After ten years at the Vienna Tourist Board, Eva Draxler is still passionate about the city she calls home. And IT can see why. What's not to love about a place rich in history, full of decadent desserts, and on the cutting edge of the design scene? After scoping out the city in the City Life section of our current issue, we decided to ask Draxler a few questions about the city she knows so well. Check out the full Q&A after the break...
How did you get your start? What originally drew you to Vienna?
I am originally from the Wachau Valley (about 1.5 hours drive from Vienna), which is said to be one of the most romantic places in Austriafamous for the old fortresses along the Danube river, its apricots and steep vineyards. I came to Vienna to study at the university at age 18. At that time, in the late eighties, Vienna was still sort of a sleeping beauty. But today, with the new geo-political situation in Europe, Vienna is no longer on the fringes. You really feel this new energy in Vienna. It's becoming (again) the heart of Central Europe.
Can you describe a day in the life of a tourism representative?
I'm a media relations manager, so I organize press trips and shooting schedules for TV teams. I also send out media news and organize events and media conferences abroad.
Vienna is such a pleasant product. There is always something new to learn about the city. And it is very rewarding to work with people from all over the world.
OK, a day off in the life of a tourism representative. What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?
I enjoy walking through the vineyards north of town. I also love to stroll around in Vienna's Spittelberg district. It is a peaceful area behind the busy MuseumsQuartier with cobblestone streets and beautiful Biedermeier architecture. There are a lot of small creative shops there. In the last few years a new creative movement has emerged in Vienna. The now classic designs by Hoffmann, Loos and so on are still being produced by traditional businesses, but they are joined with refreshing new ideas by young artists. And I can't spend a weekend without indulging in a good cup coffee and a pastry in one of Vienna's coffeehouses.
There are also good weekend getaways nearby. I enjoy visiting the Wachau Valley, where I am originally from, but I also go to Salzburg often. I love to go hiking in the mountains and swimming in the clear lakes around Salzburg.
Do you see a big difference between the Vienna locals see and the Vienna that visitors experience?
No, I do not think so. Vienna is a very authentic city. It has endured so many difficult times in the last centuries. You can feel its pride of the glory days and the heaviness of its dark days.
Also, many of the excellent cultural events in Vienna, such as the Vienna Festival, Viennale, and many others, cater to the local people in the first place. Vienna Design Week, for instance, does not have the character of a trade fair, but offers unusual venues and surprising, experimental approaches to design. Museums as well as retail stores open and remodel their spaces to integrate contemporary design during the Vienna Design Week. It is a very educational, visionary approach that is supported by the city of Vienna. A concept like this provides true inspiration for locals and visitors--those that do not have an affinity for design and young designers alike.
What is your favorite time of year in Vienna?
My favorite time is May, when the trees are in full bloom. The Vienna festival captivates the city; as do the Vienna City Marathon and the Life Ball, which is Vienna's zaniest and most glamorous event. The fashion show on City Hall Square, which is part of the Life Ball event, is free.
The holiday season is coming up. Do you have any advice for those traveling to Vienna in the winter months?
There are Christmas markets all over the city. The most beautiful and nostalgic ones take place against the majestic backdrop of major palaces and museums like Schoenbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace. Vienna's Christmas markets are steeped in tradition and it is a true sport in Vienna to find the booth with the very best hot punch.
Are there any upcoming events you are excited about?
Next year the music world will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of Joseph Haydn, the father of the Viennese Classical style. Haydn music will ring out all over the city throughout the year 2009. Vienna maintains its reputation as a music capital, yet hardly anyone knows that Vienna is really good at contemporary music as well. The Vienna-based label Couch has already successfully placed music in the top TV series Six Feet Under and Sex and the City.
Read more about Vienna in the November/December issue of Traveler. Also, check out our Vienna Destination Guide for recommended books, websites and more to prepare for your visit.
Photo: Vienna's Kunsthistoriches (History of Art) Museum, as seen in the November/December Issue of National Geographic Traveler. By Richard Nebesky/Lonely Planet Images.
I am originally from the Wachau Valley (about 1.5 hours drive from Vienna), which is said to be one of the most romantic places in Austriafamous for the old fortresses along the Danube river, its apricots and steep vineyards. I came to Vienna to study at the university at age 18. At that time, in the late eighties, Vienna was still sort of a sleeping beauty. But today, with the new geo-political situation in Europe, Vienna is no longer on the fringes. You really feel this new energy in Vienna. It's becoming (again) the heart of Central Europe.
Can you describe a day in the life of a tourism representative?
I'm a media relations manager, so I organize press trips and shooting schedules for TV teams. I also send out media news and organize events and media conferences abroad.
Vienna is such a pleasant product. There is always something new to learn about the city. And it is very rewarding to work with people from all over the world.
OK, a day off in the life of a tourism representative. What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?
I enjoy walking through the vineyards north of town. I also love to stroll around in Vienna's Spittelberg district. It is a peaceful area behind the busy MuseumsQuartier with cobblestone streets and beautiful Biedermeier architecture. There are a lot of small creative shops there. In the last few years a new creative movement has emerged in Vienna. The now classic designs by Hoffmann, Loos and so on are still being produced by traditional businesses, but they are joined with refreshing new ideas by young artists. And I can't spend a weekend without indulging in a good cup coffee and a pastry in one of Vienna's coffeehouses.
There are also good weekend getaways nearby. I enjoy visiting the Wachau Valley, where I am originally from, but I also go to Salzburg often. I love to go hiking in the mountains and swimming in the clear lakes around Salzburg.
Do you see a big difference between the Vienna locals see and the Vienna that visitors experience?
No, I do not think so. Vienna is a very authentic city. It has endured so many difficult times in the last centuries. You can feel its pride of the glory days and the heaviness of its dark days.
Also, many of the excellent cultural events in Vienna, such as the Vienna Festival, Viennale, and many others, cater to the local people in the first place. Vienna Design Week, for instance, does not have the character of a trade fair, but offers unusual venues and surprising, experimental approaches to design. Museums as well as retail stores open and remodel their spaces to integrate contemporary design during the Vienna Design Week. It is a very educational, visionary approach that is supported by the city of Vienna. A concept like this provides true inspiration for locals and visitors--those that do not have an affinity for design and young designers alike.
What is your favorite time of year in Vienna?
My favorite time is May, when the trees are in full bloom. The Vienna festival captivates the city; as do the Vienna City Marathon and the Life Ball, which is Vienna's zaniest and most glamorous event. The fashion show on City Hall Square, which is part of the Life Ball event, is free.
The holiday season is coming up. Do you have any advice for those traveling to Vienna in the winter months?
There are Christmas markets all over the city. The most beautiful and nostalgic ones take place against the majestic backdrop of major palaces and museums like Schoenbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace. Vienna's Christmas markets are steeped in tradition and it is a true sport in Vienna to find the booth with the very best hot punch.
Are there any upcoming events you are excited about?
Next year the music world will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of Joseph Haydn, the father of the Viennese Classical style. Haydn music will ring out all over the city throughout the year 2009. Vienna maintains its reputation as a music capital, yet hardly anyone knows that Vienna is really good at contemporary music as well. The Vienna-based label Couch has already successfully placed music in the top TV series Six Feet Under and Sex and the City.
Read more about Vienna in the November/December issue of Traveler. Also, check out our Vienna Destination Guide for recommended books, websites and more to prepare for your visit.
Photo: Vienna's Kunsthistoriches (History of Art) Museum, as seen in the November/December Issue of National Geographic Traveler. By Richard Nebesky/Lonely Planet Images.
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My first Europe experience was in Austria (Vienna, Melk and Salzburg). Personally, I think it's a great introduction to Europe as it's a very user-friendly city from a pedestrian and public transportation standpoint. Almost all the attractions are within walking distance or a short ride on the "Ring Kai Ring" street car that circles Vienna.
A must do in my book is the trip out to Melk. I believe they called it a combo ticket where you take a train out to the Melk Abbey and then return part way via river boat on the Danube before getting back on a short train ride back. Not to be missed!
Thanks Henry for mentioning Melk Abbey as worthy day trip. In Traveler's Destinations Rated survey in our November/December issue, we organized a panel of sustainable tourism experts to evaluate stewardship and authenticity at historic destinations around the world. The destination that grabbed the top score? Melk Abbey and the Wachau Valley.
Our experts said this about the area:
"Each village and town seems to try to outdo the others in promoting local heritage while maintaining cultural integrity. The abbey at Melk is well managed and never seems crowded. Tourist zones are low-key and commercial establishments do not intrude on the visitor's experiences."
http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2008/11/historic-destinations-rated/list-text
Vienna is a great city with very warm people. Greg Ovulex