cow | Talk to me about Austria

The essence of any good bucket list includes overcoming certain fears, achieving goals you have set for yourself in this life, realizing dreams and even, satisfying simple pleasure like trying Sachertorte for once ;).

Wether it’s bungee jumping of the Europabridge or something simpler, like spending time with your loved ones, what matters is that you live your life to the fullest in every way you can!

This is Part 1 of 17 things to do in Austria before you die. And of course, a few of them might be considered to be a cliché, but we tried hard to make it a priority to think mostly outside the box.

So, without further ado…

1. Cruising along the Danube River

Take a boat trip along the river to appreciate Vienna from a different perspective. There are numberous cruise companies in Vienna that offer cruises along River Danube that even includes passing by Bratislava.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/riversandcanals/10078515/River-cruises-for-2014.html

2. Go Wild-water rafting

If you’ve never experienced the thrill, the rush and adrenaline coursing through your body while trying to stir a boat through the wild waters of a river, well…let’s just say that is one of the things you should have definitely done once in your life. And, the beautiful and clear waters of the state of Tyrol offer the perfect invitation for you to do so. Just check out the following link:

http://www.outdoorplanet.net/english/rafting_tirol.html

3. Ride all the Roller Coaster’s at the Prater Park in Vienna

The Wiener Prater is a large public park in Vienna’s 2nd district and also includes the famous Wiener Riesenrad (ferries wheel). We urge you to enjoy one day at the ‘Prater’ (as we Austrian’s call this huge amusement park right in the middle of Vienna), while eating all sorts of yummy greasy junk foods (try one of the so-called ‘Bratwuerste’ you wont regret it) and trying out all the rides the Prater has to offer.

http://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/prater

4. Visit Steirereck, one of the best restaurants in the world!

Steirereck is among the Top 10 Restaurants in the World! As a result, it is not only famous among locals but is also a popular tourist spot. However, when you’re already in Vienna we encourage you to try out their infamous food. It is pricy truth be told. Nevertheless, how cool is it to brag about to your friends and family that you have been to one of the best restaurants in the entire world ;). Still not convinced, check out the yelp reviews below:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/restaurant-steirereck-im-stadtpark-wien

http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/steirereck/

5. Jump off Europabridge

If you don’t know what we are referring to, check out our earlier blog post at:

http://talktomeaboutaustria.com/2013/08/22/why-not-jump-off-a-bridge/

6. Attend a soccer game between Rapid vs. Austria

You’ve probably already heard that we Europeans are crazy when it comes to soccer. So we suggest you make your own picture and attend a game between the 2 ever-competing soccer clubs in Austria.

Trust us, you will have to redefine the word crazy :).

7. Take a ride through Vienna on a Fiaker

We’re almost certain that if you are not from Europe, you might have never been on a horse-drawn carriage before. It’s quite a special experience especially when you share it with your loved ones.

Check out our earlier post on Vienna’s Fiaker’s:

http://talktomeaboutaustria.com/2013/09/01/viennese-fiakers/

8. Visit the top 26 Wellness Spas in Austria

We Austrians are seriously big on Wellness, Saunas and all that good stuff. Every year we at least make one vacation to one of the countless beautiful Wellness Hotels in Austria. Austria’s Wellness culture is seriously its own culture and just as popular as going to ‘Finish Saunas’ for Finish people. Stay tuned as we’re going to post a post soon on Austrian Spa Culture ;). For more info go to:

http://www.wellnesshotel.com/en/

9. Attend an event at the world-famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna

“The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the only institution in the world which has practiced for over 440 years and continues to cultivate classical equitition in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école.

The objective of classical equitation is to study the way the horse naturally moves and to cultivate the highest levels of haute école elegance the horse is capable of through systematic training. The result creates an unparalleled harmony between rider and horse, as only Vienna’s Spanish Riding School achieves.”

~ SpanishRidingSchool.com {http://www.srs.at/en/}

10. Taste your way through the many Heurigens of Austria

To taste your way through some of the numerous Heurigen in Austria is a must do for the gourmet and wine lovers of you out there! For more information, check out the following website that gves you a short introduction into the Austrian Heurigen culture :).

http://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/Austrian-Heurigen

11. Visit the Danube Island Festival and shake it to your heart’s content

Attend at least once the super famous Danube Island Festival that features the hottest gigs from the American charts and the European ones. It is the BIGGEST open air festival in Europe and trust us you don’t want to miss this.

To read on, check out our previous post:

http://talktomeaboutaustria.com/2013/08/11/danube-island-festival/

12. Attend the infamous Vienna Life ball

13. Milk a Cow

Austria is also famous for its many farms. You see, food is very important to us. Wait! Let me rephrase this: high quality good food is really important to us! As a result, Austrian farmers work hard on producing the best produce possible. Why don’t you help them once by let’s say, milk a cow at one of the milk farms in Austria where you can even go on vacation there :)?

14. Forgive and Let Go of Grudges

Life’s short—really, really short. Inasmuch, what’s the point of hanging onto old grudges and prejudices when, in the end, they’ll do you absolutely no good whilst you’re lain on your death bed, clinging to life. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a dark outlook. But hey, learn to let go of wrongs (real or perceived) and forgive. Forgive, but don’t forget. I know we Austrians can be a bit on the proud side. However, keeping hostility alive in your mind and heart only A. gives the other party more power over you, and B. deprives you of precious, oh-so-often illusive happiness. After all, I reiterate, it’s ALL petty when all’s said and done.

15. Stand in the Crown of the Stephansdom

The Stephansdom is a world famous church and cultural heritage. It is also THE Austrian landmark. Go and stand in front of it, taking in how special life is in the face of such a glorious and culturally rich architectural building that has endured and survived through centuries.

16. Visit Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg

Take a trip down Getreidegasse in Salzburg, a traditional shopping street in the Old Town. Mozart’s birthplace apartment can be seen from here, as well as little shops with several western brands, as well as tourist shops. Most charming is the tiny McDonalds, which in order to keep in context, has a famous little brass overhanging sign. Upon seeing it you’ll wonder whether to laugh or cry. Sometimes, globalization can be quite ironic…

17. Be Part of a Flash Mob

Oh, admit it already! We all wanted to be part of a flash mob once, right :)?

This was it for Part 1 of an Austrian’s Bucket List ;). We are going to post Part 2 next month and Part 3, the month after. Stay tuned for more interesting articles about amazing Austria.

Bis Bald <3! Tschuess!