Regional Information
VIENNA
At a Glance
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: 1.7 million
Language: German, with English widely spoken
Local Time: Irish and UK time + 1 hour
Voltage: 230V - continental adaptors purchased in Ireland or UK can be used
Flight Time: Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
Airport: Vienna airport is located 21km (13 miles) southeast of the city. Approximate journey time to the city centre is 25 minutes.
Climate: Vienna has a temperate continental climate. Summers are warm and sunny, and winters are cold with snow levels high enough for widespread winter sports.
Overview
Vienna is the capital of Austria and is located in the east of the country on both sides of the majestic Danube River. The city is famous for its theatres, cafes, beautiful parks and classical music. It is home to the Vienna Boys’ Choir and many great composers, including Johann Strauss and Mozart. Most of the city’s main sightseeing attractions are within the Inner City (Innere Stadt) district. The Inner City is encircled by a broad boulevard called the Ringstrasse, which is lined with impressive monuments, parks and buildings. These include the Town Hall (Rathaus), the Burgtheater, Vienna University, the Parliament, the twin museums of natural history and fine art and the Imperial Palace (Hofburg).
Highlights
Imperial Palace – Known as the Hofburg, the Imperial Palace is an enormous monument to Habsburg culture and heritage. The Habsburgs resided here for more than six centuries, periodically adding new sections to the magnificent palace. The building is currently home to the National Library, the Imperial Treasury, collections of musical instruments and weapons, the Museum of Ethnography and the famous Spanish Riding School, where the prancing Lipizzaner Stallions perform an equine ballet to a program of classical music.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Built in 1147 AD, St. Stephen's Cathedral defines the city centre and has been the heart of Vienna for centuries. The tallest part of the structure, the South Tower (Hochturm), rises to a height of 137m (450ft) and provides visitors with superb views of the city. Inside the cathedral there are many art treasures, like the tomb of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the altarpiece of Wiener Neustadt, the pulpit by Anton Pilgram, the sepulcher of Emperor Frederik III and the Gothic winged altar. The sound of the 'Pummerin', the cathedral’s big bell, is used to celebrate New Years in Austria.
Schoenbrunn Palace – The magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace was used as the summer residence of the Hapsburgs from the 18th century onwards. This vast, symmetrical structure offers visitors the chance to view an assortment of Baroque and Rococo staterooms and to admire the famous ceiling frescoes of the Great Gallery and the Hall of Mirrors, where Mozart once played. The superb palace gardens include a zoo, a maze and labyrinth and a hilltop pavilion (the Gloriette) with viewing terrace. Also within the grounds is the Orangery, which plays host to classical concerts during the summer season.
Getting Around
Vienna has one of Europe’s best integrated public transport networks. Flat-fare tickets are valid for trains, trams, buses, the underground (U-Bahn) and the regional trains (S-Bahn). Services are frequent, and you will rarely have to wait more than 5 or 10 minutes for transportation.
Health/Security
Visitors to Vienna will be pleased to know that the drinking water is safe, although many travellers do choose to buy bottled water instead because they are unaccustomed to the taste.
Vienna is an essentially safe city. Generally, tourists should take the precautions they would in any major city. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or leaving belongings unattended.
Passport/Visa:
Austria is a member of the EU; therefore no visa is required for Irish or UK citizens. A valid passport is required.
Useful Contacts
Irish Embassy in Vienna: Rotenturmstrasse 16 -18, 5th floor, 1010 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 7154246, Fax: +43 1 7136004
Email: viennaembassy@dfa.ie, Website: www.embassyofireland.at
British Embassy in Vienna: Jauresgasse 12, 1030 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 716130, Fax: +43 1 716135900
Email: viennaconsularenquiries@fco.gov.uk, Website: ukinaustria.fco.gov.uk
Local Emergency Services: General emergency 112 / Police 133 / Ambulance 144 / Fire 122
Calling Vienna from Irl/UK: 00 + 43 + 1 + the number
Calling Ireland from Vienna: 00 + 353 + area code + the number
Calling the UK from Vienna: 00 + 44 + area code + the number
Local Tourist Office: Offices: Austrian National Tourist Office
Margaretenstrasse 1, 1040 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 588660, Fax: +43 1 5886620
Email: urlaub@austria.info, Website: www.austria.info
Useful Websites
www.wien.gv.at/english
www.lonelyplanet.com/austria/vienna
www.austriatourism.com