St. Stephen’s Cathedral – The Moment I Saw the “Steffl” with New Eyes

Everyone knows St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Vienna’s landmark. Growing up here, I saw it a million times – but I never really looked at it. It was just part of the background.

That changed when I started welcoming guests at my Bungalow. Suddenly, people asked me things like, “What’s that pattern on the roof?”, “Can you go up the tower?”, “What’s down in the catacombs?” – and I realized: there’s so much I didn’t know myself.

Oh, and “Steffl” – that’s what we Viennese lovingly call the cathedral. It’s a nickname derived from Saint Stephen (Stephanus), and it’s almost as iconic as the building itself.

Steffl

Now I recommend visiting the Steffl not because I’m religious or a history buff, but because it truly impresses you. The size, the light, the small details – they sneak up on you and make you stop.

✨ My personal wow-moment: The view from the North Tower. Honestly, I had no idea there was a little elevator to take you up – but once you’re there, the view over Vienna is absolutely breathtaking.

At the top, you’re not only greeted with a beautiful panorama but also with a true piece of Viennese history: the Pummerin – Austria’s largest bell and one of the biggest in Europe. It only rings on special occasions – like New Year’s Eve or Austria’s National Day – but just standing next to it is impressive.

✨ My tip: If you want to really earn your view – head for the South Tower. But be warned: 343 steps, no elevator! It’s true Vienna cardio 💪 – definitely not for weak knees. But the reward? An incredible view across the city – and on clear days, all the way to the Schneeberg.

🔦 And then there are the catacombs. Hidden beneath the cathedral is a whole other world – dark, quiet, and a little eerie. But I’ll save that story for the next post…

👉 And the best part? It’s just about 20 minutes from the Vienna Garden Bungalow. So grab your camera and explore it for yourself.