Claudia is currently completely absorbed in her book project, which is set to be completed in the coming weeks. So, she has no time for a new blog post – and thus, Martin Fox takes up the pen.
Most of Vienna's landmarks are well-known and hard to miss. However, some are not so easily discovered, tucked away in quieter areas or hidden in plain sight. As Claudia often emphasizes during her city tours: we should take a closer look and sometimes change our perspective.
Here are a few of my special discoveries off the beaten path:
The Sisi Statue at Westbahnhof
Rushing from the train to the tram, subway, or taxi, one might easily overlook it: the statue of Empress Elisabeth in the upper hall of the Westbahnhof. Sisi was a passionate traveler and even had her own luxurious train carriage (which can be admired in the Technical Museum and as a replica in the Sisi Museum). When the railway line to the west was inaugurated in 1858 as the "Empress Elisabeth Western Railway," her statue was placed at the station. It was damaged during World War II and later stored away, only to be rediscovered and restored in 1982. Now, the figure-conscious, ever-fasting Empress, stands a bit lost among fast-food restaurants. Where might she be heading – perhaps back to her hometown, Munich? More Info can be found here!
Hieronymus Bosch's Last Judgment Triptych
A bit off the Ringstraße, not as prominent as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, stands the beautiful brick building of the Academy of Fine Arts at Schillerplatz. Many do not realize that beyond being a school, it also houses an impressive gallery of Old Masters. A true highlight of this collection is the triptych by Hieronymus Bosch, "The Last Judgment" (c. 1490-1505). The detailed depictions of the Seven Deadly Sins are both fascinating and disturbing. After viewing these grim scenes, you can find comfort in one of the nearby coffeehouses or the bright, welcoming cafeteria of the Academy. More Info can be found here!
High-Rise at Herrengasse 6-8
Vienna is known for its opulent historic buildings, but its first high-rise remains relatively unnoticed. Located at the corner of Herrengasse and Fahnengasse, this 16-story building was completed in 1932. Due to its tiered design, its full height is not immediately apparent from the street. The top floors once housed a panoramic café-restaurant before being converted into apartments. Today, some well-known figures still reside here. On the ground floor, you'll find the "Rondell," possibly Vienna's smallest espresso bar, a beloved meeting spot in the city center. More info can be found here!
I have many more hidden gems on my list that I enjoy visiting and will gladly share in due time. I also welcome suggestions and ideas!
Do you have a hidden gem in Vienna to share? Let me know in the comments or send me a message!
Don't want to go looking on your own? Then join me on a guided tour through Vienna! Just shoot me a message. We're looking forward to seeing you!
See you soon
Martin, AlpineFoxes-Team
🦊
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