High-res imagery available here.

Video download here.

Monday 1st December: The Vienna Tourist Board has just launched a new cultural initiative: inviting the entire village of Dull, Scotland, to Vienna this January to help settle one pressing question:

Is Vienna “Dull”?

While much of the world embraces Dry January and gym routines, Vienna begins 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

On 29th and 30th November 2025, 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.

An Unforgettable Weekend in Vienna

The selected weekend 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 will stay at Hotel Imperial, one of Vienna’s most iconic hotels which has previously hosted Queen Elizabeth II and The Rolling Stones.

Each visitor will receive a tailor-made itinerary based on their interests, which may include:

• Attendance at the Vienna Ball of Sciences (including outfits and dance lessons)
   
• Exclusive tours of the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Naturhistorisches Museum
   
• Guided tours of the Vienna State Opera
   
• Visits to the Spanish Riding School
   
• A tour of Schönbrunn Palace
   
• Dance classes and special Viennese dining experiences
   
• Ice skating at the Vienna Ice Dream
   
• A curated programme for families, older travellers and younger visitors alike
   
• Meetings with the Director of the Vienna Tourist Board

Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board, has said:

“We’re proud of our museums, our concerts, our balls and our winter magic - but we also enjoy a good sense of humour. January is often considered the dullest month of the calendar, which is exactly why we wanted to bring Dull to Vienna. It’s the perfect opportunity to show how vibrant this season can truly be. We hope many residents will join us, and we’re eager to hear their expert judgement.”

With this initiative, the Vienna Tourist Board is calling on the residents of Dull to confirm: Vienna is not “dull” - not even in January. 

-ENDS-

Notes to editor    

High-res imagery available here.

Video download here.

For more information on Vienna, please visit www.wien.info/en   

For media and press enquiries, please contact: vienna@lemongrassmarketing.com / +44 (0) 1865 237990  or helena.steinhart@vienna.info / +43 676 88 929 364

For further information, please visit www.b2b.vienna.info   

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