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History School Trips to Vienna

Vienna is a beautiful and impressive city to visit for a college and school history, government and politics trip. The city has a rich history from being the centre of a huge Empire to a small nation state, moving on to its Nazi past and role in the Cold War.

Forming the centrepiece of Rathausplatz and its gardens, the Town Hall is undoubtedly the most imposing edifice on the Ringstrasse, flanked by the University to the north, the Theatre opposite and Parliament to the south where there is a recently restored frontal frieze of Franz Josef I granting the first, highly limited democratic constitution.

The magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country. The equally impressive Hofburg Imperial Palace was the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty rulers and today houses the offices of the Austrian president.

The Museum of Military History collection provides a detailed overview of the development of Austrian military life since the beginning of the 17th century. For World War history the Austrian Resistance Archive permanent exhibition was set up to educate the country’s youth about the consequences of Austria’s loss of self-identity and freedom after Nazi annexation in March 1938 and the Jewish Museum and Judenplatz Exhibition seeks to raise awareness of Jewish history, religion, and culture.

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Places to Stay


Reasons to Visit

Austrian Parliament

Like the Rathaus, the neoclassical Danish architect Theophil Hansen’s Parliament stares across the Ring at the Imperial Palace to the east. It is worth a walk up the ramp to take a closer look at the recently restored frontal frieze of Franz Josef I granting the first, highly limited democratic constitution.

Austrian Resistance Archive

This permanent exhibition in the Old Town Hall was set up to educate the country’s youth about the consequences of Austria’s loss of self-identity and freedom after Nazi annexation in March 1938.

Hofburg Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace was the residence of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. Today, the Imperial Palace houses the offices of the Austrian president.

Jewish Museum and Judenplatz Exhibition

The museum seeks to raise awareness of Jewish history, religion, and culture. Vienna was home to a thriving Jewish community, one of the largest and most important in Europe.

Museum of Military History

The Museum of Military History, designed by Theophil Hansen and Ludwig Förster, lies in the center of the Arsenal (Armory, built from 1849 to 1856). Its collections give a thorough and detailed overview of the development of Austrian military life since the beginning of the 17th century.

Schonbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace was generally used as the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Emperor Francis Joseph (ruled 1848-1916), who was born here in 1830, and liked to live the same Spartan life he imposed on the soldiers of his army, spent the last years of his life entirely in Schönbrunn.

Vienna International Centre (V.I.C.)

Vienna, along with New York, Geneva and Nairobi, is one of the four headquarters of the United Nations. The ‘VIC’ was designed by the Austrian architect Johann Staber and inaugurated on the 23rd August 1979.

Vienna Town Hall (Rathaus)

Forming the centrepiece of Rathausplatz and its gardens, the town hall is undoubtedly the most imposing edifice on the Ringstrasse, flanked by the University to the north, the Parliament to the south and the Theatre opposite.

Sightseeing Tour of Vienna

A great introduction to the city this tour will give you an overall impression of the most significant sights of Vienna including the MAK, State Opera House, Museum Quarter, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Parliament, City Hall and the Burgtheater.

Stephansdom

St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is the number one attraction in the city. You can also climb up St. Stephen's Cathedral (South Tower), take the lift up to the Pummerin bell (North Tower), or go down into the catacombs.

Prater Amusement Park

The Prater is actually a park but the so called "Wurstelprater" is the oldest amusement park in the world. The Prater is home to the Ferris Wheel built in 1897 which is one of the city’s most famous landmarks as well as its latest addition the Praterturm which is the world's highest flying swing built in 2010. You will also find bowling alleys, cinemas, cafés in this area of the city.

Day Trip to Bratislava

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is set along the Danube River by the border with Austria and Hungary. The pedestrian- only, 18th-century old town is known for its lively bars and cafes. Perched atop a hill, the reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooks the old town and the Danube.

Danube River Cruise

Vienna is known around the world as the city on the Danube. Boat cruises go around the 21km-long Danube Island, which was originally created as a flood defence passing the modern skyline of the city as well as “green Vienna”. Hop on hop off tickets are available.

Danube Tower

The Danube tower is Austria's tallest building. Take the express elevator up to the observation platform - 150m above ground and enjoy the fantastic view over cosmopolitan Vienna.

Christmas Markets

December is a great time to visit Vienna which has a wonderful atmosphere at this time of the year. The lovingly designed and decorated market stalls located along the many narrow alleyways offer beautiful Christmas gifts while the smells of seasonal treats fill the air.


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