What is the Capital of Austria?

Vienna is the capital and largest city in Austria. Vienna is the most populous city in the country. About one-quarter of Austria’s population lives in this city.

The map displays Austria and its major cities, including Vienna, along with parts of neighboring countries.

Where is Vienna?

Vienna, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, serves as the capital city of Austria, situated in the heart of Central Europe. This dynamic city finds its place in the northeastern region of Austria, nestled close to the country’s borders with neighboring nations such as Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

austria vienna map — Close-up pin of Vienna on the map

It’s situated in the Vienna Basin and is crossed by the Danube River, one of the major rivers in Europe. Vienna’s central location in Europe makes it a key crossroads for various trade and travel routes.

History of Vienna

The history of Vienna stretches back to ancient times. The city was first settled by the Celts around 500 BC, then by the Romans in the 1st century AD, who established a military camp known as Vindobona. However, the modern city of Vienna took shape in the Middle Ages.

Vienna became the capital of the Babenberg Dynasty in 1156 and later of the Habsburgs from 1278 onwards. The Habsburgs made Vienna the center of their Empire, bringing wealth and prestige to the city. The period of the Renaissance and Baroque has brought numerous architectural marvels to the city.

St Stephen's Cathedral Stephansplatz Square — St. Stephen’s Cathedral, located on the *Stephansplatz* (St. Stephen’s Square), was established in 1147 and completed in 1573. It’s the current seat of Archbishop Christoph Schönborn.

In 1804, Vienna became the capital of the Austrian Empire. It continued to serve as the political and cultural heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until its collapse in 1918 at the end of World War I. Vienna then became the capital of the Republic of Austria.

During World War II, Vienna suffered significant damage but was rebuilt quickly in the post-war years. Today, Vienna is renowned as a city of culture, music, and architecture, with a rich historical heritage.

Features of Vienna

Vienna skyline panorama sunset — Vienna skyline panorama at sunset

Known as the “City of Music,” Vienna is the birthplace of the Viennese classical style, associated with composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Today, the city is home to venues like the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein. It’s also famous for its visual arts, with institutions like the Museum of Art History and the Albertina.

Geography and Climate

Votive Church autumn weather Vienna — Street lamps in front of the Votive Church during a chilly autumn evening in Vienna

Vienna is located in northeastern Austria, at the easternmost extension of the Alps in the Vienna Basin. The Danube River flows through the city, providing a natural and strategic advantage.

The city has a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in the summer is around 24-27°C (75-81°F), while in the winter, the average temperature can drop to around 1-3°C (34-37°F). Snowfall is quite common in the winter months, while the city receives moderate rainfall throughout the year.

Population

Vienna old town Plague Column — People walking on Graben Street in front of the Plague Column, which is a Baroque memorial that symbolizes resilience during the Great Plague epidemic in 1679.

As of 2023, the population of Vienna is approximately 1.9 million, making it the largest city in Austria. The city is quite diverse, with many residents having migrant backgrounds. The most prominent foreign-born residents come from countries such as Turkey, Poland, Germany, and Serbia.

German is the official language of Vienna, but many other languages are spoken due to the city’s multicultural populace. The residents of Vienna are known for their love of culture, music, and good food.

Economy

Vienna is one of the wealthiest regions in the European Union. High productivity, an advanced industrial sector, and a well-developed service sector characterize its economy. Key industries include machinery and equipment manufacturing, food processing, and chemical manufacturing.

Vienna also hosts several international organizations, such as OPEC and UN agencies, contributing to its economy. In addition, the city is a central hub for science and research with several world-class universities and research institutions.

Tourism is another significant part of Vienna’s economy, with millions of visitors each year attracted by the city’s historic sites, cultural events, and culinary delights.

Things to Do and Places to See in Vienna

1. Schönbrunn Palace

Fountain at Schoenbrunn Palace Vienna — Parade Court Fountains sitting in front of Schonbrunn’s Palace

Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a primary tourist attraction in Vienna. This baroque palace has over 1,400 rooms and is surrounded by extensive and beautifully maintained gardens, which include a zoo, palm house, a labyrinth, and a gloriette with a viewing terrace.

2. Kunsthistorisches Museum

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna — The *Kunsthistorisches Museum* (Museum of Art History) holds the distinction of being the most expansive art institution in the nation and ranks among the world’s most significant museums.

The Museum of Art History, also known as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, houses an extensive collection of works from ancient times through to the late 18th century. The collections include masterpieces by Vermeer, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Dürer, Titian, and Velázquez. The museum’s magnificent architecture is also a highlight.

3. Vienna State Opera

Vienna State Opera House — Wiener Staatsoper was built between 1861 to 1869, and it’s a successor to the old Vienna Court Opera.

The Vienna State Opera, commonly referred to as the Vienna Opera House, is one of the most prominent opera houses in the world and a symbol of Vienna’s rich musical history. Located in the heart of Vienna, it’s an integral part of the city’s cultural life.

The opera house was built in the mid-19th century as part of a major city expansion project. The architects, August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll, designed the building in the Neo-Renaissance style, a departure from the prevailing Gothic and Baroque architectural styles of the time.

4. The Albertina Museum

Albertina Museum nighttime Vienna — Albertina Museum ranked amongst the top 100 most-visited museums in the world.

The Albertina Museum holds one of the world’s largest and most important print rooms, with approximately 65,000 drawings and about 1 million old master prints, as well as more modern graphic works, photographs, and architectural drawings. Its collections include works by artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Degas.

5. The Hofburg

The Hofburg Vienna Austria — The Hofburg, which name translates as “Castle of the Court,” and roots trace back to its original construction in the Middle Ages.

The Hofburg is the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria.

It contains numerous museums, including the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, Silver Collection, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School. The sprawling complex also features gardens, squares, and grand halls.

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