Vienna Survival Series – Sightseeing II. Photo: Eurovision Ireland

Grüsse aus Wien! Eurovision Ireland is already here on the ground in stunning Vienna, bringing you all the latest happenings from the rehearsals and backstage at the Wiener Stadthalle. Will you be joining us soon in the Austrian capital? Wondering where to start with it all? Welcome to our Vienna Survival Series – let us do the hard work so you can just turn up, relax and have a great time!

In our earlier article, we looked at some of the attractions Vienna offers outside its Eurovision Song Contest programme. With the rest of the Eurovision Ireland team cooped up in the Press Centre, James was let loose onto the streets of Vienna once again to see what the Austrian capital has to offer its guests from across Europe this week – and you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Starting in Germany, the River Danube is almost 3,000km long and flows through no less than 10 European countries on its way to the sea. Flowing through the suburbs of Vienna, the Danube is a wonderful place to wander, relax and take in the scenery. In this video, James also explains the river’s connection to our beloved contest!

Towering over the old centre of the city, Stephansdom is the undisputed symbol of the Austrian capital. As well as its brightly coloured tiled roof, the cathedral has an almost 450ft tall tower. Here’s what James had say after making it all the way to the top and back down again – don’t say we don’t work hard to bring you these reports! 😉

Vienna’s fine Rathaus was finished in 1883 and is the office of the city council and also the offices of the Viennese mayor. The Rathaus is going to have a very busy Eurovision week and as you can hear in the video, it’s already pretty hectic down here!

Then of course, there is this place! The Wiener Stadthalle, host venue for Eurovision 2015!! It’s all go here at the moment with an army of volunteers, journalists and builders all busy making preparations for next week’s semi-finals and grand final. Who did James spot arriving at the venue? And who was taking their rehearsals to the streets? Watch and find out!

Been to Vienna before? Think there is somewhere we missed? Somewhere we should go? Let us know!

Stay tuned for more Viennese delights as we explore Austria’s capital and show you the short cuts to making your Eurovision trip to Austria one to remember!

Author: James Scanlan

Source: Eurovision Ireland