The Heeresgeschichtliches Museum relies heavily on artefacts; many weapons and other trinkets have been collected from all kinds of skirmishes, from the Turkish sieges in the 17th century all the way up to the Second World War.
The building is a piece of living history in itself. Built in 1850, it has the honour of being the first Viennese museum, documenting Austria's military history from the Habsburg empire at the end of the 16th century up until 1918. Perhaps the most interesting and unique exhibition is the actual shirt Franz Ferdinand was wearing when he was assassinated, sparking the tinderbox that would lead to the annihilation of tens of millions in the First World War. Oh, and the car he was shot in.
The period of Austrofascism and subsequent National Socialism in the 30's is also dealt with extensively. Austria endured many horrors during the Second World War and has had its own peculiar difficulties in dealing with its fallout</a>; the Wien Museum, for example, mysteriously omits from its permanent 'History of Vienna' exhibition any mention of the world post-Jugendstil; this uneasiness still pervades.
The variety of exhibits is astonishing. There are military vehicles and weapons, canons you could live inside. Interestingly, there are also burnt-out tanks, aviation engines shorn of propellers, and other 'destroyed' objects, which really highlights the vulnerability of machinery. More than anything, this interesting aspect really brings home how people could be mangled when operating it. Located close to Hauptbahnhof, this museum is something of a must-see.
Find your way with 163 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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.
by
"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...
by
"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!
by
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.
by
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.
by
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.
by
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.
by
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.
by
A long-time resident of Vienna, Sohyi Kim bridges Korean cuisine with Viennese traditions reaching an outstanding culinary level.
by
In the trendy 7th district of Vienna the concept store musette (small "muse" in French) stands out with its thought-through selection of products assorted around a topic.
by
163 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 163 Insider Tips