Vienna – City of Waltzes and Christmas Markets

Vienna – City of Waltzes and Christmas Markets

Since 2001, the city of Vienna has proudly held the distinction of having its historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Austria's capital, with a total population exceeding 1.8 million, is one of the most visited metropolises in the world. In 2016, it ranked 18th on the global list of most visited cities. For the eighth consecutive year, it has also dominated the top position in the list of the best cities according to quality of life.

Author: Hana Šormová

A History Written Over Centuries

Vienna is not only a center of modern tourism but also boasts a long and rich history. The first mentions of settlements in this area date back to 2000 B.C.

It became the capital of what was then Austria as early as 1155. Its evolution into a European metropolis began with the ascent of Maria Theresa to the throne in the first half of the 18th century.

The Vienna we know today took shape from the second half of the 19th century, when extensive development and reconstruction of a large part of the city took place.

Historical and Natural Landmarks in the Vicinity

Vienna offers countless historical landmarks both in the city center and its surroundings. Among the most beautiful is undoubtedly the imperial palace Schönbrunn with its extensive gardens, which has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

An unmistakable symbol of the city is the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) with its 137-meter-high tower, affectionately nicknamed "Little Stephen."

Just a few minutes' walk away is the Hofburg Palace complex. This building has served for centuries as the seat of Austrian rulers. Currently, it is the permanent residence of the Austrian president.

What Vienna Offers

Whether you're a lover of classical music, theater, or museums, you won't be disappointed in Vienna. Greats such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and Gustav Mahler created their masterpieces here. It's no wonder that one of the world's best symphony orchestras - the Vienna Philharmonic - is based in the city.

The opera scene is also vibrant, with venues located in the heart of the city. Fans of fun and adrenaline can enjoy the Prater, the oldest amusement park featuring various attractions. In the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, you'll find the world's oldest zoo, which attracts visitors mainly with its baby pandas and elephants.

Corporate teams can enjoy the Treasure Hunt Vienna, a modern team building activity using tablets and the TerraHunt map app.

How to Get There

Although there is no expressway from our country to Austria, you can reach Vienna quite comfortably via the border crossings at Nová Bystřice, Halámky, or Mikulov. Beyond the border, you can easily connect to the highway.

If you want to avoid parking difficulties in the city center or prefer public transportation, Prague, Brno, and České Budějovice are connected to Vienna by regular train services. During the Christmas market season, bus connections are also available.

Local Specialties

Vienna is a popular destination, especially in the winter months, when traditional Advent markets are held from mid-November until Christmas. The illuminated historic center exudes a Christmas atmosphere, enhanced by the scent of hot punch and pastries.

The markets offer more than 150 stalls with traditional dishes, handmade decorations, sweets, and gifts.