The Hungarian Girl » Austria

Romantic things to do in Vienna

The Hungarian Girl — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:16:19 +0000

From imperial palaces, trotting white horses, lush gardens to chandelier-lit coffeehouses and fine wines, Vienna doesn’t disappoint when it comes to romance. So, if you’re looking to do something special to spark a little love in your life, here are just a few of the best things on offer in this historical city.

Admire “The Kiss” in the Upper Belvedere Gallery

Located in Prince Eugene of Savoy’s 18th-century summer palace is Gustav Klimt’s erotically charged “The Kiss”. Considered a masterpiece of the early modern period, this gold-brushed, mosaic-like painting portrays a couple locked in a tender embrace on a bed of flowers. A must see!

Horse-drawn carriages in front of the Hofburg Palace. Photo courtesy of WienTourismus/MAXUM.

Indulge in sweet goodies at the Altmann & Kühne

Altmann & Kühne have been producing handmade bonbons for more than 100 years using a secret recipe. Here you can buy fresh, handmade chocolates, marzipan and nougat bonbons in lovingly created gift boxes.

Attend a world-class performance at the Staatsoper

Nothing says romantic Vienna quite like a night at the Staatsoper. Constructed in 1869, this lavish auditorium is the scene for world-class opera and ballet and the celebrated Vienna Philharmonic.

Explore the Hofburg Palace

Previously a medieval castle, this stunning imperial palace was the Hapsburgs’ home until 1918. Wing by wing, it was expanded continuously over 800 years. Today Hofburg houses three museums which afford historically authentic insights into the traditions and everyday life of the imperial court.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna

Few ways of exploring Vienna that are more romantic than being pulled by a horse and carriage. Sit back, relax and snuggle up to your sweetie while taking in all of the city’s famous landmarks. You can find carriage stands in Stephansplatz, Heldenplatz (occasionally Michaelerplatz), Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz and Burgtheater.

Savor fine Viennese wines at Wieno

Opened in 2009, Wieno is the city’s first wine bar dedicated exclusively to Viennese wine. Here you can find a selection of 60 wines produced by more than 20 of Vienna’s top producers.

A kiss changes the world: 150 years of Gustav Klimt

The Hungarian Girl — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:55:45 +0000

The Kiss 1907–1908. This painting shows two lovers in embrace. The lovers are surrounded by a sea of gold and rest of a bed of flowers. They create a phallic shape which is also a reoccurring symbol in Gustav Klimt's work.

One of Austria’s greatest painters would have celebrated his 150th birthday in 2012: Gustav Klimt (1862–1918). A leading figure of the Sezessionstil movement, Klimt was one of the most innovative and controversial artists of the early twentieth century.

To honor his life and work, the city of Vienna will be hosting a series of special exhibitions. The kickoff begins in October with a show of Klimt’s paintings alongside architect Josef Hoffmann’s work at the Belvedere. Constructed for Prince Eugene of Savoy which served as his summer residence, this magnificent baroque palace is home to the world’s largest collection of Klimt’s including his most famous painting “The Kiss”.

Other exhibitions taking place in Vienna include the Museum of Fine Arts which will showcase items from the painter’s middle period of 1886-1897 and the Albertina which will display 170 works of his unique drawings. Klimt’s last and only surviving studio located in the suburb of Hietzing will also reopen to the public this summer.

Klimt’s work is often distinguished by elegant gold or colored decoration, spirals and swirls, and phallic shapes used to conceal the more erotic positions of the drawings upon which many of his paintings are based. One of the most common themes Klimt used was that of the femme fatale.

In 1917, he was made an honorary member the Viennese Academy of Fine Arts. On January 11th of the following year, at the age of 55, Klimt suffered a stroke while working in his apartment. Weakened from the stroke, and suffering from pneumonia, he died less than a month later, on February 6th, 1918. He left many unfinished paintings behind him, among them The Bride and Adam and Eve.

For more information on Klimt exhibitions in Vienna, visit the official online travel guide for the City of Vienna.

Vienna Ice Dream 2011

The Hungarian Girl — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 02:14:05 +0000

The fabulously illuminated Rathausplatz in Vienna. The square is transformed into a giant skating rink during the winter season.

Experience the very best of winter in Vienna!

From January 20th to March 6th, Rathausplatz (City Hall Square) is transformed into a giant illuminated ice rink featuring over 600 meters of pathways. Glide, pirouette and twirl to hits of the 80′s and 90′s.

For the first time, a synthetic ice rink will be set-up for children and beginners. Snacks and refreshments are also available at vendor booths in the square.

1010 Vienna, City Hall Park
Daily 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Curling lanes Monday – Friday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Visit Vienna Ice Dream for more information.

Salzburg highlights

The Hungarian Girl — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:19:55 +0000

View of Salzburg with the Hohensalzburg Fortress from behind. The name Salzburg literally means "Salt Castle", and derives its name from the barges carrying salt on the Salzach river, which were subject to a toll in the 8th century.

Clock tower of Old Town Hall.

Getreidegasse, Salzburg's most attractive and most visited shopping street.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here on January 27, 1756. Today the rooms once occupied by the Mozart family house a museum.

Flower stand on University Square, a great place to purchase local produce and handicrafts.

Schloss Hellbrunn which is famous for its jeux d'eau ("watergames") in the grounds, which are a popular tourist attraction in the summer months.

Eduard Höllrigl, the oldest bookstore in the country, dating from 1594.

St. Peter's Cemetery, the oldest Christian graveyard in Austria, in the present condition dating back to 1627.

Fürst confectionery on Getreidegasse. The shop is world famous for its Original Salzburger Mozartkugeln.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is the biggest and most fully-preserved fortification in Europe. Built by Archbishop Gebhard during the investiture controversy in 1077, it served to protect the clergy and the population.

Gardens in Mirabell Palace with statues of Greek mythological figures.

Towers of the Salzburg Cathedral, which was originally built from 767 to 774 and is dedicated to Saint Rupert of Salzburg.

The Almabtrieb: An Alpine Tradition

The Hungarian Girl — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:04:25 +0000

Holy cow! It's the Almabtrieb, an annual festival that celebrates the arrival of the autumn season. Herds of cows are led down from the mountain pasture and are paraded through the village.

It’s not too often that someone can say the phrase “til the cows come home” and mean it. But in the alpine regions of Europe, during the autumn season, this is exactly what takes place.

The Almabtrieb is a pastoral custom which involves herds of cows that are decorated with colorful headdresses and bells being led to their stables for the winter.

Each summer farmers graze their cattle at high altitudes. However, this can be a risky venture as the cows could get injured by falling down or even get struck by lighting. Thus, when summer in the Alps goes well, it’s a parade-worthy achievement. The Almabtrieb means a successful summer with no loss of livestock and a thank you to God. Everyone in the village comes to celebrate with music, food, and drinks. The custom is still widely practised in many farming communities and attracts many tourists each year.

So if you’re interested in witnessing this unique cultural event then you’ll want to go the Almabtrieb on your next visit to Europe.

Tokaji Wine: Fame, Fate, Tradition by Miles Lambert-Gocs

Luxury train travel: The Danube Express

The Hungarian Girl — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:20:05 +0000

The Danube Express which takes takes travellers to some of the most vibrant and contrasting cities in Europe including Istanbul, Prague, Vienna, Transylvania, Moravia and Bulgaria. Photo courtesy of the Danube Express.

Operating since 2008, The Danube Express is one of the newest train travel services in Europe. Yet, this emerging rail company is quickly getting a reputation for its high class service and distinct itineraries.

The luxury “hotel on wheels” offers travelers a journey across some of the most spectacular areas of Central and Eastern Europe.

Tours include the Istanbul Loop, a 7-day excursion from Budapest through Sighisoara & Brasov, Veliko Turnovo & Kazanlak and Istanbul as well as the Transylvanian Tour which entails a 4-day journey encountering stunning scenery and ancient architecture in Transylvania and rural Bulgaria. There is also The Hapsburg which takes travellers on 3-day journey through the heart of Europe including Vienna, Salzburg and the majestic mountains of Berchtesgaden.

Deluxe compartment with it's nostalgic and elegant decor. Photo courtesy of the Danube Express.

Tours start in either Budapest or Frankfurt with London St Pancras International or Heathrow for fully escorted holidays including hotel stays at various destinations. A professional tour manager accompanies guests for the entire duration of the trip.

The carriages of the Danube Express were originally built for the ruling elite of Hungary’s government in the 1950’s and visiting dignitaries. Most recently, the train has been fully refurbished and restored to its original splendor. Its brass-fitted deluxe sleeping compartments offer two lower berths and have private ensuite bathrooms with showers. All meals are included and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are served in the restaurant and lounge cars.

Passengers will enjoy the excitement and intrigue of this luxurious train. Just imagine the thought of boarding in London to waking up to the exotic landscape of Istanbul or the Great Hungarian Plain. There are few things that can compare to such an unforgettable experience.

Viennese Cuisine

The Hungarian Girl — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:53:05 +0000

Apple strudel with hot vanilla sauce.

Vienna is one of the few cities in the world that boasts its very own cuisine. Much of this can be attributed to the city being an epicenter of power for centuries. It has taken on influences of Italy, France, and various regions of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire as multitudes of immigrants made their way into Vienna.

There is much to discover with Viennese cuisine including some of the world’s best pastries and cakes such as the legendary Sachertorte as well as savory dishes like the delicate Tafelspitz. The following is a list of some of the most popular Viennese dishes.

Gulasch

Inspired by the famous Hungarian goulash, this hearty and flavorful soup is also well-known in Vienna. Variations of goulash include fish, veal, chicken, and wild game. There are even restaurants in Vienna that only serve goulash on their menus and are known as “goulash huts.”

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn is a light, caramelized pancake that is combined with raisins and fruit preserves and then topped with powdered sugar. It is believed the dish was first prepared for the Austrian Emperor Francis Joseph I from 1830 to 1916.

Sachertorte

Made with layers of dense chocolate and apricot jam in the centre along with icing on the top and sides, sachertorte is Vienna’s most famous cake and is world renowned. It is traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream to compliment its overall taste. Sachertorte was named after its inventor Franz Sacher who created the dessert in 1832 for Wenzel Clemens Prince Metternich. The trademark for the “Original Sacher-torte” is registered by the Hotel Sacher, which was built in 1876 by the son of Franz Sacher.

Schinkenfleckerln

A classical Viennese dish that conists of thick egg noodles covered with ham and cheese. Similar to a casserole.

Strudel

The Viennese are very passionate about their strudels and the art of strudel making. It is believed that strudel was first introduced in Vienna by the Turks in the mid 15th century, in the form of the Baklava pastry. It soon became synonymous with Viennese cuisine over the years. The most well known version is the apple strudel but there are also savory kinds like cabbage strudel.

Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz is at its most basic, boiled beef. However, authentic Tafelspitz in Vienna and throughout Austria requires a custom-cut fresh piece of the hind part of the cow unlike North American versions. The dish is also cooked according to classic preparation rules.

Vanillekipferl

Crescent shaped cookies made from ground almonds or hazelnuts that are dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Vanillekipferl are most often baked for Christmas.

Wiener Schnitzel

A specialty originating from the Italian “costoletta milanese”, Viennese wiener schnitzel consists of a thin slice of fried veal that is coated in breadcrumbs. It is not be confused with the North American version made from pork. The dish is most often served with Erdäpfel Salat, a warm potato salad.

Prater Park

The Hungarian Girl — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:10:29 +0000

The iconic Wiener Riesenrad, the Giant Ferris Wheel has been featured in many hollywood movies including "The Third Man."

In 1766, Austrian Emperor Josef II decided to open his imperial hunting grounds to the public.

Today, the Vienna Prater is one of the oldest park’s in the world. It features over 250 different attractions along with an expansive area of parks, forest land and meadow fields.

The iconic Wiener Riesenrad, the Giant Ferris Wheel is the park’s most popular attraction and can be seen from a great distance. Spanning over 200 feet with a total weight of 430.05 tons, the Giant Ferris Wheel was built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. During World War II, bombs and the construction of trenches destroyed large parts of the Prater district including the Giant Ferris Wheel. In 1945, most of the park was rebuilt at the same time as the reconstruction of St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the State Opera House, and the Burgtheater throughout the city.

Visitors can now take a ride up the Wiener Riesenrad in one of it’s 15 carefully restored cabins and enjoy a speculator views alongside the Danube. For special occasions, cabins can be rented out for a romantic dinner or drinks.

Prater Amusement Park is known for its nostalgic rides dating back to the 1900's.

Among other attractions in the park are roller coasters, fun houses, carousels, game arcades, as well as flying and whirling contraptions. There are also many cafes, restaurants, and beer gardens which offer traditional Viennese culinary delights from small snacks to full-scale dinners. The park is especially worth seeing at night when it’s gorgeous scenery is brilliantly lit in all colors.

Towards the back of the park is known as the “Green Prater”, which features recreational trails and paths. It is used extensively for sports such as walking, cycling, running and rollerblading. Pony rides and horse drawn carriages are permitted in the area. Bike rental is available and is a great way to see the park.

There is no entrance fee to get into the park as each attraction charges its own fee.

For those seeking a nostalgic and fun filled experience in Vienna, Prater Park is a must see!

Austria’s Wine Regions

The Hungarian Girl — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:12:41 +0000

Vineyards in the mountains of Austria. Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com.

Introduction

Austria may not be the most well-known wine producing nation. However, this beautiful and charming country boasts many fine wines including some of the best botrytis sweet wines and Ice wines in the world.

During the twentieth century Austrian wine became a high-volume, industrialized business, with much of it being sold in bulk to Germany. In the 1980’s the Austria’s wine industry suffered immensely involving a scandal over diethylene glycol, a chemical that is commonly found in antifreeze, which was imparted to the wine to give it sweetness and body. Although the amounts of glycol were less dangerous than the alcohol in the wine, and only a few middlemen were involved, exports collapsed and some countries banned Austrian wine altogether.

For the past two decades the Austria’s wine industry has undergone a highly impressive turnaround. With stricter new regulations and a generation of innovative winemakers, Austrian wine is gaining a strong market position both domestically and internationally.

There are currently 16 wine regions throughout the country. The following is a brief description of each region along with their grape varieties.

Regions that display DAC stand for Districtus Austriae Controllatus, a government-controlled guarantee of origin and quality.

Lower Austria (Niederösterreich)

Wachau

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this picturesque wine growing region produces some of the country’s top wines. It consists of 1,350 hectares of lush vineyards, mostly on steep terraces along the Danube Valley. Most prized are the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties.

Kremstal (DAC)

This old wine producing region is known for its high-quality, minerally white wines, mainly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. As well, some dense and expressive red wines are also produced here.

Kamptal (DAC)

Kamptal derives its name from the river Kamp. The region mainly produces white wines from Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grapes.

Traisental (DAC)

Traisental is Austria’s youngest wine region with approximately 800 hectares of vineyards. It combines impressive wines made from two grapes varieties, Grüner Veltliner and Riesling under the DAC designation.

Wagram

Previously known as Donauland, Wagram is divided into two zones. North of the Danube, the Wagram mainly produces young and light white wines from Grüner Veltliner. South of the Danube, close to Vienna, is the historic town of Klosterneuburg, home to the Benedictine monastery and wine college founded in 1860.

Riesling is the second leading white grape varietal after the indigenous Grüner Veltliner in Austria.

Weinviertel (DAC)

Weinviertel is Austria’s largest wine region located between the Danube and the Czech Republic border. The region was first to adopt the Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC) appellation status. Notable grape varieties in this area include Grüner Veltliner, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Welschriesling, and Zweigelt.

Carnuntum

In recent years, Carnuntum has begun to establish a reputation for well-balanced red wines made from Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah representing the international varietals. As well, many of the wineries make a regional specialty called, “Rubin Carnuntum“, with the symbol of the Roman Heidentor, or Heathen’s Gate, on their label.

Thermenregion

Located just south of the city’s capital, Thermenregion consists of approximately 2,600 hectares of vineyards. With a favorable climate and a broad spectrum of fertile soils, all kinds of exquisite wines are made here including world-class white, red and sweet wines. Region specialties are the Zierfandler (Spätrot) and Rotgipfler varieties.

Burgenland

Neusiedlersee

Neusiedlersee is located on the eastern shore of the vast, shallow Lake Neusiedl. It is home to some of the world’s best sweet wines such as Beerenauslesen (BA) and Trockenbeerenauslesen (TBA). The region also produces a local sweet specialty called “Strohwein”, wine made from sun-dried grapes rich in sugars and aromas.

Neusiedlersee-Hügelland (DAC)

At the foot of the Leithagebirge, west of the Neusiedlersee (Lake Neusiedl), is the Neusielersee-Hügelland region. The chalky soils help to produce well-balanced white wines. Blaufränkisch, the leading red grape variety matures into fine terroir wines like the Leithaberg DAC. The speciality sweet dessert wine Ruster Ausbruch is also produced here.

Mittelburgenland (DAC)

Mittelburgenland is the country’s largest red wine producing region with 2,100 hectares of vineyards. The dominant grape variety is the Blaufränkisch, known for its aroma of wild berries and pronounced spicy character.

Südburgenland (DAC)

Südburgenland is Austria’s smallest wine region with about 500 hectares of vineyards. This area is particularly known for its superior, full-bodied reds, matured in oak barrels. The superb Blaufränkisch with its rich, tannic bouquet is the main red produced here, but the area also boasts excellent Zweigelts, Blauburgers, Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots.

Vienna (Wien)

Wien

Wien is one of few places in the world to have vineyards within the city limits. The region comprises of 700 hectares of vineyards and includes an excellent range of white wines such as the quintessential Gemischter Satz (field blend), Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Chardonnay. Some precious reds are also produced in the area.

Styria (Steiermark)

Süd-Oststeiermark

This unique region consists of small wine islands, located primarily on the slopes of extinct volcanoes. It offers a particularly wide range of grapes, for white wines are Welschriesling, Morillon (Chardonnay), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Gelber Muskateller (Muscat), Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Red wines feature Zweigelt, Sankt Laurent, and Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir). The wines possess spicy and mineral aromas due to the geological conditions of the area.

Südsteiermark

Austria’s most southern wine growing region, Südsteiermark comprises of 1,741 hectares of vineyards. The region is known for its fresh, aromatic wines, especially for Sauvignon Blanc, Morillon (Chardonnay), Weissburgunder (Pinot blanc) and Gelber Muskateller (Muscat).

Weststeiermark

Southwest of Graz lies ancient vineyards which mainly produce a specialty rose wine called “Schilcher”. Made from the indigenous Blauer Wildbacher grape, genuine Schilcher carries an official emblem of a white horse, after the Lipizzaner’s bred in Piber for the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

Vienna’s Easter Markets 2010

The Hungarian Girl — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:43:56 +0000

Easter market at the Schönbrunn Palace. Photo courtesy of MTS Wien/Foto: Grinner.

Easter in Vienna is a very special time. Each year colorful and vibrant Easter markets are set-up throughout the city. These markets offer a variety of handcrafted Easter eggs, flowers and wreaths, local arts and crafts, and specialty foods.

The following is an overview of some of the most popular Easter markets in Vienna.

Easter Market Schönbrunn Palace

When: April 09 -25, 2011
Where: 1130 Vienna, Court of Honor Schönbrunn Palace U4 Schönbrunn
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00am – 7:00pm
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.ostermarkt.co.at

This beautiful market is located on the main courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace. It features more than 45 exhibitors with flower arrangements and wreaths, handmade crafts, wood carvings, miniatures, glass, ceramic and stone objects, wooden and tin toys and more. The market also features daily jazz performances in an atmosphere ideal for relaxing and swinging with the beat. A variety of local culinary specialties is also available.

Traditional Viennese Easter Market

When: April 08 – 25, 2011
Where: 1, Freyung
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00am – 8:00pm
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.altwiener-markt.at

Located on the Freyung, the traditional Viennese Easter Market features exquisite craftwork, baked goods and a varied cultural program. It provides a somewhat quieter and less touristic atmosphere.

Arts and Crafts Market Am Hof

When: April 08 – 25, 2011
Where: 1, Am Hof
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11:00am -7:00pm and Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00-7:00pm
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.kunsthandwerksmarkt.at

This market is known for its unique hand-crafted works from local artists. Metal and glass objects, paintings on glass, knitted and felted wool items, ceramic figures, jewelry and much more are sold here.

Kalvarienbergmarkt

When: March 09 – April 25, 2011
Where: 17, Kalvarienberggasse
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.kalvarienberg.at

The Kalvarienbergmarkt, a traditional Viennese Lenten market offers a splendid Easter atmosphere. There is much to do and see, especially for children including rides, workshops, and live performances.

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