Osterferien Update Vienna: Kulturhauptstadt

OK, I know what you're probably thinking, "Gee, wasn't his Osterferien Eastern European Extravaganza (E^3®) like two months ago or something?"  Well, you're right, but I never finished with my last few posts, so be glad I'm catching up now instead of never.  Actually, I don't think anyone follows this blog closely enough to notice, so I probably could have gotten away with it if it weren't for my conscience, my belief in full disclosure and you meddling kids.

Vienna is truly a Kulturhauptstadt in every since of the word.  The city was founded sometime around 500 BC, and over the next 2,500 years would serve as the seat of the Habsburg Dynasty (1440), Holy Roman Empire (1448), Austrian Empire (1804) and the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867).  It was truly a world capital and one of the great centers of art and learning with its connections and influence on classical music, architecture, psychology and visual arts.  Vienna is one of those cities where you can't turn your head without seeing something beautiful and historic from royal castles, modern museums, huge gardens or the Danube River (which really isn't nearly as blue as Johann Strauss made it out to be).

I took some time in Vienna to check out some awesome art museums like the Leopold Museum in the amazing Museumsquartier and the Albertina Museum.  A nighttime walk around downtown Vienna is an awesome time to see some of the massive, impressive buildings light up.  I also went up to the top of Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral) for more amazing views of the city.  Two more worthwhile trips were to Schlöss Schönbrunn and Hofburg, the summer and winter residences of the Habsburgs, respectively.  My three day stay was rounded out by some great food at the Naschmarkt and a trip to see Hundertwasserhaus.  

All in all, Vienna is just an incredible city--I mean, I'm running out of synonyms here for amazing here.