NOT DULL AT ALL: VIENNA PROVES ITS SPARK IN JANUARY, HOSTING SCOTLAND’S “VILLAGE OF DULL”
High-res imagery available here.
Video download here.
Monday 26th January: In November, the Vienna Tourist Board launched a new cultural initiative: inviting the entire village of Dull, Scotland, to Vienna this January to help settle one pressing question:
Is January in Vienna “Dull”?
While much of the world has been embracing Dry January and gym routines, Vienna began the year in celebration mode – with more than 400 balls held each year, one of the world’s largest ice rinks, and UNESCO-recognised culinary treasures such as Viennese coffeehouse culture, sausage stands and traditional Heuriger wine taverns. And who better to judge whether Vienna is “dull” than the citizens of Dull themselves?
Why Dull?
Nestled in Perthshire, Scotland, the tiny village of Dull – population approximately 100 – is known for its serene countryside and quiet charm. The village has become a minor cultural phenomenon for its name alone: paired with Boring, Oregon (USA) since 2012, featured in international news.
But while Dull is picturesque, it lacks theatres, galleries, concert halls or cultural venues. The Vienna Tourist Board saw an unusual opportunity:
Invite Dull to Vienna during one of its liveliest seasons – and let the villagers be the judges.
The Invitation – Delivered Personally
In November, representatives of the Vienna Tourist Board visited every household in Dull, hand-delivering personalised and wax-sealed invitations together with Viennese goodie bags. Residents unable to travel still received a gift on their doorstep.
The invitations led to 33 residents confirming that they wished to visit Vienna from 23rd-25th January 2026.
An Unforgettable Weekend in Vienna
The selected weekend for the trip falls during Vienna’s iconic ball season and the annual reopening of one of the world’s largest ice rinks, a combination that transforms the city.
The guests from Dull stayed at Hotel Imperial, one of Vienna’s most iconic hotels, which has previously hosted Queen Elizabeth II and The Rolling Stones.
Each visitor received a tailor-made itinerary based on their interests, which came to life over the weekend of the 23rd of January through a full programme of curated cultural experiences in Vienna.
The group began with an exclusive, before-hours guided tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, exploring masterpieces by Titian, Raphael, Bruegel, Rubens, Vermeer and Rembrandt, before continuing to the Spanish Riding School for a morning training session and behind-the-scenes access to the historic riding halls and Lipizzaner stables.
The afternoon offered a range of cultural experiences, including a traditional Viennese waltz lesson, preparing the residents for the city’s renowned ball culture, as well as ice skating at the Vienna Ice World, where they enjoyed the expansive outdoor rink and special atmosphere in the heart of the city. In the evening, some guests attended a classical concert at the Karlskirche, experiencing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed on baroque instruments, before the programme culminated at Vienna’s City Hall, which had been transformed for one of Vienna’s 400 balls, the Vienna Ball of Sciences. The guests from Dull who attended the ball, complete with formal attire and prior dance preparation, joined Vienna’s science and research community for a truly memorable evening.
Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board, has said:
“Vienna never hibernates, not even in January. The residents of Dull experienced this first-hand through exclusive museum visits, the Spanish Riding School, ice skating in front of the City Hall and even an evening at the Vienna Ball of Sciences, proving that winter is one of the city’s richest cultural seasons. Now we’re inviting travellers everywhere to follow in their footsteps and experience the same winter magic for themselves.”
Win a Trip to Vienna and Discover Why the City is NOT Dull
Inspired by the Dull residents’ trip to Vienna, the Vienna Tourist Board is launching a competition to win a trip to Vienna in January 2027. The initiative will invite participants to judge whether Vienna is dull for themselves, by entering for a chance to escape the dullest month of the year and win a winter break in Vienna.
The winner will enjoy a two-night stay for two at the iconic Hotel Imperial in January 2027, along with a tailor-made itinerary and the opportunity to attend one of Vienna’s famous balls, showcasing the city at its most vibrant during the heart of the winter season.
Enter for the chance to win a trip to Vienna here.
Competition closes on March 3rd, 2026
-ENDS-
Notes to editor
High-res imagery available here.
Video download here.
For more information on Vienna, please visit www.wien.info/en
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