Vienna Travel Update, Summer 2018.

 

Photo gallery: unmissable treasures in Vienna’s museums There are more than 100 museums in the capital of culture. This photo gallery puts some of their greatest treasures … more

Beyond the vineyards Viennese wine is world famous. But it is not the only alcoholic beverage produced in the city: vermouth, gin, vodka and herbal liquors are all made here … more

Vienna voted the world’s most livable city for the ninth time What millions of visitors to the capital have experienced first hand was recently confirmed for the ninth time … more

Viennese market photo gallery With their colorful stands and restaurants, the capital’s markets are important amenities for the communities they serve and a popular place to meet … more

Gourmet news from Vienna New restaurants, new concepts: the latest developments on Vienna’s restaurant scene … more

New arrivals on Vienna’s hotel scene New hotels are going up all the time in Vienna – around Hauptbahnhof, in the old town and in its flourishing … more

 

 

Austrian Airlines Announces Flight Service From Los Angeles To Vienna

• Austrian Airlines flies from the west coast for the first time
• Up to six direct flights per week on a Boeing 777 from Los Angeles to Vienna starting April 10, 2017
• As of summer 2017: up to 44 weekly flights from North America with Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines will add a new long-haul destination in North America to its flight schedule in the summer of 2017. Starting on April 10, 2017, a Boeing 777 will take off to Vienna from Los Angeles, up to six times a week. 

“After Chicago, Newark and Miami, Los Angeles is now the fourth new flight destination and the so far biggest leap into the USA. We will fly to the West Coast with our existing fleet and are already very excited about this new venture,” said Austrian Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Andreas Otto. Initially, the Los Angeles-Vienna route will be served seasonally in the summer 2017 flight schedule. 

Angelenos will particularly enjoy the direct access to Vienna on the country’s home air carrier. One of the great European capitals, Vienna was the stomping ground for the Habsburg rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for centuries. The empire is long gone, but reminders have been preserved by the Viennese. Past artistic glories thrive due to the cultural legacy of the artistic geniuses nourished in this city—including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, and Gustav Klimt. Today's visitors discover a city with a special grace and a cohesive architectural character that sets it so memorably apart from other European cities. Austria, at large, is a country that has not forgotten the elegance of a time gone by.

Those traveling from Los Angeles will also be able to easily embark on onward flights to other destinations. In fact, about two-thirds of passengers will transfer flights at the Vienna hub.

In its summer 2017 flight schedule, Austrian Airlines will offer a total of up to 44 weekly non-stop flights from North America. This will include up to five times per week from Miami, a maximum of six weekly flights from both Los Angeles and Toronto, and up to one flight a day from Washington and Chicago. Austrian Airlines will continue to offer thirteen weekly flights from New York. However, flight times from New York JFK will be adjusted as of March 27, 2017. Of the six weekly flights from New York, four of the departures will be shifted (see schedule enclosed).

Flight Times from New York JFK to Vienna till March, 26, 2017:

Route	Flight number	Flight days	Departure – Arrival (local times)
New York JFK – Vienna	OS 088	varies; up to daily	5:40 p.m. – 8:20 a.m. (next day)
Vienna – New York JFK	OS 087	varies; up to daily	10:45 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.

NEW: Flight Times from New York JFK from March, 27, 2017:

Route	Flight number	Flight days	Departure – Arrival (local times)
New York JFK – Vienna	OS 088	Tuesdays, Thursday	5:40 p.m. – 8:20 a.m. (next day)
	OS 086	Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays	NEW: 10:05 p.m. - 12:20 p.m. (next day)
Vienna – New York JFK	OS 087	Tuesdays, Thursday	10:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
	OS 085	Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays	NEW: 5:10 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.

Austrian Airlines will operate a Boeing 777 from Los Angeles:

Route	Flight number	Flight days	Departure – Arrival (local times)
Los Angeles – Vienna	OS 082	Daily except Sundays	3:05 p.m. – 12 p.m. (next day)
Vienna – Los Angeles	OS 081	Daily except Sundays	10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Lufthansa Group flight offerings from Los Angeles, starting with the summer 2017 flight schedule:

Route	Flight number	Flight days	Departure – Arrival (local times)
Los Angeles – Frankfurt	LH 457 LH 451	Daily Daily	3:25 p.m. - 11:20 a.m. (next day) 7:15 p.m. – 3 p.m. (next day)
Frankfurt – Los Angeles	LH 456 LH 450	Daily Daily	10:15 a.m. - 12:55 p.m. 2:05 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
Los Angeles – Munich	LH 453	Daily	5:05 p.m. – 1:30 p.-m. (next day)
Munich – Los Angeles	LH 452	Daily	12 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Los Angeles – Zürich	LX 041	Daily	7:40 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. (next day)
Zürich – Los Angeles	LX 040	Daily	1:15 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.

Sheraton Grand Debuts In Austria

SALZBURG, Austria - Sheraton Hotels & Resorts today announced the designation of Sheraton Salzburg Hotel as a Sheraton Grand, welcoming it to the brand’s premier tier of hotels recognized for their enticing destinations, distinguished designs, and excellence in service and guest experiences. Having just completed a comprehensive, five year top-to-bottom renovation, the Sheraton Grand Salzburg joins a portfolio of 34 other Sheraton Grand properties worldwide, with destinations ranging from Istanbul and Dubai, to Beijing and beyond. Sheraton Grand is one of many initiatives currently underway as part of Starwood’s comprehensive plan to solidify Sheraton as a leading global hotel brand of choice, everywhere.

“As Starwood’s largest and most global brand, we remain focused on our work to keep Sheraton in the spotlight through the continued growth and halo effect of Sheraton Grand,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “With a refreshed and enhanced aesthetic thanks to its 10 million euro renovation, Sheraton Grand Salzburg is a best-in-class example of the brand’s new elevated approach to design, making it an ideal candidate for the brand’s premier tier.”

The refreshed Sheraton Grand Salzburg combines contemporary touches with traditional Salzburg design. The hotel has added 29 new rooms and suites, and carefully restored the entire sixth floor with tech-enhanced furnishings and premium materials, such as oiled oak floors and bespoke wooden furniture from Tyrol. The minimalistic design concept of the rooms is harmoniously complemented by small details, such as the selection of black and white pictures depicting historical Salzburg scenes. The Sheraton Grand Salzburg also boasts an elevated dining experience with the addition of a show kitchen to the Mirabell Restaurant, providing guests a first-hand insight into culinary creations.

Beyond the enhancements of its renovation, the Sheraton Grand Salzburg features 166 spacious and elegant rooms, including six Sky Suites and a Penthouse Suite, all with city or park views of the famous Mirabell Gardens and Salzburg’s mountain scenery. Sheraton Club rooms and suites offer exclusive access to the Sheraton® Club Lounge, a private space where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks during the day. Piano Bar is a perfect spot for sociable hours, where guests can enjoy creative cocktails as well as imaginative menu additions through Paired, the Sheraton brand’s food and beverage programme that offers small plates and eclectic bar snacks served alongside suggested premium wines and local craft beers.

“We are proud to receive the Sheraton Grand designation, enabling Sheraton Grand Salzburg to join the existing roster of esteemed hotels and resorts worldwide,” said Herbert Mosbruck, General Manager of Sheraton Grand Salzburg. “Our team and ownership have worked diligently to ensure the hotel goes above and beyond in design and service, and it is thanks to the team’s undying support in providing unique experience to our guests every day that we become a Sheraton Grand.”

A Clear Vision

Sheraton Grand is just one of many initiatives currently underway for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive 10-point plan revealed in June 2015 designed to put Sheraton Hotels and Resorts firmly back into the global spotlight. A nod to the plan’s clear five-year vision, Sheraton 2020 also includes the launch of a new elevated food and beverage lobby program, Paired; continuous innovation of the Sheraton guest experience; an unwavering commitment to service excellence; the implementation of revenue and profit-driving initiatives to benefit owners and developers; and a goal of opening more than 150 new Sheraton hotels worldwide by 2020.

If You Are Seeking A New Adventure, Here Are 5 Cool Caves Around The World To Explore

Looking for an underground adventure? Then you’ll want to check out these “5 Cool Caves” compiled by members of travel website VirtualTourist.com . If you’re afraid of the dark or small places, you may have to think twice!

Waitomo Glowworm Caves, North Island, New Zealand The Waitomo Glowworm Caves have been in existence for more than 100 years and attract people from all over the world due to its high concentration of glowworms which produce an amazing sight to see. Take a guided tour through the limestone cave and a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto where these tiny insects glow in the dark and reflect off the water deep under the ground. The acoustics in the Cathedral cave is astounding. Stalactites, stalagmites and sculptures have formed as a result of water dripping from the roof of the caves or flowing over the exposed limestone walls. There are well laid out tracks through the native bush that surround the caves as well. Tip by keeweechic

Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave, Werfen, Austria If you’re looking for a cool experience, pun intended, then check out the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave in Werfen, the largest ice cavesystem in the world. The caves, which started forming about 100 million years ago, are over 24 miles (40 kilometres) long.  The oldest ice currently inside the caves is thought to be around 5,000 years old.  Intruding water eroded enormous spaces that travelers can visit today.  VirtualTourist members say this is a unique experience but not for those who don’t like the cold as it’s close to freezing inside year around.  Additionally, you should be in good shape if planning to visit as you must climb down 700 stairs and then of course, make your way back up. Tip and photo by jojes.

Chaak Tun Cenote, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Many travelers to Playa Del Carmen visit one of the nearby cenotes, a natural swimming hole underground, and VirtualTourist members say a trip to Chaak Tun Cenote, about 15 minutes from Playa Del Carmen, is a must do.  First inhabited by the Mayans centuries ago, you’ll have an opportunity to walk through these caves and swim in the underwater “pool” all while getting close encounters with some wildlife, like bats! Price begins around $25 USD. Tip and photo by blueskyjohn

Punkva Caves, Blansko (north of Brno), Czech Republic Part of the Moravian Karst, an area with more than 1100 caverns and gorges, the Punkva Caves are one of just four caves open to the public. Here, an underground river has formed and visitors can cruise along the bottom of the famous Macocha Abyss, the biggest in Central Europe at 450 deep (138 meters), 570 feet long (174 meters), and 250 feet wide (76).  Tip and photo by Kathrin_E

Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Jerusalem, Israel The 8th century BC brought attacks on Jerusalem by the Assyrians and Babylonians. In order to bring fresh water to the city, King Hezekiah had an aqueduct constructed which drew water from the Gihon Spring. Today, you can explore this tunnel, although you'll be wading through water nearly 3 feet deep in some places and almost completely in the dark, unless you bring a flashlight.  For those not wanting the underground, you can also continue on through an above ground tunnel which is as dry as a bone and expertly hewn by even more ancient people, the Canaanites.  Tip and photo by VeronicaG