Adventures 28.08-04.09.2025
As of me writing this entry, it has officially been over a month since I landed in Austria. The focus of the last few weeks for me has been all about community- finding, building, stepping into.
This entry highlights my adventures from August 28th-September 4th. That week consisted of a healthy mix of solo adventures and attempting to build a community in my new home.
Wanderbares Wien: 28.08.202
This adventure started out strong with an 11km (6.8 miles) hike with one of my new friends in Vienna. I am sure it no surprise but I am a huge advocate for hiking. I think it is one of the best ways to connect with yourself, nature, and others. Everyone is on the trail for the same exact reason.
My friend and I chose to do a hike included in the Wanderbares Wien, 14 hiking trails within and around Vienna. You receive a stamp in a little booklet for each hike you complete and once you've completed all 14, you get a badge. So obviously, I need the badge. We ended up hiking 1a. Leopoldsberg. This hike was a clear choice because it offers absolutely stunning views of the Danube. Photos included below, of course.
Though fair warning, if you should ever find yourself about to embark on this hike, the first half is strictly uphill. While we were completely out of breath and soaked in sweat, stopping for a few pauses here and there, many older couples put us to shame, booking it up the trail without a bead of sweat on their forehead.
The hike lead us to the aforementioned Danube and city overlooks, through Waldseilpark Kahlenberg; a climbing park with so many different climbing routes suspended above the dirt trail, onward to Kahlenberg; which has a very rich history (linked below to learn more) and offers more breathtaking views of Vienna, with the last half of the hike going past so many vineyards and a couple Heurigers.
My friend and I were both exhausted by the end of the hike but it was well worth it for the conversations. Only 13 more trails to go for me!
Schönbrunn: 01.09.2025
Monday I finally made my way to Schönbrunn Palace, a 1,441 room baroque style palace that was the main summer residence for the Habsburgs. You can tour the palace and grounds, eat at one of the cafés, and go to the zoo- which is the oldest zoo in the world. There are so many different tours to choose from but this being my first visit I chose the Classic Pass. With this tour I was able to tour the palace with an audio guide and access to four gardens- Privy Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze, and Gloriette.
The palace tour was fascinating and I learned so much about the Habsburg dynasty. I have visited a few palaces in my life and each time I am still in awe of the beauty and vastness. Standing in the same rooms prominent historical figures carried about their daily lives boggles the mind. To be honest, I always wonder what they'd think seeing millions of people walk the same halls they once did.
The tour was well worth the 40 euros but even so I wish I could see all of the rooms hidden away from the public eye. What secrets do they hold?
I spent the remainder of my time at Schönbrunn walking the gardens. I actually chose to listen to a podcast episode about Maria Theresa from one of my favorite history podcasts, History Chicks. Maria Theresa was a prominent ruler of the Habsburg dynasty, the only woman to hold this power. The podcast paired perfectly with my stroll through the gardens, especially since I was able to see many of the buildings and art she commissioned. Listening about her life while walking the grounds she once did was a fascinating experience. In general if you do not know much about the Habsburg Monarchy, I highly recommend doing some research. They are considered to be one of the most powerful dynasties in European history and the influence of their legacy can still be seen today.
Also, a pro-tip for touring Schönbrunn, make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes. This is not the time to break in your brand new leather shoes...trust me on this one.
The 7th District: 02.09.2025
One of my favorite things to do in a new city is to walk the streets in search of cute little stores and coffee shops. That is exactly what I did on Tuesday. Before moving, I had received a list of recommendations from a friend who had lived in Vienna for a couple of years. Included on that list was Neubaugasse, a well-known, historic street in the 7th district. It offers a mix of eclectic, vintage, and unique boutiques.
I spent the entire day strolling the street, going in and out of shops, and finding a few goodies to take home with me. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled into one shop and learned that they would be hosting a Stars Hollow- Gilmore Girls themed pop up throughout October. Being an avid Gilmore Girls girlie I knew I absolutely needed to pop back in for that. It is such a reassuring feeling when you find others that share one of your favorite interests, especially when you're in a whole new country.
My shopping day ended with so much rain. Seriously, a complete downpour for hours. Unfortunately, I had failed to look at the weather forecast for the day and was not prepared in the slightest. So I made my way in the pouring rain to the train station. While I was completely drenched, I was not upset in the slightest. The rain felt refreshing, almost as if it washed away some of the stagnant energy I had been feeling, giving me fresh new perspective. All of that to say, the rain only added to my day, however, I also learned the importance of being prepared for rainy Vienna weather. I plan on buying myself a raincoat immediately! (Update: as of 13.09.2025 I officially own a raincoat)
If you are at all curious about the little shops I stumbled into and want to do a little online window shopping, the links are listed below!
Expat Group: 03.09.2025
Wednesday I went for a walk, dinner, and drinks with a local expat group. A group designed to bring those from other countries together in an attempt to help build community. We walked along the Danube and I chatted with so many people. Conversations always started the same way, "what brought you to Vienna?" and took off from there. I didn't realize how much of a relief it would be talking with others who are also working to make Vienna their home.
I walked away from that evening finally feeling like I could eventually have my very own community here. And if there is anything I have learned from all of my moves, while it's important to be independent and self sufficient, it is also just as important to find friends and a support system. Life gets pretty lonely if you don't do this.
And more often than not, making friends in adulthood requires one to willingly put themselves in situations to meet others. It is going to be so damn awkward at first, at least for me it always is. You might even have a moment or two questioning why you are there, I know I sometimes do. Because while, yes, it is scary, I can tell you that it is worth it every single time. I have found some of my greatest friends because I chose to put myself in place- physically and mentally- to meet them. I would have never met some of my favorite people if I did not put my ego aside and move forward with confidence, even if it wasn't fully real all of the time. I fully believe that community will not seek you out, it is up to YOU to find it and create a space for yourself in it.
This is the mentality I am carrying with me throughout this time of transition. I am still allowing myself time to get more of a footing in my new life and this past week and half provided with me some solid ground to stand on while stepping out into the beautiful colorful city.
♡Liv
P.S. If you want to leave me a comment please do so using the comment section of the post on the website. Otherwise, by responding directly to the email, you are just emailing Nici 😌
Links:
A Brief History on The Habsburgs
