Vienna is one of Europe's oldest cities, combining luxury, charm, grace, and grotesquerie. A historic monument awaits you at every turn, and there is a museum or iconic landmark around every corner. Where to begin your visit to the Austrian capital is an asterisk question. Words can't do justice to the atmosphere of this ancient city, but let these facts about Vienna, each the beginning of a new adventure, help you decide.
Fact 1: Surprising: the oldest printed publication
Just imagine: A newspaper published in Vienna has taken over the pedestal of the oldest newspaper in the world! This is the Wiener Zeitung, whose pages were first seen by the world in 1703. It has been a newspaper for more than 300 years and is now the proud newspaper of the Austrians. If only one person had been lucky enough to find the first issue, the problem of financing the journey would have been solved.
Fact 2: Awesome: Requiem on five organs
Welcome to the Stefansdom, where Mozart's immortal Requiem is performed on five organs. The powerful, dense, three-dimensional sound displaces not only all extraneous sounds in the hall but also your thoughts, giving something sublime and touching to your heart's content. This performance will please even those who consider themselves "far from music", so, our recommendations.
Fact 3: The Vienna ball is the most anticipated event
In Vienna, the prestigious and wealthy Viennese Ball is held each year, where girls flutter like butterflies and men lead the ladies by the elbow with gallant courtesy. It is worth noting that the event is considered very expensive, but tickets, which range in price from €200 to €20,000, sell out well in advance.
Fact 4. Croissant comes from Vienna
The famous French croissant originated in Vienna. The croissant is based on the Austrian Kipferl (which means 'half moon' in German). The origins of the croissant date back to 1683, when Ottoman troops besieged the Austrian capital of Vienna. The Grand Vizier infiltrated the city through a tunnel to end the lengthy and costly siege. The tunnel route passed next to a bakery, whose workers heard strange noises made by the diggers. It intrigued and alarmed them, and they informed the guards, who raised the alarm. Failing in their plan, the Turks lifted the siege and left the vicinity of Vienna.
The joyful citizens of Vienna celebrated the happy event by creating a croissant — a new pastry in the shape of a crescent on the Turkish flag! Initially, the croissant was baked from a simple dough and was very popular with the Viennese.
After World War I, the croissant recipe changed and is now made with yeast puff pastry. The current croissant was born in France, but its roots are in Vienna.
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Fact 5: Practical: A play for all tastes
It is not customary for the Vienna State Opera to perform the same works on more than two consecutive days, so even a short holiday can be spent seeing more than one production. For the convenience of visitors, they are divided into three categories: 'A' for gourmets with a taste for music, 'B' for regular music lovers, and 'C' for all other visitors. Which category a traveller falls into is a personal matter, but if the poster indicates a type, knowing it will come in handy.
Fact 6: PEZ candy
The world-famous PEZ candies were created in Vienna in 1927. The name of the candy brand comes from the German word PfeffErminZ — peppermint — because the first sweets had only this taste and were invented as an alternative to cigarettes.
Fact 7: Convenience: clean water without restrictions
To the delight of every tourist in Vienna (and virtually all of Austria), you can drink water from every tap, as the water in the Austrian capital comes directly from the Alpine springs. It is made possible by specially equipped sanitary facilities, the relevance of which has been impressing visitors to the city for more than 130 years.
Fact 8. National Wiener Schnitzel Day
September 9 is the National Wiener Schnitzel Day. This food-related holiday is dedicated to a traditional Austrian dish which belongs to the best-known specialities of Viennese cuisine.
Fact 9. Dizzying: see the rooftops of the world
Visitors to the Prater can get their adrenaline fix on the 65-metre-high Ferris wheel. It may not be the tallest ride in the world, but the view from the top is sure to leave an indelible mark on travellers' hearts. We recommend you visit at sunset when the view makes for stunning photography. By the way, constructed in 1897, The Wiener Riesenrad is the oldest operating Ferris wheel in the world.
Fact 10. Impressive: all the history within a few blocks
Vienna is home to the largest museum complex in the world, the MuseumsQuartier, which covers 60,000 square metres. It's incredible, and one day is not enough to see it all, but it's all the more reason to revisit Vienna.
Fact 11: The City of Music
Vienna competes with Salzburg for the title of Austria's most musical city. And the city has much to be proud of: four of the world's ten most famous composers lived and worked here between 1750 and 1825. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Beethoven, Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss and Johannes Brahms called Vienna home. The houses where these composers lived are now home to fascinating museums that are well worth a visit during your trip to Vienna. For a taste of the music of this charming city, head to the House of Music, an interactive museum that will impress adults and children alike.
Fact 12: Schönbrunn is the largest 'home' for animals
Vienna boasts a zoo that is believed to be the oldest in the world. Not only that but Schönbrunn Zoo was voted the best zoo in Europe in 2010. The animals are pleased, and for children, visiting this place of happy animals is a real adventure full of excitement. Remarkably, most zoo animals can be fed, which is the best way to get to know them better. A holiday with children in Vienna is unthinkable without a visit to this fantastic place.
Fact 13: The best city on the planet
In 2012, 220 cities were surveyed about their living conditions. Vienna came out on top as the best city to live in. Of course, it should be added that the rankings are also considered by large companies, for whom such cities are the best places to locate their business.
Are you already packing your bags, and your eyes are drawn to the red-tiled roofs? Then discover some more interesting facts about Austria. And have a great holiday! Of course, that's not all there is to know about this fantastic city, but every exciting point about Vienna is an opportunity to turn another page in the book of travel.
