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Schönbrunn Palace

The palace was built from the command of the German Emperor Leopold I. In 1996 it was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Currently it is dominated by a Baroque decor issued during the reign of Maria Theresa. In the interiors can be seen numerous frescoes and moldings. For visitors are available for example the royal suites. In the outbuilding operates the Carriage Museum. There is also the Palm House, Glorietta and the Fountain of Neptune.
It should be emphasized that from 1441 chambers for tourist was given only 45. The interior is maintained in the Rococo style and decorated with Czech crystal mirrors and faience ovens. Against this background, exceptional modesty are characterized the residential chambers and offices of Emperor Franz Joseph.

When it comes to the history of each room, it is worth recalling that in the Hall of Mirrors performed Mozart as a six years old child. In turn, in the Round Chinese Cabinet, Maria Theresa held secret conferences with the chancellor prince Wenzel Anton von Kaunitz. In another room conferred Napoleon. Whereas, in the Blue Chinese Salon the Emperor Charles I signed a waiver to participate in government. Noteworthy is also the Millionth Room. Its walls were minted by rose wood and decorated with precious miniatures from India and Persia. Thanks to its décor is one of the most beautiful Rococo interiors in the world.

Hofburg

This is the official residence of the Habsburgs. It was built in the twelfth century. Its representative functions served until the twentieth century. In the meantime, it was undergone several reconstructions and modifications. Today it is a major complex of buildings, squares, courtyards and gardens.

History of Vienna

Vienna was founded about 500 BC. Initially, it was a Celtic settlement, but in 15 BC played the role of the Roman frontier post. It guarded security of the Roman Empire against invasions of tribes from the north.

Vienna received city rights in 1221. In the Middle Ages it was ruled by the dynasty of Babenbergs. When, in 1440 the Habsburgs took power, the city became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, the seat of a bishopric, an important cultural and scientific center.

In the middle of the sixteenth century it was begun to build fortifications. These walls were supposed to protect the inhabitants of the city from the Turkish invasions. In the sixteenth and seventeenth century, twice managed to repel the Turks (including help of Poland).

The following years were not kind to Vienna. Suffice it to say that the epidemic ravaged the city – were killed 70 thousand humans. Card turned for the better in the eighteenth century. Then started to be “golden period” in the history of this city. There has been a rapid expansion of trade, industry, culture and art. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, there was held the Congress of Vienna. Participants of the meeting agreed on a completely new order in Europe.

When the power took over Franz Joseph I, was created the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. At the time, it created a lot of elegant buildings that we can see so far.
After World War I, Vienna became the capital of the Republic of Austria.

Unfortunately, World War II had degraded it to the role of the provincial town on the borders of the Reich. Only after the war Vienna once again became the capital of Austria, but to the the ’70s was divided into zones of occupation.

Useful information – Vienna

Opening hours

Shops are open from Monday to Friday 8.00 – 18.00 (including lunch break) and at Saturday 8.00 – 17.00.
Post Office is open from Monday to Friday 8.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 17.00 (18.00).

Emergency calls

Fire brigade: 122
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144

Tourist Information Centre

Margaretenstrasse 1, A-1040 Vienna
tel. 01/587 20 00, Fax 01/588 66-48

Drivers in Austria

Please note that all (passengers and the driver) must wear seat belts.

People moving two-wheeled motor vehicles must wear a helmet.

In Austria permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille.

In general, in cities are paid parking zones. Parking tickets can be purchased at Trafika kiosks, parking meters and banks.

In addition, you must pay fares for express roads and highways. For tourists are the following prices:

10-day vignette – 13 euros (cars)

In Austria, the speed limit is:

Built-up area: 50 km/h
Non built-up area: 100 km/h
Expressways: 110 km/h
Highways: 130 km/h (on designated three-band highways – 150 km/h)

Vienna Card

Vienna Card entitles you to about 200 different discounts and promotions. Allows, among others, free ride on the subway, bus and tram (for 72 hours).

This entitles you to significant discounts in 180 museums, galleries, monuments, theaters, cafes, shops, restaurants, wineries, and concerts.

Reduces the cost of travel from the airport to the center of Vienna and back (from 5.80 euros to 5 euros).

The card costs 16.90 euros. It can be purchased in hotels, tourist information, points of sale, information of Vienna lines. In addition, it can be purchased with a credit card.

It is valid for 2 or 3 days.

Average prices – Viena

In Austria euro is in use. Average prices of selected products:

1 l of milk – 0.97 €
bread – 1.51 €
1 kg of rice – 1.54 €
eggs 12 pieces – 2,89 €
1 kg of cheese – 13.39 €
1 kg of chicken breast 7,75 €
1 kg of potatoes – 1,26 €
1.5 l of water – 0.62 €
dinner in the restaurant – from 8 €
beer in the restaurant – 3.50 €
bottle of wine – 5,25 €
local beer – 0.78 €
pack of Marlboro cigarettes 4.62 €
1 liter of gasoline – 1,42 €

Duty in Austria

Austrian rules in this regard are the same as the EU rules. Poles are not subject of restrictions to the amount of transported and purchased goods, if they are intended for personal use or gifts. Sale of goods is a violation of the law and shall be subject to applicable penalties and confiscation.
The only customs restrictions are the following products:

cigarettes – 200 pcs.
cigarillos – 400 pcs.
cigars – 200 pcs.
tobacco – 1 kg
spirit – 10 l
wine with increased alcohol content (eg. sherry, port wine) – 20 l
wine – 90 liters (including up to 60 liters of sparkling wine)
beer – 110 l

Note! Persons under 17 years of age are not allowed to carry any alcohol and tobacco.

Vienna – forecast

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Vienna, Austria

Vienna, it is not only the capital of Austria, but also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Location, architecture and incredible atmosphere has big impact, what recalls about associated with this place the Habsburgs and the great composers. It should also be emphasized that for half a century, the role of Vienna increase not only domestically, but also internationally. Currently headquartered here are the largest companies and institutions operating in both on the European, and global level.
The city is located in the north – eastern part of the country, in the valley of the Danube. It is inhabited by nearly 1.7 million people, while in the entire Vienna agglomeration lives in total 2.3 million inhabitants.
It should be aware that Vienna is a statutory city, or one that has a distinct local regulations. It is also a city which is federal land, one of the nine federal lands in Austria.

Why go to Vienna? Because this is a very important center of European culture. At the same time it is a musical center of Europe, which hosts important concerts and opera performances. Perform here the world-renowned symphonic orchestras.