belonging to the palace, you can also find the Vienna Imperial Carriage Museum. The gardens surrounding the building are maintained mainly in the French style, you can also visit there a Palm House. From the top of the hills the visitors can admire a stunning view of the palace and Vienna.
3.Historic Centre of Vienna
Vienna is an ideal spot for long walks during which you can admire various monuments and an interesting architecture of the city. In the historic centre of Vienna and its surroundings you should stop in the following places:
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral maintained in a Gothic style, is one of the most important sacral monuments in Vienna, which is situated in the heart of the oldest district of the city;
- Vienna City Hall was built in a neo-Gothic style and is the residence of the mayor and the city council of Vienna;
- The Parliament of Austria is situated in the city center on Ringstraße, it was built in the style resembling the architecture of ancient Greece;
- Belvedere Palace was built in the baroque style and consists of two buildings the Upper and Lower Belvedere, which were separated by a French garden;
- Hofburg – the Viennese palace of Austrian emperors, built in the baroque and classicist styles. Nowadays, it’s famous for an annual traditional imperial ball which is organized on the New Year’s Eve. Thanks to its special character it allows its guests to move in time.
4.Hundertwasserhaus
Hundertwasserhaus is one of the most interesting apartment complexes in Vienna and is situated on the corner of Kegelgasse and Löwengasse. The building was named after F. Hundertwasser, who was an architect and the author of the project, which was carried out between 1983 and 1985 by J. Krawina. The intention of the author of the project was to establish a dialogue among the nature and the humans. The exterior of the building attracts the visitors with its colourful facade and unusual architectural design, which gets away from using straight lines and regularities. The whole apartment complex is decorated with flowers and different kinds of plants not only on the balconies or terraces, but also in less obvious places. Unfortunately, the interior is not available for the visitors, as it’s fully inhabited by private individuals. In the neighborhood of Hundertwasserhaus you can pop into shops, which offer lots of souvenirs and other specialties so typical of this city.
5.Prater Park
Prater is a huge amusement park, in which everyone will find something for oneself. From big wheels to haunted houses, which attract lots of daredevils, who want to experience some thrilling moments in the company of friends. Next to this famous amusement park you can also find a beautiful garden, which attracts the locals and tourists with its greenery and lushness. It’s an ideal place for an afternoon walk and relax with the family. In the past it was a favourite site of the Habsburgs, which they eagerly used for all kinds of hunting.
6.For all the gourmands!
Every visit to Vienna should be finished in the Manner store offering delicious wafers, which just melt in your mouth. Their intense flavour will satisfy the tastes of the biggest connoisseurs of sweets.
If you don’t have an idea for a summer trip yet, you should consider a visit to Vienna, one of the most beautiful European cities! This spot will fascinate you not only with its well renovated landmark buildings and wonderful architecture, but also with the omnipresent spirit of the Habsburgs, who had an enormous impact on the development of Austria and Vienna itself.
See you around!
Yours,
Passion Piece
Moja siostra w zeszłym roku była w Wiedniu i okropnie jej tego zazdrościłam :) to piękne miasto <3
Nie ma co zazdrościć ... trzeba się zmobilizować i samej odkryć to piękne miasto. Bardzo polecam! :)
Vienna is soo beautiful. Have not been back there in a really long time. May be time ot change that. ❥ tanvii.com
Hope you'll find some time to visit Vienna once again! :)
Looks like a beautiful city (even the funfair haha!). Definitely makes me think of Vienna as my next trip :)
I loved the funfair ... but at the end of a long day I was a bit too tired to fully enjoy it. :)
I would LOVE to go to Vienna one day. I love that you describe it as a fairytale city because that's exactly how I think of it. It all looks so beautiful! Also, totally agree that summer is the time for traveling!
You should definitely put Vienna on your bucketlist! :)
This looks so beautiful! Would love to visit this city one day. Great article, thank you for sharing!
Happy to hear that you liked this article. :)
I love visiting other countries and learning about their deep, rich history. It’s the best!
I also love getting to know new places and their cultures! :)
Great photos! Vienna looks beautiful with its amazing architecture and history. This post makes me want to visit soon.
It was my intention to make people visit this place! :)
I have never been to Vienna. It looks beautiful. I’d love to see all those historic sites and buildings !
It's a wonderful place to admire the beauty of architecture surrounded by nature. :)
Vienna is one of my favorite places. The rich arts and culture make me go back to this beautiful place. We're planning to go back in October as we find it a bit crowded during Summer.
All popular places are a bit crowded in summer. Hope you'll enjoy your visit to Vienna in October. :)
Vienna is still on my list, this place looks heavenly. Planning a trip soon!
Can't wait to hear about your trip to Vienna! :)
We went to Vienna for four years back for our honeymoon and it was beautiful. Your guide is perfect for anyone planning a trip there.
Thank you! It must have been a perfect place for your honeymoon! :)
Vienna is such an amazing city. So glad you enjoyed it!
It's one of my favourite places to visit! :)
So much to see and experience in Vienna! One city I very badly want to revisit. Great pictures.
Hope you'll have a chance to visit this city once again. :)
Oh I love these pictures! What a beautiful place. It looks absolutely breath taking!
It's definitely a breathtaking place. You should visit it one day! :)
I'm not sure if I have been to the part of Vienna where you visited, but I really would like to visit the amusement park and gardens that you mentioned. I love flowers, but I also love rides.
Sometimes it's difficult to remember everything. The amusement park is really worth visiting. :)
vienna looks SO beautiful! definitely on my list to travel to!
Happy to hear that you got interested in this city! :)
Wow this looks like such a beautiful and amazing place to explore! I would adorebeing there someday!
Hope you'll have a chance to see this beautiful city one day! :)
Your Pictures and descriptions are so captivating! I would love to visit here one day! I love the look of the buildings and greenery!
I also love the views which are offered by this city. Hope you'll visit Vienna one day! :)
The palace and gardens look very lovely. And I really enjoyed the pictures of the old architecture. I just did a travel post as well. www.ohtobeamuse.com
I also love this palace and its gardens ... a great place for relax and long walks with family and friends. :)
Wow! Vienna looks absolutely gorgeous! I love your blog name by the way!
Yes, it's a stunning place! I also love the name of my blog! ;) :D
Wow Vienna looks amazing and I love all the attractions. I'll have to refer to this post if I ever make it over there!
Hope this post will occur useful for you while planning your trip. :)
Wow that place is stunning! I love the gardens!
I also love the gardens, as they are really well maintained. :)
Wow, there is so much history in Vienna! I love that every spot has a story to tell! I think my first stop would be the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens! I mean, this place is so beautiful!!! I'm in awe! www.officiallychic.com
I also think it's one of the most important places to visit in Vienna! :)
Wow, I love the juxtaposition of the older architecture with the more modern amusement park! I love the gardens - they look so beautiful!
Everything looks nicely in this city ... the old and modern architecture is really beautiful there! :)
WOW! Vienna looks so beautiful! I have never been there but I'd love to visit! These photos are amazing!
Hope you'll have a chance to visit that city one day! :)
This place looks amazing. Absolutely going to have to add it to one place I need to visit.
You should definitely add this place to your list! :)