Vienna is a city full of history, culture, and quality of life – but it also has its extremes. Higher, older, smaller, more curious: in this guide, we take you to the city’s record-breaking locations. Some are easy to spot, others require a keen eye. Here are Vienna’s superlatives – a discovery walk with a twist.
The Tallest Building in Vienna
DC Tower 1 | 250 meters | Donau City
DC Tower 1 is currently the tallest building in Austria. With its striking glass facade, it dominates the skyline of Donau City. On the 57th floor, there’s a bar with spectacular views of Vienna. The adjacent DC Tower 2 (slightly lower) is also completed and adds to the modern face of the city.
The Oldest Church in Vienna
Ruprechtskirche (St. Rupert’s Church) | 8th or 9th century | Inner City
This small, inconspicuous church near Schwedenplatz is believed to be Vienna’s oldest sacred building. According to legend, it was founded by Saint Rupert, the patron saint of salt merchants. A quiet, historical place in the heart of the city.
The Narrowest Alley
Dreihufeisengasse | Inner City
Strictly speaking, it’s more a passage than a street. But with a width of barely more than one meter, it is considered Vienna’s narrowest alley. It’s located near the charming, winding Bäckerstraße area.
The Longest Municipal Building
Karl-Marx-Hof | 1.1 kilometers | Heiligenstadt
This interwar-era structure is famous for its monumental length. It stretches across four tram stops on line D and contains over 1,300 apartments. A symbol of “Red Vienna” and its social housing policy.
The Deepest Location
U1 Station Alaudagasse | approx. 30 meters underground | Favoriten
With the U1 extension to Oberlaa, Alaudagasse station became the deepest in Vienna’s subway network. When you get off here, you’re about 30 meters below ground.
The Largest Cemetery in Europe
Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) | over 2.5 km² | Simmering
With around 330,000 graves and more than 3 million buried, Vienna’s Central Cemetery is not only one of the largest in Europe, but also a green oasis. Famous for its honorary graves, including Beethoven, Brahms, and Falco.
The Oldest Coffee House
Café Frauenhuber | since 1824 | Inner City
Mozart is said to have played here – in any case, it’s the oldest continuously operating coffee house in Vienna. With wood paneling and classic charm, it’s a place to experience Vienna’s coffee culture and history.
The Largest Graffito in Vienna
Mural at the Danube Canal | near Spittelau
Street art in XXL: Vienna’s largest graffito can be found at the Danube Canal. International artists like Shepard Fairey (OBEY) have left huge artworks here – a must for street art lovers.
The Highest Natural Point
Hermannskogel | 542 meters | Vienna Woods
Hermannskogel is Vienna’s highest natural elevation. At the top stands the Habsburgwarte, a lookout tower with panoramic views over the city and the Vienna Woods. Reachable via City Hiking Trail No. 2.
Conclusion
Vienna isn’t just charm, history, and coffeehouse culture – it can also be extreme! If you want to see the city from a new perspective, these record-breaking spots are a must. And who knows – maybe you’ll discover some new superlatives of your own.
Tip: You can combine the locations into a “Superlative Tour” – perfect for a long weekend or a themed city walk.