City Introduction

Vienna is known as the city of music. From Schönbrunn Palace to Vienna State Opera, from Vienna Boys' Choir to Spanish Riding School, all of these reveal the prosperity of past Austro-Hungarian Empire. Many palaces and museums integrates this city’s glory tradition with its modern life. In most of time, this city will make visitors feel cash-strapped. But, various historic buildings will offer you many free choices.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

The history of Vienna could trace back to the Roman Empire in the 1st century, and Romans had established castles here. In 1137, Vienna was the capital city of Duchy of Austria. In 1278, the family of Habsburger started their ruling of Austria in seven centuries. Vienna was selected as a capital city. It developed fast since then. Many grand Gothic buildings were emerged and Schönbrunn Palace was a representative of them. After the 15th century, Vienna became the capital city of Rome Empire and an economic center in Europe. With the economic growth, the royal family renovated St. Stephen's Cathedral. In the 18th century, Maria Theresa and her son ruled Austria. A batch of grand buildings were built, such as Hofburg Palace, Vienna State Opera and Musikverein.

In the 19th century, Vienna embraced its peak time, expanded its territory. However, the World War I (1914-1918) ends the glory history of the Austrian Empire. Vienna lost its glory as well. During the World War II. Vienna was ruined by the war and occupied by USA, UK, France and Russia for a decade. In 1955, Austria signed the Declaration of Neutrality. Vienna revived again and became a key commercial and transportation center in Austria. Vienna is also known as the Palace of World Music. It attracts many musicians and trained many renowned conductors and instrumentalists. Many musicians such as Leo Strauss, Mozart and Beethoven created their masterpieces here. The Vienna State Opera, Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Wien, and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, all these names would attract the music lovers to Vienna. Vienna is like a music palace, where people will be touched by music without language communication. Each year, New Year’s Concerts will be held in Musikverein. In summer nights, many music activities will take place in city hall square.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

The lowest point is Lobau on the Danube (151m), the highest evaluation is Hermannskogel (542 m). The river March plain is situated in the east of Vienna, and Danube-Auen National Park lies in the southeast of Vienna. The northwest, west and southwest side of Vienna are surrounded by Vienna forests, forests extended to the city. The Danube runs across Vienna city. Apart from Danube, many streams and rivers flow from Vienna forest to city. Mountains in the west link to glacier in the south, where is the grape farm in Vienna.

 

 

 

 

Climate

Vienna has a transitional climate, affected by the oceanic climate from the west and the continental climate from the east. The precipitation is generally rare in Vienna. Due to a long dry period, winter is warmer than other Austrian cities. The average temperature in city is 10.4℃, and around 9.8℃ in suburb. The average precipitation is around 600mm. Around 60 days are summer in the year, while 70 days are the frozen period. It’s very cold.

 

 

 

 

Useful Information

Ambulance/First-Aid: 144 Ambulance 141 European Emergency Telephone Number 112 ViennaMed doctor's hotline for visitors: (24 hours) Evening and weekend dental service (taped service): tel. +43-1-512 20 78 Evening and weekend medicine service (24 hours):+43-1-51220 78 1455. People normally firstly visit family doctors after the appointments. Serious illness or emergency case will go to large clinics or hospitals. Prescription is needed to buy prescription drugs. Only some drugstores are open 24 hours per day. Medical care is expensive in Austria. Visitors are asked to buy travel medical insurance. In case of emergency, you could go to Vienna General Hospital for medical treatment or directly call 144.

Information of Embassy and Consulate

Address of Chinese Embassy in Vienna: Neulinggasse 29, Stiege 1, 3.Stock, 1030 Wien Tel: 0043-68120192638 / 00431-7103648

 

 

 

 

Visa Information

Austria is a member of schengen visa countries. Notes to visa applicants: Visa applications will be processed by the embassy of the main destination. If a main destination cannot be determined, you have to apply at the Embassy of the country of first entry. The Austrian Consulate General in Shanghai will accept the applications from Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces. Applications from other provinces will be proceeded by Austrian Embassy in Beijing. The applicants holding passport for public affairs (diplomatic passport, public affair passport and general public affair passport) shall apply the visa through related government authorities, departments and commissions. Approval time: Five working days are needed to grant a visa if all required documents have been submitted. Fee: Visa fee €60, paid in RMB according to official exchange rate. You may not apply more than three months before your intended date of travel. The applications are advised to apply at least two weeks in advance of travel. Visa office opening hours:　Mon-Fri 9:00-15:00.

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

If you don’t have enough euros in your trip, you could: exchange Euro cash at ATM machine or exchange at hotels with extra fee applied.

Tourism Service Number

Fire service: 122 Police: 133Ambulance/emergency 144Emergency doctor: 141European emergency tel: 112

 

 

 

 

Festivals(Important/Historical/Folks Ones)

Vienna New Year Concerts

Time: On January 1 of each year

Location： Golden Concert Hall

The tradition of New Year concerts originated in Vienna. Today, annual Vienna New Year Concerts is the most attractive music event in the world. Most of TV and radio stations will air this event to millions of audiences around the world. The tickets need to be booked several years in advance. The record companies will compete for the distribution rights of concert CDs and videos, which represent the business reputation and huge profitability. After 1996, CCTV sends its crew to broadcast the concerts in Vienna, raising the reputation of Vienna New Year concerts in China.

Vienna Spring Art Festival

Time: The end of March to the beginning of May

Location： Golden Concert Hall

Each year, troupes from all over the world will play classical music conducted by famous conductors in Musikverein.

Donauinselfest

Time: June of each year

Location： Danube Island

The Donauinselfes is the largest open-air music festival in Europe taking place annually in Vienna. It has held its 30th session. Each year, it is held in Danube Island -- a man-made island in central Vienna. During the festival, the Danube Island will establish 12 stages, staging different music genres, such as Rock & Roll, Jazz, poplar and folk music. Apart from local artists, many musicians from other European countries will bring their performance shows as well.

Vienna Music Film Festival

Time: The end of July to August 31

Location： Vienna City Hall Square

Each summer, the open-air music film festival will take place in City Hall Square. The concerts conducted by famous conductors, ballets, light opera and Jazz episodes will be shown on the giant screen. There are various food stalls on the two sides of square, offering delicious food from all over the world, such as Chinese fried noodle, American hamburger, Vienna desserts and royal cakes.

Vienna Carnival

Time: November 11 - the end of next February

From 11am on November 11 to the end of next February, people eat traditional food, attend the masked balls and celebrate the festival through all kinds of activities. One of the last two days is called Shrove Tuesday. On this day, people at all ages wear traditional costumes and wear all kinds of animal masks to dance, bringing the Carnival to a climate.