Johann Strauss

This monument to Austrian composer Johann Strauss (1825-1899), also known as "the Waltz King" (amongst others he composed the famous Blue Danube Waltz), is located in Stadtpark. It was unveiled to the public in June 1921 and is currently being extensively restored. In September it will shine in renewed splendor - the poor tourists who visit Vienna until then will only see an artistically designed reproduction. I will check it out at the next opportunity...

The View From The Gloriette

Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna seen from the Gloriette. Isn´t this a gorgeous view?

Gloriette

The Gloriette is located in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. Built in 1775 under the reign of Empress Maria Theresia it was meant to be a "temple of glory" and also a view point. In 1780 it was equipped with glass windows and became a location for dinner and festivities. The dining room was used as such until the end of the monarchy, today it houses a café. From the Gloriette you can enjoy a beautiful view of the town!

The Soap Bubbles Are Back

Recently, on an unusual warm and sunny day, I took a walk in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace and enjoyed watching these two girls making big soap bubbles. Click here for a photo of another soap bubble maker I took last autumn.

Desperate Garden Wives

"Desperate Garden Wives" - this is the title of the current decoration in the windows of the department store Steffl. I like it a lot, not only because of the bright colours but also because there is real water running out of the watering cans.

Schönlaterngasse

The quiet Schönlaterngasse with its buildings dating back to the Baroque times on a Saturday afternoon...

A Hole For The Tree

On Fritz Wotruba Promenade, between the Museum of Applied Arts and the University of Applied Arts there is a huge concrete bulge with a hole through wich this tree is growing. A perfect motif for a photo ;-)

Head In The Clouds

This is one of four "Lemure Heads" by Austrian Artist Franz West on Stubenbrücke. They were erected on the bridge on the occasion of West´s exhibition at the Museum for Applied Arts in 2001. Although originally planned to be removed after the exhibition, they were given to the museum as permanent loans and could therefore stay on the bridge.

No Camping

I case you wanted to park your camping trailer or recreational vehicle in front of the Imperial Palace, let me tell you: it is not allowed! By the way, the building in the background is the Town Hall.

In the Park #3

An impression of my last Sunday afternoon walk in Stadtpark... After some rainy days it was great to see such a blue sky.

Spring!!!

It´s spring!!! Finally!! At least the calender says so... There will be still some cold days, but the days are getting longer, the trees and the shrubbery will be foliating soon... This stony lady represents spring, I discovered her in Stadtpark. Unfortunately I couldn´t find any informations neither about the creator nor in which year this work was done.

Guerilla Knitting #1

Guerilla knitting is a type of street art that employs colourful displays of knitted cloth wrapped around public property like trees, street signs or lampposts. The phenomenon, called "yarnbombing" is thought to have originated in the US. Yesterday I saw it for the first time in Vienna on some trees on Ringstraße and I found out that there was a special reason for this initiative: On 19 March 1911 there was the first big demonstration for women´s rights in Vienna. On the occasion of the centenary of this demonstration 100 knitted artworks were installed along its itinerary.

Meierei

Reflections #6

Reflections in the window of a restaurant in Stadtpark on a rather grey day (It has been raining for the last two days).

Tulips

On a grey and rainy day (like yesterday for instance) colourful flowers on the sidewalk are a special feast for my eyes.

Happy Birthday To This Blog!

Time is really flying: It´s already one year that I posted the first photo on this blog! Many thanks to all followers and everybody who occasionally visited my blog! I appreciate your comments very much, so please keep them coming. I´m very much looking forward to another year with you and hope to be able to show you another 365 beautiful, interesting, funny photos of Vienna. Let´s celebrate with these heart-shaped cakes that I discovered in the window of the "Patisserie zum Schwarzen Kameel".

Inviting Sign

This is the sign of a restaurant in the 4th district. I love the bright colours! The restaurant looks very nice from outside, unfortunately it´s rather pricey...

Easter Is On The Way

Even though it still takes more than one month, this flower shop in the 4th district seems to be ready for Easter...

In The Park #2

On Sunday the temperature was still mild, but it was windy and cloudy. Nothing could stop these two girls from unfurling their picnic blanket on the grass of Stadtpark.

In The Park #1

Yesterday we had very fine weather, everybody was out and about taking advantage of the sunshine and the mild temperature. In Burggarten people were gathering on the grass, having a picnic, enjoying themselves...