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CLIMATE CRISIS

Who are the climate protesters disrupting traffic in Vienna – and why?

The Last Generation climate protection group will start a fortnight of roadblocks in Vienna on Monday. Here’s how the action will cause disruption in Vienna.

Published: 13 February 2023 11:05 CET
Who are the climate protesters disrupting traffic in Vienna - and why?
Police move in as members of Letzte Generation protest in Vienna. (Copyright: Letzte Generation Österreich)

The climate protest movement Letzte Generation (the Last Generation) brought traffic to a standstill in central Vienna on Monday morning (February 13th) as members blocked roads once again.

The location of Getreidemarkt in the 1st District is symbolic because it’s where the last protest in early January ended. However, the difference this time is the group has announced the location of the action in advance, reports Der Standard.

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On Monday morning, Vienna Police said on Twitter that they were at the scene and warned motorists to prepare for delays.

Polizei Wien said: “Climate activists are currently blocking the grain market. We are on site with sufficient forces and are already intervening. Traffic will be rerouted locally but delays may occur.”

The Last Generation also took to Twitter to explain the reasons behind the protest.

The Tweet said: “Civil society is behind us! Even a large police presence could not prevent people from @LetzteGenAT from opposing the fossil everyday life in front of the Naschmarkt. We’re picking up exactly where we left off in January.”

Last Generation are planning to continue the roadblocks for two weeks with the aim of disrupting morning traffic heading into the city centre and raise awareness of the issue of climate change.

The protest action typically starts at around 8am.

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Who are the Last Generation?

The Last Generation are a group of climate activists who believe they are the last generation to stop serious impacts from climate change.

They describe themselves as a “non-violent resistance movement” and the road blocks usually involve members glueing themselves to roads to stop traffic, which is described as a “Klebe-Welle” (sticky wave).

In January, 52 protesters were arrested and more than 200 police reports were filed after similar blockades disrupted city centre streets. Similar protests have also taken place in Linz, Klagenfurt, Innsbruck and Graz in recent weeks.

Additionally, the Last Generation was responsible for throwing black liquid on a Klimt painting at the Leopold Museum in Vienna in November.

What do they want?

The Last Generation are demanding no new drilling projects for oil and gas and a ban on fracking in Austria. 

They are also calling for a nationwide 100 km/h speed limit on Austria’s roads to save fuel, make roads safer and reduce pollution. The current speed limit is 130 km/h on many of the country’s motorways.

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WHAT'S ON IN VIENNA

5 places to celebrate Mother’s Day in Vienna

This Sunday, Austria will join countries across the world in celebrating Mother’s Day. Many Austrians mark the day by going on family outings, so if you find yourself in the Austrian capital, here are five great spots to visit to join in on the tradition.

Published: 10 May 2023 13:27 CEST
Updated: 13 May 2023 14:14 CEST
5 places to celebrate Mother's Day in Vienna

Vienna, a city of timeless beauty and filled with culture, offers a host of captivating destinations to celebrate Mother’s Day in a memorable way. With its historical landmarks, serene parks, and vibrant markets, this Austrian capital provides a delightful backdrop for the date.

Whether you’re a local seeking new experiences or a visitor eager to create lasting memories, here are five remarkable places in Vienna that will make this Mother’s Day celebration truly exceptional.

Riverside meal at Motto am Fluss

Going out for a family brunch or dinner is a classic way to celebrate Mother’s Day. At Motto am Fluss, you can take your pick. This elegant two-story establishment overlooking the Danube Canal features a restaurant for dinner on the first floor and a café for brunch on the enclosed upper deck above, which opens out onto a sun terrace. Both menus boast a variety of dishes, so you’ll be sure to have a delicious Mother’s Day meal. 

Vienna Culinary Festival at Stadtpark

In a case of fortuitous timing, the Wiener Genuss-Festival at the gorgeous Stadtpark takes place this weekend, making for a perfect Mother’s Day treat.100 booths featuring delicacies from across Austria will have samples on offer. And with the stations manned by the culinary creators themselves, you can also get insight into the process that lies behind their tasty bites. 

Donau Park and Danube Tower

An activity-filled Mother’s Day awaits at Donau Park. You can explore the park’s lush greens and colourful gardens via its various walking paths or on board the mini-train that traverses the grounds. The area is great for sports as well, as it has tennis courts, football pitches, and even a minigolf course.

The park is also home to the famous Danube Tower, Austria’s tallest structure. The 150-meter-high viewing platform, as well as the rotating café and restaurant located just above, provide panoramic views across the entire city. 

Picnic at Cobenzl Vineyards

If you’re looking for a more secluded outdoor experience, check out the Cobenzl vineyards, located northwest of the city centre. You can order a picnic box from the Genuss am Cobenzl restaurant online and enjoy it in their beautiful vineyard. Alternatively, you can plan a DIY picnic at the nearby Bellevuewiese. Bring your own supplies and some homemade goodies and enjoy the view from this luscious meadow that looks out over the city.

Tchaikovsky at Konzerthaus

Finally, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the famous Wiener Konzerthaus to get a taste of Vienna’s world-renowned classical music scene. At 15:00 on Sunday, the Vienna Symphony will perform Tschaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Billed as a family concert, this promises to be an excellent Mother’s Day outing for the musically inclined.

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