The Hungarian Girl » Vienna

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.

Zierfandler and Zinfandel: What’s the difference?

Kristian Kielmayer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:21:15 +0000

Zierfandler also known as Spätrot is a rare white grape variety that is almost exclusive to the Thermenregion of Austria. It is often blended with the Rotgipfler grape to make the popular "Gumpoldskirchen" village wines.

There is a saying in Thailand and Cambodia, “same, same but different”. The way I understood this phrase is that it’s similar but still different. That’s how I felt when I heard Zinfandel for the first time. This must be similar to Zierfandler but as it turned out it was different.

Zierfandler also known as Spätrot is a white grape variety grown in the Thermenregion of Austria. The synonym “Spätrot” refers to the late-ripening grapes that gain a red tinge in sunny exposures. The variety is also found in Hungary where is known as Cirfandel.

The Thermenregion is situated in the outskirts of Vienna consisting of various towns and villages. It takes its name from the thermal springs of the Roman town of Aquae, which is known as Baden today. Grape varieties grown in the region include both the rare Zierfandler and Rotgipfler which can be vinified individually or as its legendary blend known as Spätrot-Rotgipfler.

One winery that I’ve found of particular interest is Weingut Stadlmann, which has been family owned for seven generations and has a reputation for producing high quality organic wines. I happen to sample their 2009 Zierfandler Anninger Classis (12.5% vol). I would describe it has a lemon colour with a semi aromatic nose with a touch of quince, but you have to dig deep to get it. Allow me to say “minerality on the nose” as well, as there is a bit of flintiness in combination with the clean fruit, rather pleasant. Hence the “minerality” and not necessarily sulphur compounds. Dry on the palate, crisp, piercing acidity yet in balance with the ripe fruit and medium body, finish is not too long but consistent and lovely mouth-watering final.

What’s fascinating about Zierfandler is that it’s the inadvertent origin of the name Zinfandel, which is the equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety. According to the Oxford Companion, the first Zin vines were collected by the Habsburg monarchy in Vienna. George Gibbs, a horticulturist on Long Island, received several shipments of vines from the Imperial nursery in the 1820s. Could this be a simple mistaken identity or label change? As the words Zierfandler, Zinfandel doesn’t stand apart from each other very much. Zenfendel and Zinfindal used to be also names which the Zinfandel was called in the beginning.

My first true experience with Zinfandel was a Ridge, when I went to London and took the Advance level course with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). The last in one of the first red wine tasting flights was a Lytton Spring, which was a fantastic wine. Deep colour and what a nose, full of blackberry, black cherry, fantastic concentration and this was just the beginning. The story continued on the palate, soft and velvety yet marked tannins, great balance between fruit and body, and very long. Complex and multi dimensional wine, from the black fruit to the spiciness and herbaceous there was plenty of everything.

Overall, both these varieties make some fantastic wines with personality, yet they’re different as you can say.

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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.

Viennese Cuisine

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

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 influenced by many surrounding cultures such as the Italians, French, Hungarians, Slavs, and Russians who have left particularly strong impressions. Perhaps, the most widely known and esteemed of all Viennese cuisine is its rich pastries such as the strudel and sachertorte as well as its savory dishes like Tafelspitz.

Apple strudel with hot vanilla sauce.

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 strudel 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!

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.

Highlights of Vienna

The Hungarian Girl — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:42:50 +0000

Schönbrunn, the former summer residence of the imperial family, is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. It is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stephansdom Cathedral, the most important religious building in Austria's capital.

Mozart statue in the Burggarten.

The Vienna State Opera known for its first-class opera and ballet performances.

Vienna is home to over 1,680 acres of beautiful urban vineyards.

The Riesenrad (ferris wheel) was erected in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I.

The Naschmarkt is Vienna's most popular and largest inner city market, stretching over 1.5 kilometers long.

Austria's most famous chocolate cake, the Sachertorte.

Belvedere Palace which houses the impressive Österreichische Galerie Belvedere museum.

One of the best ways to explore Vienna is by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum which contains the imperial collections assembled over centuries by the Habsburgs.

The Athena Fountain in front of the Austrian Parliament Building.

Naschmarkt: Vienna’s Inner City Market

The Hungarian Girl — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:24:22 +0000

Fresh fruit and vegetables are often sold during the weekends when local farmers come to the city.

The Naschmarkt is known as Vienna’s most popular and largest inner city market, stretching over 1.5 kilometers long.

This historical market was first established during the 16th century as a location where milk was bottled and sold.

From 1793 onwards, all fruits and vegetables brought to Vienna with carts had to be sold here, while goods arriving on the Danube were sold elsewhere.

A variety of cheeses displayed at a food stall.

In 1905, the area became officially known as “Naschmarkt” (Nasch means munchies).

Today, the market is a common place for not only locals but tourists from around the world. Fresh fruits & vegetables, fish, meat, game, cases of wine, nuts, exotic spices, baked goods, and cheeses are just a few of the items sold here.

There are also several restaurants and eateries serving a variety of ethnic foods.

On Saturday’s, The Naschmarkt is the site of a large flea market where just about everything is sold from antiques to best bargains.

The Naschmarkt is open from Monday to Saturday 7 am-6:30 pm(many stalls open an hour later and close two hours earlier in winter months).

For more information about The Naschmarkt, you can visit their official website as listed below.

The Naschmarkt
http://www.wienernaschmarkt.eu

As well, for a great selection of places to stay with discount prices visit Vienna Hotels for more information.

Top 10 things to see & do in Vienna

The Hungarian Girl — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Schönbrunn, the former summer residence of the imperial family, is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe.

Whether your interested in music, culture, food, or art – Vienna has something for everyone.

Here are just a few of the best things to see and do in this wonderful part of Europe.

1. Take a tram-ride around the Ringstrasse. You’ll discover magnificent buildings, monuments, and landmarks.

2. Visit the splendid baroque Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palace, or stroll along the magnificent Ring Boulevard and take a look at the heart of the former vast Habsburg Empire, the Imperial Palace.

3. Attend an opera or a concert. After all, this is the city of music from legends like Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn.

4. Sit and relax at one of the many traditional coffeehouses in Vienna. Some of the most popular include Café Demel, Cafe Sacher, and Café Central. Be sure to try Austria’s most famous chocolate cake, the Sachertorte.

One of the best ways to explore Vienna is by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride.

5. Take a ride one of the oldest Ferris wheel’s located at Prater Amusement Park and get an incredible view of the city. Don’t forget your camera!

6. Enjoy a performance of the magnificent Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School.

7. See Gustav Klimt’s legendary painting “The Kiss” at the Belvedere.

8. Taste some local wines just outside the city limits. Over 700 hectares of vineyards are cultivated in the area.

9. Go shopping along Kärntnerstrasse, Graben, and the Kohlmarkt districts for fashion, jewelry, and gifts. During the holiday season, visit the tinselly Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz in front of City Hall.

10. Grab a bite to eat at any of the Würstelstand’s located in the city. Try the famous Käsekrainer, a grilled pork sausage stuffed with bits of cheese.