Off the Beaten Path - Vienna, Austria

Austria is an exceptionally popular tourist area, so getting away from the crowds can seem to be a bit of a trying task. Consider these alternatives if you desire a less crowded excursion.

The Hofmobiliendepot (Court Furniture Depot)
Exhibits of original Habsburg furniture - much of it is in the Biedermeier style.

Few realize that the Habsburg rulers had so many palaces and castles that it was impossible to adequately furnish them all. Until the mid 1800s, the depot was used as the central storage place for royal furniture. 

When the family was to travel somewhere- the depot was called upon to supply all the furniture needed for the visit. 

Thus, the furniture was shipped and then setup to provide good living conditions for the family when they arrived.

There are two buildings to visit that have nice exhibits. Furniture from the depot is still used today in government offices and the Hofburg. Austrian embassies and diplomats also use the extensive collection. 

Heeresgeschichtliches Museum  (The Military Museum)
The museum is located at the Armory- not far from the end of streetcar "D" at the Sudbahnhof.

This is a must see for military history buffs or anyone with an interest in history. The museum is open every day, except Fridays, from 9 am until 5 pm. The building itself is worth a visit- An arsenal and military barracks and there are many fine statues. Military exhibits outlining from 17th century Turkish tents and other items from the sieges of Vienna. The car that Archduke Ferdinand was riding in when shot and killed - the event that led to World War 1. There are many weapons and military paraphernalia. Many do not know that this building was the site of the last official visit of Crown Prince Rudolph before his trip to Mayerling and suicide. His signature is in the Guest book there.

The Zentralfriedhof  (Central Cemetery)
Better known but often missed by visitors, it can be reached by subway U-6 to end station Simmering -then streetcar 71 to the cemetery. This cemetery is so big it has 3 stops on the streetcar line and an internal bus line.

Best stop is most likely the second stop. Many famous composers are buried here together in a nice area - Schubert, Brahms, Beethoven, Strauss - father and son. Mozart is not buried here and there are some questions about his actual burial place, but it is presumed to be in St Marxer Friedhof in a communal, unmarked grave. The cemetery was also the site of several scenes in the film classic "The Third Man".

A visit offers an insight into the Culture of Death in Vienna with many magnificent monuments.  The neglected Jewish area is a poignant reminder of the loss of most of Vienna's Jewish Community before and during the Second World War. November 1 finds almost all graves with flowers and candles for a religious Holiday.

Cooking Classes
There is an Austrian Chef offering half day cooking classes on traditional Austrian cooking. The class includes a trip to the open air produce market Vienna Naschmarkt. Classes are all year round at the adult education center in Hietzing (13th district.) There has been some press coverage (though German only) and the adult education center's homepage promotes the classes too. 

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