Kirche am Steinhof, Penzing

 

To begin with, it was so nice to have all of the tips from Cindy and Yuki’s blog, nearly every tip they gave came in handy. We were so glad to have read in their blog post that the church is only open to viewing on Saturdays and Sundays, with this information we were lucky not to show up on a weekday only to find that the church was not open. An even more helpful tip for the visit, and really in general, is the suggestion by Cindy and Yuki to always have your student ID card on you. Nearly everywhere you go you can find student discounts, and they really do add up! Since we read the blog post prior to our visit we already knew some very useful and interesting facts about the church, for example the considerations made by the architect, Otto Wagner, to accommodate the patients of the hospital. With the knowledge from Yuki and Cindy’s blog we hardly needed a tour guide, although we did find that nearly all the people we ran into were pretty nice.

                It was also briefly mentioned in their blog that there is a nice park and view of the lower land from the church. We suggest sitting on the benches on the walkways and just watching the people for a few minutes. Because so many people walk here there are some interesting characters. Also because the church attracts tourists it is fun to guess where people are coming from.  This is really a suggestion for anywhere you go, people watching is a surprisingly fun pass time. All you need is a place to sit and a bunch of people going in all sorts of directions.

As far as the surrounding area goes, because it is located on a hill and is the highest church it is recommended to take a nice walk for exploring. There are many directions you can choose to go and the nature and paths are really nice- perfect for a Sunday afternoon stroll. Sometimes the best “sites” are just the surrounding areas where there is nothing to do but look and observe.

Ottakring: A Little Far, Very Friendly

This week we followed in Katie and Monica's footsteps in exploration of Ottakring, the 16th district.  After a long ride on the U3 (all the way to the last stop), we were welcomed by the same market written about by the previous team.  Although we found the atmosphere of the Naschmarkt to be a little more friendly, Ottakring's market was much less crowded and the produce seemed to be just as good.  Just like at the Naschmarkt, a lovely flea market booms here each Saturday morning.  It is less touristy than the Naschmarkt's Flohmarkt, less crowded, and much cheaper.

After perusing the produce, we headed for the Ottakringer brewery.  The inside was sleek, with a massive selection of local brews and a bar with several beers on tap.  Although the location was impressive, the brewery was nearly empty, save for one or two employees with their noses tucked between the pages of a recent newspaper.  We grabbed a few seasonal beers and were on our way.

We continued to wander around in search of a large park Daniel had noticed on a map before our arrival, so we could lie down and soak up the beautiful day.  On our way there, we came across a number of small secondhand shops.  Conor was elated!  We ended up spending an hour, perhaps more, looking through the shops.  The shopkeepers were very helpful and Conor left with a pair of white loafers for only 7 Euros!  Ottakring is certainly a great area for thrift shopping, when one is tired of the expensive Mariahilferstrasse and Stephensplatz shopping areas.

We continued to search for the park, but came across a smaller, more narrow park first.  After wandering around for so long in the heat, we decided to sit here, crack our Ottakringers, and relax.  The park was filled with locals, either lying in the sun or playing sports on the field.  After resting up a bit, we decided to head home.

Ottakring is one of the more residential districts of Vienna, but definitely has its charm.  The people are friendly and the shopping is unique!

xoxo,

Conor and Daniel

Landstrasse

This week, Ryan John Carlson and I explored the Landstrasse District.  Before beginning our adventure, we read Daniel and Conor's blog from the previous week, so we could trace their footsteps as well as discover some new things.  As soon as we got off the U-Bahn, we walked through the beautiful Stadtpark.  It was a perfect sunny day to spend time here, and lots of people were out on walks enjoying the sunshine.  All the spring flowers were beginning to blossom, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. Although we were supposed to explore the rest of the district we ended up staying in the park for nearly 2 hours because of how peaceful, sunny and warm it was. Eventually we built up the energy to find Belvedere. We wondered around, unsure of the exact location of Belvedere until we came upon the large monument dedicated to the Russian soldiers who freed the city from the Nazis we had read about in Daniel and Conor's blog. This was quite a grand monument that lies within a block from Belvedere. We eventually found Belvedere and were even more impressed by the large eloquent garden and the beautiful buildings than those shown in the pictures. Unfortunately by the time we arrived, Belvedere was closing, so we were unable to go inside, but we stayed and relaxed in the garden for another 30-45 minutes because the weather was so nice. 

Viennese Summit: Take Two

For our second excursion in the beautiful and now warm city of Vienna, we explored the region called Döbling in the 19th district. Döbling lies north of the inner city and is mostly residential and suburban. We had previously explored this area to some extent about a month ago when we hiked up Vienna’s “mountain,” Kahlenberg. Previously there was a tremendous amount of snow on the ground. However, in the last month the Viennese climate has pulled a 180, and there was no trace of winter whatsoever.

Our initial hike up to Kahlenberg complete with snow.

At the beginning of our excursion, we accidently boarded the streetcar heading in the wrong direction. This was only a minor inconvenience because once we noticed we simply jumped from one moving vehicle to another. Once we successfully arrived in our area, we started off by exploring the small, quiet residential area at the bottom of the hill. Here we found many small shops, houses, and other such places that convey a noticeable difference from that of the inner city. Mostly the architecture was quainter than the inner city and looked like what an American would stereotype as a small European village.

The shops of Döbling were exactly how we pictured European villages.

After grubbing on Wienerschnitzel and bier at the cheapest restaurant we could find, we made our way up the treacherous mountain path. It was a difficult trek, along the way we had to push through the beautiful personal wineries of the large estate houses and gaze upon the beautiful greening hills of the rural surrounding areas. Worst of all, this time we actually had the luxury of having foot traction while climbing the somewhat steep slopes near the summit.

Some snazzy personal vinyards.

Eventually, and through many hardships, we made it to the summit and we were rewarded for our difficult journey with a beautiful view of city. In contrast from the last time we scaled the mountain, this time the view was clear and spectacular. We could see for miles.

The glorious view from the top that made the grueling hike worth it.

After some time at the summit we took the bus down the back side of the hill while we happily rested our tired legs. We recommend that all of should return to the trail again so that you all can see the difference between winter and summer because it was a really fun, beautiful, and rewarding hike.




Adam and Stacie

Visit to the Prater Amusement Park

As a feedback exploration, Fan and I went to the Prater Park on this warm sunny Tuesday. In order to know more about the direction, we read the blog that posted by Tori and Ryan carefully before we left. Thanks for their useful information; we found the park without any problems. The Riesenrad is definitely a landmark building, it’s super easy to see it when you get off at the Praterstern station. As what exploration team posted, there are many rides, games and beer gardens in the park. It’s a good place for people who want to have a completely relaxing day.

Fan and I brought some food and had a nice small picnic on the lawn. We had such a great time with sunshine and fresh air. Although the temperature spurted these days, it still wasn’t warm enough to get on the water rides. Both of us are pretty sure that we’ll come back to have more fun here once the weather warms up.

Instead of the famous Riesenrad Tori and Ryan suggested, Yawen and I rode the “Prater Turm”. The Turm is really tall, even taller than the Riesenrad. We payed for 5 dollars each and got a blue plastic card as the entrance ticket. After we put our bags on the shelf, we sat on the swings and fastened the belts. The ride was really pleasant. The speed of the swings wasn’t fast at first but speeded up really fast when we were preparing for landing. The wind was blowing really hard on the top of the turm. However, the view was amazing. The swings rotated in circles so we got to see the whole view of Vienna. It was so beautiful and worth of riding. Besides the Prater Turm, we also recommend everyone to go for a walk in the park nearby the rides and enjoy the green grassland and sunshine!

macntash strike again

If you haven't yet made it, you need to go to the Schoenbrunn! Fan and Yawen couldn't have been more right in their blog when they say it is beautiful! Mac and I were literally speechless when we went inside. It feels like you are taken out of your century and into the world of palaces and fanciness. I went to Versalles two years ago, and Mac was there a couple weeks ago. The Schoenbrunn is in stark contrast to Versalles, which is falling apart, almost beyond repair. The Schoenbrunn is still completely royal and posh looking. Fan and Yawen were very diligent in their tour and exploration of the Schoenbrunn, we don't what more we should say!

Even though those guys are posing for the picture, we really don't know them! 

When we went to the Tiergarten, we literally turned into little kids again. I was freaking out, Mac was crazy excited, it was amazing. It's crazy just how excited seeing animals makes you! And seeing animals wasn't the only thing that made the Tiergarten so beautiful, being there was kind of like being in a fantasy land, a small escape from reality. This will definitely be the place to go when I need to get away from the city-ness of Vienna. I could definitely see Maria Theresa escaping there when she needed to get away from the stresses of ruling an empire.

The "Gloriette Schönbrunn" has an amazing view of the city and of the palace gardens. There is a restaurant up there that - if you want to spend a lot of money - you can eat at! It is worth it to get a coffee and watch the city below.

Everyone should come here at some point, it is such a unique and special place. We will definitely be back, for an evening run, a strole in the park, and to see the animals in the Tiergarten.

Exploration in UN city by Cindy Chen & Yuki Wang

Taking a short trip to Vienna UNO city in the afternoon when the weather is good is kind nice. UNO city is located in the Douna Insel. The architecture style here is a little different from that in Vienna city center. As Stacie and Adam said the architectures are really different from the inner stadt’s around the Stephansplatz. All the buildings here are tall and with glass wall. As soon as we arrive there, I feel I am so tiny inside of these Skyscrapers. We try to get into the Andromeda tower, probably the highest building of the UNO city, to take a overlook of the whole UNO city, but when we went into the gate, the officer there do not allow us to get in, because the building is for business not for visiting. From the road sign, we found there is a church in the UNO city. We walked around but only found a modern black architecture, which seems like a church, because it has a white cross on the wall. It is closed, so we cannot go inside to figure out whether it is a church or not. 

the road sign next to the U1 Station

Tech Gate Vienna

As I went to Budapest last weekend, what I saw in Vienna along the Douna River reminder me about the architecture style in Budapest along that. It seems that buildings along the Douna River in Veinna are more modern than that in Budapest. Most sight spots in Vienna are in innerstadt and those sight spots are always close the churches. Compare to those sight spots in innerstadt, Vienna Internal Centre is way younger. UNO (United Nation Office) city and Austria Center Vienna are two important part of VIC. It was designed by an Austria Architect named Johann Stabe and it attract many firms like Bank of Austria and Tech Gate Vienna. Thousands of people worked in that area. Instead of seeing these modern architectures in Vienna along Douna River, architectures in Budapest along same river are more traditional, like the Budapest Parliament, the Chain Bridge and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Personal, tradition European architecture style is more attractive.

Austria Centre Vienna

 

Budapest Chain Bridge

Parliament Building from Fishmen's Bastion

Fishmen's Bastion in Buda

University District, Vienna

From Karlsplatz, one can hop on the U2 toward Aasperstrassegasse for three stops to the Universität/Schottentor station. Alternatively, it can make for a nice walk from the Innenstadt. The 9^th district borders part of the west side of the Innenstadt. At the Universität station, you immediately find yourself among heaps of students, beggars and businessmen. It’s a bustling stop at all hours of the day. 

Finding your way through the crowds and onto the intersection, you find yourself on or near the front steps of the Universität Wien’s Most Historic building, the Hauptgebaeude which stands as the university’s library. Inside you will find historical artifacts such as paintings, old books and other important objects of the university that date back further than anything you could find in all of the US.

The sculpture work on the building, like most all Viennese architecture, is exquisite. The main pedimented colonnade depicts a Romanesque scene. Travelers Tip:  Take a moment to sit on the stairs leading up to the main entrance. This is a great place to people watch and have a delicious Kebab from one of the many stands just across the street.

Another nice place to visit just to have a look is the Josephinum. Once summer comes around the whole front of the building will be blossoming with leaves and flowers from the vines that have crept up the façade.  This building, which acts as a medicine academy, was built in 1783. 

Prater

This week, Ryan Carlson and I went and explored the Leopoldstadt District, the 2nd district of Vienna.  We took the U-Bahn to the Praterstern station, where the U1 and U2 link.  First, we visited the Prater amusement park, which has tons of rides, games, and beer gardens.  And in the middle of all that, you can find the Praterdome, one of Vienna's largest night clubs.  It will definitely be fun to come back here when the weather is nicer, so we can go on all  the water rides.  We rode the Riesenrad, the giant ferris wheel which is a historical icon of Vienna, built in the early 1900's and then re-constructed after World War II.  It cost 9 Euro to ride, but worth every cent! The view from the top was incredible, definitely a worthwhile panoramic perspective of the city.  Then we walked around the Prater park, which is the largest park in Vienna.  There's a nice pathway that goes through the middle of the park, which is about 5 kilometers long.  Lots of people were out enjoying the fresh air, and we could easily tell this place will be much more enjoyable when the trees are alive- perfect place for a spring picnic!  We had lunch at a nice cafe in the park with an big outdoor patio- the sun was shining, we could watch all the people running by, and we ordered some beers and french fries.  We really enjoyed our relaxing day out at Prater, and it'll be a really fun place to come back to, especially once the weather warms up!

The Adventures of MacnTash

We explored Simmering which is the XI Bizerk. It was an escape from the city for the afternoon. When we first got off the U-Bahn we saw our first non Catholic Church. Sankt Laurenz is a Romanian Orthodox Church, which was our first impression, that it was more of an immigrant community.

After getting a little turned around we eventually found a nature trail and a wicked cool park! We just want to say that we wished we were kids in Wien; they have ausgezeichnet parks!

We climbed on the coolest sand box roof ever. In minutes we were little kids again, as they say, "life's too short short to ever fully grow up." 

We continued up the trail, through the woods, and over the bridge until we came across an old, huge arsenal. 

It was old, historical and beautiful so of course Mac had to try and climb it! Along with the support Ryan. Taking what we thought was a shortcut, we went through an alley way between beautiful, colorful houses.

At the end of the alley, we were greeted by the largest cemetery in Europe. The white pillars of the the entrance contrasted against the dark gray of the sky.

Mac really appreciated the art-deco gate, and the art nouvea church.

Walking through the cemetery was eerily beautiful. It was somehow peaceful, but one could never fully relax because you knew you were completely surrounded by the dead. All the gravestones were intricately sculpted. They weren't just graves, they pieces of art work to honor those who had died.

After making a large circle around the cemetery (we would need months to see the entire thing) we found ourselves standing outside a private, somewhat creepy orthodox cemetery.

The picture itself is beautiful, but standing inside the walled courtyard, we felt completely out of place, surrounded by dead.

All in all, it was refreshing to explore a non-touristy place. We were able to experience nature, history and architectural beauty all in one day. 

...soooo after spending the whole day with the dead, we decided to go to Mcdonalds: Be happy!

-Mac & Tash