Along the Ringstrasse with open eyes

In search of new Vienna topics, I thought to myself, “Who could have the best tips if not my colleagues at the reception desks in the Schick Hotels?” They know best the interests of our guests and the questions they ask. I decided to interview them.

Stefan Pfanner, Receptionist at Hotel City Central

My colleague Stefan Pfanner, receptionist at the Hotel City Central, started things off. Stefan Pfanner successfully completed his traineeship as a hotel and restaurant industry assistant at the Schick Hotels back in 1999. He has worked at the reception of the Hotel City Central for the past 7 years, where he is highly dedicated to providing guests with advice and support.

150 years of the Ringstrasse

For him, a necessary part of a visit to Vienna is a trip along the Vienna Ringstrasse, which happens to be celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The U-shaped Ringstrasse surrounds the Vienna’s historic city center, from the Urania to the Ringturm buildings. Many impressive examples of architecture lie along this stretch, such as the Vienna State Opera, the Hofburg Palace, the Museums of Art and Natural History, Parliament, City Hall…. This may sound like a travel guide through Vienna, yet everything is located on one street.

Stories from old times

Ringstrasse Vienna

The Ringstrasse was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph in order to show the world that Vienna is superior to other cities, and he succeeded in creating a highly representative boulevard. One special feature that Stefan Pfanner likes to point out to his guests: “The buildings along the Ringstrasse all got three entryways back then: one on the left for the landlords, the middle one for the horse-drawn carriage, and right for the personnel. You can still recognize these entryways in some buildings, especially in the Parkring area, if you pay close attention to the façades. This should also be understood in this sense: ‘We’re better than the others because we need fully three entryways!’”

With the Ringtram along the Ringstrasse

To explore the Ringstrasse, Stefan Pfanner recommends a trip with the Ringtram. The conspicuously yellow tram leaves from Schwedenplatz every 30 minutes and is only three minutes away from the Hotel City Central. You can purchase your ticket (8 euros) directly in the Ringtram. You’ll also receive headphones, like you may be used to from bus tours. A highlight: The last trip, at 5:30 PM, switches from German to Viennese dialect, spoken by the actor Karl Merkatz.

Ringstrasse must-sees

Hofburg Vienna

In reply to the question, “What do you definitely have to do on the Ringstrasse?” my colleague said, clichés notwithstanding, “Tour the Hofburg Palace, including the Imperial Apartments and the Imperial Treasury. The National Library and the Spanish Riding School are also very special.”

“And where should you take a break?” This question also sparked an immediate answer: “At the Café Landtmann. There, the waiters in their smoking jackets serve you expensive but really good coffee. What’s more, you’ll also find many Viennese ‘celebrating coffeehouse culture’ there.” It’s not for nothing that Viennese coffeehouse culture has been declared an official intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.