DRMumbai: Vienna, the city on the Danube can offer the most bewitching sights in autumn and early winter. Add to that 360° videos from the perspective of eagles followed by exploring Vienna with the family and enjoy the magical world of lights at the Vienna Christmas Markets.
A Bird’s-Eye View
The Vienna Tourist Board sent two pairs of eagles up into the skies to capture footage of the city. Using VR glasses, one can experience 360° degree view of the Austrian capital from the birds of preys’ perspective.
Fritzi and Bruno, one kitted out with a 360° camera and the other a 16:9 format camera on its back, took off from the top of the Danube Tower and a hot air balloon launched from the grounds of Palais Schwarzenberg. Their colleagues Darshan and Victor picked up where they left off and finished the job where the weather was not always pleasant. The eagles circled above the city capturing views in stunning 4k. Production company Red Bull Media gave wings to the Vienna Tourist Board campaign.
More information: www.vienna.info
Autumn Afternoon with Kids
Unlike many other major cities, Vienna boasts huge green areas where children can play to their hearts’ content. And what if a little princess would like to dance a minuet in a hooped skirt and old-fashioned bodice? Become a child artist? Stroke some snakes? No problem. It is all possible. These are just a few of the Hits for Kids:
Schoenbrunn Zoo
The oldest zoo in the world has been in existence for 250 years. In recent decades, the zoo has turned itself into one of the most modern and – by consensus – one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. Make the most of the Guided Tours at Night to observe exotic animals. This is possible during a special tour through the zoo with infrared binoculars.
More information: www.zoovienna.at
Schoenbrunn Maze, Labyrinth & Labyrinthikon
Once only the imperial family was permitted to walk here but now the Schoenbrunn Maze is fun for everyone. Look carefully in all the corners and visitors will discover the twelve signs of the zodiac. What’s more, once visitors have made it through the maze, they can climb a platform and watch others get lost. Directly adjacent to the Maze is the Labyrinth – a great place for adventures: climbing poles with sounds, a jumping station, touching shapes, puzzles and water gargoyles ward off boredom.
More information: www.schoenbrunn.at
Children’s farm at Wien Cobenzl Estate
Children have the chance to come face-to-face with sheep, goats, rabbits, ducks and other animals at the Children’s Farm on the Cobenzl Estate. Highlights include tours of the stables and pony rides. Visit the Cobenzl woods playground and enjoy a picnic on the Am Himmel meadow with wonderful views of the city. In the nearby Waldseilpark Kahlenberg children can climb, balance and have fun in a safe environment. There is also a gnome course for infants to enjoy!
More information: www.landgutcobenzl.at
House of the Sea
Get to grips with a shark or close and personal with a piranha; witness fearless divers in a shark pool – you and your children can watch any of the 10,000 creatures that call the House of the Sea home. Fish from Austria and faraway countries, tortoises, crocodiles, venomous snakes and constrictors, leaf cutter ants, free-flying birds and roving monkeys, all are inhabitants here. Check out the views over Vienna from the rooftop cafe!
More information: www.haus-des-meeres.at
Get ready for fun in the Prater
Dive into the colourful world of the Prater where 250 different stands and attractions wait for you: from a traditional merry-go-round to the ghost train to ultra-modern highlights such as the ‘Ejection Seat’ with which you can reach a height of over 90 metres. Guided adventure tours through the Prater grant visitors a look behind the scenes at some great attractions.
More information: www.praterwien.com
Vienna’s Christmas Markets
Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets from the middle of November until Christmas. The aroma of Christmas baking and hot punch sets the mood in the run-up to Christmas. There’s no better way to get in the festive spirit after being surrounded by baubles, beeswax candles, punch and cookies, all making for plenty of inspirational gift ideas. Thousands of lights create a homey atmosphere as Christmas decorations in Vienna’s Old City and shopping streets. The biggest of these markets is the traditional Christmas Market during Vienna Christmas World in front of Vienna’s magically illuminated city hall. The Christmas markets in front of Schonbrunn Palace and the Kunsthistorisches Museum enchant against an imperial backdrop, while the market on Spittelberg derives its charm from the ambience of the old Biedermeier district.
More information: www.vienna.info
New Arrivals on Vienna’s Hotel Scene
New hotels are going up all the time in Vienna – around the Main Train Station, in the old town and in its flourishing new neighbourhoods. Existing properties are also remodelling, expanding and bringing in stylists.
Numerous accommodations have sprung up around the Main Train Station over the past few years, and other new projects are already on the way. The Mooons (170 rooms) boutique hotel hopes to carve out a niche for itself from mid-2019 with a combination of smart, affordable luxury, a restaurant, garden and roof terraces, and a fully-equipped gym.
Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere (303 rooms) is due to open in spring 2019. This luxury hotel was designed by the Italian star architect Renzo Piano and built by Austrian property company Signa and the Hyatt Group. A sky bar on the 16th floor, 60 metres above street level, will open previously unseen views of the city.
Vienna City Card
Use the 24, 48 or 72 hours Vienna City Card for free travel on public transport throughout the city or use the Hop-On Hop-Off tours run by Big Bus Tours. There is also the chance to enjoy more than 210 discounts on everything from museum entry to heuriger visits – from only EUR 17,00. Vienna City Card is now available to download as an app!
More Information: www.viennacitycard.at
