Vienna, the capital and most populous city of Austria, boasts over two million residents, nearly a third of the nation's population. This primate city serves as Austria's cultural, economic, and political hub. Situated along the Danube River, Vienna holds the title of fifth largest city in the European Union and the most populous on the Danube.
The year 1900 saw a significant change in Vienna's urban landscape with the creation of Brigittenau, established as the city's 20th district. This new district emerged from separating a part of the existing 2nd district.
The year 1904 marked a significant expansion of Vienna's city limits with the integration of Floridsdorf, Kagran, Stadlau, Hirschstetten, Aspern, and other villages situated on the left bank of the Danube River. This incorporation led to the creation of the 21st district, expanding Vienna's presence across the river.
In 1907, the Austro-Hungarian Empire introduced general voting rights for men for the parliament, known as the Reichsrat. However, Vienna's long-term mayor, Karl Lueger, belonging to the Christian Social Party, strategically maneuvered to avoid implementing this in Vienna's municipal elections. This effectively excluded a large portion of the working class from participating in local political decision-making. Adolf Hitler, who resided in Vienna during this period, saw Lueger's tactics as a model for manipulating antisemitism for political gain.
Vienna's public transportation network expanded in 1907 with the introduction of buses, marking a significant development in the city's urban mobility.
In 1908, Adolf Loos designed the iconic Kärntner Bar, showcasing his distinctive modernist approach to interior design.
Architect Adolf Loos completed the construction of the Looshaus, a notable example of Viennese Modernism architecture, in 1909. The building's design reflects Loos's rejection of extraneous ornamentation, emphasizing functionality and clean lines.
By 1910, Vienna's population reached over two million, securing its position as the third-largest city in Europe. This surge in population was primarily driven by industrialization and migration from within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Notably, Vienna boasted the world's second-largest Czech population at the time, after Prague.
Continuing its expansion, Vienna incorporated the village of Strebersdorf in 1910, further extending its boundaries and encompassing surrounding areas.
The Steiner House, another prominent example of Adolf Loos's architectural prowess, was finished in 1910. Like Loos's other works, the Steiner House embodies the principles of Viennese Modernism, prioritizing practicality and minimalist aesthetics.
By 1913, Viennese coffee houses had become central meeting places for intellectuals and political figures, with notable figures like Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Leon Trotsky, and Josip Broz Tito frequenting these establishments.
The Imperial and Royal War Ministry, a grand structure on Vienna's iconic Ringstraße, was completed in 1913. This building, symbolic of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's power, stands as a testament to the city's architectural prowess and historical significance.
Vienna reached its highest recorded population in 1916, a testament to the city's growth and significance during the early 20th century.
Following the end of Austria-Hungary in 1918, Vienna witnessed a significant decline in its population. Many Czech and Hungarian residents returned to their home countries, contributing to this demographic shift.
The First Republic of Austria was established in 1918, marking a new era for the country.
The year 1918 marked the end of a significant political era in Vienna, as the Christian Social Party, which had held sway over city politics for two decades, lost its dominance. This shift in power paved the way for new political forces and ideologies to shape Vienna's future.
In May 1919, the Social Democrats won an absolute majority in the Vienna municipal election, securing 100 out of 165 seats in the city council. This victory ushered in the era of Red Vienna.
The SPÖ won the first free election in Vienna in 1919, marking the beginning of their long-standing control over the city's government.
Following the short-lived Republic of German-Austria, Vienna became the capital of the First Republic of Austria in 1919.
The 1920 city constitution mandated the separation of municipal and state business, resulting in separate meetings for the city council and state parliament, despite having identical memberships.
In 1920, Vienna gained the status of a federal state, leading to the establishment of a state parliament and the dual role of the mayor as Landeshauptmann.
The Ernst-Happel-Stadion, originally called the Praterstadion, opened its doors in 1931 within Vienna's Prater Park, becoming a significant landmark for sports in the city.
In 1933, Engelbert Dollfuss closed down the first chamber of the federal parliament, the Nationalrat.
In February 1934, the Austrian Civil War took place, involving troops of the Austrian federal government under Engelbert Dollfuss and paramilitary socialist organizations. This led to the ban of the Social Democratic party.
In 1934, during the Austrian Civil War, Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss ordered the Austrian Armed Forces to suppress socialist resistance, leading to the shelling of civilian housing occupied by the Republikanischer Schutzbund.
The SPÖ's dominance in Vienna was interrupted between 1934 and 1945 when the party was outlawed.
The period of socialist politics and social reform in Vienna, known as Red Vienna, came to an end in 1934.
In October 1938, during the Nazi regime, Vienna underwent a major territorial expansion, creating "Great Vienna." This expansion involved incorporating 97 towns and villages into the city, redrawing its boundaries and significantly increasing its size. However, this expansion proved temporary, as 80 of these incorporated areas were returned to Lower Austria in 1954.
During the November pogroms in November 1938, Nazi violence targeted Jewish communities in Vienna, resulting in the destruction of 92 synagogues, with only the city temple in the 1st district spared.
During the four-power occupation of Vienna, the Soviet forces exerted control over specific districts, including those incorporated into the city in 1938.
The year 1938 marked a turning point as Vienna's flourishing cultural scene, particularly in music, faced oppression and persecution with the rise of Nazi Germany.
On April 2, 1945, the Soviet Red Army launched the Vienna Offensive, capturing the city after eleven days of fighting and marking the beginning of Soviet occupation.
Following the end of World War II, Vienna was divided into four sectors under the control of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union, beginning in September 1945.
After a period of illegality, the SPÖ regained control of Vienna's government in 1945.
The Berlin Blockade of 1948 raised concerns among Western powers that the Soviets might impose a similar blockade on Vienna, leading to contingency plans.
The Cold War significantly impacted Vienna, with the city becoming a center of espionage between the Western and Eastern blocs after the 1948 Berlin Blockade.
Set against the backdrop of post-war Vienna in 1949, Graham Greene's screenplay for the film "The Third Man" captures the city's atmosphere during the four-power occupation. Notably, the film's score, composed and performed by Anton Karas using a zither, became iconic.
The Third Man, a classic film noir masterpiece set against the backdrop of postwar Vienna, was released in 1949. The Burg Kino, a renowned cinema in Vienna, is known for its tradition of screening this cinematic gem three times a week.
Hermann Gmeiner founded SOS Children's Villages in Vienna in 1949, establishing a global organization dedicated to providing care and support for orphaned and abandoned children.
In contrast to the erection of barbed wire fences around West Berlin in 1953, Vienna did not experience the same physical division, reflecting differing Cold War dynamics.
The year 1954 witnessed a significant reversal of the territorial changes imposed during Nazi rule. Eighty towns and villages that were forcefully incorporated into Vienna in 1938 were returned to Lower Austria, marking a return to a more historically accurate boundary and reducing the city's size.
May 1955 marked the end of the four-power control over Vienna with the signing of the Austrian State Treaty. This significant event led to the reopening of prominent cultural institutions like the State Opera and the Burgtheater after years of post-war reconstruction.
In October 1955, Austria passed a law declaring its neutrality, ensuring it would not align with NATO or the Soviet bloc. This decision, influenced by the Soviet Union's guarantee in exchange for their signature on the State Treaty, had lasting implications, including Austria's delayed entry into the European Union in 1995.
The signing of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955 marked the end of the Soviet occupation in Eastern Austria and Vienna, with Austria declaring permanent neutrality in exchange.
After a decade of Soviet occupation, Austria regained full sovereignty in 1955, marking the end of the Allied occupation that began in 1945.
The Vienna's English Theatre (VET) was established in 1963, marking a significant cultural milestone as the first English-language theater in continental Europe. Situated in Vienna's 8th district, the VET has since become a beloved institution, offering a diverse range of English-language productions to audiences from Vienna and beyond.
Vienna's Ernst-Happel-Stadion took center stage in the world of football in 1963 when it hosted its first European Cup final, marking the beginning of its legacy as a venue for major sporting events.
In a landmark event for international law, the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties was signed in Vienna in 1969, establishing a comprehensive framework for treaty relations between states.
The year 1972 marked the start of an ambitious project in Vienna - the construction of Donauinsel, a 21.1 km long artificial island serving as both flood defense and a hub for leisure activities.
The city of Vienna welcomed the inaugural edition of the Vienna Open tennis tournament in 1974, held at the Wiener Stadthalle, marking the beginning of an annual sporting tradition.
Billy Joel's iconic song "Vienna" captivated audiences upon its release in 1977.
Ultravox, a British new wave band, released their influential synth-pop ballad "Vienna" in 1981.
The year 1983 witnessed the construction of a Buddhist Peace Pagoda on the banks of the Danube in Vienna. This serene landmark was built by the dedicated monks and nuns of Nipponzan Myohoji, serving as a symbol of peace and a testament to the city's growing religious diversity.
The Ernst-Happel-Stadion further solidified its reputation as a premier football venue by hosting its second European Cup final in 1986.
After 16 years of work, the construction of Donauinsel, Vienna's artificial island, reached completion in 1988, transforming the city's landscape and providing a unique space for recreation.
In 1989, Vienna's Ernst-Happel-Stadion once again hosted the prestigious European Cup final, solidifying its place in football history.
The fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 led to Vienna becoming a gateway to Eastern Europe, with 300 international companies setting up their Eastern European headquarters in the city.
Vienna played a pivotal role in international arms control with the signing of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe in 1990, aiming to reduce tensions and prevent military conflict in Europe.
Philip Kerr's 1991 novel, "A German Requiem," offers a depiction of occupied Vienna, further solidifying the city's historical significance in literature.
The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) increased its representation in the city council from the 1991 elections, winning 21 seats.
In 1993, cycling accounted for a modest 3% of transportation usage in Vienna.
The Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna hosted its fourth European Cup final in 1994, further cementing its reputation as a top venue for the sport.
In 1995, Austria joined the European Union, marking a significant development in its history. This move was influenced by various factors, including the country's long-held neutrality since 1955.
For the first time since 1919, the SPÖ lost its absolute majority in the 1996 city council elections, securing 43 seats and 39.15% of the vote.
In 1998, Vienna took a significant step towards combating homophobic discrimination by establishing an anti-discrimination unit within its city administration.
After decades of stagnation and decline, Vienna's population experienced notable growth in the 2000 census, marking a turning point in the city's demographic trends.
The Haus der Musik, which translates to "house of music," first opened its doors to the public in the year 2000.
By 2001, statistics revealed that 16% of Austria's residents were of non-Austrian nationalities. Within Vienna, nearly half of this demographic were from former Yugoslavia. Other prominent nationalities included Turks (2.5%), Poles (0.9%), and Germans (0.8%).
The SPÖ regained its overall majority in the 2001 city council elections, winning 52 seats and 46.91% of the vote.
The year 2001 witnessed the completion of a remarkable architectural project in Vienna: the remodeling and revitalization of the historic Gasometer. This ambitious undertaking seamlessly blended modern architectural elements with the existing structure, breathing new life into the industrial landmark.
Vienna's city center was recognized for its historical and cultural significance and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
In 2002, the LISAvienna platform was launched to support the life sciences sector in Vienna.
Since 2004, Vienna has seen a significant increase in new company formations, with around 8,300 new businesses established annually.
The Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna, an American football team based in the city, embarked on a period of dominance in the Eurobowl competition, winning the title for four consecutive years starting in 2004.
The SPÖ further solidified its majority in the city council elections in October 2005, winning 55 seats and 49.09% of the vote.
A 2005 study by the Economist Intelligence Unit placed Vienna in a tie for first place with Vancouver and San Francisco as the most livable cities globally.
Austria hosted the prestigious IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in 2005, with games taking place in Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle and OlympiaWorld Innsbruck, showcasing the nation's passion for the sport.
Between 2005 and 2010, Vienna established itself as the world's premier destination for international congresses and conventions, solidifying its position as a global hub for business and knowledge exchange.
From 2005 onward, Vienna's population began to experience a significant period of growth.
Up until 2005, the Theater an der Wien was renowned for hosting premieres of musicals. However, in 2006, a year dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, the theater made a significant shift back to its operatic roots.
Up until 2005, the Theater an der Wien was renowned for hosting premieres of musicals. However, in 2006, a year dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, the theater made a significant shift back to its operatic roots.
After commencing construction in June 2007, the new Vienna Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) officially opened its doors in October 2014, marking a major milestone in the city's transportation infrastructure. The station was designed to accommodate a high volume of passengers, with 1,100 trains and 145,000 passengers expected to pass through daily.
In 2007, the Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna cemented their place as a European American football powerhouse by securing their fourth consecutive Eurobowl title.
Vienna secured the top spot globally for its vibrant culture of innovation in both 2007 and 2008, demonstrating its commitment to fostering creativity and technological advancement.
Starting in 2008, the Wiener Akademikerball, an annual ball held at the Hofburg Palace, became a focal point of controversy, sparking yearly protests from various organizations. The ball, hosted by Austria's right-wing populist party, the FPÖ, drew criticism for attracting far-right politicians and groups.
Vienna secured the top spot globally for its vibrant culture of innovation in both 2007 and 2008, demonstrating its commitment to fostering creativity and technological advancement.
Monocle's 2012 "Quality of Life Survey" positioned Vienna in fourth place on its list of the top 25 cities worldwide "to make a base within." This marked an improvement from its sixth-place ranking in 2011 and eighth-place ranking in 2010.
The year 2010 serves as the base year for UN-Habitat's projection of Vienna's population growth, which predicts a 4.65% increase by 2025.
Between 2005 and 2010, Vienna established itself as the world's premier destination for international congresses and conventions, solidifying its position as a global hub for business and knowledge exchange.
After losing their overall majority in 2010, the SPÖ formed a coalition with the Green Party—a first in Austria.
In March 2011, the mayor of Vienna unveiled the ambitious Smart City Wien initiative, following the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund's decision to provide funding for a project with the same objective. The Vienna city administration actively engaged with a wide array of stakeholders and subsequently released the comprehensive Smart City Wien action plan.
In 2011, a significant 74.3% of Viennese households had access to broadband internet, while 79% possessed a computer.
Vienna achieved a ranking of second place, behind Melbourne, in the Economist Intelligence Unit's livability rankings from 2011 to 2015.
Vienna improved its position in the ranking of economically powerful cities, moving up to ninth place in 2015 from its 2012 ranking.
To enhance its capacity and passenger experience, Vienna International Airport opened a new terminal building in 2012, marking a significant step in its ongoing expansion.
The Vienna Wanderers brought home the Championship of the Austrian Baseball League in 2012, marking a successful year for the team.
The Pioneers Festival, Central Europe's largest start-up event, was first held in Vienna in 2012, signifying the city's growing prominence in the start-up ecosystem.
Monocle's 2012 "Quality of Life Survey" positioned Vienna in fourth place on its list of the top 25 cities worldwide "to make a base within." This marked an improvement from its sixth-place ranking in 2011 and eighth-place ranking in 2010.
In its influential "State of the World Cities 2012/2013" report, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) bestowed upon Vienna the title of the most prosperous city worldwide.
In 2012-2013, the UN-Habitat designated Vienna as the world's most prosperous city, highlighting its exceptional quality of life and economic well-being.
In 2012, an official report from Statistics Austria highlighted the significant migrant population in Vienna. The report indicated that over 660,000 residents (38.8%) had full or partial migrant backgrounds, with a majority originating from former Yugoslavia, Turkey, Germany, Poland, Romania, and Hungary.
In 2012, Theater an der Wien expanded its operations by taking over the Wiener Kammeroper, a historic intimate theater located in Vienna's first district, with a seating capacity of 300.
By 2012, Vienna's information and communication technology sector had grown significantly, with 8,962 IT businesses employing 64,223 people.
In 2012-2013, the UN-Habitat designated Vienna as the world's most prosperous city, highlighting its exceptional quality of life and economic well-being.
In its influential "State of the World Cities 2012/2013" report, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) bestowed upon Vienna the title of the most prosperous city worldwide.
The DC Towers, situated on the northern bank of the Danube River, were completed in 2013, adding a striking modern landmark to Vienna's skyline.
The Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna achieved a remarkable feat in 2013 by completing a perfect season, showcasing their dominance in American football.
After commencing construction in June 2007, the new Vienna Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) officially opened its doors in October 2014, marking a major milestone in the city's transportation infrastructure. The station was designed to accommodate a high volume of passengers, with 1,100 trains and 145,000 passengers expected to pass through daily.
In 2014, Vienna earned a commendable sixth-place ranking globally (out of 256 cities) in the Innovation Cities Index, which evaluated 162 indicators across three key areas: culture, infrastructure, and markets.
In the spring of 2014, data revealed that Muslim students comprised a significant portion of Vienna's school system, making up 30% of the total student population.
According to the 2014 City RepTrack ranking by the Reputation Institute, Vienna achieved the highest reputation score among 100 major global cities, underscoring its positive global standing.
After commencing construction in June 2007, the new Vienna Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) officially opened its doors in October 2014, marking a major milestone in the city's transportation infrastructure. The station was designed to accommodate a high volume of passengers, with 1,100 trains and 145,000 passengers expected to pass through daily.
By 2015, Vienna had experienced a population growth of 10.1% since 2005, marking a period of notable demographic change.
By 2015, Vienna had strengthened its economic position, with the service sector dominating its economy and 175 international firms having established offices in the city.
In 2015, Vienna introduced traffic lights featuring same-sex couples, garnering international attention for its visible support of the LGBT community, particularly in preparation for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest.
In 2015, Vienna secured the second position on Monocle's "Quality of Life Survey," solidifying its reputation as a highly desirable city to live in.
The SPÖ-Green coalition continued following the 2015 city council election.
The construction of "HoHo Wien," the world's tallest wooden skyscraper, commenced in 2015, marking a significant milestone in sustainable architecture. The ambitious project aimed to be completed within three years.
Vienna consistently ranked highly for livability in 2015, securing the second position in both the Economist Intelligence Unit's livability report and the Quality of Life Survey conducted by London-based Monocle magazine.
Vienna served as the venue for crucial negotiations in 2015 that led to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, aiming to address international concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program.
Despite being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Vienna's city center was placed on the list of World Heritage in Danger in July 2017.
The Vienna Life Science Cluster, a major hub for life science research, education, and business, generated around 12 billion euros in revenue in 2017, representing over 50% of the total revenue generated by Austrian life science companies.
A study conducted by the Vienna Institute of Demography in 2018 offered an alternative perspective on the city's religious composition. Their findings estimated Catholics to make up 34% of the population, followed by 30% with no religious affiliation, 15% Muslims, 10% Orthodox Christians, 4% Protestants, and 6% adherents of other religions.
In October 2019, Eliud Kipchoge achieved a historic feat by breaking the marathon world record on the Hauptallee in Vienna's Prater Park during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge.
Vienna's Statistical Yearbook for 2019, drawing on data from 2018, provided insights into the city's religious makeup. It estimated 610,269 Roman Catholics (32.3% of the population), 200,000 Muslims (10.4%), 70,298 Orthodox Christians (3.7%), 57,502 other Christians (3.0%), and 9,504 individuals belonging to other religions (0.5%). These figures were based on information provided by various religious organizations regarding their membership.
Vienna achieved the top ranking in the 2019 PeoplePerHour Startup Cities Index, demonstrating its attractiveness for start-up companies, particularly in the life sciences sector.
Vienna Pride, the city's annual celebration of LGBT pride, reached new heights in 2019 when it hosted Europride, attracting an impressive 500,000 visitors.
In 2019, the Union of International Associations (UIA) ranked Vienna 5th globally for international meetings, hosting an impressive 306 events.
For the tenth year in a row, Vienna claimed the top spot in the prestigious 2019 Quality of Living Ranking conducted by the internationally renowned Mercer Consulting Group.
Central European University, forced to relocate from Budapest, opened its new campus in Vienna in 2019.
By 2020, a new district was expected to emerge in the vicinity of Vienna Central Station, encompassing a substantial 550,000 square meters (5,920,000 square feet) of office space and 5,000 new apartments.
Despite experiencing growth in the later 20th and early 21st centuries, Vienna's population in 2020 remained significantly lower than its recorded peak in 1916.
Following the 2020 city council election, the SPÖ formed a new coalition with NEOS - The New Austria and Liberal Forum.
The city of Vienna set an ambitious target of achieving full broadband coverage by the year 2020 as part of its comprehensive broadband strategy.
The religious landscape of Vienna in 2021 was surveyed and documented, providing insights into the city's diverse faiths and beliefs.
The 2021 census in Vienna revealed insightful religious demographics. It showed 49.0% of Viennese identified as Christian, with Catholics constituting the largest denomination at 31.8%, followed by Eastern Orthodox at 11.2%, and Protestants, mainly Lutherans, at 3.7%. A significant portion, 34.1%, declared no religious affiliation. Muslims comprised 14.8% of the population, while other religions, including Judaism, accounted for 2%. Interestingly, estimates of Vienna's Jewish community size varied, with one source reporting 8,000 members and another suggesting 15,000.
In 2022, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Vienna as the top city worldwide for hosting association meetings.
By 2023, cycling had gained significant traction in Vienna, with its usage rising to 10%, indicating a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation.
In 2023, The Mori Memorial Institute for Urban Strategies positioned Vienna in 14th place on its Global Power City Index, reflecting its influence and significance on the world stage.
In 2023, Vienna's public transportation system achieved a significant milestone with 32% of the city's population relying on it as their primary mode of transportation.
Vienna International Airport handled a substantial volume of travelers in 2023, accommodating approximately 29.5 million passengers, highlighting its importance as a major transportation hub.
Vienna experienced a significant influx of tourists in 2023, recording a remarkable 17.3 million overnight stays.
Vienna welcomed basketball enthusiasts from around the world in 2023 as it hosted the 3x3 Basketball World Cup, highlighting the city's status as a hub for international sporting events.
According to UN-Habitat projections, Vienna is poised to be the fastest-growing city among 17 European metropolitan areas by 2025. This growth is estimated to be a 4.65% increase from its 2010 population, highlighting the city's continued attractiveness and development.
Seestadt Aspern, situated in Vienna's Donaustadt district, stands as one of Europe's most ambitious urban expansion endeavors. This large-scale project is projected to be finalized in 2028 and encompasses a diverse range of features, including a sprawling 5-hectare artificial lake, modern office spaces, residential apartments, and a conveniently located subway station all within walking distance. The ultimate aim of Seestadt Aspern is to create a vibrant and thriving community that will attract an estimated 20,000 new residents.