Vienna is considered one of Europe’s greatest cultural hubs. Its art scene has long been established with the Hapsburg’s collection of fine art, now housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Today, Vienna’s modern side showcases street art murals that don the side of buildings along the banks of the Danube. Ingrained in local life is the long-embraced tradition of coffeehouses; UNESCO includes Viennese coffeehouse culture on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages. It is considered one of life’s pleasures to while away an afternoon over an Einspänner coffee and a pastry.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Behind the Scenes at the Lipizzaner Stallions
Step backstage at the elegant Spanish Riding School, home to the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions.
Mozart & Strauss Concert
The classical music never stops in Vienna, as you will hear firsthand during this special concert.
Alma Deutscher Plays Mozart & Strauss
Enjoy an evening of classical music with a privileged access performance led by the renowned Alma Deutscher.
Picturesque Bratislava
Get acquainted with the Slovakian capital, a vibrant and relaxed cultural center.
Private Excursion: Half-day Vienna
Create your own itinerary and experience the sights of Vienna with the assistance of your own private guide.
Private Excursion: Full-day Vienna
Create your own itinerary and experience the sights of Vienna with the assistance of your own private guide.
Behind the Scenes at the Vienna Boys’ Choir
Tour the boarding school of the Wiener Sängerknaben, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and meet some of the singers.
Vienna’s Countryside by E-Bike
Explore nature along the Danube River and pedal at ease by electric bike, or e-bike.
Lipizzaner Stallion Training
Watch as the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions are put through their paces during a public training session.
Videos
Delight in an enchanting evening of music with a special performance led by musical prodigy and composer Alma Deutscher
Composer, violinist, pianist and godmother of Viking Gymir, Alma Deutscher has been described by many as the second Mozart. She began playing piano at age two and the violin at age three. She completed her first piano sonata at age six, and at seven, she had composed a short opera. Alma and her family are close friends of our Chairman, Torstein Hagan, and consider him their adopted grandfather. During this special concert hosted by Alma alongside the Strauss Capelle orchestra, hear some of Alma’s own compositions, as well as her favorite pieces by legendary Austrian composers. Throughout 2022, guests can enjoy a private concert with Alma when visiting Vienna.
Return to Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum with art educator Lara Bellenghi
Join us for another visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to one of Europe’s most impressive art collections, where we are led on an informative tour by Lara Bellenghi, a member of the museum’s education department. Located in Vienna, the museum features a wide range of magnificent treasures accumulated by Austria’s ruling Hapsburg dynasty, including famous paintings, exquisite decorative art pieces and important works of sculpture. Follow Lara as she showcases several masterworks from the collection and learn more about the museum’s history as she engages in a question and answer session.
Explore Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum with art historian Daniel Uchtmann
Peer into one of Europe’s most impressive art collections during a tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum with art historian Daniel Uchtmann, who serves as the museum’s research associate in the field of education. Located in Vienna, the museum features a wide range of magnificent treasures accumulated by Austria’s ruling Hapsburg dynasty, including famous paintings, exquisite decorative art pieces and important works of sculpture. Deepen your understanding of the museum’s significant works while following Daniel through its richly ornate interiors.
Meet the Vienna Residence Orchestra
Go behind the scenes of the Vienna Residence Orchestra and hear from its talented musicians during a special program hosted by the orchestra’s cofounder, Sylvia Moser. Performing the music of Mozart and Strauss in historic buildings and opulent palaces throughout Vienna, the orchestra allows guests to experience live classical music in an authentic setting. Explore the history of this engaging ensemble and listen to short musical pieces you can experience in person when you join us on a river voyage to Vienna.
Alma Deutscher Performs in Vienna
Once the home of Strauss and Mozart, Vienna is renowned as the music capital of Europe. Now, guests who join us in this elegant city have the chance to enjoy an exclusive performance featuring Alma Deutscher, a young musical prodigy who will conduct classic pieces from great composers—including a few, destined-to-become-classics, of her own. View sailing dates for Viking river cruises during which you may attend Alma Deutscher’s performances in Vienna by visiting almadeutscher.com/viking-dates.
Thanksgiving in Europe
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Viking on November sailings. There is no better way to complement your succulent turkey dinner than with a stroll through one of Europe’s cultural capitals.
Austria’s Hotel Sacher and Torte
Join Karine (and her beloved dog Finse) and step into the spirit of old Europe at Vienna’s iconic Hotel Sacher to learn the story behind the Sachertorte, its legendary handmade cake.
Learn the Iconic Viennese Waltz
Learn the iconic Viennese waltz at Vienna’s oldest and most famous dance school, Tanzschule Elmayer. Watch Professor Elmayer teach Karine the basic steps in just a few minutes.
Vienna Coffeehouses
Relax and enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee with an exquisite pastry at Café Demel, one of Vienna’s oldest coffeehouses. Established in 1786, it has satisfied the cravings of Austrians for more than 220 years.
Vienna Boys’ Choir
Go behind the scenes with the world-renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir. Join Karine as she meets some of these talented youngsters and sits in as they prepare for an evening performance.