Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.woka.at
; 01, Singerstrasse 16; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, to 5pm Sat; Stephansplatz)
Get a feel for the
spectacular Wiener Werkstätte aesthetic and Bauhaus, art deco and Secessionist design,
with its accurate reproductions of lamps designed by the likes of Adolf Loos, Kolo Moser
and Josef Hoffmann.
Österreichische Werkstätten
GLASS, CERAMICS
( 512 24 18;
www.austrianarts.com
; 01, Kärntner Strasse 6; 10am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, to 6pm Sat;
Stephansplatz)
Österreichische Werkstätten is dedicated to selling work made by Austrian
companies and designed by Austrian designers. Look out for Kisslinger, a family glass-
ware company since 1946, with Klimt- and Hundertwasser -styled designs; Peter Wolfe's
more traditional Tirol-style designed glassware; and of course the world-renowned
Riedel wine glasses.
J&L Lobmeyr Vienna
( 512 05 08;
www.lobmeyr.at
; 01, Kärntner Strasse 26; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; Stephansplatz)
Sweep up
the beautifully ornate wrought-iron staircase to one of Vienna's most lavish retail experi-
ences. The collection of Biedermeier pieces, Loos-designed sets, fine or arty glassware
and porcelain on display here glitters from the lights of the chandelier-festooned atrium.
Production is focused towards pieces inspired by the Wiener Werkstätte artists from the
early 20th century.
CERAMICS
Orientation
Vienna occupies 415 sq km in the Danube Valley, with the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods)
forming a natural border to the north and west. The Danube (Donau) River flows north-
east to southwest through the city. Vienna's heart, the Innere Stadt (inner city; first dis-
trict), is south of the river on a diversion of the Danube, the Danube Canal (Donaukanal).
It's encircled on three sides by the Ringstrasse, or Ring, a series of broad roads sport-
ing an extravaganza of architectural delights. The Ring is at a distance of between
1.75km and 3km from the Gürtel (literally, 'belt'), a larger traffic artery that is fed by the
flow of vehicles from outlying autobahn.
Stephansdom (St Stephen's Cathedral), with its slender spire, is in the heart of the In-
nere Stadt and is Vienna's principal landmark. Leading south from Stephansplatz station
