Vienna
Vienna is worth a visit in all seasons! The former metropolis of the k & k monarchy has a wealth of tourist highlights to offer. The top ten sights that you simply MUST see as a Vienna tourist are presented here.
Imperial Vienna
Start in the Hofburg district. The huge Hofburg complex, which was an imperial residence until 1918, consists of several wings from different centuries. The imperial apartments are located between Amalienburg and the Reichskanzleitrakt . Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth lived here. The total of 19 living, working and representative rooms give an impression of the life of the imperial couple at court. The original furnishings have been preserved in many of the relatively simply furnished rooms.
In the 21 showrooms of the treasuryyou can marvel at spiritual and worldly treasures. The Habsburgs have compiled them over hundreds of years. The crown jewels are also exhibited here. The showpiece is the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire from the 10th century.
In the winter riding school of the traditional Spanish Riding School, the famous Lipizzaners can be observed during daily morning training or in special demonstrations (reservation required!). The tastings of the high school, performed by the exclusively white dressage stallions – partly to music – are not only an experience for horse fans.
The medieval Hofburg Chapel is the place of work for the world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir. The beginnings of the boys’ choir, which used to frame the services of the imperial court, go back to the 15th century.
Art and churches
The former palace of Archduchess Maria Christina, located at the end of the Hofburg, houses the Albertina. It is named after her husband Albert. The museum houses great collections of graphics, drawings and watercolors and regularly attracts visitors with interesting changing exhibitions.
Right across from the Hofburg and Heldenplatz, the Kunsthistorisches Museu m, guarded by the statue of Empress Maria-Theresa, attracts around one and a half million art lovers every year.
Of the numerous churches in the Danube metropolis, one should at least have seen these two: the Karlskirche with its two imposing triumphal columns and the huge dome was commissioned by Maria Theresa’s father, Emperor Karl VI., In honor of the plague saint Karl Borromeo. A landmark of Vienna is the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the center. From the 137m high Stephansturm, the “Steffl”, visitors have a breathtaking view over the Austrian capital from a viewing platform.
Baroque palace splendor
In the south of the city, a visit to the Belvedere Palace is worthwhile, once the summer residence of Prince Eugene, with its imposing, terraced parks.
Finally, a detour to Schönbrunn Palace. Extensive gardens in the French style invite you to stroll and linger. The splendid state apartments of the former imperial summer residence can be visited on guided tours.
Krems
Historic city in the Wachau
Whether a study trip or by bike and boat along the Danube, Krems is worth a visit at any time of the year. Few cities in Austria offer their guests such a large variety of historical, culinary and cultural offers and attractions as Krems an der Donau. One of the reasons why the city was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
A pearl on the Danube around 70 km from Vienna
The twin town of Krems-Stein is located at the eastern exit of the Wachau, surrounded by high vineyard terraces and the foothills of the Waldviertel mountains. Krems is the oldest town in Lower Austria and received town charter in the 12th century. As early as the Middle Ages, Krems was an important trading center and port on the Danube, and even then viticulture was the basis of the citizens’ wealth.
Arts and Culture
At the end of the Gothic period, art reached a special climax in the so-called Danube School, which was repeated in the Baroque in the form of the painter Kremser-Schmidt. The imposing buildings of bygone times are now among the noteworthy sights and popular photo motifs, some of which Krems has to offer: In the east, high above the Krems Valley, there is the Powder Tower from 1477, next to it is the Mandl without a head, a pillory statue from the 16th century. The historical highlights include the parish church of St. Veit, one of the earliest baroque churches in Austria, the late Gothic Bürgerspitalkirche, the town hall, the baroque Marian column and the Passauerhof in the vicarage from the 13th century.
Country and people
Krems has managed to combine the historical with the modern without losing the unique charm of the past. The town houses, which are well worth seeing, have been lovingly restored and yet modern impulses, such as the art mile or the Danube University, are constantly being set. During a walk through the old town, a boat trip on the Danube or a sporty bike ride on the Danube Cycle Path, exploring Krems is always exciting and instructive.
