Fun Facts about Vienna: learn more about Austrian capital
Mozart, Opera, Wiener Schnitzel, all the best of Vienna. But, did you know you can go to a ball in Vienna, or that most famous French pastry has its roots from Vienna? Here are the 8 fun facts Vienna you probably didn’t know about!
#1 City of dreams
One of the Vienna’s nicknames is the city of dreams. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, lived and worked in Vienna for many years. Thanks to Freud, Vienna is known as the birthplace of psychotherapy. Stop by the Sigmund Freud Museum, it is located in the apartment where he lived and worked for almost 50 years.
#2 World’s oldest and still opened ZOO
The Vienna Zoo, located in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, was built in the 1752. Today they have over 700 different animal species and are voted as the best zoo in Europe. And, thanks to its original baroque architecture they are considered as the world’s most beautiful zoo!
#3 Fancy going to a ball?
Every year, more than 300 balls take place in Vienna. Viennese Ball Season runs from January through March. Some of the most famous balls are the Opernball which is held at the Vienna State Opera since 1877, the Philharmonic Ball which features a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Blumenball which is famous for its flower arrangements.
#4 The oldest still operating Ferris wheel in the world
The Wiener Riesenrad, one of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions, constructed in 1897, is located in the amusement park Prater. Take a ride and admire the beautiful views over Vienna from up and above.
#5 The iconic French croissant originates from Vienna
These buttery and soft delights are based on an Austrian pastry called Kipferl (meaning ‘crescent’ in German). They were made by Viennese bakers to commemorate the Austrian victory over the Ottoman Turks in 1683. The shape of the pastry was based on the crescents that adorned the uniforms of their enemy. When Marie Antoinette married King Louis XVI, she introduced her favorite pastry to France, few changes were made, and the croissant was introduced to the world.
#6 Snow globes were invented in Vienna
In 1900 Erwin Perzy was trying to improve the brightness of lightbulbs for a surgical lamp by adding water and semolina flakes and that’s how the snow globe was born. The world’s first snow globe featured the Basilica of Mariazell. He and his brother opened Original Vienna Snow Globes in 1905, and it’s still up and running today.
#7 Sachertorte, the famous chocolate cake
Sachertorte, the world’s famous chocolate and apricot cake. It was invented in Vienna in 1832 by Franz Sacher for Prince Wenzel von Metternich.
#8 Is it a Wiener or Frankfurter? It’s a Hot Dog
Rumor has it that the sausage was invented by a Frankfurt butcher who moved to Vienna. In Vienna they call it ‘Frankfurter’ and in Frankfurt ‘Wiener’.
Fun Facts about Wien: FAQs
What is the historical significance of Vienna?
As the former capital of the Habsburg Empire and a cultural center of Europe, Vienna has a rich and diverse history. It is known for its cultural achievements, particularly in music and the performing arts.
What is the architecture like in Vienna?
Vienna is famous for its impressive architecture from various eras, including Baroque palaces, Vienna Secession buildings, and modern designs. Significant structures include the Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace, and St. Stephen's Cathedral.
What are some well-known cultural sites in Vienna?
Vienna is home to over 100 museums. These include the Museum of Art History, the Museum of Natural History, the Albertina, and the Belvedere. Additionally, Vienna is known for its operas and theaters such as the Vienna State Opera and the Burgtheater.
What characterizes Viennese cuisine?
Viennese cuisine is known for dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and apple strudel. Also, the Viennese coffee house culture with its traditional coffee specialties and pastries is known worldwide.
What is Viennese musical life known for?
Vienna is often referred to as the "music capital of the world". It is the birthplace of composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Numerous music festivals and concerts are held here every year, including the New Year's Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic.
What are some well-known events and festivals in Vienna?
The Vienna Opera Ball, the Danube Island Festival, and the Vienna Film Festival are just a few of the many annual events and festivals that take place in Vienna.
What makes Vienna a livable city?
Vienna is known for its high quality of life, clean environment, efficient public transportation, and excellent social services. It also has a rich culture and a variety of recreational opportunities.
What is the education system like in Vienna?
Vienna is home to prestigious universities and colleges, including the University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, and the Vienna University of Economics and Business.
What are some famous attractions in Vienna?
Popular attractions in Vienna include Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Vienna State Opera, the Hofburg, and the Museum of Art History.
What are some less known interesting facts about Vienna?
Vienna has the world's oldest still-operating zoo (Schönbrunn Zoo) and more than half of Vienna's area consists of green spaces like parks, gardens, and forests.
Looking for a family hotel in Vienna? Our hotels are located near city center which gives our guests access to the entire city with ease via excellent public transport connections.
