How to Spend a Mindful Weekend in Vienna

There’s no doubt that travel leaves an everlasting mark. Experiencing a different place and culture, immersed in an entirely novel way of life changes us. We learn, adapt, grow, and come home all the more enlightened with stories to tell. What we may not realize though is the impression we’re leaving behind. Unknowing travelers have been to blame for exploiting local cultures, polluting the environment, and even causing the cost of living to skyrocket for locals in certain hot spots. One recent study found that tourism is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions. So what’s one to do? Be mindful. Respect the local culture, consider their norms and traditions, and leave no trace. Care the destination as if it were your own home. Traveling mindfully tends to allow for a more immersive experience as well. 

You may not be a voting member of each society you visit, but you can vote with your dollar while you’re there. To travel mindfully, choose experiences, restaurants, and accommodations that support local business and nourish the community. Be aware of where the food you’re eating is coming from and your noise level when walking the streets at night. Do some research beforehand to avoid violating local customs.

Mindful travel might take more effort, but it ensures that generations will be able to appreciate the same beauty that you saw. It’s also a way of paying your respects to the local community and nature that provided you with a new experience. Here’s how to travel mindfully in one of the main cultural centers of Europe—Vienna.

Where to Stay

Magdas Hotel

Vienna is at the front lines of the refugee crisis, which means thousands of refugees in Austria lack meaningful work. The brilliant innovators behind this shabby chic hotel didn’t see refugees as needing charity, they saw them as amazing assets to the hospitality industry! With their knowledge of an array of languages and experience cooking world cuisines, this collaborations is actually kind of a no brainer.

The interior design of Magdas is mostly vintage and DIY, which makes for a cozy atmosphere as well as a great photo op. The cafe and breakfast buffet are also vegetarian-friendly. Honestly, breakfast might just be the best part of this hotel. The  buffet is enormous by any standards and features dishes from the home countries of all the employees. Try Afghan scrambled eggs with a side of samosas before setting out to see the museums. Magdas will definitely provide the cultural experience you’re looking for on your travels, while empowering social entrepreneurship in the Imperial City.  

What to Eat

Sharing Grandma’s Love at Vollpension

After seeing so many senior citizens alienated, lonely, and even unable to support themselves financially, Vollpension—founded by a team of Viennese social entrepreneurs—hires “grannies” to bake traditional pastries and sweets fresh each day. Not only does this preserve the rich history of Viennese pastries, it takes care of Vienna’s often forgotten senior citizens.

The minds behind Vollpension were also concerned about the lack of communication and understanding between generations. To this end, they try to facilitate conversation between the women working their magic in the kitchen, the young baristas, and anyone with an open mind who walks through their doors.

Labstelle

Labstelle is a farm to table restaurant that blurs the lines between gourmet and simple home cooking. Not only do they only use seasonal and sustainable ingredients, all of their packaging and supplies are also environmentally-friendly. Labstelle is the go-to place for trying traditional Austrian food, while protecting the natural heritage of this gorgeous country. Oh, and did we mention their cocktails are bursting with fresh ingredients and entirely Instagram-ready.

Gourmet Vegetarian with Tian

Finding a tasting menu targeted towards a vegetarian diet can be a challenge. Founded with the simple question, “Why can’t high end, gourmet food be vegetarian and sustainable,” Tian is changing the game. The master chefs behind Tian have turned vegetarian cooking into an art and have earned a much deserving Michelin star to prove it.Their soulful vegetarian tasting menu is internationally acclaimed.  If you’re looking for sophistication while still maintain your conscious lifestyle, don’t miss this gem in the Viennese culinary scene.  

What to Do

Explore Different Perspectives at Atelier10 Gallery

The Viennese are perhaps the most proud of their rich history in the arts. Between Klimt and Schiele, the Leopold Museum and Belvedere Palace, you can spend years in Vienna and never see all of the world class art. But if you’re bored of ogling the classics, Vienna also has a thriving underground art scene.

For the freshest voices in Viennese art, be sure to check out Atelier10, a social entrepreneurship founded to provide gallery space to artists from underrepresented communities, especially the disabled. Not only is the space gorgeous, but you’re guaranteed to see art from a perspective you had never before considered, which is the entire purpose of traveling, no? 

Indulge in Organic Beauty at StattGarten

If you’re a skincare junkie, you can’t miss StattGarten for the one best purveyors of organic skincare in Europe. On the forefront of natural beauty, their treatments are as luxurious as they are effective. Take a break from bouncing around and give your body some pampering.

Learn About the Powerful Women of Viennese History  

When it comes to mindful travel, walking tours are naturally the most environmentally-friendly tour option; plus you get to see more sights along the way. Between imperial architecture and lush city parks, Vienna is a gorgeous city to stroll through, so this decision will hardly seem like a sacrifice.

Rather than plodding along on a garden variety city walking tour, stretch your legs, and your mind, on this Secret Vienna tour that explores the history of the most powerful women in Vienna. Life for women in Vienna hasn’t always been easy, but they’ve made their mark nonetheless!

Visit an Organic Wine Garden

We believe best way to experience a new culture is to eat and drink with the locals. Make a visit to one of Vienna’s nearby vineyards for a full day of wine-soaked indulgence and rich Austrian fare.

For an organic vineyard nestled in green scenery with incredible views, head to Obermann Vineyard. Here you can explore the surrounding nature, sample a vast array of wines, and revel in authentic Austrian food that is literally farm fresh. A wine filled picnic amid the rolling hills at Obermann will make you want to twirl around like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music.