We’re in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, walking through the private quarters where Emperor Franz Joseph did his best to steer Austria-Hungary through the turbulent 19th century. As recounted here last time, things got bad, then things got worse, culminating in the First World War. Meanwhile, deep in the Bavarian woods… Continue reading “Meanwhile, Deep in the Bavarian Woods…”
Hofburg Palace – Inside Franz Joseph’s Inner Sanctum
Hofburg Palace, in the heart of Vienna, Austria, had been home and headquarters of the Habsburg dynasty for 100’s of years. In the 19th century, a handful of rooms here served as Franz Joseph’s inner sanctum. We’re on a tour, walking through his private quarters. This is where he worked every day from dawn to dusk, trying to salvage his crumbling empire. Continue reading “Hofburg Palace – Inside Franz Joseph’s Inner Sanctum”
Tough Times in Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace, located in the heart of Vienna, is to Austria what the White House is to the United States. We’re inside, touring rooms where the Habsburg’s managed their dynasty in the 19th century. And what a time that was. Come on along. Continue reading “Tough Times in Hofburg Palace”
Step Inside Vienna’s Hofburg Palace
When you stand in Vienna’s Hero’s Square – the Heldenplatz – the curved expanse of Hofburg Palace dominates the view. It’s another one of Vienna’s great examples of classical architecture. Let’s go inside! Continue reading “Step Inside Vienna’s Hofburg Palace”
Vienna’s Volksgarten and Heldenplatz
No doubt you’re familiar with kindergarten. And maybe you’re familiar with Ina Garten. (The beef stew recipe in her latest cookbook takes beef stew to a whole new level). How about Vienna’s Volksgarten? It’s a park in central Vienna. We’re headed there now. And on the other side of the Volksgarten lies the Heldenplatz. C’mon! Continue reading “Vienna’s Volksgarten and Heldenplatz”
Viennese Coffee – Europe’s Original Caffeine Fix?
As described in sweet detail, last time, Vienna is famous for its desserts. And what goes perfectly with, say, a Mini-Schokogugelhupf? Especially if enjoyed in the afternoon, Viennese style? A cup of Viennese coffee, that’s what. Vienna is said to serve some of the best coffee in the world. Continue reading “Viennese Coffee – Europe’s Original Caffeine Fix?”
Vienna – the Land of Dessert!
Continue reading “Vienna – the Land of Dessert!”
The Siege of Vienna – Yikes!
Our excellent dinner at the historic Griechenbeisl restaurant had got me thinking. The Griechenbeisl was here during the siege of Vienna in 1683. It’s located next to a section of the ancient city wall that kept the attackers out. I was no longer hungry, but now I wanted to know more about the siege. Continue reading “The Siege of Vienna – Yikes!”
Dining at der Griechenbeisl
Walk-streets in Vienna’s Innere Stadt seem to be laid out in a grid, but that’s not quite the case. They’re skewed just enough to throw a wandering tourist off course. We were having trouble finding a restaurant we saw yesterday. It would helped if I had made a note of the name – the Griechenbeisl. Continue reading “Dining at der Griechenbeisl”
It’s Spaetzelicious!
It’s dinnertime in Vienna, Austria. It’s been a long day. We’re hungry. Thirsty, too! We’re looking for a restaurant we saw yesterday while exploring the pedestrian zone of the Innere Stadt. I’m hoping they serve spaetzel. I’ve never had it, but I’ve heard that it’s spaetzelicious! Continue reading “It’s Spaetzelicious!”
