About Vienna

   

Vienna is the capital of Austria with nearly 2 Million inhabitants. It is situated right in the middle of Europe on the banks of the Danube River and is partly surrounded by the Vienna woods. The city's roots lie in early Celtic and Roman settlements that transformed into a Medieval and Baroque city, and then the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is well known for having played an essential role as a leading European music center, from the great age of Viennese Classicism through the early part of the 20th century. The historic center of Vienna is rich in monuments, architectural ensembles, and cultural attractions, such as St Stephan's Cathedral, Baroque castles, museums, gardens, and the late-19th-century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks.

   

The Schoenbrunn Palace and the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) are major attractions of the city, featuring the imperial period of the emperor Franz Josef and his wife Sissi. Emperor Franz Josef was born in Schoenbrunn Palace in 1830 and in the years to come, the Palace was considered the imperial summer residence reflecting the changing tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs, while Hofburg was the principal imperial winter residence.

   

Vienna is among the three most livable cities in the world known known for its high quality of life and it is attracting over 6.8 million tourists a year. That's why it is not surprising that Vienna has always been among the world's top destination for international congresses and conventions.

   

One would find great places to relax outside the city - along the Danube River or within the woods (Wienerwald). Further, along the Danube is the 21km long Danube Island that is also part of the city, featuring 'modern Vienna' with its recent architecture impressive with buildings such as the UN buildings and the DC Tower.

   

Vienna is also famous with its amusement park - Prater, full of turbulent roller coasters, spooky ghost trains, and attractions of all sorts.

   

As for the spirit of Vienna, it has been inspired by Mozart who lived in the city from 1784 to 1787, and flavored by the paintings of Gustav Klimt as well as by the fine taste of local wines, featuring Vienna as the only capital in the world with a considerable wine production; next to that are the Wiener Melange and the Sachertorte that are to be tasted at a classical Viennese Coffehouse, before one would probably go for a tour around the Ringstrasse in a horse carriage called 'Fiaker'.