Located in the heart of Europe, Vienna was the centre of the Habsburg Empire and has always been a melting pot of different cultures. For centuries, traditions, languages as well as tastes have merged and formed the base of the world-famous Viennese cuisine.
As great dishes require great ingredients, the City of Vienna, which runs one of the biggest Austrian organic farms, produces around one third of the vegetables for local businesses itself.
With regards to organic farming, us Viennese are particularly precise when it comes to our wine: the strictest wine law in the world guarantees highest quality, which is best to enjoyed after a hike along one of the city’s walking trails, many of which lead through picturesque vineyards.
The famous wine taverns found there, which also offer further products grown and produced on their own premises, are based on specific laws governing grape cultivation, processing and sales that were established during the imperial era. Furthermore, these taverns, called “Heuriger”, are also places to linger and socialise and therefore will always hold a special place in my Viennese heart.
Other projects, such as the Vienna water supply system, which provides fresh alpine spring water throughout the city directly from the tap, were launched already over a hundred years ago and prove, that in Vienna sustainability is not just an advertising slogan, but tradition.
My world-famous Wiener Schnitzel and Goulash (I personally prefer it with Spätzle) are just as traditional, and would not exist without the various influences of the multi-ethnic state during the monarchy.
Today, Vienna is still a city of immigrants and a colourful mix of different cultures – the city administration takes its task seriously and additional support for inclusion enriches the city, which is considered an important foundation of Vienna’s outstanding quality of life.This harmonious coexistence among the locals provides the base for a safe city and a destination worth experiencing.
The colourful diversity is also visible in special pedestrian traffic lights with symbols of different couples, the so called “Ampelpärchen” and rainbow-coloured zebra crossings. These symbols display a clear message of tolerance and equality regardless of Pride Month and the annual Pride Parade on Vienna’s most beautiful and magnificent boulevard, the Ringstrasse.
Vulnerable groups are increasingly being taken into account in urban planning, with public spaces being designed to be bright and safe.The well-developed public transport system is almost completely barrier-free, and legislation stipulates that structural barriers must be reduced in all public buildings.
Many museums already take their social and environmental responsibilities very seriously and enable visitors to experience art and culture free of charge in an inclusive and sustainable way.Since 1990, the specially developed Austrian Ecolabel has been used to identify cultural and tourist offerings, demonstrating that sustainability and inclusion are issues in Vienna that are not new and continue to be discussed, addressed and improved upon.
Vienna has always been and still is a modern, liveable and worthwhile destination for ever and everyone
Isabella Habersam is a member of Les Clefs d’Or Austria. This article has been published in its original form.
Europe Hotel Austria Vienna Rosewood Vienna LGBTQ+ organic farms Taverns
When I started as a Concierge, I had no idea what a world would open up for me and that I had found my calling. A wide range of interests, enjoyment of interacting with people, curiosity about the world and foreign cultures, my deep attachment to my hometown and land, as well as a seemingly insatiable hunger for new challenges made it initially difficult for me to find my place until I rather stumbled upon this profession.
As a child, I used to play owning a hotel, and as a teenager I considered attending hotel management school. I only revisited this interest during a part-time student job when I wondered what actually goes on behind the scenes of a hotel.I started a three-month internship, which quickly turned into a permanent position. I began training as a hotel and hospitality assistant, after which I remained in the food and beverage sector for the time being.
Today, I enjoy the privilege of combining my love of food with my enthusiasm for art and culture.In addition, my international network Les Clefs d'Or inspires me to strive for excellence in service every day.
Located in the heart of Vienna's old town Rosewood Vienna combines a historic and luxurious ambience with a modern lifestyle since the hotel opening in 2022.The ARTrium unfolds as a contemporary artistic showroom, while the Pavilion offers lightflooded meeting rooms with a distinct sense of personal charm. Our rooms, suites and houses are conceived as places to truly linger, shaped by a refined Viennese spirit.Neue Hoheit invites guests to rediscover Austrian cuisine with a modern twist, while THE1835 Rooftop Bar is revealing speakeasy-inspired moments above the rooftops of Vienna. At Asaya Spa, relaxation becomes an unhurried ritual, extending the sense of calm throughout the stay.
Rosewood Vienna frames a refined base for exploring the city and the foundation for a tailored, memorable stay. The façades give way to characteristic accented interiors shaped by local craftsmanship and sophistication.Here, tradition and a sense of discovery intertwine, rewarding the curious with time shaped by the city’s living culture, quiet grandeur and everyday rituals.
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