Josefstadt, where Vienna takes the stage

At first glance, Josefstadt may seem slightly prim and academic, but the district is like a stage on which Vienna plays its finest roles. Behind its façades lie revolutions, scandals, love affairs and political abysses, as well as some of Europe’s greatest artists.

In other words: Josefstadt is like a good Viennese coffee house: elegant, slightly morbid, and full of stories. It’s well worth taking the time to explore.

Join us as we take a peek behind the façades and experience the district’s eventful history with its fascinating protagonists.

Our tour begins at the magnificent Palais Auersperg, where Mozart and Haydn once performed and whose owner, Peter Rofrano, is said to have inspired Hofmannsthal’s opera „Der Rosenkavalier“. Sigmund Freud underwent numerous operations at the former Auersperg Sanatorium. There were rumours, however, that this stately home had also served as an abortion clinic. Next, we learn about Hugo Bettauer, a journalist and scandal writer who was the first prominent victim of the Nazis in Austria.

Greats such as Nestroy, Raimund and Hans Moser graced the stage of the Theater in der Josefstadt, which was sometimes financed by the flamboyant financial magnate Camillo Castiglioni – a man who was both genius and con artist. Gustav Klimt had his studio in a rear courtyard, where he created his famous faculty portraits.

After visiting one of Vienna’s most beautiful Baroque churches and a few historic palaces, the tour ends on a sombre note at the ‘Graues Haus’ (Grey House), which tells of dark chapters in Austrian history. During the Nazi era, over 1,200 people were executed there.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the wealth of history, culture and Viennese characters that Vienna’s smallest district has to offer, over a cup of Melange.

Quality is my priority! That’s why the tours are always tailored to your interests and preferences in a relaxed atmosphere.

Tip: there are some stunning photo opportunities!

I am looking forward to meeting you!

— Meeting Point —

In Schmerlingpark (opposite the Palais Auersperg) by the Ludwig Anzengruber monument

Address: opposite Auerspergstraße 1, 1080 Vienna

The tour lasts around 2 hours.

— Registration —

see current dates or mail to or contact me by telephone/Whatsapp +43 676 6617950

— Fee without tickets —