Terrible crimes in Vienna, hidden secrets of the inner city

Discover Vienna’s Dark Secrets with a 2-Hour Crime Tour

This walking tour promises to peel back the layers of Vienna’s often overlooked, sinister past. For just over $45, you’ll spend roughly two hours wandering through the city’s hidden corners, hearing about criminal acts, scandals, and eerie legends that aren’t in your typical guidebook. It’s a mix of history, mystery, and a little bit of horror—perfect for those curious about Vienna’s darker side.

What we genuinely like about this experience is how it combines storytelling with real-world landmarks, making history feel vivid and tangible. The guide’s knack for sharing lesser-known tales creates an engaging atmosphere that’s both educational and entertaining. A possible drawback is that the tour is quite specific, so if you’re not into dark stories or true crime, it might not hold your interest for the full couple of hours.

This tour suits travelers who love history with a twist, enjoy creepy tales, or are simply looking for a different way to explore Vienna. It’s especially appealing if you prefer small groups, as this enriches the storytelling and allows for more personalized insights.

Key Points

• Authentic Hidden Stories: Unearth tales of monks, spies, and serial killers that most visitors never hear about.
• Unique Landmarks: Visit locations most travelers miss, adding a fresh perspective on Vienna’s inner city.
• Expert Guiding: Knowledgeable guides share well-researched, engaging stories that bring Vienna’s dark past to life.
• Good Value: At around $45, the tour offers a lot of storytelling and insights packed into a compact two hours.
• Convenient Format: Mobile tickets and a small group size enhance the personal feel and ease of participation.
• Audio Guide: A complimentary smartphone guide helps you follow along, especially if you want to revisit details later.

A Deep Dive into the Dark Side of Vienna

Walking into Vienna’s historic streets, you might think of classical music, imperial palaces, and charming cafes. But behind this polished façade lie stories that are much darker, and this tour aims to reveal them. It’s a walk through Vienna’s shadowy corners, packed with tales of crime, punishment, and intrigue that reveal a more complex city.

Starting at the Capuchin Monastery: Dungeons and Secrets

The tour kicks off at Tegetthoffstraße 2, at the historic Capuchin monastery. Here, you’ll hear about the monks who, at times, were imprisoned for absurd reasons—like taking unauthorized walks or minor misconduct. The highlight is the discovery of the dungeon by Father Innocentius, who once announced its existence to Emperor Joseph II. The story hints at a time when incarceration could last decades over trivial offenses, and one monk later became a Protestant and advisor to the Tsar after escaping.

This part really sets the tone—showing how the city’s religious institutions also played roles in its darker history. The guide’s storytelling makes these old stone walls seem alive with secrets, and you’ll appreciate the behind-the-scenes look into monastic discipline and intrigue.

The Jaroszynski Murder and the Actress’s Downfall

Next, the tour takes you to Trattnerhof, where the infamous Jaroszynski murder case unfolded. It’s less about the crime itself and more about the fascinating characters involved—most notably actress Therese Krones, who was unwittingly caught up in the scandal. Rumors suggested her lavish lifestyle drove Jaroszynski to despair and crime, though he was mainly a gambler and heavily in debt.

Hearing about her ruined career adds a human element to the crime story. It’s the kind of detail that shows how scandals could ruin reputations in Vienna’s social circles—something still relevant today.

Palais Bathory: The Blood Countess or a Political Pawn?

One of the most infamous stops is Palais Bathory on Augustinerstraße 12, linked to the legendary Elizabeth Bathory. The legend of her bathing in blood to stay youthful still sparks curiosity, but the story’s truth remains debated. Was she a serial killer of over 600 virgins, or a victim of political intrigue?

Standing in front of what many believe to be her former residence, you’ll get a sense of how stories can morph over time. The guide points out how her legend continues to captivate, blurring fact and fiction—an essential stop for fans of true crime and history alike.

The Demel and the Lucona Affair

A visit to the Demel shop area near Graben and Kohlmarkt takes us into the 20th century with the Lucona scandal. Udo Proksch, a major figure in Austrian crime history, was involved in a conspiracy to insure and blow up a ship for insurance fraud. The story is convoluted and criminal, involving over-insurance, explosions, and a long investigation that uncovered corruption and murder.

This part of the tour shows Vienna’s involvement in high-stakes crime and how business and crime often intertwined in the city’s modern history. It’s a reminder that Vienna’s reputation as an elegant city also has a gritty, darker side.

Medieval Murder at Ferstel Palace

The Ferstel Palace is the site of Vienna’s most notorious medieval mass murder—an event so gruesome that the perpetrator was impaled, a punishment considered especially horrific. The story highlights how brutal justice was in those days and shows how Vienna’s history is peppered with acts of violence, often driven by fear, power, or revenge.

Espionage and War: The Redl Affair

Across from Hotel Klomser, the story of Colonel Redl’s suicide reflects Vienna’s espionage past. His espionage activities, which threatened Austria’s military secrets, played a role in the lead-up to WWI. The scandal destroyed reputations and exposed the vulnerabilities of Austria’s secret service—this is a fascinating glimpse into how espionage shaped the political landscape of early 20th-century Vienna.

The Anna Gaugisch Murders and Public Executions

The tour then moves to Molker Bastei, recounting the grisly murder and dismemberment of Anna Gaugisch in 1861. Her boyfriend’s heinous act aimed to eliminate her and her unborn child—an act of violence so shocking it prompted the city to consider harsher punishments.

This story highlights the brutal justice system of the time, and the gruesome details are a stark reminder of Vienna’s violent history.

Political Violence and the Revolutions of 1848

At Am Hof, the focus shifts to the political unrest during 1848, with the Lynch murder of the war minister Theodor Baillet de Latour. This was a rare instance of political violence, illustrating how chaos and revolution could spill into the streets of Vienna. It also marks the beginning of the Vienna October Revolution, a pivotal moment in Austrian history.

The Hannakenkönig and Dark Urban Legends

The Hannaken fountain at Hannaken-Brunnen depicts a surgeon who caused injuries himself to keep his business afloat—another dark legend rooted in Vienna’s folklore. Such stories give a humorous yet eerie insight into city life and the bizarre characters that once roamed Vienna’s streets.

The Last Public Executions and Medieval Justice

Walking along Maria Am Gestade, you’ll see the site of Vienna’s last public executions, notably involving the Zahlheim case—a brutal capital punishment that even Joseph II found troubling. It’s a stark illustration of how justice was enacted in public, often with extreme cruelty.

Witch Trials and Superstitions

The Steffl area marks the location of Vienna’s only witch burned—the Plainacher. Her story, along with the city’s dealings with witchcraft, highlights the superstitions and fears that once swept through Vienna centuries ago.

The Walled-In Nun and Forbidden Love

Finally, Himmelpfortgasse recounts the story of a nun walled in alive for refusing to leave her lover. This tragic tale echoes themes of love, betrayal, and the harshness of medieval morality.

Why This Tour Offers More Than Just Crime Stories

What sets this tour apart is its ability to connect haunting tales with actual landmarks and city history. Each stop isn’t just about the crime, but about the context—what life was like during those times and how these stories shaped Vienna’s character.

The guide’s insights add depth, revealing how some stories might be exaggerated over time, while others are rooted in documented history. Many reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and engaging storytelling, making the dark stories feel personal and real.

The inclusion of a free smartphone audio guide makes it easier to follow along, even if you’re exploring solo or in a small group. The overall price point offers good value considering the depth of stories and the unique access to parts of Vienna few travelers see.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Wear comfortable shoes: The tour involves walking through city streets and historic sites.
• Bring a small flashlight: Some stories involve underground or darker areas, and a light can enhance the experience.
• Allocate time for reflection: These stories are intense, so give yourself a moment to process the stories after the tour.
• Check the weather forecast: The tour is outdoor and weather-dependent; if rain is forecasted, consider rescheduling or bringing appropriate gear.
• Arrive early at the meeting point: The starting location is central and near public transit, making it easy to access.

The Sum Up

This Vienna crime tour offers an engaging, well-rounded glimpse into the city’s darker chapters. It’s a perfect fit for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, or anyone curious to see a different side of Vienna. The knowledgeable guides and storytelling make each story come alive, transforming ordinary city streets into a living museum of crime and punishment.

While not suited for those seeking light-hearted sightseeing, it’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a meaningful and slightly spooky adventure. The combination of authentic tales, historic landmarks, and a small-group atmosphere makes this experience a memorable, worthwhile addition to your Vienna itinerary.

In sum, it’s a smart way to uncover layers of Vienna’s complex identity—beautiful yet often brutal, regal yet haunted by its past.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately two hours, offering a compact yet detailed exploration of Vienna’s dark history.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Helmut-Zilk-Platz, Albertinapl. 2-3, and concludes at Rauhensteingasse. Both points are centrally located near public transportation.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but given the dark and sometimes gruesome stories, it’s best for those comfortable with mature themes.

How many people usually join the tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, creating an intimate atmosphere and allowing for more personalized storytelling.

What’s included in the price?
The main features include a small-group walking experience and a free smartphone audio guide. No extra admission fees are necessary for the stops.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. No specific preparation is needed beyond showing up ready to listen and explore.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight how guides are well-informed and skilled at storytelling, making the dark tales come alive.

All in all, this tour is a captivating way to add some mystery and history to your Vienna visit, especially if you’re fascinated by the city’s lesser-known stories of crime and intrigue.