Vienna Festive Fairytale Trail Self Guided Holiday Magic Walk

The Opera House originally sat one meter lower than the surrounding streets, earning it the nickname "the sunken treasure." Viennese critics were harsh, calling it "boxy" and comparing it to a "museum in a box." This criticism had a profound effect on its architects, one of whom, Eduard van der Nüll, tragically took his own life. Neither he nor his colleague, August Sicard von Sicardsburg, lived to see the inaugural performance attended by Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sisi.

Just a few steps away is the legendary Hotel Sacher, founded in the 1870s by Eduard Sacher. His wife, Anna Sacher, known for her ever-present cigars, managed the hotel through World War II. Originally, only noble aristocrats could stay here, excluding wealthy traders like John D. Rockefeller. However, the hotel made exceptions for gentlemen accompanied by "lady friends," as this area was famously frequented by high-end courtesans.

As we walk along Operngasse, take in the vibrant atmosphere of the street, often filled with musicians and performers. Nearby, the famous Wuerstel Stand Bitzinger offers a traditional Austrian snack – the Käsekrainer, a cheese-filled sausage. The local government even debated banning it for health reasons, but fortunately, it remains a beloved indulgence.

Step into the Raeapteek, one of Europe's oldest continuously running pharmacies, located right in the heart of Tallinn. Operating since the 15th century, this pharmacy blends a rich history with a curious collection of medieval remedies and modern medicines. It's a captivating mix of a museum and a working pharmacy where history meets healing.

Crossing the street, we enter the sculpture garden, a somber memorial against war and fascism. The ground beneath us once housed the Jockey Club of Vienna, where 200 people perished in a collapsed basement during WWII bombings. Their bodies were never recovered, and this garden honors their memory.

The Imperial Crypt houses the bodies of Habsburg royals. A tradition during their funerals involved the Chamberlain knocking thrice on the crypt door and stating the deceased’s titles, only to be denied entry until he declared, "A poor sinner, a son of God, seeks entry." The most recent burial was in 2011, for Archduke Otto von Habsburg, who renounced his claim to the throne in 1961 to promote democracy.

The Donner Fountain, named after its creator Georg Raphael Donner, represents the Danube River and its tributaries. During Maria Theresa’s reign, the statues were removed for being too scantily clad, but they were later restored. The current statues are replicas, with the originals displayed in the Lower Belvedere Palace.

Turning onto Kärntner Straße, we head towards the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s construction began in 1137, with significant additions made over centuries. The South Tower, at 443 feet, served as a lookout during the Turkish sieges of 1529 and 1683. You can still see Turkish cannonballs embedded in its walls.

Our final stop is the Plague Column, erected in gratitude for the end of the 1679 plague. This Baroque monument stands as a testament to the city's resilience and faith during one of its darkest times.

The Plague Column, or Pestsäule, was commissioned by Emperor Leopold I in 1679, during one of the deadliest plague outbreaks in Vienna's history. The column was completed in 1693 and is considered one of the most important Baroque monuments in the city. It stands as a symbol of hope, faith, and the triumph of life over death.

St. Peter's Church, or Peterskirche, is one of Vienna's most iconic Baroque churches. Its origins date back to the early Middle Ages, but the current structure was built in the early 18th century, inspired by the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The church's ornate facade and richly decorated interior make it a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.