This year I visited Vienna, Austria during its famous celebration of Steffl Kirtag. From May 25th to May 28th the Wiener Kirtag took place at Rathausplatz right in front of St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the first district of Vienna. See my other post ‘Photo Essay: Life On The Streets of Vienna’ for more photos.
During the 4-days festival, a scenic market, selling traditional products and local delicacies, was set-up on the square, a Merry-Go-Round carousel amused children, and various bands entertained locals and visitors on an open stage. A colorful light installation acted as a decoration inside of the Gothic cathedral. In addition the cathedral offered special guided tours of the church, including a visit to the rooftop with amazing views of Vienna’s cityscape and The Steffl, as Viennese people call St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s south tower, the dominant feature of the Vienna skyline at 136 meters (445 feet).
Click on image to view full size.
Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
St. Stephen’s Cathedral has 23 bells in total. The largest is officially named for St. Mary, but usually called Pummerin (“Boomer”) and hangs in the north tower. At 20,130 kilograms (44,380 pounds), it is the largest in Austria and the second largest swinging bell in Europe (after the 23,500-kilogram (51,800-pound) St. Peter’s in Cologne Cathedral, Germany).
St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria
Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
Pummerin (“Boomer”) Bell Tag. St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria
Cityscape of Vienna, Austria
Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
The Steffl. St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s South Tower. Vienna, Austria
Wanted to add these two “non-related to the title” photos of suburbs of Vienna taken out of the train window. Note ‘Nona Hora’ on the Church’s Clock :) I am so in love with Austria!
Nona Hora, Austria Out The Train Window
Nona Hora, Austria Out The Train Window
Beautiful photos as always! I especially like the first one – the colours are incredible!
Jessica recently posted..Q&A with Brandon from Eye and Pen
Thanks so much, Jess! The first photo is my favorite too. However, one has to see it in person. The colors are much better in person than in a photo. The feelings too. I didn’t expect to see this coloring when entered the cathedral and was shocked. May be “shocked” is not the right word. It’s hard to explain the feeling. Something combined of joy and happiness. Highly recommended :)
Memographer recently posted..Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
Beautiful photos! It looks like such a lovely city to visit I just can’t believe I haven’t been yet!
Thanks, Becky! Yes, it is a lovely city to visit. You should go there. I would not stay in Vienna for longer than two days (or even one). If I would go on 2-3 days weekend, I would spend at least a day in each of these cities- Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt.
Memographer recently posted..Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria
Loving all of the colors in these photos! It looks from the first photo as though the colors are created from the light shining through the stained glass? Just beautiful.
Koren @ City Gal recently posted..Channelling our Inner Blair Waldorf
Thank you, Koren! The colors are artificially created. I’ve also thought it is a stained glass :)
Memographer recently posted..On My Shelves. My Travel Bring-back Collection. Season 3
Looks magical!
I love the shot of the roof with the single window. I would frame that.
Colleen Brynn recently posted..How Going To School Has Been Like Traveling (And Why You Should Try It)
Yes, it does look magical. The roof window shot is one of my favorites too. It’s good that photography is digital now. Otherwise, I would need a really large office, so I would frame all pictures I like :) Thanks for stopping by, Colleen!
I am thrilled to find your blog. I’m following you on Facebook and you are one of five blogs I actually subscribe to. I read your “about me” page and I share your love and philosophy for photography and travel. I recently participated in a workshop with Trey Ratcliff in New Zealand so I like the HDR style which isn’t everyone’s favorite :) I chose to read and comment on one of your Austria posts since I will be there in mid July. Seeing your photos makes me more excited than I already am :)
Michelle recently posted..“I think Australia has to be a country which has the ‘Welcome’ sign out.”~ Paul Keating
Thank you for your kind comment, Michelle! I am okay with HDRs. However, I don’t like when photographers “overuse” the technique. A photo must look like a photo – that’s my motto.
Don’t miss Hallstatt when in Austria! Here are some photo posts: http://memographer.com/tag/hallstatt-austria/
Memographer recently posted..My Orange Crush – Spring Break on Tybee Island
Absolutely excellent. Was there a month ago and included my experiences and photography
Thanks, Brian.
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