Vienna on (Lomography) Film - Short Read

As you'll know from last week's interview with Hannah Brown, Lomography's links with Vienna go right back to the company's inception in 1992. So we thought it would be interesting to see the home of Lomography through the eyes of their films!

And if you're interested in travel tips then don't forget to check out our guide to shooting New York City on film as well as how to travel safely with film.

A quick summary before we dive in; Vienna’s unique architecture is as diverse as its inhabitants. The 7th-largest EU city has been a cultural and historical hub for centuries, with a stunning range of impressive buildings and parks. Here are a few areas we think are worth seeing (and photographing!) when visiting the Austrian capital. Grab your favourite film camera and head straight to...

Karlskirche and Karlsplatz

Dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, Karlskirche is a Baroque church situated along the borders of the inner city of Vienna. Widely considered the most outstanding baroque church in the city and one of Vienna’s most impressive buildings. The Church is located on the southside of Karlsplatz (Charles’ Square).

Shot by Axel Gulcher on Lomography CN400 35mm

Karlsplatz offers a variety of sights and events throughout the year. It is home to a Christmas market during winter and a venue for the Straßenkunst Festival, an event featuring street artists and buskers from all over the world, at the end of Summer.

Belvedere

The Belvedere is a historic building complex in Vienna, Austria, the complex consists of two Baroque palaces (the Upper and Lower Belvedere), the Orangery, and the Palace Stables. The buildings are set in a Baroque park landscape in the third district of the city. The grounds are set on a gentle gradient and include decorative tiered fountains and cascades, Baroque sculptures, and majestic wrought iron gates. Belvedere was built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy.

Belvedere shot on LomoChrome Purple, Berlin Kino, and CN400 respectively

Fun fact, Belvedere served as a backdrop for Magnum photographer Erich Lessing’s Viennese Children photo-series.

Urania Observatory and the Donaukanal

Urania is a public educational institute and observatory in Vienna, Austria. It was built according to the plans of Art Nouveau style architect Max Fabiani (a student of Otto Wagner) at the outlet of the Wien River and was opened in 1910 by Franz Joseph I of Austria as an educational facility with a public observatory. It was named after the Muse Urania who represents Astronomy. It is situated along the Donaukanal (Danube Canal), a regulated branch of the Danube flowing through the city.

Shot on Berlin Kino 35mm by Rob Detoyato

The Donaukanal has been a favorite summer hangout for years. Offering anything from restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Shot by Michal Dzujka on LomoChrome Purple 35mm film

Naschmarkt Flohmarkt

The Naschmarkt has existed since the 16th century. From 1793 onwards, all fruits and vegetables brought to Vienna with carts had to be sold there, while goods arriving on the Danube were sold elsewhere. Nowadays, one can buy fresh fruit and vegetables from around the world, exotic herbs, cheese, baked goods, meats, and seafood. There are also many small restaurants that offer a variety of delicacies from sushi, kebab, seafood, to traditional Viennese specialties such as Kaiserschmarrn or Palatschinken.

Shot by Rob Detoyato on LomoChrome Turquoise 35mm Film

Since 1977, the market extends further along the Wienzeile to an adjacent area every Saturday, when a flea market takes place there. The atmosphere of the Naschmarkt is famous far beyond the borders of Vienna, and large numbers of tourists visit the market every year. Recently, the market has also been a common subject from Viennese street photographers, thanks to its propensity to attract people from all walks of life.

Shot by Rob Detoyato on LomoChrome Turquoise 35mm Film

Has this inspired to make a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Lomography? Or do you think we've missed a key photographic spot in the city?

Let us know in the comments below!