Strasbourg In Austria: Myth Or Reality?

There is a place called Straßburg in Austria. It is a town in the district of Sankt Veit an der Glan in Carinthia, Austria. The municipality lies in Northern Carinthia in the Gurk Valley among the Nock Mountains and the Gurk.

There is also a city called Strasbourg in France. It is the prefecture and largest city of the Grand Est region of eastern France, in the historic region of Alsace. It is the official seat of the European Parliament and shares a border with Germany.

Is there a Straßburg in Austria?

Yes, there is a town called Straßburg in Austria. It is located in the district of Sankt Veit an der Glan in Carinthia, in the Gurk Valley among the Nock Mountains and the Gurk. The town is divided into the boroughs of St. Georgen, Straßburg-Land, and Straßburg-Stadt, and further into several districts.

Straßburg was first mentioned in 864 when King Louis the German gave the Archdiocese of Salzburg a seat there. The town was elevated to a market town in 1229 and to a city in 1382. It received its city rights in 1402. The town is known for its castle, which was originally erected as a fortress in 1147 and later expanded into a castle in the 15th century. It served as the seat of the Prince-Bishops of Gurk until the 18th century.

According to the 2001 Census, Straßburg has 2,335 inhabitants, with 90.8% identifying as Catholic, 1.0% as Protestant, 2.2% as Muslim, and 3.3% not declaring a belief.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is a city in eastern France, near the German border. It is the prefecture and largest city of the Grand Est region, and the prefecture of the Bas-Rhin department. The city has a population of about 300,000, with its metropolitan area being home to over 850,000 people. Strasbourg is one of the main capitals of the European Union, as it is the seat of several European institutions, including the European Parliament, the Eurocorps, and the Council of Europe.

Strasbourg has a rich history, dating back to the 5th century when it was known as Argantorati. The city has changed hands between Germany and France several times over the centuries, reflecting its role as a cultural bridge between the two countries. It became a French city in 1681 after the conquest of Alsace by Louis XIV, but was later annexed by Germany during the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. After World War I, it reverted to France, only to be captured by the Germans again during World War II. Since the end of the war, Strasbourg has been a French city and has become a symbol of European unity and cooperation.

The city is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, including its iconic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which dates back to the 11th-15th centuries. The cathedral features an asymmetrical facade with fine sculpted portals and a tall spire. Strasbourg also boasts a well-preserved old town, with charming wooden houses and picturesque canals in the La Petite district.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Strasbourg is an important economic centre for France. The city is home to a diverse range of industries, including food processing, mechanical and electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and plastics. It also has a large automobile assembly plant and one of the largest ports on the Rhine River.

Strasbourg is easily accessible by train, with connections to major cities in France and Germany. The city also has its own airport, offering domestic and international flights. With its vibrant energy, fascinating history, and beautiful architecture, Strasbourg is a popular tourist destination and a key player on the European stage.

Straßburg, Austria

Municipal arrangement

Straßburg is divided into the following boroughs: St. Georgen, Straßburg-Land, and Straßburg-Stadt. It is further divided into the districts of Bachl, Buldorf, Dörfl, Dielach, Dobersberg, Drahtzug, Edling, Gassarest, Glabötsch, Gruschitz, Gundersdorf, Höllein, Hackl, Hausdorf, Herd, Hohenfeld, Kraßnitz, Kreuth, Kreuzen, Kulmitzen, Langwiesen, Lees, Lieding, Machuli, Mannsdorf, Mellach, Mitterdorf, Moschitz, Olschnögg, Olschnitz, Olschnitz-Lind, Pöckstein-Zwischenwässern, Pölling, Pabenberg, Ratschach, Sankt Georgen, Sankt Jakob, Sankt Johann, Sankt Magdalen, Sankt Peter, Schattseite, Schmaritzen, and Schneßnitz.

History

Straßburg was first mentioned in 864 when King Louis the German gave the Archdiocese of Salzburg a seat there. The Straßburg Fortress was erected in 1147 under the fourth Bishop of Gurk, Roman I. In the 15th century, it was expanded into a castle and served as the seat of the Prince-Bishops of Gurk until the 18th century. As the bishop's seat, Straßburg was the most important town in the Gurk Valley and was elevated to market town status in 1229, city status in 1382, and received its city rights in 1402. The seat of the Gurk Bishops was moved in the 18th century, and so the city lost its importance. The castle received extensive damage from the 1767 earthquake and was not rebuilt until the late 20th century.

Demographics

According to the 2001 Census, Straßburg has 2,335 inhabitants. Of these, 90.8% identified as Catholic, 1.0% as Protestant, 2.2% as Muslim, and 3.3% did not declare a belief.

Politics

The Straßburg Municipal Council has 19 seats. Mayor Ferdinand Wachernig (FPÖ) faces competition from Councilman Hubert PUTZ.

Culture and landmarks

Straßburg is home to the Folk Art Museum and the Hunting Museum in Straßburg Castle, the former residence of the Prince-Bishops of Gurk. Other landmarks include St. Nikolaus Church, the parish church of Straßburg, and St. Margaretha zu Lieding Church, a Romanesque church built around 1200 with a quire and spire from the 14th century.

How to get from Strasbourg to Austria

There is no place called Strasbourg in Austria. However, there is a city called Strasbourg in France, which is the prefecture and largest city of the Grand Est region of eastern France. It is also the official seat of the European Parliament.

The distance between Strasbourg and Austria is approximately 530 miles, and there are several ways to make this journey. Here are some options for travelling from Strasbourg to Austria:

• By Train: There is no direct train from Strasbourg to Austria, but you can take a train via Munich. This journey will take around 8 hours and 30 minutes and costs around $110 to $300.
• By Bus: You can take a direct bus from Strasbourg to Vienna, Austria, which takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes. The bus tickets cost around $50 to $90.
• By Car: If you prefer to drive, the road distance between Strasbourg and Vienna is around 477 miles, and it will take approximately 7 hours.
• By Plane: You can also travel by plane from Strasbourg to Vienna. However, this option usually involves taking a train to a nearby city and then flying to Vienna. The total travel time is around 5 hours and 30 minutes, and the cost is approximately $190 to $550.

What is there to do in Strasbourg?

There is plenty to do in Strasbourg, the largest city in the Grand Est region of eastern France. Here is a list of some of the best attractions the city has to offer.

Must-See Attractions

• Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg – This huge cathedral is Strasbourg's most famous landmark and an example of 13th-century Gothic architecture.
• La Petite France – A meticulously restored neighbourhood with winding, cobblestoned medieval streets, flower-covered railings along the canals, and white-and-wood houses in the traditional regional style.
• Barrage Vauban – Climb the flight of stairs to the top of the dam for an unmissable view over La Petite France.
• Tourist Office Walking Tour – Book a walking tour through the Strasbourg Office de Tourisme to get a comprehensive overview of the city.

Other Attractions

• The Historical Museum – Learn about three major eras in Strasbourg's history: the free city of the Holy Roman Empire, the reattachment of Strasbourg to France, and the evolution of Strasbourg as a major metropolitan area.
• Modern and Contemporary Art Museum – While the permanent collection is so-so, the temporary expositions make a visit worthwhile.
• The Rohan Palace Museums – The palace comprises three museums: the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, which features art from the late-medieval and early-renaissance periods.
• The European Quarter and the Strasbourg European Union Parliament – Strasbourg is one of the capitals of the European Union and features several of the Union's major institutions. Guided tours are available.
• Parc de l'Orangerie – The oldest and largest park in the city, featuring a mini zoo, a large lake, playgrounds, and beautiful gardens.
• Musée Alsacien – This museum explores the historic culture of Strasbourg and Alsace through exhibits of clothing and household artefacts.
• Église Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune – A grand organ can be found in this church, which was originally Catholic.
• MM Park France – A museum featuring military vehicles, weapons, and uniforms.
• Ponts Couverts – These covered bridges over the river have been turned into a series of exhibition spaces.

Strasbourg also has a thriving food scene, with specialities including tarte flambée and choucroute strasbourgienne.

Frequently asked questions