200 years of Johann Strauss: Secrets of a musical genius!

200 years of Johann Strauss: Secrets of a musical genius!

On November 14, 2025, Vienna will be in a party mood and will be at its best. In front of the magnificent Vienna State Opera on the Opernring, horse-drawn carriages and young men in historical clothing stand ready to offer concert tickets. Passers-by take the opportunity to take selfies in front of the opera and have lively discussions about the exorbitant prices for VIP tickets. The street noise mixes with the sounds of a musician playing on the banks of the Danube, contributing to a unique atmosphere.

At this event, Ilse Heigerth, a self-proclaimed Strauss expert, will guide the city through the most important places of Johann Strauss (son). The Vienna State Opera, which opened in 1869, is particularly important. It symbolizes the contradictions of the operetta genre, which now occupies a high cultural position, but is only performed once a year on New Year's Eve with “Die Fledermaus” in its historical setting.

Johann Strauss and his time

Johann Strauss (son) was a superstar during his lifetime and was in direct competition with his father. With over 500 compositions, including waltzes, polkas and operettas, he left a lasting impression. Many premieres of his works took place at the Theater an der Wien. In fact, Strauss was not a big fan of operetta, but Jacques Offenbach encouraged him to develop his own style. His physical conducting style and a high level of vanity, which was expressed, for example, in the distribution of locks of hair to female fans, made him a key figure in the Viennese music scene.

How complex Strauss's life was is also shown by his personal fate. His three marriages were not without problems in Catholic Austria. His first wife, Henriette Treffz, was a well-known opera singer. He also changed his citizenship and religious affiliation, which was not always met with approval in Vienna society. Tragically, the Nazi regime abused his heritage and turned him into a German cult figure despite his Jewish roots.

Cultural hotspots in Vienna

If you want to explore the city, you can get comprehensive advice at the Tourist Info Vienna, which is open all year round and has several locations, including at the airport. The team provides free city maps and brochures and sells tickets for events and excursions. WiFi is available in the Tourist Information Office at Albertinaplatz. During the summer months, the Mobile Tourist Info teams (MoTi) are out and about in the city to support tourists directly at the action.

A highlight in Vienna is the “House of Strauss” – a multimedia museum run by Eduard Strauss VI, a relative of the composer. Not only is his music honored here, but a family tree is also presented, providing a fascinating insight into the history of the Strauss dynasty. The Strauss monument in the city park is also a popular photo motif and is considered the most photographed monument in the city. The popularity of the waltz, which was frowned upon in the 19th century because of its offensive closeness between men and women, helped it break through as a symbol of musical escapism.

If you would like to find out more about Johann Strauss and the cultural city of Vienna, come by and take advantage of the expert advice at the Tourist Info! For further information, public contact hours are available by telephone or email.

For those who not only want to follow in Strauss's footsteps, but are also looking for the best ways to enjoy the city, the ivie app is ideal - a free city guide with lots of tips and information about Vienna.