The devilish Vienna

If you’re someone who loves a good spooky story or is intrigued by the eerie tales lurking behind Vienna’s elegant facades, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. The Devilish Vienna tour promises a 2-hour journey through the city’s darker corners, filled with tales of ghosts, curses, and historical horrors. While it’s not a horror show or a ghost hunt, it offers a lively, storytelling experience that appeals to those interested in Vienna’s more mysterious and chilling legends.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines historical facts with legendary tales, creating a captivating atmosphere. Plus, the guide, Stefan, is praised not just for his knowledge but for his performance, making each story vivid and convincing. One potential downside? The tour is quite focused on the darker stories, which might not be suited for travelers looking for lighter or family-friendly activities. But if you’re up for some spine-tingling tales, this tour could be a highlight of your Vienna visit.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy history with a twist, have a taste for the macabre, or simply want a different way to explore Vienna’s center after sunset. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate storytelling and engaging guides. Just keep in mind, it’s an adult-themed tour and involves walking through the city’s historic streets at night, so dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes.

Key Points

• Dark Stories & Legends: The tour covers spooky tales, haunted sites, and gruesome legends tied to Vienna’s history.
• Expert Guide: Stefan, the guide, is praised for his storytelling skills and performance, making the experience lively.
• Historical & Cultural Depth: Beyond ghost stories, you’ll learn about the city’s historic sites, like the Imperial Crypt, and legends associated with them.
• Comfortable Pace & Duration: Lasts about 2 hours, making it an easy, manageable evening activity.
• Affordable Price Point: At around $45 per person, the experience offers a memorable, niche tour without breaking the bank.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 20 travelers, so expect a more intimate and engaging atmosphere.

A Deep Dive Into the Dark Side of Vienna

If you’re like us, you’re probably curious about what really goes on behind Vienna’s polished streets and historic buildings. This Devilish Vienna tour offers an opportunity to peek into the city’s darker stories, many of which are rooted in history and legends that have persisted over centuries. The fact that it’s a 2-hour walk makes it accessible, while still packing enough stories to keep you hooked.

The Itinerary: What’s Included?

The tour starts at Stephansplatz, a central point in Vienna, and takes you through several notable but lesser-seen sites. Each stop is designed to feed your curiosity about the city’s darker past.

Stop 1: Josefsplatz

This is where the tour kicks off, at a location famous for its connection to The Third Man film. You’ll hear about Harry Lime’s mysterious death and the criminal underworld of Vienna — tunnels, bunkers, and canals that lend themselves well to ghostly tales. The guide’s storytelling here sets a vivid scene, and the fact that this part is free to explore makes it a good starting point.

Stop 2: Michaelerplatz

Next up, the tour takes you to a site with an intriguing legend about mummies and mummification in Vienna. You get a quick but fascinating glimpse into the secrets of the Michaelergruft, adding a layer of eerie curiosity about Vienna’s past burial practices.

Stop 3: Neuer Markt

Here, the focus shifts to the Imperial Crypt, an iconic cemetery with stories of hidden dungeons and monks’ punishments. This spot is rich in the kind of macabre stories that make you wonder about the city’s historical secrets.

Stop 4: Rauhensteingasse

This part is especially chilling. The house where Vienna’s infamous torture prison once operated is linked to the only witch in Vienna, Elisabeth Plainacher. You’ll also hear legends about Mozart’s death house and ghostly requiem scenes from Amadeus, which add a pop-culture twist to the dark tales.

Stop 5: Blutgasse

The legend of the Knights Templar massacre, which supposedly gave the alley its name, is a story that has persisted for centuries. It’s a reminder of how legends and curses can intertwine with real history in Vienna.

Stop 6: Stephansplatz

Back at the city center, you’ll learn why the north tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral is only half as tall as the south tower, along with devilish symbols on the cathedral’s exterior. The guide shares a legendary pact with the devil that explains some of these features.

Stop 7: Fleischmarkt & Dr. Ignaz Seipel Platz

The tour finishes with stories of people buried alive, including the haunting tale of “Dear Augustine,” thrown into a plague pit. It’s a stark reminder of Vienna’s darker medical history and superstitions.

What’s the Experience Like?

Throughout the walk, you’re likely to feel a mix of intrigue and thrill — the stories are well-told, with just enough detail to send a shiver down your spine. The guide, Stefan, is praised for his storytelling prowess, making each legend come alive. A reviewer even suggests, jokingly, that Stefan might have made a pact with the devil himself!

The pace is comfortable, and the tour’s structure allows for pauses to absorb the stories or snap photos of the historic sites. Since the tour is offered in the evening, the twilight or night ambiance enhances the spooky mood, making it ideal for a late evening adventure.

Is It Worth the Price?

At about $45.38 per person, this tour provides a focused, entertaining experience that combines history, legends, and a touch of the supernatural. Considering the depth of storytelling, the small group size, and the lively narration, it feels like a good value. Remember, it’s a guided experience, so you’re paying for the expertise and ambiance as much as the content.

What Do Travelers Say?

The one review available from another traveler is highly positive: they called it a “perfect tour for Friday night,” and praised Stefan’s storytelling. They mentioned their fascination with the stories and the “really scary sh*t,” which confirms this tour’s appeal for thrill-seekers and lovers of spooky tales.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a history buff who enjoys legends, a lover of ghost stories, or simply someone looking for a different way to engage with Vienna at night, this tour offers a memorable experience. It’s especially suited for those interested in stories of haunted sites, curses, and the city’s darker folklore.

However, it’s not ideal for families with young children or travelers seeking a family-friendly activity, as the stories lean into the macabre and some content might be too intense for kids. Also, since it’s an outdoor walking tour, good weather is recommended — bad weather could lead to cancellations or a less enjoyable experience.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the stories involve ghosts, curses, and gruesome tales, it’s better suited for adults or older teens. It’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity without feeling rushed or overly long.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Stephansplatz 5 and concludes at Fleischmarkt, both central locations in Vienna that are easy to reach via public transportation.

What is the price and what does it include?
The tour costs about $45.38 per person, and it’s a guided experience with a knowledgeable storyteller. The ticket is digital, so no need for physical tickets.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What if the weather turns bad?
Since the tour requires good weather, it might be canceled or rescheduled due to poor conditions. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Devilish Vienna tour delivers a compelling mix of history, legend, and spine-tingling tales, all wrapped up in a lively 2-hour walk through the city’s darker side. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy stories told with flair and want a different perspective on Vienna’s historic sites. While it’s not for the faint-hearted or families with young children, adults looking for a fun, eerie evening should find plenty to love here.

The guide’s storytelling prowess, combined with the atmospheric evening setting and famous sites, creates a memorable experience that stands out from the usual city tours. If you’re after something uniquely thrilling and enjoy a good ghost story, this tour is definitely worth considering.

In summary, The Devilish Vienna offers a well-curated, atmospheric peek into the city’s haunted past. It balances storytelling with historical insight and delivers a fun, spooky night walk that’s both engaging and a little creepy. Ideal for those who want to add a dash of mystery and myth to their Vienna trip, it’s a tour that’s likely to leave you with more than a few shivers and a handful of stories to tell.