Slovenia Travel Blog

Those who come from warmer lands, traditionally thought that Austria is a country where the cold weather freeze our bones and we will repent of having dared to step on the frozen territory. But nothing further. In Vienna, during the winter months alternating days more or less cold. The secret is to dress warmly, however, the city’s offer is limited to places where we will put off the heating even jersey. And when move, public transport, which carpet the whole city, will keep us warm and well at ease. Know Vienna in winter is required, because there are hundreds of events that can not be enjoyed at any time of year, so do not think more and make the bags.

Dances at the palace

On December 31 opens the ball season in Vienna. Which will run throughout the year with 450 different dances and galas. Although undoubtedly the best, most famous and desirable place between January and February. It is therefore very important to visit the city during those months, to enjoy a dance at the imperial palace, town hall, the opera or any other building of its size.

Prom, which must attend dressed for the occasion. Evening dress. To immerse ourselves in a courteous almost out of a movie or a book of history.

Ice Skating

At the end of Advent fairs, posts Christmas leave space for other activities, the more blurred and sometimes even more interesting, as is the gigantic ice rink in front of Vienna City Hall.

You can bring your skates or rent them there and the track extends across almost the entire square in front of the building. Large and small slide to the rhythm of music and of course, the cold is not a drawback because the good exercise and warm atmosphere make to anyone.

Cafes

Speaking of cafes in Vienna is almost an epithet. Who has not ever imagine sitting in a cafe bohemia delicate scent of a Viennese coffee? Newspaper in hand, as an intellectual and enjoying a delicious Sacher Torte. The cafes of Vienna has a special flavor, a special atmosphere, something that breathes and feels and makes you remember nostalgically home. They are warm, usually decorated in a somewhat decadent, which reminds us, what in English is often called “the good old days.”

Their coffees, teas, chocolates … with cream, delicious cakes, pies and all kinds of sweets, in which there are three kings outright: chocolate, almonds and cream. Although the fruit is not far behind, because the apple appears and disappears like magic. Do you know the apple strudel? And all this rociadito of cinnamon. A scent that will take us home.

And then the environment, people, smart, well dressed, with exquisite manners, who sits here and there on benches armchairs and red velvet. How to describe the essence of Vienna? I do not know if there are words, but one can get a pretty good idea, in one of its cafes.

Heurigen

My favorites. The word Gemütlichkeit seems to have been invented to define what happens in these taverns. It means peace and comfort, but in Vienna used to describe the quiet, friendly, pleasant, friendly treatment between client and server, friendliness among diners, fun, intimacy … because the light is often dim and the tables set out, household. It is exactly the opposite of stress.

They are traditional tavernas where you can enjoy a mulled wine or a good white wine, which eat the homemade treats of the Vienna Life: the Schnitzel, a breaded steak, sausages, sausage and cheese made on site, with about 40 different types of bread and topped with sweet buns and coffee with cream. In summer everything becomes terraces and beer gardens, but the charm of winter is on natural and environment, the camaraderie and good cheer all that is everywhere, is one of the most enriching experiences of our lives.

Easter markets

Do you remember the Advent fairs? For when it ends there is a small period of rest before starting again. Job fairs and re-carpeting the city and the Easter bunny fills all of colored eggs. Some are raw eggs, some cooked, the children play to see who breaks before the egg who bark louder and louder. And others are chocolate eggs, but not those involved glossy paper that we know in Spain or America, but these have the original shell egg, decorated, painted bunting. You can even join street workshops to learn to paint the eggs, because even though a priori seems bullshit, the truth is that it is not easy and once you let yourself be seized by the feeling of the party … you live with an intensity you’ll quickly. And all this ends with Easter Sunday, comes a rabbit and hide their eggs (yes, a rabbit that has eggs, I know) in the parks and gardens of the city and children should go with wicker baskets to look for everywhere. Really, is the most fun.

HOW TO GET

Plane. Vienna has regular flights operating from all countries. The airport is connected to the city via the train station Wien Mitte. It is also a metro and bus interchange.

By train. To get to Vienna there are many ways: the most common from Paris or from Venice and from Munich. Usually trains arrive at the Westbahnhof station.

By bus. There are several lines that make the routes from the main capitals of Europe to Vienna and from there we have at our disposal a large network of buses that travel the entire country. The main bus station in Vienna is the Wien Mitte.