| General sightseeing tours |
| Vienna Woods - Mayerling and Heiligenkreuz |
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This is a half-day excursion which shows you the most beautiful sights of the
southern part of the Vienna Woods, the protected forest area that surrounds the
city of Vienna. First, we will go and see the huge Cistercian Abbey of
Heiligenkreuz (founded in 1133), visiting the romantic medieval cloister which
houses the remains of the Babenberg dynasty who ruled Austria before the
Habsburg era, the splendid baroque sacristy and the monumental half Romanesque
half Gothic church. After a short break, we will continue our tour going to the
former Mayerling hunting lodge, today a commemorative chapel, where the
Crown-Prince Rudolph, the only son of Emperor Frances Joseph, died together with
Baronesse Mary Vetsera in 1889. Until today no one really knows what happened in
the night of their death. Did they commit suicide? Were they murdered? If so, by
whom? And why? There are over 150 different theories about the background of Austria's
most famous tragedy - looking at the original scenery, we will discuss the most
common versions and try to find out what we know for sure and what shall always
remain a mystery.
This excursion can be combined with a degustation of a piece of "Topfenstrudel",
Austrias typical cheese strudel, or with a visit to the subterranean lake in Hinterbrühl!
| Vienna Woods - Mayerling, Heiligenkreuz and Baden |
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This half-day excursion combines a shorter version of the above tour
"Vienna Woods - Mayerling and Heiligenkreuz" with a walking tour in
the city of Baden. The origin of Baden lies in the healing powers of the sulfur
springs. The Romans experienced and enjoyed the waters, calling the place "Aquae".
Until today, the town bases its image on the element of water in all its
different aspects. Baden has held a special place in Austrian history since
Emperor Francis I chose this idyllic town for his Imperial summer residence
between 1814 (the year of the Vienna Congress) to 1834. Artists, intellectuals
as well as the so-called "good society" followed him. They built
luxurious palais here or took apartments. The list of well-known people who
lived and worked in Baden during this period is long: Emperor Franz I, the
Archdukes Karl, Wilhelm, Anton, Eugen, Rainer, Empress Maria Luise (spouse of
Napoleon I), the Duke of Reichstadt, Grillparzer, Schwind, Mozart, Schubert,
Lanner, Strauss, Millöcker, Zeller, Komzak. Perhaps the greatest of them all,
however, was Beethoven, linked to the city by the Ninth Symphony and the Missa
solemnis, large parts of which he composed in the Beethoven House in Baden. The
blending of art and money set a high standard and created a unique atmosphere,
which the city continues to preserve. On our tour through the inner city of
Baden we will look closely at the most important buildings of former times, then
we will take a walk through the city park with the Summer Arena, the Casino
(largest Casino in Austria and huge congress center) and if you like we can even
climb the hill up to the Beethoven Temple, from where we can enjoy a splendid
panoramic view of the entire city and its surroundings.
This excursion can be combined with a degustation of a piece of "Topfenstrudel",
Austrias typical cheese strudel, or with a wine degustation in one of the
characteristical "Heurigen" restaurants in Gumpoldskirchen!