ICSV Director Opportunity Profile

LIVING IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA
With a population just under 2 million, the beloved city of Vienna offers a blend
of tradition, music, and enduring charm. Vienna is a city with a rich heritage and
an exciting future. Mercer has rated Vienna #1 CITY WORLDWIDE IN QUALITY
OF LIFE FOR 10 YEARS RUNNING. Vienna is a highly influential city, serving
as the global headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency, OPEC,
various UN agencies, along with 40 international organizations.
Vienna lies in the northeastern corner of Austria, between the foothills
of the Alps and the Carpathians, where the Danube River runs through the
mountains. Known for its green, rolling vineyards as well as its magnificent
imperial buildings, Vienna’s artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by
residents including Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud.
Today’s cityscape is characterized by the abundance of Baroque buildings
created mostly under the rule of Empress Maria Theresia (1740 - 1780) and Franz
Joseph (1848 – 1916). One such example is St. Stephen’s Cathedral. As one
of the chief Gothic buildings of Europe, St. Stephen's Cathedral is the symbol
of Vienna and also the very center of the city. At 136 meters in height, it is the
tallest church in Austria. Many grand buildings and imposing palaces are the
legacy of the Habsburg Empire. The Schönbrunn Palace served as the summer
residence of emperors, and Empress Sisi in particular was fond of strolling
through the splendid palace grounds. The gardens of the Baroque Belvedere
Palace, built as the summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, are striking
for their tiered fountains and sculptures.
Vienna is well known as the world’s capital of music. More famous composers
have lived in Vienna than in any other city. Vienna is home to the Vienna
Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the best orchestras in the world. The Vienna
Boys’ Choir – the world’s foremost children’s choral group - has inspired
music lovers around the world since 1498. Vienna is a city filled with culture:
100 museums, 250 galleries for contemporary art, over 15,000 concerts each
year, 80 festivals, 10,000 seats in concert halls, three opera houses, 120 stages
for music and theater, 28 palaces, and 163 city palaces. The world’s largest
collections of works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Bruegel are unique
attractions.
Vienna's high quality of life is known all over the world. The public transportation
system is remarkable, clean, and affordable. Countless parks and gardens,
the Viennese water and successful projects in the public sector make the city
so livable. Vienna is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, with 11 trails
within the city limits. With 900 parks and green spaces, countless meadows,
woods, and fields, Vienna is one of the world’s greenest major cities. In fact,
53% of the municipal area is made up of green space. Vienna also has a
flourishing agriculture sector: around 33% of the green space and 15% of Vienna
is dedicated to farming. It is easy to find even Michelin-starred cuisine at a
reasonable price. For those seeking dining experiences that are a bit more
down-to-earth, countless restaurants, pubs, traditional Viennese beisls, and
other eateries await hungry guests. It is no surprise that in 2022 renowned
British news magazine, The Economist, awarded Vienna the well-deserved title:
“The World’s Most Liveable City.”