Jun 5, 2025

Stock im Eisen Vienna

Nailed to the mast

""Stock im Eisen" Vienna is an ancient trunk of wood which is studded with nails. My favorite theory is that a blacksmith drove nails into it for good luck."

For centuries, this ancient trunk of wood, which is studded with nails, has stood on the edge of Stephansplatz in the first district. There are many myths surrounding its history. My favourite theory is that apprentice blacksmiths from the middle ages drove nails into the tree for good luck.

Research conducted in the 1970s suggested that the trunk, a spruce tree, is over 600 years old and that the first nails were driven into it while it was still alive. Indeed, that practice went on for some time, maybe forty years, before the tree was finally cut down.

The section on display is decorated with panels illustrating the tree's history. It has been proudly on show since at least 1548, and its home - the corner of the Palais Equitable - is so outlandishly extravagant that the tree itself seems subtly hidden. Indeed, I had walked that section of Kärtner Straße dozens of times before it was pointed out to me one day. Just one piece of living history in the historic core of the city, this little exhibition is one of those hidden marvels you will delight in showing your friends. Surprisingly few people know about it!

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Stock-im-Eisen-Platz 3

no-price

Find your way with 162 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Vienna guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Vienna

Pizzeria Vero

The best vegan Pizza in the city

The great thing about the food at Vero is that everything here is organic, and you can choose between a dough made of spelt or buckwheat (gluten-free).

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Jul 18, 2025

Mama Liu & Sons

HOT pot spot

"Mama Liu & Sons" in Vienna is a Chinese restaurant well known for their hot pot, or huoguo, which can compete with even Chinese local chains...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Jul 18, 2025
Gasthaus Käpt'n Otto Vienna

Gasthaus Käpt'n Otto

A break on the bike road

"Gasthaus Käpt'n Otto" in Vienna has been run by a single family for three generations. I love getting a good coffee with some homemade apricot cake here.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 17, 2025

Offener Bücherschrank

Books for everyone

"Offener Bücherschrank" in Vienna is simple: go there, have a look, take a book if you like, bring back more than you took. Sharing is caring...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Jul 16, 2025

Emmerich

What's a Buschenschank?

"Emmerich" is a 'Buschenschank' in Vienna - a small wooden stand in a vineyard where the owners offer their spritzer and small plates. Go enjoy the view!

002-building
Art & culture
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 9, 2025

Summer Stage

A festival of cuisines

The Summer Stage is like an outpost of several Vienna restaurants in the form of a huge terrace next to the Kanal with all sorts of different cuisines.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zina

Serdarevic

Jul 8, 2025

Kent Favoriten

Turkish delights

The Kent family of restaurants is well known in Vienna as vibrant outposts of Turkish culinary delights with their classic array of appetizers, charcoal-grilled skewers, kebab, and many other highlights.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Jul 8, 2025

Champa Restaurant

Flavours of home

The architecture is simple, light, and modern and allows the creative food and drinks to shine. Arguably one of the finest in Liesing, it still boasts very reasonable prices and ventures into the many flavors of Asia.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Jul 8, 2025
Lobau Vienna

Lobau

Walk in the wild

The Lobau is a national park made of meadows and forests that can be reached via subway and yet it's a world of its own. The perfect escape from city life is a walk in the National Park.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Jul 8, 2025

Öfferl

Favorite Baker

It is a one-stop shop for an extravagant pick-nick or special treat with a superb coffee-to-go on the side.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Jul 8, 2025

Lao Lao

Contemporary Chinese at its best

The noodles just really taste so different if they are hand-made. The decoration of the plates and drinks is lovely and adds to the overall culinary experience.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Jul 8, 2025

The Flag

Football Drinking Culture

The Flag is a social-cultural hotspot attracting the after-game crowds or for special events like DJ nights, punk concerts, and parties. The social and cultural activities are plenty.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Markus

Wiesenhofer

Jul 8, 2025

Heading to Vienna?

162 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

162 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Vienna

Get to know our other Spotters from Vienna

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
33
Made with the 💚 of 489 Spotters.
Filters