Vienna

We enjoyed Vienna but in our short visit really couldn’t give it the time it deserved.  Vienna has its share of stunning buildings, perhaps not as ubiquitous as Budapest but still fantastic.

 

We arrived just as it was getting dark so had a quick look around.  The metro system was very easy and efficient.  It got us anywhere we wanted to go within minutes.  We bought a 48 hour pass and validated it in a ticket machine the first time we used it, as instructed, but from then on never had to show the pass.  There were no barriers at any of the stations so one could just hop on any subway or tram and we never saw anyone checking for tickets.  Apparently Vienna has an honour system and people do buy tickets and pay for their fare.  I suspect if such an honour system was used in Australia, no one would pay.

The next day was sunny – the first time we saw the sun in a week.  We decided to take the metro out to Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss).  The outside of the palace was huge but seemed fairly understated.  This was made up by the ornate interior.  Sadly we were not allowed to take any pictures of the inside rooms.  The grounds were lovely and it was a perfect winter’s day to walk around.

Schönbrunn Palace

 

Neptune Fountain

 

 We then went across town to the big Ferris wheel (Riesenrad) featured in The Third Man.  The Prater area was first set aside as a park for the people by Emperor Joseph II in 1766 and since has become a large amusement park.  We took a ride on the Ferris wheel and the views of the city were fantastic.  However the wooden cars on the Riesenrad were in sore need of a lick of paint and some repair work. 

Riesenrad

We went back across the river to the Old Town and the Am Hof area, did a bit of shopping in a Harrod’s Food court type of market and came across the Anchor Clock.  This Art Nouveau design clock was built between 1911 and 1917.  Every hour different historical figures move across the face.

Anchor Clock

It was 4pm so already dark and the Christmas lights were all aglow.  We came upon the beautiful Town Hall with the Christmas park in front of it.  The deciduous trees were decorated with different motif light themes – violins, snowmen, cupcakes – quite delightful.  Inside the Town Hall were stalls for children’s activities – one for making cutout Christmas cookies, another for painting candle holders, another for etching wooden boxes.  It was a wonderful community activity for the children.

 

 

 

 

Bye Vienna – a short but delightful visit.