When in Rome do as the Romans do, but when in Vienna this summer, think about
trying out some summer tips from Webster students.
Not
only does Vienna have a rich history, famous musicians, and great architecture
to offer, summer time here is filled with many exciting outdoor concerts and activities
that cater everyone. Best of all, nearly all of them are free.
Enjoy
a summer splash by the Danube, relax at open-air bars and restaurants along the
canal, chill at a big beer garden inside Prater, or enjoy a glass of local wine
at a Heuriger in the suburbs.
Entertainment
is plentiful, with outdoor film festivals – yes, there are more than one – and concerts
that offer a variety to satisfy all tastes.
International
Relations sophomore, Alexandra Fomenko recommends starting off by checking the vienna-event
web
page, to find the latest happenings. But for insider tips on the best places to
whet a whistle, most Webster students who have been here over the summer say
they like to stick close to the Danube canal, known here by its German name,
the Donau.
It’s all about being outdoors
“Always
to the Donau!” senior Media major, Gretchen Gatzke, recommended in a survey. “You
can swim, bring friends, (play) cards, a picnic and beer, and get a lot of sun.”
That
sentiment is echoed by most. Along the canal, or the nearby Danube Island,
people can barbeque, rollerblade, water ski, go wave-boarding or just chill out
with friends.
This
year Donaukanaltreiben, a three-day festival
for music, art and culture that runs along the canal from Spittelau in the
north to Franzensbrücke at nearly the end of the city starts June 7. This
year’s musical lineup includes Sofa Surfers Soundsystem featuring Saedi, the
Vienna-Berlin quartet Luise Pop, the alternative rock band Mauracher as well as
the newcomer Indie Pop band The Boys You Know.
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| U-Bahn-Station 'Alte Donau' and the bridge ©Österreich Werbung / Diejun |
The
Alte Donau is the dead-end of an old part of the river that acts more like the
city’s lake. It’s easy to reach (only a block or two away from the Webster
campus) or via the U1 Alte Donau station. The water is
warm enough to swim in, but Molly Ochs, an IR senior, also likes to rent boats – sail boats, electric
boats or even pedalos.
“This
is a great way to enjoy a sunny day.” Ochs said, “It’s always cool on the water
and is a great opportunity to swim and get out of the city while still being in
the city.”
An electric boat rental starts
at € 16 per hour, some companies even offer party boots that can accommodate 12
people, but choose a good captain because you will be dodging swimmers, rowing
sculls and other paddlers on the water during busy days. You might want to steer
a course away from the crowded beach, nude beach, and under water
plants that will stop your motor. Or, you can try you your hand at the new Stand
up Paddling (€ 14/ per hour).
Another
good open space to relax is MQ (Museumsquartier) with its young atmosphere and
the low prices. There are also great restaurants and bars in the nearby area.
Drew
Fuhrman, an American MBA graduate student, said he usually goes MQ to study, because
it has a lot of nice cafes and free wifi.
“Just
(a) really nice atmosphere. Lots of students would just hang out there as well,”
he said. “It’s a place to go, like, a nice afternoon.”
New
this summer at MQ is Aquadrome,
a
miniature boat racing game. People are encouraged to bring their own remote-controlled
boats to compete, but you can also rent a boat for €5 for ten minutes. The
competition takes places every Saturday, Sunday and holiday and runs until
August 31.
Keeping cool even at
night: Bars and Restaurants
A view at Summer Stage ©echo-citythai
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IR
and Media major Aleksandra Andjelkovic, who is spending her fifth summer in
Vienna this year, said one of her favorite places to go is Summer
Stage,
located in the 9th district on the Donau canal, close to the Station
Roßauer Lände U4 stop.
Summer
Stage a great place for people to hang out, watch football games and enjoy the
free concerts as well as the scenery along the canal. People can find a variety
of culinary adventures ranging from Indian, Mexican, or Caribbean food, and you
can even have your meal prepared by former Buckingham Palace chef Robert Morton
and his team. Finding an empty table to sit isn’t easy.
Downstream,
on the other side of the canal, is Schützenhaus, a beautiful blue and
white Art Nouveau building designed by the architect Otto Wagner at the
beginning of 1900 century. Recently converted into a restaurant, it now offers small
quiet shady gardens, which allows the guests to enjoy the Danube and fine Viennese
cuisine at the same time.
Schützenhaus©
Österreichische Post
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Not
too far from the Schützenhaus, on the other side of the subway exit, Tel
Aviv Beach
lounge bar is a decidedly younger, more relaxed venue. For a sunny, laid back
afternoon, submerge yourself in a white deck chair under the shade of an umbrella,
while sipping homemade ice tea with fresh mint. Tel Aviv Beach is also part of Neni family restaurants, which allows the guests to
enjoy the exotic authentic Israeli cuisine that is created by the famous Austrian
chef, Haya Molcho by Neni at Naschmart.
“During the day, it’s a wonderful
spot, it has sand, and so it gives you a real feeling of a real beach in the
middle of the city,” Andjelkovic said. Before night proceeds, Tel Aviv Beach
turns into the place to enjoy the pastel-colored sunset.
At
night, it frequently invites DJs to perform. You can find out upcoming events
by following their Facebook page. In addition, Tel Aviv beach will also host some
after-parties from Flex, Vienna’s most
popular club, which, by the way, is just on other side of the canal.
If
you are up for some Austrian food, MBA graduate Fuhrman recommended Schweizerhaus in the Prater –
Vienna’s famous amusement park – for its beer garden and atmosphere. Another
Webster student, Ochs, recommends its famous Viennese deep fried pork knuckle, Stelzen,
and brew Budweiser beer (the Czech kind) which is unique in Vienna. As with just about every good restaurant, you
should probably reserve first to ensure you can get a table.
Another
IR/Media major, Austrian Lisa Walzel suggested people should go to a Heuriger in the evening to try
out the local wine and authentic food.
Heurigers
are traditional local taverns that usually serve up the newly made wine from last
year’s harvest and a selection of cold food or warm buffet.
Although
there are heurigers in town, to get the real feel, visit the heurigers located
on idyllic side streets in the Vienna districts of Grinzing, Heiligenstadt and
Nussdorf. All are reachable by trams. For
more information, you can visit here.
A midsummer night’s dream
Nighttime
outdoor events, nearly all of them free, keep the Viennese busy throughout the
entire summer.
Sommerkino am Rathausplatz,
from
June 30 to September 2, screens movies where you don’t need any knowledge of
German to enjoy. Last year’s celluloid ranged from a Rolling Stones concert film
to Mozart’s “Magic flute.” While watching from a giant screen, you can munch on
the cuisine from all over the world from the huge food court connected to it. Come
early, though: Seating is first come first served.
For
those who prefer a quiet night, Kino
unter Sternen (Cinema under the Stars)
at Karlsplatz, maybe a better choice, recent Business and Media graduate, Mina Nacheva
suggested.
Attentive film-watching crowd © Kino
unter Sternen
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“It's
in downtown Vienna, but it doesn't feel like it,” Mina wrote in a survey. In
addition, it usually has a great selection of movies that includes classics and
independent films from all over the world. Sometimes they include talks by film
directors. This year, Kino unter Sternen is inviting audiences to submit their votes
of the film they wish to watch. You can participate here .
The
Sommerkozert at Schönbrunn, Thursday,
May 30 at 9:00 p.m., is another summer highlight. The Vienna Philharmonic has
performed a free open-air concert on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace annually
since 2004. This year’s theme is devoted to the 200th birthday of Giuseppe
Verdi and Richard Wagner.
“It’s
beeeaauutiful, so romantic,” said Andjelkovic,
who had been there previous years. If one can go with their partner, “that’s a
place to go, definitely.”
Try
to be there at least an hour early to secure a good spot. Beware of the crowd. If you plan to go there
with a group of friends, try to meet up first before going in Schönbrunn Palace.
With the vast audience – thousands attend -- it can be tricky to search for
your friends among the crowd.
Sitting
on the hill provides a nice view from the top, but you are less likely to hear
it very well. Bring a picnic blanket to sit on; after all, you are in for a
two-hour long concert.
Last but not least, if it is
raining…
Feel
like taking a break from the summer heat and other outdoor activities? Check
out ‘Dialogue in the Dark, located at the
historic vaults of the Schottenstift. Tours are led by blind or visually
impaired guides in pitch-dark rooms, allowing visitors to experience what it
feel like to rely on other non-visual senses. In case you want to stay in the
dark for a bit longer, stay for dinner.
Reservations are recommended.
