Vienna

For the "Intensive 2 – Language and culture" summer course, we are guests, as the Goethe-Institut in Vienna, of the Spanish cultural institute "Instituto Cervantes".

Culture is everywhere in Vienna. The historic city center has been designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Spectacular architecture defines the city's character. Highlights include the imposing medieval St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Kunsthistorische and Naturhistorische museums, the spectacular opera house, the Burgtheater and the Hofburg, the Spanish Riding School, the National Library and the Albertina art museum. Vienna's museum district is among the world's 10 largest quarters of its kind. The city is also a leading center for music. It has been home to many influential composers, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss.

Along with its renowned traditional coffee houses, Vienna has a vibrant club scene, a wealth of live music venues, and many trendy bars. The 7th District is famed for its countless unique shops, including boutiques of many Vienna designers. Europe's oldest amusement park, the Prater, is very popular with visitors. And for those seeking a quiet refuge or recreation, Vienna has a wealth of parks. Fully half of the total area of the city is taken up by gardens, parks, forests and agricultural land. A popular spot for residents seeking fun and outdoor activity is the Donauinsel, a manmade island originally created for flood protection. It has a climbing park, wading pools and splash pads, swimming coves, boat rental and a large network of paths for jogging, inline skating, cycling or just enjoying a stroll. In the meantime, restaurants and bars have also sprung up, and there are even some public barbecuing areas. The city's inhabitants are also renowned for their sardonic humor, delivered in the inimitable local dialect.