Back in 2019 was one of the biggest and most opulent of trips I think I'd ever taken. To Vienna with Warbucks. It had been on the bucket list for some time, and I shared much about that trip, but it didn't even touch the tip of the iceberg. We walked from the museum district to Schonbrunn Palace, which was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, located in Hietzig. The name of the palace means "beautiful spring." My history with Europe's palaces isn't stellar only having seen two in Amsterdam and one in Germany. But when in Vienna, the Hapsburg residences are unavoidable, and you should really go see at least one. We choose the Schonbrunn Palace, the most famous. Home to a very young Marie Antoinette, the style is pure Rococo, all pastels, portraits and the extravagance you'd expect. The general tour we took was a three to four hour tour inside. One can see most of the palace's rooms and take in the very informative tour. The exterior is just as spectacular. The weather gods were smiling on us that day, bright beautiful skies, as we explored the gardens, the orangery, the great Palm House and the 30 odd fountains which feature a different theme from mythological Neptune to Roman ruins. If one wants to just tour the gardens, that is free for all. And one has to walk up to the Gloriette, for the best views of the palace grounds and surrounding Vienna. That was a hike from the palace. Certainly while downtown Vienna has plenty enough for it in terms of attractions and history, a visit to the outskirts and the Schonbrunn is a must...a whole day at a relaxing pace. Clearly it is one of the more impressive palaces around and a sheer joy to walk through, if you like architecture, gardens and sculpture.
I loved Schonbrunn, although I cheated and took the train from central Vienna. My nieces loved that painting of the Empress Elisabeth when they were little girls, they thought she was a fairy princess.
ReplyDeleteI love the portraits too. And Cap down below gave me an intresting tidbit I hadn't known.
DeleteGuess it was good fortune to have this be your last trip before the pandemic happened. A glorious tide over right? Vienna was one of my favorite cities too. This palace was Mind blowing! A must visit if you are in Vienna I think. Exquisitely maintained and your right... one can spend your entire day mesmerized in its beauty.
ReplyDeleteNow if Id had a ticket on the Orient Express...
Your right. It was a good trip to end on with some great memories. I had not known it would be two years till travel again.
DeleteVienna has been on my bucket list forever! I really enjoyed your post when you went, especially the St Stephen's Cathedral one. I glad your doing these, it's neat to see other photos and things your saw.
ReplyDeleteThe carriage exhibits looks stunning!!!! Why would people not want to see such a thing? And where would you see such a thing? And then there was that infamous train ride!!!!!
As Marie Antoinette said-"One's enjoyment is doubled when one can share it with a friend" You two had a glorious trip, I remember the post. A truly stunning palace and grounds. I once saw an aerial view, it is huge. Lovely post. I echo above, it nice to see what you didn't share.
ReplyDeleteIt was covering a huge area. I recommend a whole day easily.
DeleteThis place looks just plain lovely, the gardens seem enough for people to just love. I still can't get over the Orient Express. I remember when you mentioned you were going, and I guess in my mind, I never thought it was real but just fiction from books.
ReplyDeleteTreat Warbucks right baby!!!!!!!
Yep....it's so time to start traveling abroad. So much more intresting, I need to see more of the world outside of this US.
ReplyDeleteAnd what about any debauchery in Vienna, hummmmmm?
Oh yes, there was some debauchery to be found!
DeleteAnd just to think - this was only their "second best palace"! The Hofburg was their principal residence; the Schönbrunn merely their summer house...
ReplyDeleteI've never (yet) been to Vienna, though my sister has. She said it's gorgeous, but very expensive and the people she encountered were snooty. One day we'll get there and find out for ourselves.
Ah, Vienna, indeed.
Jx
Can't lie, there are a number of visitors and residents with money and a snotty disposition, but over all, most were friendly and welcoming. We were actually shocked my the vibrant gay nightlife. We had a couple fun nights in gay clubs and drag bars, and maybe one sauna or two.
DeleteWhat a trip that was!
ReplyDeleteSuch opulence. You have been very fortunate, my dear. I would love to have the opportunity to travel. Alas, I’ll have to wait for that winning lottery ticket.
ReplyDeleteHad Warbucks not taken me Huntley, I would not been able to afford this trip without saving up first. Let alone a ticket in steerage on the Orient Express!!!!
DeleteWow! I'll bet you felt like royalty on that trip! The photos you've shared are gorgeous. What wonderful memories you have to look back on from that trip--lucky you!
ReplyDeleteIt's a trip I'll never forget...and yes quite lucky to have gone.
DeleteSo opulent!
ReplyDeleteThe beauty!
ReplyDeleteGoddess, some European cities are truly breathtaking. It's like touching history. And don't get me started with the Orient Express!!
Fantastic.
XOXO
I do think European cities have the best flair for everything. I agree Sixpense. The history is mind blowing.
DeleteYou took a lot of breath taking photos. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame there wasn't any murder while you were riding The Orient Express.
ReplyDeleteI would not have been happy if the train had been stopped for days with an impending investigation.
DeleteGotta take the Sweetie Bear there someday, his grandparents from that corner of the world.
ReplyDeleteYou should! I bet he'd like to take a gander where he's from.
Delete**sigh**
ReplyDeleteIt's your photos that are spectacular. Really. You know how to capture what's in front of the camera. BTW - love the theatre. And love, love love the Poseidon fountain!
ReplyDeleteNow had we caught a classical concert while there, why that for sure would have sent chills up my spine.
DeleteWhat a dump! I mean, all that old crap.
ReplyDeleteNo! Not really! Very fabulous and wonderful!
Thank you for sharing all these journeys of yours.
Now that sounds like something I'd ay Ricko!
DeleteYou did it all with such class. I adored Vienna and am so grateful that it was included on my four cities in two weeks tour. A lovely city. We managed to find the most marvelous vegan buffet and a vegan ice cream chain. Walking about was so much fun. And the sites... I could have spent the whole two weeks there. But then that is true of every city. Your photos, as always, very beautiful. Thank you for sharing these memories, dear. Kizzes.
ReplyDeleteWe planned to hit up Budapest also, but then opted to stay in Vienna. We were there just over two weeks. A truly beautiful city. I would have had a good time with you there too I bet.
DeleteI remember you were there for some time. Now I can see why. Thanks heavens you had such a nice trip, who could have predicted what would take place some months later?
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed by people who take selfies but never photograph the sights.
ReplyDeleteI'm always, "I know what you look like, but I have no idea how Istanbul looked!"
I would love to see Vienna one day. It's been on my list for some time. With my old age it isn't looking good getting there. Those carriages are amazing! I have studied much about this place. Here's a fun fact- Schönbrunn Palace has a long line of residents. But Empress Elisabeth (1837-1898), also known as Sisi, is its most famous resident. Sisi was loved by the Austrian people, but was also one of the most miserable royals in history. She despised the snotty, formal Habsburg court and spent as much time as possible away from Vienna and her husband, the Emperor Franz Joseph. She died tragically by the hands of an anarchist in Geneva.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat tidbit!
DeleteThe reason Sisi despised Franz Josef is because he gave her VD. She was a maniacal keep fit enthusiast and her gym is still extant in the Hofburg palace. She was very proud of her tiny waist and loved horses and frequently hunted in the UK. She was sewn into her riding habit every time she went out on horseback. The formality of the court was due to the Spanish influence of Charles V (a man who couldn't eat properly as he had a great underslung Hapsburg jaw, due to the excessive inbreeding the Hapsburgs made family policy).
DeleteJust to be there and see this was good for me. I of course got chills knowing that Beethoven and Mozart left an immortal memory at Schonbrunn Palace. I think Vienna was my favorite European city hands down. It was fun and vibrant, yet had romantic architecture and a haunting feeling to it, for me at least.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you learnt a lot on your tour! I like that your like a sponge and take a lot in and do as much when you travel.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed at the Parkhotel Schonbrunn just outside the gates. I definitely preferred this palace to Versailles. Don’t mean to rub it in, but Neuschwanstein is also incredible, although much more of a fantasy creation. And what's not to like about seeing the Palm House? But the Orient Express blew my mind...I'm jealous!!!!
I still have no words for the Orient Express. Still blows my mind when you see everyday trains and then see how the space was used on the Orient Express. And such details and craftsmanship. Never has such luxury, not even in a hotel. But I must say almost three days was enough. One can only go so many places on the train.
DeleteWow! Lots of great pictures!
ReplyDeleteThe carriages - my goodness!
xoxo :-)
Amazing architecture. Thank you for the tour. And the orient Express? That is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI visited that palace as a teenager. I couldn’t remember the history so it was nice of you to fill the gaps in my memory. I recall the stunning views over the gardens looking up toward the Gloriette.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures would all make fabulous jigsaw puzzles! Not being a traveler myself, that's all I could come up with. Also, how old are you, again? You've had enough living and traveling to be at least seventy (with a twenty-five year old backside).
ReplyDeleteWell, let's say somewhere between 45 and death. Do you like doing jigsaw puzzles?
DeleteI think I started traveling much too late. So much to see and so little time. But if I visit the next three places left on my list, I'll be happy
Love 'em! Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, logic puzzles, word games. I solve mostly online now. I have no room in my house for the physical ones.
DeleteSoooooo I shouldn't have ordered you 15 jigsaw puzzles?????
DeleteCity of my dreams - so gorgeous and romantic. Your photos are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jon! I could see you living there Jon. I thought of you when doing this post.
DeleteSchonbrunn's exterior reminded me of the Hermitage -- same architect? The carriages are fascinating! Given how much smaller people were in the 1700's, I'm surprised the Palace didn't have a mannequin attendant or two to give it scale.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really enjoyed your photos of the Orient Express -- thanks for the vicarious travel experience!
Are you referring to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia? I can't be sure but I do know that Schonbrunn was modeled after the Versailles Palace. I thought I had read that Versailles was the model for 6 palaces included one in Russia which could very well be the Hermitage...would make sense for the same architect, since they all have the same design features, layout and architectural elements.
DeleteAnd the Orient Express I hope I never forget my memories of it. That was a once and done I surmiss.
Yes, the Czars' Winter Palace in St. Petersburg that became part of the Hermitage museum -- the exterior design and its yellow/white colour combo looks similar to me. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if one was an architectural influence for another -- you know how the uber rich liked to outdo each other as long as peasant labour didn't run out, LOL!
DeleteTruly Such An Amazing and Inspirational Journey across the Pond..... ...
ReplyDeleteOne that I only can imagine.. ..
Thank You My Dearest Maddie for sharing .... I enjoyed reading about These Wonders ...
Hugs
Oh my! Look at all of that glorious architecture. I also wouldn't mind having that fountain in the front of my place.
ReplyDeleteWe visited the amazing Schönbrunn Palace for the first time, when we first marries. It was January and freezing. Years later we went back in warmer temperatures, the perfect time for an afternoon stroll in the enormous imperial gardens . We were literally blown away by the manicured rose gardens, the Palm House, endless lawns with flowerbeds and palm trees, Greek statues and fountains , waterfalls, as majestic as the Trevi ones in Rome. We also caught the Carriage exhbit the second time as we missed it the first. Unfortunately we were on a grand tour and only had about three days in Vienna.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful gardens, and stunning landmark! I love places like this great place for the history of Austria with what looks like marvelous gardens. You are well traveled.
ReplyDeleteI loved the few mansions in the U.S. that I toured, so I know I'd go crazy over palaces. What a special place. Wouldn't it be fun to fuck in every room? I guess it would take some time.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
very nice city for sure!
ReplyDeleteThis definitely looks to be the one of best things to see in Vienna. This was the Royal's summer house??? Always enjoy your travel logs.
ReplyDeleteOMG!! I love your photos! I enjoyed Vienna through your pics!
ReplyDeleteThank you Davy! And thank you for piping in and taking time to comment. It was a very memorable trip.
DeleteThose carriages are certainly fit for a queen. Why, the black one is just about suitable for you when you're having a Cruella day!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I thought! There were quite a few carriages on display...but there were my favorite.
DeleteIt only seems like yesterday that you posted about Vienna and The Orient Express, time eh?
ReplyDeleteSx