We have arrived in Vienna! I remember loving this city when I visited many years ago, and that hasn’t changed. The architecture, the vibrancy, the art and culture, the ridiculously rich, meaty and buttery food, and the lifestyle where you can walk to fill almost all your needs. This is true in many European cities, but Vienna has an extra special somethin somethin. Did I mention the architecture?
Parliament Building
Just some gorgeous random building in Vienna — they are everywhere you look.
As the Hapimag[1] was under construction in Vienna, we rented an apartment for our three-week stay, which we were delighted to discover was lovely. (OK, climbing up three long flights of stairs with our bags—no elevator—wasn’t delightful but is good for the health I guess.) The apartment is big and quiet, located in the easily accessible 20th district, with a view over a park and two anti-aircraft towers left over from WWII.
Another reason we love Vienna is the museums—the three of us are all fans. We bought yearly passes so that we can pop into the main museums and/or return without paying again. We started with the Kunsthistoriaschees Museum; lots of Ruben, Bruegel (images from museum website) and artifacts throughout the ages. The architecture of the building is stunning, with magnificent ceilings in each of the rooms.
More Vienna to come, including the Christmas Markets!
[1] Hapimag is the Swiss timeshare (run like a non-profit cooperative) we inherited from Markus’ father. We love it, and it makes our trips possible on our budget.