Audio City Guide

We have discovered a great service for you! The Audio City Guide gives you the opportunity of discovering the city centre of Vienna with your own smartphone, tablet or MP3 player for FREE. Stroll around and get some great information on the sights of Vienna.

How does it work with my laptop?

  1. Visit rickstevens.com (https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/austria-germany)
  2. Scroll down to Vienna Audio Tours.
  3. Right click the download links (Listen or Download) and choose “Save Link As”.
  4. The mp3 file will be downloaded.
  5. Copy the mp3 file on your MP3 player, smartphone or tablet.

How does it work with my Android device using a web browser?

  1. Connect with the WiFi!
  2. Visit rickstevens.com (https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/austria-germany)
  3. Scroll down to Vienna Audio Tours.
  4. Press long “Listen or Download” and choose “Save Link As”.
  5. The mp3 file will be downloaded.
  6. Open the file with the mp3 player of your smartphone.

How does it work with my Android device using Google Play Store?

  1. Connect with the WiFi!
  2. Open Google Play Store.
  3. Search for Rick Steves Audio Europe und download the app for free.
  4. Open the app and choose Add Tracks to Playlist.
  5. Choose Germany, Austria and a tour you like.
  6. The file will be downloaded.

How does it work with my Apple device using iOS App Store?

  1. Connect with the WiFi!
  2. Open iOS App Store.
  3. Search for Rick Steves Audio Europe und download the app for free.
  4. Open the app and choose Add Tracks to Playlist.
  5. Choose Germany, Austria and a tour you like.
  6. The file will be downloaded.

After you have downloaded all files you like successfully the app does not need any connection to the internet anymore and you can use the Audio City Guide at any times during sightseeing.

Austrian Eco-Business Plan Label for Hostel Wien
Hostels were certified again with Austrian Eco-Label

As ecological-oriented hostels we take the responsibility for our environment very serious and we make great efforts to make an improvement in all areas. It is our wish to integrate our guests actively in our environmental measures and to show them the importance of environmental protection. We set ourselves the goal to continue as well as to improve the environmental protection.

 

As supplier of accommodation for sometimes very young guests it is also a personal concern to encourage this responsibility, also in respect of creating an intact environment for future generations.

Following measures are top-ranked for our staff and guests:

  • Courses of instructions and education for our employees to act environmentally friendly and be active in all areas and actions which are relevant to the environment
  • Detailed information about all our environmental activates for our guests and staff
  • To use all our resources efficiently
  • Waste prevention and of course waste separation
  • Careful handling with detergents
  • To use products with an environmental friendly packaging
  • The use of public transport
  • Satisfaction of guests through improved service without wasting resources
  • Conservation of nature for future generation
  • To be aware of a responsible exposure with drinking water

To propagate our actions which aim to preserve the environment we make an effort to implement the requirements of the „Austrian Ecolabel for accommodation facilities”.

This ecolabel makes it possible for costumers, public as well as private purchasers to buy ecofriendly products and products of high quality.

The eco criteria’s are the results of lots of scientific studies, discussions as well as consulting within the committee for environment.

Members of the committee are representers of the ecolabel such as representatives of environmental-, consumer-, and Industry associations, labour unions as well as ambassadors of small and middle sized enterprises (KMU) and the trade.

The aim of the Austrian Ecolabel for accommodation facilities is to reduce environment pollution and damage, which are occurring during the three phases of the life cycle of a product: (purchase, allocation, disposal). Other aims of the criteria of an eco label are:

  • Restricting, limitation of the energy consumption
  • Restricting of the water consumption
  • Waste reduction
  • Preferred use of renewable energy sources and substances which are less degrading to the environment

To reduce environmental pollution and damage we make an effort to boost the purchase of eco friendly products as well as to inform our guests and give them the possibility to support our goals.

Environmental concept 2016

As an sustainable orientated business we take our responsible for our environment very serious and we strive to take improvements in all fields in order to keep a beautiful and healthy environment for future generations. For us it is important to involve our guests actively into our environmental actions to give them a better understanding […]

Information on accessibility – Palace Hostel

We gladly welcome people with reduced mobility at our hostel and we try to offer the best possible stay we can offer due to the infrastructural environment. Palace Hostel is due to its hillside location characterized by many staircases. A handicapped access to Palace Hostel is therefore not possible. Within our possibilities we try to support our guests.

Rooms and public areas

Our hostel has the following public areas:

Reception, lobby, public toilets, restaurant and two terraces

None of those areas is handicapped accessible.

Our guest room are situated at floor 1 and 2 and are partly barrier-free accessible via the garden.

  • All our public areas are equipped with tiled or rubber floor.
  • Our reception is located on floor 1 and is not handicapped accessible. From 7.30 and 23.00 our reception is available to our guests.
  • Light switches are all attached at a height of one meter. Therefore all our light switches are reachable from a wheelchair.
  • All our rooms are equipped with private showers. However a barrier-free access is not possible.
  • By request we can offer a nonslip underlay and seat options for our showers.
  • All meals are served in a self service-buffet form.
  • Our common areas are not barrier-free accessible.
  • Our big garden with terrace is from some rooms limited barrier-free accessible.

 

Location and arrival

As a sustainable hostel we are happy if you leave your car at home and travel with public transports. Our hostel is from nearly all parts of Vienna handicapped accessible and the bus station Wilhelminenberg is only 300 m from the hostel and handicapped accessible. With the busses 46A, 46B and U3 you can reach our hostel from many parts of Vienna. Due to our convenient location it is easy to reach our hostel with you own car. You can use our private parking space for free during your stay.

  • You can reach us barrier-free with public means of transport from all important transport hubs within Vienna. A barrier-free arrival is from the airport Vienna as easy as from the main train station and the train station Meidling. If you need a taxi we can also organize that for you.
  • All metro stations and 95% of all bus and tram station in Vienna are handicapped accessible. Therefore a sightseeing tour without your private car is easily doable.
  • If you prefer to arrive by your own car you can leave your car at our parking space for free. Up to your arrival you can park your car within the loading zone in front of the entrance.

 

Within future investments, based on our economical opportunities, further improvements into our barrier-free offer are planed.

Preamble of Hostels Vienna

Hostels Vienna underlie all their principles with a balanced economical, social and ecological acting. Therefore we have developed an ethical index and we take care that our employees at Hostels Vienna not only understand the content but also use our guidelines within their daily routine with colleagues, guests and suppliers.

We:

  • put the human encounter in the centre of our acting
  • live a cooperative believing on all levels
  • improve our image as an open, tolerant partner which in relation to humans and different nations always puts the connecting before the separating
  • treat all persons equal, regardless of origin, religion, colour or sex.
  • do not accept any form of discrimination of sexual, physicals or psychological towards our employees or guests no matter if from our own employees or other persons
  • lay the greatest value on health and security of all employees as well as a secure working place
  • support an effective communication so all our employees can fulfil their work successfully
  • respect the values of others
  • report a potential conflict of interests directly to our supervisor
  • take care of a respectful and fair handling with all our internal and external partners, suppliers, touristic establishments and authorities
  • stand for a quality-conscious, socially responsible and environmentally friendly youth and family tourism

250 years Viennese Prater

Exactly 250 years ago Emperor Franz Joseph decided to open the Viennese Prater to the community making a 6 square kilometre big area open to public. Until this point of time the floodplain area around the Danube located within the borders of todays second district was dedicated to the nobility. Until 1766 the Prater was only open for hunting and an opening for everyone was not welcomed by everyone. Thanks to the ruling of Emperor Franz Joseph the use of the Prater changed substantially. Due to the 250 years anniversary we take a look on the history and present of the Prater and how it is used today.

 

Starting years

The beginning of the Prater

If one would compare the Prater 250 years ago with today it is nearly impossible to recognize it. 250 years ago the area was dominated by deep forests, wild animals and broad alleys. Even if the Prater was accepted by the locals from the beginning on the look of the area changed a lot over the years. 5 years after the opening to public the visitors could experience more than just green areas for their first time. More than 10,000 spectators visited the first firework show at the prater. Over the following 100 years fireworks were a crucial part of the Prater and inspired the Viennese audience until it was forbidden by law in 1871. More and more facilities were created within the Prater putting it into the centre of the social life of Vienna at these times. From 1783 the Lusthaus was build at the south eastern end of the main alley and quickly turned into a centre of Vienna’s high society. Even the Emperor visited the small building from time to time. Furthermore in the following years three café were developed. In these up to 5,000 persons holding cafés well known composers, amongst other Beethoven, the Strauß brothers or Johann Strauss Son, hosted concerts there. Unfortunately none of the three café survived until today. Two of them burned down during WWII and the third was torn off in 1962. Also with the opening of the Prater carnies moved from the old town to the Prater. While this part of the Prater was soon called “Wurstelprater” the name was changed to “Volksprater” during the time of Biedermeier and was kept by the government until today. However the name “Volksprater” was not accepted by the locals and is only used rarely.

 

World expo 1873

The Rotunde

For the world expo 1873 the Viennese Prater was extensively changed. The amusement park hat to be shut down and the area were used for the exhibition. Furthermore new buildings and exhibition areas were created. Among the most important planning measures were the constructions of the Vivarium, a show-aquarium, the pavilions, the only left over of the exhibition, and the Rotunde – the biggest domed structure at its time. While the Rotunde was used until a fire in 1937 most of the buildings were destroyed during the fight for Vienna in WWII. Today only the two pavilions close to the stadium remind of the world exhibition.

 

From 1874

Prater today

At the end of the 19th century the Vienna Giant Wheel, today Vienna’s landmark was built. Thanks to the settling of the Vienna Giant Wheel also other fairground rides were created around the Viennese Prater. Around 1900 the “Venice of Vienna” the first theme park worldwide was established. Thanks to many channels and showman booths the small version was redolent to its Italian original. Over the years more and more fun rides were established and in 1933 the first haunted house worldwide was also created at the Prater. Unfortunately nearly all fun rides were destroyed during WWII. After WWII the amusement park was recreated and it established in its present form. Today the amusement park offers more than 250 fun rides and attracts about 3 million visitors per year. Furthermore you can find Austria’s biggest stadium within the Prater and along the main alley many sport events are held every year. The Viennese Prater is no longer a pourable part of Vienna and even without the Vienna Giant Wheel it would be a sight for itself.

 

Picnic in Vienna

Spring season – everyone wants to spend as much time as possible outdoors enjoying the first warm sunlight of the year, relaxing in fresh grass and recharging ones batteries. For many of you for such a perfect day also perfect catering is needed and nothing suits better than a great picnic to spend a day full of relaxation and enjoyment. But in a foreign city most of the times you just don’t know where to get a picnic basket from and where the best places for a picnic can be found. We have looked for you in order to offer you a picnic-guide for your stay. We have found great spots for every guest of our hostels – that’s for sure.

 

Lainzer Tiergarten – Austrian wildlife, great views and intact nature

Picnic at Lainzer Tiergarten

As one of Vienna’s biggest refuge for its wildlife the Lainzer Tiergarten is an exception within urban Vienna. With a little bit of luck you can spot deer, boars or pheasants within the area. In this great, green surrounding hiking paths and forest clearings invite you for a great hike or some relaxation – a perfect basis for a happy picnic afternoon. For a relaxed picnic day we can recommend you to get a picnic basked from the Hermes Villa. Just a 10 minute walk from the Lainzer gate this restaurants offers a great variety of picnic baskets which can be purchased from only € 11,90.

A half an hour walk from the Hermes Villa you can find the forest clearing Wienerblick. This area is a perfect spot for a picnic. The restaurant Hermes Villa offers its picnic fans moreover some games for rent. You can choose from boccia, badminton, dice games and many more. All of these games are for free to rent, only a deposit has to be left at the restaurant. With that great combination of offers the Lainzer Tiergarten and restaurant Hermes Villa offer everything needed for a perfect spring day in the 13th district of Vienna. From Hostel Hütteldorf Vienna you can get there by car within 10 minutes. With public transport its best to take the bus to St. Veiter gate. It takes you about 15 minutes from our hostel.

Where: Restaurant Hermes Villa, Lainzer Tiergarten

When: During spring and summer daily from 8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. (Restaurant Hermes Villa: Tue – Sun: 9.00 a-m. – 7.00 p.m.

Entrance fees: free of charge

How to get there: Restaurant Hermes Villa can be reached via the St. Veiter gate. From Hostel Hütteldorf Vienna you take bus 53A and bus 54A until you reach the station St. Veiter Tor.

Wilhelminenberg – Relaxation in front of your terrace.

Luxurious picnic baskets can be purchased at Villa Aurora

Why seek far afield when the good is close by? Directly in front of Palace Hostel Vienna you have one of Vienna’s best picnic spots. Not without any reason many locals visit the park at weekends to relax from everyday routine. We are glad to offer you a picnic basked with delicious sandwiches and drinks. From our park you have a great view on Vienna. Surrounded by vineyards and big trees you have the chance to relax in our loungers. Where else is that possible? If you are in search for a special delicacy you can also order a picnic basket from restaurant Villa Aurora. Unfortunately those are not really cheap with a selling price of € 50.

Where: Wilhelminenberg

When: opened all year round

Entrance fee: free of charge

How to get there: Directly in front of Palace Hostel Vienna. Just open your balcony door and stroll around.

 

Burggarten – green oasis in the city centre of Vienna

The Burggarten is a very special picnic spot in Vienna. As one of few public parks within the first district it is authorised as a picnic park. Directly behind Hofburg palace this park offers a terrific setting and allows its visitors to relax in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you have, due to its great location in the city centre, the possibility to sample your very personal picnic-creation. Just a few steps from the Burggarten you find supermarkets, restaurants and fast food selections. Just grab a blanket or sit down on the fresh green and enjoy a picnic within the city.

Where: Burggarten, directly behind Hofburg Palace

When: opened all year round. (Summer: 6.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m., Winter: 6.30 a.m. – 7.00 p.m.)

How to get there: Close to the metro station Volkstheater. From there only pass the Museum of natural history. Located directly at the Ringstraße. From Palace Hostel Vienan you take U3 from Ottakring to Volkstheater. From Hostel Hütteldorf Vienna you take U4 to Karlsplatz. Either you walk from there or you take U2 for one station to Museumsquartier.

Easter in Vienna

Every year during Easter Vienna awakes from its hibernation. The cold time of the year draws to a close and the foggy streets change to colourful streets dominated by Easter eggs and flower arrangements. Nevertheless not only the streets get more colourful also the people enjoy warmer and longer days and the city’s hustle and bustle is getting more and more. Especially during this time of the year you enjoy strolling through markets, having a sunbath during a walk or breaking the walk with a delicious Easter delicacy. Especially during this time of the year Vienna is a great trip for all visitors. Because on the one hand you can experience the Austrian culture, enjoy the warmer spring days and on the other hand you won’t find as many tourists as during the high season. Plain talking: cheap fares, short queues and a lot culture combined with vernally weather. For this reason we want to provide you with information on the best Easter markets and places within Vienna.

Easter market at the Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace, Easter, Vienna, Hostel Vienna, Easter in Austria

Easter time @ Schönbrunn Palace

The most famous Easter market in the city is only a few minutes away from Hostel Vienna Hütteldorf because the Easter market at the Schönbrunn Palace is like the Hostel Vienna Hütteldorf located at the U4. For our guests at the Palace Hostel Vienna the Easter market is easily accessible by combining a little walk with a ride in the U4. It takes you less than 30 minutes to the Schönbrunn Palace. Directly in front of imperial surroundings you can snatch some souvenirs, taste Austrian specialities or enjoy the great weather in one of the many sitting facilities available at the market. The huge park of the palace is the perfect place for a spring walk or an after-dinner walk and combined with the Schönbrunn Zoo it is a perfect spring day for the whole family. In more than 60 cottages the vendors sell great handcrafts. Whether you search for traditional Easter handcrafts made from wood and felt or you would like to snatch some classy Easter arrangements the 60 stalls offer you a diverse and qualitative product range. The Easter factory has a great offer especially for families. There kids can create Easter arrangements and Marzipan Easter bunnies and take them with them. But the real highlight for all the kids is the annually search for Easter nests on Holy Saturday. All kids have the possibility to take part of a huge search of Easter nests within the palace area. Great gifts and surprises await the finders.

Old Viennese Easter Market at the Freyung

Freyung, Easter, Old Viennese Easter Market, Vienna, Hostel Vienna, Easter eggs

Easter eggs @ Freyung

A real institution within the city centre of Vienna is the Old Viennese Easter Market at the Freyung. Situated within the city hall and St. Stephan’s Cathedral the 47 stalls offer you a great variety of products. Many cultural events at the market stage and Europe’s biggest egg mountain attract every year many visitors. For the small guests a bunny stable was built and a puppet theatre guarantees a varied programme. Especially the great location in the historic centre of Vienna and the amazing framework programme make the Old Viennese Easter Market interesting for both tourists and natives. As the city centre isn’t that big you can leave the metro at different stations to get to the market. If you arrive from Hostel Vienna Hütteldorf you should take the U4 to Karlsplatz and interchange to U1. After one station you can leave the train at Stephansplatz. From there it is only a few minutes walk to the market. If you arrive from Palace Hostel Vienna you can take the U3 directly to Herrengasse. The market is only a stone threw away from the station.

Easter festival at the Prater

Easter, Prater, Easter bunnies, Vienna, Hostel Vienna, Prater Easter, Easter festival Vienna

Meet Easter bunnies at the Wiener Prater

For the fifth time the Easter festival takes part at the Prater on Easter Sunday. During that day Easter bunny and other colourful personalities await you at the amusement park. According to the motto “The Easter bunny is going on” a great and varied programme for young and old is planed. Great live music and the Punch and Judy show are also part of a great programme. A magnificent magician show and a spring parade are the highlights of the day. If you want to take part at this great festival you have to jump on a train on the 5 April. Whether you are at Hostel Vienna Hütteldorf or Palace Hostel Vienna take the U4 or U3 interchange with the U1 and leave at Praterstern. The festival is only 30 minutes away from our hostels!

 

Wiener Eistraum

Every year at the end of winter season the Wiener Eistraum transforms Rathausplatz into Vienna’s sportive epicentre for winter enthusiasts. More than 700.000 visitors came to the Wiener Eistraum last year which make it one of the most successful events of Vienna. Every year the organization tries to improve the event a little bit. Also this year we could see some improvements which we would like to present you today.

Wiener Eistraum from above.

The Wiener Eistraum extends on an area of 8.000 m2. There you got the great opportunity to explore the city hall’s square on ice skates and spent a romantic evening with your sweetheart. Thanks to the great design of the venue the area offers something for everyone. You can try to skate there for the first time and try to learn ice skating or you can show your skills on one of the many tracks. Especially the tiny ice channels through the park area can also be a challenge for experienced skaters. The venue offers you everything you need in order to enjoy your time. 2.000 pairs of skates are available for visitors and they are also heated so you do not freeze ;). If you do not need all your belongings during your time on the ice you can use one of the many lockers and also helmets are available for your kids. They also took care of the catering. Like in the last years the gastronomic concept is based on traditional, regional and organic cuisine. Whether you would like to try Austrian classics like potato dishes, ribs or special pancakes you will definitely find some great food there. Food trucks represent a culinary novelty this year. For the first time Viennese food trucks have the possibility to present their offer. That means more selection and international cuisine for all visitors.

Smoked salmon is also available at the Eistraum

If you are tired of ice skating after a while you can have some fun with some friends at one of the curling facilities. In Austria a special type of curling called “Eisstockschießen” has a long tradition. In the past it was mostly played on frozen ponds and streams but nowadays also the Viennese city dwellers enjoy a game of curling. Similar to normal curling your main aim is to push your stone as close as possible to the target. It’s not very easy of course. Unlike normal curling the target is also moveable which means that also the last shot can change the whole game J. For beginners that is a bit too much strategy and tactics. For us it is all about fun and having a great evening with some friends.

 

Wiener Eistraum

Where: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna

When: daily from 9.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.

Admission fee: € 7,50 per person

How to get there: From Palace Hostel Vienna you can take the U3 from Ottakring to Volkstheater and from there you take U2 to Rathaus. From Hostel Hütteldorf take U4 to Karlsplatz and from there U2 to Rathaus.

Die Markterei

Die MarktereiYou want to get to know and taste authentic, regional Viennese food? We got great news for you! Since November you got to do exactly that in the first district of Vienna. “Die Markterei”, an event concept which took place at many venues in Vienna has finally settled and has transferred the “Alte Post” into an amazing weekend market.

Every Friday and Saturday „Markterei“ opens its gates to a delightful world. Different regional grocers present their delicacies and during a chat with them you can learn more about the product. Thereby the product line seems illimitable. The offer reaches from wine, Viennese honey to Viennese escargots. They also take care of entertainment and culinary art. Local manufactories, known Viennese chefs and food trucks from Vienna and its surroundings get together every weekend in order to create a special market feeling for their guests. When it comes to entertainment we should mention that the market has its two faces. On Friday evening DJ-sets, beer- and wine tasting create a good vibe at the Markterei. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere we recommend you a visit on Saturday. Cause Saturdays is breakfast & brunch day!

 

Die Markterei

Where: Dominikanerbastei 11, 1010 Vienna

When: Every Friday & Saturday until Mid of April

Fri: 3.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m. (gastronomy: 12.00 p.m.), Sat: 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (gastromomy: 10.00 p.m.)

Entry fee: Free

More information: www.markterei.at

How to get there: From Hostel Hütteldorf take U4 to Schwedenplatz. From there it is a 3 min walk. From Palace Hostel take U3 to Stubenring. From there it is a 4 min walk.