Vienna, Austria in Winter – Magical city
This year, we had luxury which we never had before. We visited our family in Ulm, Germany for Christmas vacation for a few days and planned some trip to somewhere. Vienna came up as one of top choices and Ulm just happened to be on the way. So here we go: Vienna for next adventure.
Vienna is truly a magical and beautiful city more than what I have imagined. People always told me that Europe in winter is not as good as that in Summer, but now I dare to disagree.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is such a lively place and beautiful place in winter night. Everywhere gluhwein with a real mug (I must add), roasted nuts, and its smell of them really makes my heart warm up. We were in Vienna for 3 nights (by the way, most of hotels were fully booked from Christmas to New Year day.. So hotels everywhere are not really cheap). We were lucky enough to find decent hotels with good locations which is mostly walkable.
As I do most of time, I am not trying to give you all the tourist information in Vienna. I think there are really good websites you can find in Google very easily. I will list out some in the end for information. But rather, I would like to share with you what we really like the most in Vienna. Something stuck in our minds and good memories…
1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Stephansplatz & Museumsquartier
This is one place you will never miss since every visitor goes there. Very close to Musuemsquartier, Vienna. And Christmas market was still on even after Christmas (not quite sure how long they typically runs in Vienna, but it appeared to be active until the year end.
The Cathedral is wonderful itself and very impressive. I am so amazed by the architectures of Cathedral in Europe. But this was definitely something beyond my imagination. I could almost visualize that the craftsmanship of each artist during the construction and its detailed art works.. I cannot stop admiring the building inside and outside…
Can you imagine that you could see them working so hard for something bigger than themselves? Making a mark in the world you are living in.. This is definitely one way to do this, I think.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Museumsquartier : Mumok – Modern Art Museum
2. Organ Concert in St. Stephen’s Cathedral
We were lucky enough to see Year-End Organ Concert in St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It was by accident to find out that there was the organ concern on 12/30 night and we purchased the tickets a few days before the concert. The concert was held in the part of the main church which was typically closed for public.
The concert was awesome to say the least and since this was the organ concert, you don’t have to be worried about where you sit. Everywhere is same since you could not see the organist anyway. 🙂
But truly wonderful experience to listen to grand organ music in a grand church like St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
3. Christmas and New Year Eve Concert in St. Peter’s Cathedral
This was probably my favorite thing we did in Vienna. Not sure whether this would be same in summer, but Christmas concert was really something special in my mind. Especially in old historical cathedral, Vienna.
String Quartet music by young musicians playing Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi.. The church was cold but the atmosphere was warm and something glowing in my mind… If you happen to be in Vienna, please do not miss this!
4. Hundertwasser Haus and Museum
The Hundertwasserhaus is an apartment house in Vienna, Austria, built after the idea and concept of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser with architect Joseph Krawina as a co-creator (based on wiki).
This is a unique building which people lives in. About 30 min walk from Stephansplatz. The haus is located separately from the museum and in my opinion both of them are worthwhile to visit.
When we visited in the museum, there are a special exhibition about street photography. The street photography by artists from India to New York and the narratives. Candid and sometimes even brutally honest views of tragedy and beauty of lives as an observer.
I am not really good at photography unlike my husband but certainly appreciate good and beautiful pictures. Just did not understand the fascination of photography..
But looking at the photos in the museum, I feel like listening to history from the pictures. Loved it!
Watched about the movies about Hundertwasser, and found him very intriguing. Architect and artists at the same time. When he could not be too creative in the architectures, he created the arts. He thought that the straight lines are not natural. He believed in the concept of round, rather than squares in buildings. What an interesting perspective!!
One thing I really start appreciating is how arts make the mark in the world.. And I secretly wish I have the talent to do so..
