Exploring Vienna beyond the usual – a study visit to Vienna

Exploring Vienna beyond the usual – a study visit to Vienna

On 1–2 October, our project group carried out a two-day study visit to Vienna, focusing on how the city successfully integrates sustainability, urban renewal, and community spirit into its tourism strategy. The program was designed to highlight inspiring practices that go beyond the traditional tourist experience, offering valuable insights for creating more balanced and responsible forms of tourism.

Our visit began at Stadthotel Henriette, the first hotel in Vienna to operate fully according to the principles of the Economy for the Common Good. This family-run eco-hotel is a true pioneer in sustainable hospitality: its spacious rooms are furnished with natural, organic materials such as recycled wooden floors and straw-panel walls, while heating and cooling are provided by an air-to-air pump using 100% green electricity. Water-saving devices and chemical-free cleaning methods ensure reduced environmental impact, while organic food sourced locally is served both to guests and the wider community through the hotel’s own bar.

The group then explored Vienna’s outer districts, where the Vienna Tourism Board has introduced the concept of balanced tourism. In the 12^th district, we saw how underutilized urban areas can be revitalized for residents and visitors alike. At Urbanouts, two long-abandoned retail shops were transformed into boutique lofts and studios, offering a creative model for rethinking neglected city spaces. We also visited Wirtschaft am Markt at Meidlinger Markt, a top-quality restaurant that not only provides gourmet cuisine but also strengthens the appeal of this traditionally working-class neighborhood as a destination in its own right. At Vollpension grandmas and grandpas of diverse ethnicities made the most delicious cakes making a small, cosy area not only a space for socialization, but also an attraction and pull factor of a lesser-visited city district.

Another key theme of our study trip was urban greening and biodiversity. We visited two hotels with lush courtyards: Hotel Indigo and Boutiquehotel Stadthalle. The latter is particularly remarkable, featuring rooftop lavender gardens, on-site beehives, and honey production directly from its own flowers. Across the city, we discovered Vienna’s “bee pastures” – designated green areas supporting urban pollinators – as well as community gardens, which play a crucial role in education, social interaction, and sustainable urban living. We also learned about innovative approaches to tree planting and maintenance, including the creation of Miyawaki forests as a response to climate change.

Altogether, the study visit offered a rich overview of Vienna’s efforts to combine sustainability, biodiversity, community engagement, and innovative urban planning. It showed how a major European capital can create meaningful tourism experiences while preserving the character of its neighborhoods and ensuring benefits for both locals and visitors.