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Vienna tour aims to demystify ‘Hitler balcony’ after far-right clip

A guided tour is seeking to demystify the so-called "Hitler balcony" in Vienna after the notorious landmark appeared in a video promoting Austria's far-right party.

Published: 9 September 2023 12:33 CEST

The currently closed, so-called Hitler Balcony in the Neue Burg, part of the Hofburg Palace, is pictured during a special guided tour, organised by the House of Austrian History following a controversial video by the youth wing of the far-right Freedom Party. Photo: Alex HALADA / AFP

The balcony — where Adolf Hitler spoke after the Nazis annexed his homeland Austria in 1938 — is currently not in use and closed to the public.

But images of it were included in a promotional video in August from the youth wing of the Freedom Party — which is expected to win next year’s election in Austria.

Amid loaded imagery, including Paris’s Notre Dame in flames, the video shows the party’s youth wing taking part in torchlight processions and standing below the balcony.

The clip sparked outrage in Austria, prompting the House of Austrian History — which today is housed in the building with the balcony — to offer the visits.

“We noticed there is a societal need, a curiosity. And we also see that education is needed, because especially if you look at (online) forums now, there is a lot of incorrect information and misinterpretations,” museum director Monika Sommer told AFP.

She said the tours focusing on the balcony, a vast terrace flanked by neoclassic columns in Vienna’s historic centre, came in response to the far-right video.

‘Dare for new approach’

Thursday’s first of five tours scheduled so far was fully booked out with 35 people listening to Sommer, in front of the closed wood-frame glass doors leading onto the balcony.

Several of those attending were disappointed not to be able to step outside.

“It should be stripped of its taboos,” Markus Mitterhuber, 56, a theatre actor who took the tour, told AFP.

The balcony has only been opened on very select occasions, such as a speech by Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel in 1992 and a private New Year’s party in 1999-2000.

The House of Austrian History has long been pushing to have the balcony opened up, launching an online collection of ideas in 2019 for its future.

“We should dare to approach this place in a new way. Making the place publicly accessible, for example in the form of registered tours, could be a way of demystifying it,” Sommer said.

So far the authorities have refused to open the balcony, citing safety fears, for example, because of its low balustrade.

Austria long cast itself as a victim after being annexed by Nazi Germany.

Only since the 1980s has the country begun to seriously examine its role in the Holocaust when more than 65,000 Austrian Jews were killed.

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10 things you definitely should know if you cycle in Vienna

If you use a bike to get around in Vienna, it is important to be aware of a few rules and key tips so you stay safe, warm, dry and out of trouble with Austrian police.

Here are 10 things that you should think about before jumping on your bike in Vienna.

Autumn and winter weather can be tough – but so can summer

Vienna weather’s can be brutal sometimes both in the winter, and summer.

During autumn and winter, you will experience rain, wind, and sometimes even snow, although it usually does not last for long. This means you might need to prepare yourself for whatever comes during your ride.

A good idea is to always keep a waterproof and windproof jacket in your backpack and a cap that you can wear under your helmet in case of rain.

If snow is still on the ground, waiting a while before jumping on your bike is better, given the streets may be slippery. Since snow tends to melt quickly in Vienna, you will probably not have to wait long.

Cycling in extreme heat during summer—as heatwaves become longer, harsher, and more common—is also not advised. On days when temperatures are forecast to go over 30C, it might be better to leave the bike at home.

Don’t forget your lights

In Vienna (and Austria in general), you must use front and rear lights when riding during darker hours and during times of reduced visibility, such as fog or heavy rain.

If you do not use bike lights, you put yourself at risk and face a fine of over €20 if caught. Some Vienna police officers are especially vigilant about catching bikers breaking the rules.

Look for the bike lanes

While biking around Vienna, you often ride alongside cars, trams, and buses. Many cycle lanes are available, but they are not everywhere, and sometimes, you may need to take a longer route to your destination if you want to avoid sharing the road with cars.

A good idea is to check where the bike paths are located and plan your route ahead of time to stay on dedicated paths as much as possible.

Although most car drivers in Vienna tend to show respect to cyclists, complex situations can take place on busy streets, especially during rush hours (mornings and late afternoons after work).

Exploring Vienna by bike during quieter times, such as Sunday mornings, is a good idea to get to know the city, its biking paths, and different roads better.

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Do not leave your bike outside overnight

Vienna is not known for being a city where bikes are often stolen, but it can definitely happen. According to the VCÖ, an Austrian public welfare organisation specializing in mobility and transport, 6,328 bikes were stolen in the Austrian capital last year, a decrease of almost seven percent from the year before but still the highest number in Austria in absolute figures.

A good idea is to always bring your bike into your basement, inner yard, or even your flat during the night.

Always lock your parked bike, even if you only go into a shop briefly, the VCÖ says. When locking up, ensure the frame and lock are attached to a bicycle bracket.

“If only the front wheel is attached to the bike stand, there is a risk that the bike will be removed and the rest of the bike stolen,” explained VCÖ spokesperson Christian Gratzer.

The organisation adds that people should replace the quick release on the saddle and front wheel with safety bolts and use a high-quality bicycle lock.

Always bring some tools with you

While riding around, it is not unlikely that something sometimes breaks, falls off, or starts causing problems. Therefore, it is important to always carry a small kit of the most essential tools with you, such as small screwdrivers and a compact bike pump.

The city has spots with bike pumps in some places, but since you never know when you might need one, it’s a good idea to bring your own.

If you don’t know how to repair minor issues with bikes, such as fixing a flat tire, watching YouTube videos can help.

Watch out for the electric scooters

You are likely to sometimes consider electric scooters as your worst enemies.

They move quickly, can be very quiet, share your lane, and are often ridden by people in groups. Many electric scooter riders tend to change speed quickly.

However, as long as you notice them in time, it should not be a bigger problem.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol

Just like with driving, cycling while under the influence of alcohol is not allowed in Austria. So, you will be fined if you are caught over the limit.

In fact, cyclists are only allowed up to 0.4mg of alcohol per litre of breath. If a breathalyser detects more alcohol in your system, you will be fined based on how much you have consumed.

From 0.4mg: €800 to €3,700 fine
From 0.6mg: €1,200 to €4,400
From 0.8mg: €1,600 to €5,900
Refusal to test: €1,600 to €5,900

As well as a fine, cyclists can lose a driving licence if caught cycling while drunk. According to the federal government, this is because “riding a bicycle while intoxicated can be an indication of a lack of traffic reliability”. Because of that, authorities may determine that you are not fit to drive and, therefore, revoke your driver’s licence.

Do not use a bike with thin tyres

Since Vienna is a city filled with tram lanes, using tyres that fit well into them can be dangerous.

In the city, it is almost unavoidable not to ride where you have to cross tram lanes or ride next to them.

Using slightly thicker tyres can make your trip safer. But if you absolutely want to ride your racing bike with thin tires, that should also be safe, as long as you always watch where you go.

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Vienna is sometimes hilly

Vienna is not completely flat; if you go higher up in districts such as Ottakring, Hernals, and Währing, you might feel like you are getting a bit of a workout.

During Viennese hot summers, this workout might make you arrive somewhat sweaty at your destination. If you want to avoid this, it is important to plan to wear breathable clothes, bring an extra set, or bike so slowly that you barely start sweating.

Also, it is good to remember that you are allowed to take your bike on the metro outside of rush hours.

Pedestrians share paths with bikes

In many parts of the city, such as along the Ringstraße surrounding the inner district, bikers share paths with pedestrians, sometimes leading to stressful situations.

Many pedestrians do not watch out for bikes, change their walking patterns, or might be listening to music. It is therefore very important to pay attention to your surroundings when you ride in this part of the city.

Take the red lights into consideration

If the light is red, you are not allowed to go through it, even if there are no cars or pedestrians crossing your route.

Another important thing regarding traffic lights is that, if you are unlucky, you might have to wait for the green light multiple times during your bike trip, which could make you arrive later than expected.

A good idea is to start a little earlier to avoid arriving late if you are going somewhere important.

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