Vienna Things to Do Tips by martin_nl

The baroque summer residence of the Habsburgers was built from 1695 - 1713 according to plans of Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. From 1744 - 1749 it was re-designed by Nikolaus Pacassi.

Apart from the exhibition rooms, e.g. the "Bergl room", with their magnificent interiors visitors should not miss the Wagenburg, the classic Gloriette (1775) and the large park with the "Schöner Brunnen" fountain, from which the castle´s name is derived. In the western parts of the park one will find the Palm haus, the largest glasshouse in Europe, and the zoo, which was openend in 1752.

At the 20th session of the World Heritage Committee held in December1996 Schönbrunn Palace was put on the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.

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Phone: +43(1)81113239
Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstrasse
Directions: Take the U4
Website: http://www.schoenbrunn.at/

This war memorial - a triumph gate with 3 arches and stairs - is the architectual highlight of the Schlosspark.
In 1775 the Gloriette was built in classic style on a hill behind the castle according to plans by Hohenberg. The terrrace café in the Gloriette offers a great view of Schönbrunn castle, of the park and the city.

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Directions: In the Schösspark of Schönbrunn.

St. Stephen´s cathedral, constructed in 1147, is the largest religious building in Vienna. The 137m-high spire, the 'Steffl', is THE symbol of the city. The only remains of the late Roman parts of the cathedral are the western frontage with the 'Riesentor' gate and the 'heathen´s towers'. Construction of the Gothic 'Langhaus' began in 1359, the southern tower (Stephansturm) was finished in 1433. Nave, transept, aisle, the early Gothic choir and the impressive vault are of interest as well as the 4m-high pulpit built by Anton Pilgram (1514-15).

The grave of emperor Friedrich III. is one of the most beautiful tombs from Gothic times. It was designed by Niclas Gerhaert van Leyden.

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Address: Stephansplatz
Directions: Take the U1or U3 to Stehpansplatz.

The Gothic style city hall was built in 1883 by Friedrich von Schmidt. With the 'Rathaus man', a knight´s statue on the roof included, the whole building has an overall height of 102 m. In front of the town hall is the town hall square, where the annual x-mas market is and where concerts and other events take place.

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Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1
Directions: Take U2 to Rathaus.

The magnificent Hofburg palace ranks among the most popular attractions in Vienna. The whole complex covers an area of 240,000m², has 18 wings with 2,600 rooms, 50 staircases and 19 yards. It comprises several styles of architecture, ranging from Gothic to Ringstrassen style. Until the end of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1918 this was the residence of the Habsburg family and the center of the Emperor´s reign.

In the Hofburg you will find the Austrian National Library, various museums and the world-famous Spanish Riding School with Lipizzaner horses. In addition, there are the treasure chambers, the Burgkapelle chapel and the Heldenplatz square with the statue of Prinz Eugen.

Because of time limitation we only saw the backside of Hofburg. I thought this was impressive already, untill I recently looked at some pictures of the rest of the whole place. Magnificent!!!

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Directions: Take the U3 to Herrengasse.
Website: http://www.hofburg.at/

In the park behind Hofburg you can find this Mozart monument. In the time Mozart died there wasn't enough money to give him a proper grave. This monument really makes up for that!!

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Directions: In the park behind Hofburg.