Schönbrunn Palace Vienna's breath-taking place

When you ask someone from our area where they plan to spend New Year's, Christmas, Easter or any major holiday, the answer is often short and clear: Vienna. So often that it almost becomes a cliché. And now that I think about it, rightly so.

Honestly, I didn't understand this euphoria for a long time. I've never been there, and I wasn't particularly attracted to it. Vienna sounded more like a place where people go because "that's what everyone does", than something I would choose. However, my friend had a very specific reason for going, he enrolled in a university in Vienna because he believes he can get a better education there. And honestly, I never doubted his choice for a moment.

At the end of December, before New Year's, we decided to visit him. I and 3 other friends agreed to go in my car and visit him, packed our bags, got in the car and set off for Vienna. Upon arrival, the city welcomed us in its most beautiful form, with lights hanging from every tree, the streets smelling of cinnamon, mulled wine and vanilla rolls, and people walking slowly, as if they were in no hurry. Every square has been transformed into a small New Year's village, with houses selling handicrafts, decorations, cakes and souvenirs. Vienna in winter is like a postcard.

And then the day came when we decided to visit Schönbrunn Palace.

If there is a place that manages to combine history, luxury and a certain quiet elegance, it is this castle. It is known as the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, I could see why, although it is beautiful in winter, it still lacks spring and summer colors. I heard that it is most beautiful during spring when everything is in bloom and when everything is colored like in a fairy tale. It was beautiful at this time of year too. When you approach the gate, you feel like you are entering a time machine. The huge honey-colored facade, perfectly symmetrical windows, all in a solemn peace that makes you fall silent for a moment.

In front of the castle, we were greeted by a festive market, smaller and quieter than those on the square, but with a special warmth. There was also a statue man dressed as Mozart, he gave a special glow to Vienna. I drank hot cocoa while my breath made clouds in the air, and the violin of a street musician played some famous Austrian melody, I couldn’t remember which one. It’s not a cliché, it really is magical.

Unfortunately, I didn’t visit the inside of the castle.

And then we climbed the hill above the castle, to the famous Glorietta. The view from there is breathtaking, the whole of Vienna spreads out in front of you, with the white peaks of the churches and the candles flickering from the streets. The wind was strong, icy, but the feeling was so strong that none of us spoke, we just stood and watched.

Schönbrunn is not only a tourist attraction. It is a space that makes you pause. To remember how beautiful history can be, but also how important it is to travel, broaden horizons, absorb stories, architecture, culture. For me personally, Vienna has ceased to be another European city. It became a place where I connected holidays with friends, but also with myself.

So, if you ever find yourself in Vienna, don't just visit the shopping malls and drink wine in the square. Make time for Schönbrunn Palace. Bring a hat, a camera and an open heart. Your winter may never be the same again.

Thank you for visiting, I hope you enjoyed it, Adam :D

Every photography was taken with Samsung S23