Previewing Austria Vienna v Everton
Part 1: Evertonians' Quick Guide to Vienna

I expect that there will be quite a few Evertonians making the trip over to Vienna for Sunday’s match, which has the added attraction of being Roberto Martinez first game in charge. Having lived in Vienna for the past 8 years, I am excited about seeing The Blues play here. I am attending the match with a friend who supports Austria Vienna so, although I will be in the wrong end, I look forward to meeting some fellow Blues there.

I will come on to the football aspect later and will write a match report in Part 2 next week – can’t promise that it will be of the same standard as Ken Buckley!

This is just a short introduction to the beautiful city of Vienna, particularly places to drink and eat. I guess that most fans will just come for the day. That is a pity as lots of places are closed on Sundays. The city centre will be quieter than on other days.

The city centre is known as the 1st District (Innenstadt). It is not a large area to stroll around and is surrounded by The Ring (Ringstrasse). Its heart is Stephensplatz, a large square containing the cathedral (Stephensdom). Most fans will probably congregate there. The best places to drink are just a few minutes walk away.

Fancy a drink in a beer clinic? I strongly recommend Gosser Bierklinik. It is situated in a cobbled street (Steindelgasse) behind St Peters Church. It is an historic pub/restaurant. Plenty of beers on draught. Most Austrian beer is light coloured (Helles), but you can also get a darker beer like Mild (Dunkles) here. Good hearty Austrian food is served. I have checked and, unfortunately, it is closed on Sundays.

My next recommendation is 1516 Brewing Company, at the far end of Krugerstrasse – which comes off the main shopping street (Kartnerstrasse) just before the Opera House. They serve their own beers plus different international beers (even have a beer menu in English!).

Almost opposite is the main Irish pub, Flanagans (corner of Schwarzenbergstrasse). You will find Kilkenny and Guinness here, along with some Austrian beers. They serve British food, including Sunday roast, and you can watch Ashes cricket (if it is not all over!).

There are many other places to drink, but most of the pubs are outside the city centre. If, like me, you prefer bitter you will be unlucky unless you come across Schnitt (tastes better than it sounds!). Failing that Marzen is usually good, as is Zwickl. If anyone likes shandy, ask for Radler.

Wine drinkers will find good Austrian red and white wine, notably in restaurants, cafes (which also serve beer) or in wine taverns (Heurigen). If you are spending a few days in Vienna I suggest taking a trip out to the district of Grinzing, which contains many attractive Heurigen. It is a very attractive area, that feels quite like a village. You can reach it on a 38 Tram.

If you fancy a quick snack try a typical Austrian hot dog from a Wurtselstand. There are various flavours, including curry and cheese.

Before I move on to the football, a few tips:-

1. English is spoken widely in Vienna, particularly in the 1st District.

2. Cash is still king rather than cards, although you will be able to use them in most places.

3. You can travel all day on a 24 hour ticket, available from all stations for a few Euros.

4. Don’t forget the sun tan lotion – temperatures could be in the high 20s, even at Kick-off time (5pm).

5. One safety tip - if you are crossing The Ring to visit a park, museum etc, be sure to look both ways. This is very important as, although it is one-way for vehicles, trams run in both directions. The trams are fairly quiet, as I almost found out to my cost a few times during my early days here!

Austria Vienna (Austria Wien) comfortably won the Austrian Bundesliga last season. I have not seen them play, except bits on TV. They seem to be a well organised side. However the Austrian Bundesliga is Championship level at best. As their season begins next Saturday, this will be an important match for them. The Austrian season begins early because they have a lengthy mid-winter break.

They are a strange club as they changed their name 3 times in 14 years – originally Austria Wien, then Austria Memphis Magna (in 1999), reduced to Austria Magna, then back to Austria Wien (in 2008). Sponsorship clearly affected those changes, but can you imagine supporting Merseyside Chang United, or England Everton!

The Violets (Die Veilchen) play in all purple - another one of those teams who have spoilt their kit by reverting to one colour. They originally played in purple and white.

Coincidentally it will also be the first game of any significance for their own new manager. Their previous manager was snapped up by Koln in the German Bundesliga at the end of last season.

Franz Horr Stadium (part of Generali Arena) only has a capacity of 12,500.

I have checked for directions to the ground. If you are travelling from the city centre take the U1 underground (U-Bahn) line from Stephensplatz to Reumannplatz. Then take the 67 Tram – direction Oberlaa – to the Altes Landgut stop. The ground, in Fischhofgasse, will be visible. It is 10 minutes walk away.

ps: If any other Vienna-based Evertonians wish to add to this piece, please feel free to do so!

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