The title of this post will evoke memories of a particular Eighties song for those of us of a certain age… A song that at the time I was too young to record onto any cassette tape creation (she adds hastily) – but Ultravox’s 1981 ballad obviously featured so heavily in that decade that it has imprinted itself across a lot of my memories of that era. When I worked out (a good few years later) that Midge Ure was singing “Oh Vienna”, and not “Old Piano” as I had thought – and thanks to the moody video with atmospheric lighting and foggy streets (even though a lot of it was filmed in London apparently!) I had often wondered what Vienna was really like (along with “why was the woman following a horse about?”, and “how could Midge Ure possibly think that a tightly tied trench coat looked OK?”)…
I give no prizes for guessing what this ear-worm sufferer had stuck in her head when we finally made it to Vienna for the very first time last week?! I think it was on replay for pretty much the whole of the time we were there…
Having visited (and very much enjoyed Salzburg) a few times, I imagined it would be similar, but perhaps slightly bigger (and perhaps with a few more gargoyles – see above), but it is totally different. Whilst Salzburg is picturesque, quaint and easily doable in a day or two, Vienna is a Capital city, full of huge impressive buildings, amazing art galleries, a big gorgeous food market, and gentile streets. Which is perhaps why I felt immediately at home… Having lived and worked in Europe’s biggest city for many years, Copenhagen’s diminutive size took a lot of getting used to, and whilst Munich may be much bigger than that (and as lovely as it is) – to me it still doesn’t have that “big city” feel…
We had decided on the trip at the very last-minute, and out of the limited choice available (most of Europe was on half term at the same time!), decided on Suite Novatel (which I find usually tends to be good choice when you are travelling with small children!) The location worked in our favour too, with Prater Park a leisurely stroll in one direction, whilst a couple of U-bahn stops in the other took you promptly to the centre of the Aldstadt. This particular hotel also scored highly in my book as the room was spacious and incredibly quiet, the breakfasts were good, and the staff friendly and helpful.
Our few days in Vienna were spent at vintage amusement parks, entrancing museums and enormous palaces. It also included window display admiration of scenes of epic proportions, and all with plenty of coffee and Heiße Schokolade breaks of the highest quality (coffee is an art form here, you will find hardly any bland coffee chains) and plenty of cake worship of course!…
I have heard it said that Vienna is a little like Munich’s big sister in many ways, and whilst for a lot of people Munich might be all about festivals, bier, bier halls and brezen, Vienna is most definitely all about Art, wine, coffee houses, and cake. And I have to say we all loved every minute we spent there.
More (much more) to follow shortly…
Vienna is on my cities to see before i die bucket list! I so with i could go sooner rather than later!
I hope you get to go soon Otilia! :) x
Albertina!! And yes, I spent MANY hours in coffee shops there… Sachertorte anyone? ;) xx
Do you know that might be the topic of my next post!?!?! :D xx
I visited years ago – I remember being struck that it was so much cooler (not in a weather way) than I’d imagined. Great architecture and amazing cakes. Loving the woman in the dress! wow!
Thank you Gemma, she is amazing isn’t she? I wonder if they actually sliced her up and ate her? :D
Vienna is the city I have to walk with my mum; I’m saving it. Her aunt, my great-aunt lived there for some time, many years ago, so she grew up listening to stories of the city.
I think you would both love it. It has quite a unique feel to any Capital city I have been to! Thanks Pia :)
Oooooooooooooooooooooooh Viennnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaa. Oh I remember that song so well and Midge’s side burns. When it came to the eighties, pop videos were decidedly bizarre. That said, Vienna sound like my kind of place. I have DJ’ed there and Saltzburg (the Cave Club – a club in a mountain). Austria is stunning. X
A club in the mountain? That sounds amazing! Thank you S xx
I’m sure that cake was utterly divine, but at first glance, it did make me think of those worm casts on the beach….Love reading about your trips, look forward to the next installment :)
I know exactly what you mean! Luckily there was no sand involved! Thank you! :D
I love Vienna. So so beautiful, but then I’m obsessed with the Austrian-Hungarian empire x
Thank you Carolin, it’s so beautiful isn’t it? :) x
Every time I come here you’ve been somewhere else lovely! I’m becoming slightly envious ;)
Thank you Helen! :D
I am old enough to have recorded Vienna onto a tape cassette, to have the 7″ and LP in the loft somewhere too! I have a Viennese friend who has filled me with stories of coffee and amazing cakes for the last 10 years. It is certainly on my ‘to do’ list with Monkey at some point.
You must go, it’s lovely! Thank you! :)
I remember the song well and am loving this post. Lots to make me laugh and your photos to make me envious.
Can’t wait to hear more.
Thank you Trish… More to come shortly! :D
I love Vienna… *sigh*
I lived there for a while a long time ago and have many wonderful memories – yes, they are on the blog too! ;) xx
You are lucky to experience living there, it’s a lovely place! :) xx
It sounds totally fascinating. I’d love to visit. I look forward to reading more and enjoying you lovely photo’s x
Thank you Mama S. xx
Ohhhh Viennnnaaaaaaaaaa.. du du, du du du du.. Now, guess what my earworm is? Sounds beautiful, a city I’ve always wanted to visit. I love the chestnut lady!
Sorry about that! She’s cool isn’t she? The Six Year old in particular thought she was hysterical! :D
Wow you paint an enticing picture of a fascinating city – can’t wait to hear more. So proud you are experiencing all these memorable trips. x
Thanks Mum. We loved it here especially! :D xxx