Lost in Schönbrunn
Our second day in Vienna was saved for Schönbrunn. It's the magnificent residence of many former Austrian monarchs. Seeing as it was Sunday and what we German speaking folks like to call emperor weather, tourists and locals alike flogged to the outskirts of Vienna to walk the grounds. Entry to the estate is free. I think you may have to pay if you want to see the castle's inside but the real beauty is outside anyway.
Looking just like it did in the movies the front of the building is majestic on its own. But just wait till you see the view from the back...
Following the path leading around the castle you pass a smaller garden perfect for taking pictures
and romantic strolls I imagine.
When you arrive at the back take a swift look at the castle.
And then admire the vast areal leading up to a temple-like building at the top of the hill.
The grounds are kept up impeccably so that you are lead to forget that it's been a long time since Austria had a royal family. Truly you expect Sisi and Franz to pull up in a carriage at any moment.
Climbing up the winding paths to the top of the hill you are rewarded with this magnificent gallery (which houses a cafe nowadays) on the one side.
And this breathtaking view over Vienna on the other hand isn't too shabby either.
In fact we took a seat to just enjoy the day and the view and the company and life in general for a while.Just four ladies sitting on a bench.
What I love about 18th and 19th century architecture is the utter dedication to details. You can look at those buildings a hundred times and still discover new aspects hidden in plain sight. Take those vaults. You'd think they are the height of sophistication and elegance.
And then you see the skulls sculptured into the columns. They don't seem to fit into the overall theme of the gallery but somehow that makes it all the more interesting.
While I was looking up the girls were looking out over the city again.
Upon descending the hill we explored the rest of the gardens for a while longer. Talking about god and the world as the German proverb suggests. Actually, we literally talked about god and the world. I distinctly remember religion being one of our topics.
Sadly we had to leave too soon. We were on a tight schedule as we had to fly home at the end of the day. But before that, J our local had a special treat for us. She took us to Cafe Landtmann a culinary institution in the heart of Vienna. The plan was to each have a piece of Vienna's famous Sachertorte. Things did not go according to plan. Upon the first glance at the waiters carrying plates with the biggest Schnitzel we had ever seen we knew that we needed to have one.
Look at it in all its glory swimming in a pond of vanilla sauce just waiting to be devoured.
But fear not. We did order a Sachertore to go with it. And it was heaven.
Cafe Landtmann is perfect for you if you enjoy either food or people watching. And should you be amicable to both you have hit the jackpot. Find them here and thank me later.
Sadly all good things come to an end. We left for the airport with heavy hearts and the promise to meet up somewhere in the world again soon. Alas it's probably time to start organising.
Looking just like it did in the movies the front of the building is majestic on its own. But just wait till you see the view from the back...
Following the path leading around the castle you pass a smaller garden perfect for taking pictures
and romantic strolls I imagine.
When you arrive at the back take a swift look at the castle.
And then admire the vast areal leading up to a temple-like building at the top of the hill.
The grounds are kept up impeccably so that you are lead to forget that it's been a long time since Austria had a royal family. Truly you expect Sisi and Franz to pull up in a carriage at any moment.
Climbing up the winding paths to the top of the hill you are rewarded with this magnificent gallery (which houses a cafe nowadays) on the one side.
And this breathtaking view over Vienna on the other hand isn't too shabby either.
In fact we took a seat to just enjoy the day and the view and the company and life in general for a while.Just four ladies sitting on a bench.
What I love about 18th and 19th century architecture is the utter dedication to details. You can look at those buildings a hundred times and still discover new aspects hidden in plain sight. Take those vaults. You'd think they are the height of sophistication and elegance.
And then you see the skulls sculptured into the columns. They don't seem to fit into the overall theme of the gallery but somehow that makes it all the more interesting.
While I was looking up the girls were looking out over the city again.
Upon descending the hill we explored the rest of the gardens for a while longer. Talking about god and the world as the German proverb suggests. Actually, we literally talked about god and the world. I distinctly remember religion being one of our topics.
Sadly we had to leave too soon. We were on a tight schedule as we had to fly home at the end of the day. But before that, J our local had a special treat for us. She took us to Cafe Landtmann a culinary institution in the heart of Vienna. The plan was to each have a piece of Vienna's famous Sachertorte. Things did not go according to plan. Upon the first glance at the waiters carrying plates with the biggest Schnitzel we had ever seen we knew that we needed to have one.
And when I say one, I meant one. The above picture is us splitting one portion three ways. We did follow that up with dessert naturally. Only that we deviated again and had an Apfelstrudel.
Look at it in all its glory swimming in a pond of vanilla sauce just waiting to be devoured.
But fear not. We did order a Sachertore to go with it. And it was heaven.
Cafe Landtmann is perfect for you if you enjoy either food or people watching. And should you be amicable to both you have hit the jackpot. Find them here and thank me later.
Sadly all good things come to an end. We left for the airport with heavy hearts and the promise to meet up somewhere in the world again soon. Alas it's probably time to start organising.
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