Itinerary
On this 8-hour extensive private tour we will show you the major examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Vienna and we will accompany you to discover one of the two best art nouveau churches in the Austrian capital.
Morning:
We will start our tour punctual at 9.30 in Postsparkasse to arrive in Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) half an hour later. There, we will explore a collection of early 20th-century paintings, illustrations, and furniture, including works by Gustav Klimt and Josef Hoffman, amongst others.
Then, we will head to Karlsplatz, a popular square on the border of the 1st and 4th districts. After noon we will go to Secession and visit this icon building of Viennese Secession style. Originally conceived as an exhibition hall, this space allows us to consider the exchange of ideas between the avant-garde in various cities across Europe as the continent teetered on the edge of World War I. If we have a good timing we may be able to see the Otto Wagner Houses on Wienzeile.
After, we will head to Belvedere Palace. Highlights from the holdings Vienna 1880–1914 are the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings (including the famous golden Art Nouveau icons the Kiss (Lovers) and Judith) and works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.
Afternoon:
Around 13.30 we will take you to an Art Nouveau restaurant for lunch. We suggest the café Belvedere because it is convenient as is nearby. There are also another recommended place within a walking distance of 10 minutes so it will depend on your wishes.
After lunch we will go to the beautiful Steinhof Psychiatric Hospital complex designed by Otto Wagner, a jewel of the Viennese Art Nouveau. There, you will spend an hour visiting the interior of the architectural masterpiece which is Kirche am Steinhof Church and admiring many design and architecture details like lamps or rails around balconies. As this highlight spot is closed from November 1st 2024 until mid-march 2025, during this time we will visit other places instead, making it a full day full of hidden gems not only art nouveau style.
If there is some time left and the members of the group agree, we will do a 10 minutes ride to visit Klimt-Villa, Gustav Klimt’s studio in the last 8 years of his life. Despite it is not original, the building is still interesting to see. We don’t guarantee the visit to Naschmarkt or Wagner Häuser on the Wienzeile.
A pioneering work of modern architecture, the Church of St. Leopold is considered one of the most significant Art Nouveau churches worldwide. During the works at Steinhof church, we will visit with you St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery Church instead. The striking, centrally domed rotunda is strongly reminiscent of the Steinhof’s Otto Wagner church, who was himself on the jury evaluating the cemetery buildings put out to tender and was thus familiar with Hegeles‘ plans of 1899.
If traffic is good and there is time left, we will see some other interesting art nouveau places in our way back to the city center.
The focus of our tour are museums, interiors of buildings and the cultural background of the Secession style in Vienna. Therefore, if you book the tour you will get an in-depth understanding of the style and its cultural background. If you have any special interest, please tell us in advance and we can adapt the tour to your needs. To discover other Art Nouveau Private Tours in Vienna HERE.
This 8-hour full day private tour is probably the best art nouveau tour in Austria.
Tailored to your interests
Where the private tour Begins and Ends
Your private guide will meet you at Postsparkasse or your hotel (if located nearby). We will end this tour leaving you by car/minivan at your hotel or also we can drop you off at any other place in the city center.
Exclusions
Entrance fees to the museums visited during the tour.
Your interests will determine the museums included in the tour. We can also show you the Kirche am Steinhof and surroundings in a private visit. Our tour guide will adapt the itinerary to your interests.
Food and drinks.
Additional Information
Most of our guests prefer private tours in English, but if you’d like a tour in another language, simply let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Our Vienna guides are experts in different fields, each with a deep passion for sharing the city’s rich history, culture, and architectural legacy. Whether you’re drawn to Otto Wagner’s groundbreaking urban designs, the elegance of Art Nouveau, your family origins, or the broader historical and cultural landscape of Vienna, our guides offer a highly engaging and personalized experience. We recommend booking early to secure the guide best suited to your specific interests.
What started as exclusive Art Nouveau tours over a decade ago has since evolved into a diverse range of curated experiences. Visit our VIENNA-city-PAGE, where you can also stay up-to-date with Vienna’s latest exhibitions and events. Whether you want to dive into Otto Wagner’s legacy or explore Vienna’s modern-day delights, we are here to bring your vision to life.
While Otto Wagner’s architectural masterpieces continue to be a highlight for many, we now offer general city tours, business lunch arrangements, home-hunting assistance, filming location scouting, and chauffeur-driven explorations. We also provide hotel recommendations and airport transfers to ensure a seamless visit to Vienna.
One of our most popular private tours in Wien is a 2,5 hours private tour on Gustav Klimt. It includes the highlights to be seen in the Austrian capital. Worth booking if you don’t have a full day to discover Wien. We can also make customized private tours to discover a specific house or place – we adjust to your needs and you can contact us at the form included in the Wien city page.
Explore a fascinating chapter of Vienna’s architectural and historical narrative with a visit to the Friedhofskirche zum Heiligen Karl Borromäus (St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery Church). Designed in 1911 by architect Max Hegele, this stunning Jugendstil masterpiece is located near the heart of Vienna’s Central Cemetery. The impressive cemetery church of Saint Charles Borromeo is a total work of art, that delves deeply into the question of transience.
Originally named the Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Gedächtnis-Kirche, it honored Vienna’s mayor Karl Lueger, whose progressive urban initiatives were overshadowed by his deeply troubling legacy of anti-Semitism. In 2000, after extensive renovations, the church was rededicated with its current name, reflecting its sacred mission while preserving its architectural significance. A visit to this striking structure offers insight into Vienna’s layered history and the elegance of its Art Nouveau era
Vienna’s Central Cemetery is more than just a final resting place. It’s a captivating blend of history, art, and nature. Explore the graves of renowned figures like Beethoven and Falco, admire stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and wander through serene green spaces. As the cemetery celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024, it continues to be a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Around two square kilometers in area, it is the second largest cemetery in Europe.
Art Nouveau – Viennese Secession style