Alles Walzer: Vienna's Ball Culture and Carnival
The Opera Ball, waltz kings and the art of dancing
TopicWien- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour of Vienna's ball culture explains why the city celebrates hundreds of balls every year. You visit the venues of the Opera Ball and the Hofburg balls and learn the rules of a ball night.
Few cities dance as much as Vienna. During the ball season between New Year's Eve and Ash Wednesday about 450 balls take place, from balls of professional groups to the famous Opera Ball in the State Opera. Viennese ball culture is listed as Austrian intangible cultural heritage.
Its roots go back to the court masquerades and to the Congress of Vienna, where Europe's diplomats danced the nights away in 1814 and 1815. In the 19th century Johann Strauss father and son made the waltz the very symbol of Vienna.
Your guide explains the opening with debutantes, the cry Alles Walzer at midnight, dress codes and etiquette, and shows you the Hofburg, the State Opera and the Musikverein. On request you get tips for attending a ball yourself.
Highlights
- About 450 balls in a single season
- The Opera Ball and Hofburg balls
- Johann Strauss and the Viennese waltz
- Opening ceremony, midnight quadrille and etiquette
- Tips for attending a ball yourself
The route
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1Hofburg
Start at the Redoutensäle and the Congress of Vienna.
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2Josefsplatz
Court festivities and dance traditions.
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3State Opera
The Opera Ball and how the house transforms.
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4Musikverein
Strauss, the waltz and the New Year's Concert.
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5Kärntner Strasse
Finish with ball fashion and ball favors.
Who this tour is for
For couples, music lovers and anyone planning or dreaming of a Viennese ball.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are never included in the tour price. When you book, we are happy to tell you which admissions apply to your group.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour for your group only. The price is per group, not per person, which makes it great value for families and friends traveling together.
When is the ball season in Vienna?
The main season runs from New Year's Eve to Ash Wednesday, mostly January and February. The tour itself is available all year.
