Architecture & Adrenaline in Vienna, Austria

After Barcelona, I flew to Vienna where I could start working my way south through Eastern Europe by rail with my shiny new Eurail pass. I booked 4 nights in Vienna at a hotel in Innerestadt, the center of the old city. From the moment I arrived I loved the vibe of this friendly city. After a nice dinner and a walk around the central part of town, I settled in for a good night’s rest.

The next morning, I took a free walking tour to get an overview of the sights. We began the tour at the famous opera house, and then walked through town to Burggarten Park, home of the Mozart statue, looking out to Neue Burg palace, the Hofburg Palace Complex, and the Jugendstil imperial glasshouses.

We continued on to Heldenplatz square  (Heroes’ Square), a huge square created in the 1800’s, home to many significant events throughout the years. Today the square is hosts many recreational and cultural events.

Next, we walked through Josefsplatz square, a small square surrounded by historical buildings, and then on through the Spanish Riding School, where the famous white dancing horses train.

We finished the tour at Stephansdom (St. Stephan’s Cathedral), and in my opinion, the most intricate and beautiful building in the city!

The next day, I ventured out to a different part of town, the Wein area, to see the Hudertwasser Village, recommended by my friend Anthony who I met in Barcelona (Great recommendation!). In the 19th century, one building was built as a horse stable for the local post office. Later it became a garage and gas station, until 1971 when it opened as a tire factory. In the 80’s a home was built opposite the building by architect Freidensreich Hudertwasser. It drew many visitors, disrupting the business of the tire factory. In 1990 Hurdertwasser was able to purchase the old factory and refurbish it inside/out, creating the village. It has such a fun vibe with all of the bright colors, you just can’t help but smile!

After my visit to the village, I noticed an old Viennese Ferris Wheel nearby and decided to have a look. The Giant Ferris Wheel was built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. It has gone through several transitions since this time, including facing demolition, but saved by lack of funds, burning down, being rebuilt with 15 instead of 30 wagons, and later refurbished with 15 additional true to original wagons, as it is today.

Much to my surprise, there was also a great amusement park right next door! I’m a sucker for wild and crazy rides and just couldn’t stop myself. I grabbed a quick lunch and a beer and got to it! Oh my gosh, I had a blast….I think the video and the pics will prove it!

The next couple of days, I just relaxed and wandered around town enjoying all of it’s beauty. I found it really cool that the kids get to paint some graffiti along the river to celebrate the end of the school year. Later in the evening, many people gather along the banks to enjoy a drink an some good conversation during sunset! The stone carver was super amazing too!

And last, but not least, I wanted to share the cool pedestrian lights around town. Back in 2015, in honor of the Eurovision Song Contest for Austria, the city authorities took the opportunity to make a statement on equality, sexuality and tolerance by installing “couples” walk/stop lights around town. They were going to be taken down after the event, but have been increasing safety and making people smile, so they are still in place in 50 locations! Here are a few I found on my journey.

as well a good reminder not to judge others, as it can cage them in and deflate their creativity!

I hope you enjoyed this little preview of this beautiful, vibrant city!

Cheers, hugs, and love….see you next in Budapest!

Michelle