Queer Vienna: History, Courage and Rainbows
LGBTQ stories from the imperial court to the Pride parade
TopicWien- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private Queer Vienna tour shares the life stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in the city. You learn how persecution and hiding gave way to an open, visible community.
Queer history has always existed in Vienna, even if it was kept quiet for a long time. At the imperial court, Archduke Ludwig Viktor, Emperor Franz Joseph's youngest brother, caused rumors and scandals. Around 1900 Viennese doctors and writers openly debated gender and desire.
Under Nazi rule gay people were persecuted and deported to concentration camps. Homosexuality was only decriminalized in Austria in 1971. In the 1980s the Rosa Lila Villa on the Wienzeile became a visible center of the community, and since 1996 the Rainbow Parade has marched along the Ringstrasse.
Your guide tells the stories of pioneers, meeting places and struggles with sensitivity and humor, and shows how diverse Vienna is today.
Highlights
- Archduke Ludwig Viktor and the imperial court
- Debates on gender around 1900
- Persecution under the Nazis
- The Rosa Lila Villa on the Wienzeile
- The Rainbow Parade on the Ringstrasse
The route
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1Hofburg
Start with queer stories from the imperial family.
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2Old town
Meeting places and life stories around 1900.
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3Memorial
Remembering persecution under the Nazis.
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4Naschmarkt and Wienzeile
The Rosa Lila Villa and the movement from the 1970s.
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5Ringstrasse
Finish on the route of the Rainbow Parade.
Who this tour is for
For anyone who wants a more diverse and personal view of Vienna's history, whatever their own identity.
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 does the Rainbow Parade take place?
The Rainbow Parade usually takes place in June as part of Vienna Pride. The tour itself can be booked all year.
