There’s a ton of myths surrounding Vienna. But what’s actually true and what’s a fairytale? Time to test your knowledge. See the interview with Matti Bunzl to find out what a typical Viennese person has to say about it all. He puts the city on the couch for a spot of psychoanalysis!
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The capital of Austria serves as a bridge between East and West.\u003cbr/\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eTrue or false?\u003c/p\u003e","answers":[{"id":870344,"text":"True ","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870346/08cf7f65ea4c3b93e559a49a3b2d01b5/icon-set-2019-rot-positiv-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":0},{"resultId":870408,"points":1}]},{"id":870348,"text":"False","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870350/d3404b59a3967ab4b0151af2c7cd80a3/icon-set-2019-rot-negative-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":2},{"resultId":870408,"points":0}]}]},{"viewType":"textAndIcon","questionMarkup":"\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Danube\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eBlue? Hm. But the water is clean, and you can swim in it, theoretically even in the Danube Canal, which runs right through the city.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eTrue or false?\u003c/p\u003e","answers":[{"id":870354,"text":"True","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870346/08cf7f65ea4c3b93e559a49a3b2d01b5/icon-set-2019-rot-positiv-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":0},{"resultId":870408,"points":1}]},{"id":870356,"text":"False","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870350/d3404b59a3967ab4b0151af2c7cd80a3/icon-set-2019-rot-negative-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":2},{"resultId":870408,"points":0}]}]},{"viewType":"textAndIcon","questionMarkup":"\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViennese humor!\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eThese days, 50% of the population have some form of immigrant background. But the trademark\u003cbr/\u003epithy Viennese humor – known as “Wiener Schmäh” – hasn’t died out yet.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eTrue or false?\u003c/p\u003e","answers":[{"id":870360,"text":"True","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870346/08cf7f65ea4c3b93e559a49a3b2d01b5/icon-set-2019-rot-positiv-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":0},{"resultId":870408,"points":1}]},{"id":870362,"text":"False","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870350/d3404b59a3967ab4b0151af2c7cd80a3/icon-set-2019-rot-negative-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":2},{"resultId":870408,"points":0}]}]},{"viewType":"textAndIcon","questionMarkup":"\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLet\u0027s waltz!\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eYoung Viennese still go to dance schools,but not all of them. So, everyone in the city knows how to waltz?\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eTrue or false?\u003c/p\u003e","answers":[{"id":870366,"text":"True","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870346/08cf7f65ea4c3b93e559a49a3b2d01b5/icon-set-2019-rot-positiv-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":2},{"resultId":870408,"points":0}]},{"id":870368,"text":"False","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870350/d3404b59a3967ab4b0151af2c7cd80a3/icon-set-2019-rot-negative-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":0},{"resultId":870408,"points":1}]}]},{"viewType":"textAndIcon","questionMarkup":"\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCafè culture\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eWriters, artists, tourists: the city’s coffeehouses bring together a diverse clientele who sit over their coffee for hours on end.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eTrue or false?\u003c/p\u003e","answers":[{"id":870372,"text":"True","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870346/08cf7f65ea4c3b93e559a49a3b2d01b5/icon-set-2019-rot-positiv-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":0},{"resultId":870408,"points":1}]},{"id":870374,"text":"False","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870350/d3404b59a3967ab4b0151af2c7cd80a3/icon-set-2019-rot-negative-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":2},{"resultId":870408,"points":0}]}]},{"viewType":"textAndIcon","questionMarkup":"\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoziness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eDon’t cause a scene! And take it slow. But the super-chill, laid-back golden Viennese heart is no more. Now, a fresh sense of vitality reigns supreme\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eTrue or false?\u003c/p\u003e","answers":[{"id":870378,"text":"True","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870346/08cf7f65ea4c3b93e559a49a3b2d01b5/icon-set-2019-rot-positiv-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":2},{"resultId":870408,"points":0}]},{"id":870380,"text":"False","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870350/d3404b59a3967ab4b0151af2c7cd80a3/icon-set-2019-rot-negative-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":0},{"resultId":870408,"points":1}]}]},{"viewType":"textAndIcon","questionMarkup":"\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrumpy waiters\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eIt’s all included in the price! 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In this city, even a cemetery is a tourist attraction Can’t be completely dismissed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eTrue or false?\u003c/p\u003e","answers":[{"id":870390,"text":"True","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870346/08cf7f65ea4c3b93e559a49a3b2d01b5/icon-set-2019-rot-positiv-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":0},{"resultId":870408,"points":1}]},{"id":870392,"text":"False","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870350/d3404b59a3967ab4b0151af2c7cd80a3/icon-set-2019-rot-negative-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":2},{"resultId":870408,"points":0}]}]},{"viewType":"textAndIcon","questionMarkup":"\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMoaning\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eThe Viennese love complaining, even when there’s not much to complain about? Probably just something that people from the rest of Austria like to say.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003eTrue or false?\u003c/p\u003e","answers":[{"id":870396,"text":"True","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870346/08cf7f65ea4c3b93e559a49a3b2d01b5/icon-set-2019-rot-positiv-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":2},{"resultId":870408,"points":0}]},{"id":870398,"text":"False","iconLink":"/resource/crblob/870350/d3404b59a3967ab4b0151af2c7cd80a3/icon-set-2019-rot-negative-1--data.svg","iconAltText":"","scores":[{"resultId":870406,"points":0},{"resultId":870408,"points":1}]}]},{"viewType":"textAndIcon","questionMarkup":"\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelting Pot\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"align--center\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVienna has always been a place where cultures meet and mix. 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The answers to the questions can be found below.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","teaser":{"teaserTitle":"Strategy – At a Glance","teaserTextMarkup":"\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang\u003d\"en-US\"\u003eVienna has developed a model to bring sustainability and dynamic growth into alignment: optimum tourism is all about balancing visitor and resident satisfaction, while good growth is the foundation for remaining competitive in future.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","picture":{"desktop":"/resource/image/867706/3x2/350/233/60eb06d543eb16e1e6850b724fe77fcf/BF82C504D18450F7431DEA1234DE0484/ves30-illustration-riesenrad-prater-bank-hund-baum.webp","mobile":"/resource/image/867706/3x2/350/233/60eb06d543eb16e1e6850b724fe77fcf/BF82C504D18450F7431DEA1234DE0484/ves30-illustration-riesenrad-prater-bank-hund-baum.webp","altText":"Illustration | Person on a bench in the Vienna Prater in front of the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel"},"link":"/en/strategy-brand/optimum-tourism/strategy-at-a-glance-870008"},"buttonText":"Try again","matomoName":"Strategie Quiz Ergebnis 2: Neuling EN"},{"id":870408,"kicker":"Result","title":"Vienna Expert","resultMarkup":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"TextRun SCXW156152401 BCX8 NormalTextRun\" lang\u003d\"en-US\"\u003eYou are a true connoisseur of Vienna and have obviously already done a lot of research into the city\u0027s myths! 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Answers: Vienna Quiz
Just to make sure you’re properly informed, of course. You wouldn’t want to cheat, would you?
Answer to Question 1: Vienna Is a Hotbed of Spies
True
After 1945 – during the Cold War – the Austrian capital became an international center of espionage. It was here that film-noir thriller The Third Man was shot. To this day, neutral Austria remains an international hotspot for diplomats and spies. An official UN headquarters city, the nation’s capital serves as a bridge between East and West.
Answer to Question 2: The Blue Danube Waltz
True
Blue? Hm. But, even so, we’re still going with true. Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz sets the tone here: the river water is clean, and you can swim in it, theoretically even in the Danube Canal, which runs right through the city. And just a bit further out is the Danube Island where people go for a dip in summer. The island was created as part of a 20th century flood protection project.
Answer to Question 3: Viennese Humor!
True
While around half of the city’s residents have some form of migrant background, the trademark pithy Viennese humor – known as “Wiener Schmäh” – definitely hasn't died out yet. It makes life that little bit easier and there’s something lovable about its barely-concealed hard edge. Vienna has a lot of different personalities, which means that there’s life in the Viennese yet!
Answer to Question 4: Everybody’s Waltzing
False
While the Viennese waltz is undeniably a product of the Austro-Bavarian world and young Viennese do still go to dance schools for that perfect entry into society, that doesn’t apply to all of them – not by any stretch of the imagination. So, everyone in the city knows how to waltz? Sadly not, although it’s really not that hard. One, two, three; one, two, three. Just move to the beat.
Answer to Question 5: Coffeehouse Culture
True
Back in the day, everyday life in the city played out in its coffeehouses. Writers, artists and intellectuals would come together here to put the world to rights. These days, the city’s cafes bring together a diverse clientele who sit over their coffee for hours on end. Magazines and newspapers are supplied free of charge. Something you will only find in Vienna.
Answer to Question 6: Viennese Coziness
False
Just don’t cause a scene! And take it slow. But the super-chill, laid-back golden Viennese heart is no more. There are still the odd signs of Viennese Gemütlichkeit in the city’s iconic wine taverns, but Vienna is a bit too cosmopolitan these days. Now, a fresh sense of vitality reigns supreme.
Answer to Question 7: Grumpy Waiters
False
Imagine going to a coffeehouse in Vienna and the waiter was actually friendly. How awful! But that’s just the way things are. The typical grumpy Viennese waiter has been swept away by a tide of professional hospitality. It’s almost a shame, but probably for the best.
Answer to Question 8: Morbid Vienna
True
It’s often said that the Viennese like to flirt with the Grim Reaper. Which can't be completely dismissed. Art and everyday life confirm it. Or is it more of an Austrian thing, not taking life so seriously and unconsciously being more conscious of one’s own mortality? In this city, even a cemetery is a tourist attraction. Visit the Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof) to see why.
Answer to Question 9: Moaning
False
The Viennese love complaining, even when there's not much to complain about? Sounds like the kind of thing that rest of Austria likes to say. Although you might find that lots of people tend to get what’s not acceptable out of the way immediately, and those negatives might get touched on a little quicker than all the positives.
Answer to Question 10: Melting Pot
True
Vienna has always been a place where cultures meet and mix. And that enriches the city: after all, the capital relies on that growth and confluence of ideas and people for its dynamism. Without migration, Austria and its low birth rate would have something of a supply issue.
