Vienna Euro 2008 Travel Guide

Vienna Euro 2008 Travel: City Profile

Population: 1.7 million

Vienna Euro 2008 Vienna is Austria’s largest city. Located in Austria’s North-East, the city borders a number of Balkan states, including Hungary the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Due to it’s position Vienna is seen by many as straddling the boundary between Europe and Asia, and this is reflected in its people, culture and cuisine. The jewel of the Danube is also recognised as one of the best cities in the world in which to live.

Vienna City History

Founded: 500 BC

Vienna was a Celtic settlement before being conquered by the Roman armies as they spread into Northern Europe. The Roman presence in Vienna grew so strong that the city became the centre of the Holy Roman Empire once Rome had fallen.

In later centuries Vienna was also the capital city of the powerful Hapsburg Empire that controlled much of Eastern Europe. As an imperial capital Vienna enjoyed an enormous influx of artists, musicians and architects.

Vienna became a hotbed of political intrigue in later years. Socialist movements plotted the downfall of the monarchists, and conflicts with its neighbours drew Austria into a series of events that would spark the Great War.

Vienna City Culture

Official Language: German/Hungarian

No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to the State Opera theatre – one of the finest opera venues in the world. Make sure you don’t miss the world famous Vienna Boys Choir or an opportunity to shop at the famous night market.

Coffee loving Euro 2008 travellers are in for a treat when visiting Vienna. The Viennese credit themselves with the invention of filter coffee, and this beverage forms the core of cosmopolitan living. The Viennese are also the inventors of the Schnitzel, and this treat can be best sampled at Dukai in the Grand hotel.