The Kiss, the Klimt & the Belvedere

Private Tour

Have you always had a fascination for the golden artwork of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt? Do you love “The Kiss” so much you’d happily hang it above your bed (or is it already there)? Are you a secret “Klimtoholic”? You are definitely not alone.

And did you ever watch Woman in Gold with Helen Mirren? That story opens the door to one of Vienna’s most fascinating (and emotional) topics: who art really belongs to, and why restitution matters.

I created this tour to give you the best and most time-efficient way to see the Belvedere and admire the Kiss, while still have time to see even more Secession artworks.

Belvedere tour guide vienna with tourists

Our Tour Itiniary:

1) Upper Belvedere: Palace Experience &  Klimt as a lady-loving avantgarde artist

We start at the Upper Belvedere—Vienna’s most elegant palace setting for art. We will talk about the former owner, Prince Eugene of Savoy, why he died with no heir, and whether he possibly loved the movie “Brokeback Mountain“.

Then we head inside to the permanent collection, where we  will learn about Vienna Avangarde, Klimt’s way to fame and then ultimately see:  “The Kiss”—often lovingly called the “Mona Lisa of Austria.” There will also be works by Egon Schiele, another Austrian painting star.

2) Leisurely walk through the Gardens or Vienna tram ride

3) Visit of the Secession Building

This is where Gustav Klimt started his career, it was his first exhibition hall, that of him and of his followers, the so-called “Viennese Secessionists”. A famous Avantgarde group of young rebelling artists.

4) Our Finale: Vienna Coffee break + art restitution talk 

Over coffee/tea we’ll talk about art restitution—how museums got certain works, what happened in the 20th century, and why stories like Woman in Gold are still relevant. This part often becomes guests’ favorite because it connects art to real life, ethics, and history. You can also use the coffee break for general sightseeing consulting.

Why book a private guide instead of “just buying tickets”?

I know, I know. Private tours are really, really pricy! And it is soo much cheaper to just buy the tickets and head into a museum on your own.. But  honestly: walking into the Belvedere alone can feel like “Where do I start, what am I looking at, and why is everyone speed-walking?” A good guide will give you an experience that goes beyond a museum visit. A good guide will add to your overall visit of Vienna like your Vienna Sightseeing Consultant, guiding you on Hotel choices, restaurants, coffee shops and the best places to go.

You will absolutely LOVE the experience of a private guide, there is only one problem!!! You will get addicted to traveling with private guides and will always want one!

With me, you get:

  • The story behind the gold: Klimt’s “Golden Phase,”   why Klimt became Austria’s superstar… and some fun gossip about the “Ladies Whisperer” of Vienna
  • A smart route through the Upper Belvedere: so you don’t miss the best highlights or waste time.
  • Vienna context: the Habsburg story, the owners story, and what makes this place more than “a pretty building.”
  • Real-life sightseeing help: sightseeing advice, best restaurants to go to, coffee shop I would recommend, Things to do and Things not to Do

Tickets are separate unless we agree otherwise

Languages

German: fluent
French: fluent
English: fluent

  • DURATION

    3 hours

  • MEETING AND END LOCATION

    Meeting location: Upper Belvedere Palace at the Ticket Shop

    End location: Naschmarkt Farmers Market

  • TRANSPORTATION

    Walking and tram

  • ITINERARY

    Belvedere Palace
    Secessionist Building
    Naschmarkt

  • TOUR PRICE

    285 EUROS

  • LOCAL CASH NEEDED

    42 EURO – Ticket Belvedere 20
    Ticket Sessionist Building 12
    Tram Ticket 3 EUR
    coffee 7 EUR

BOOK THIS TOUR!

Ratings from previous Guests

Our tour was absolutely excellent, full of varied and interesting information that was carefully selected and prepared. The four hour tour remained stimulating and interesting and was a real highlight of our stay in Vienna. I was taking the tour with my 82 year old mother and Suzanne was thoughtful and considerate making everything as easy for her as possible. I would have no hesitation in recommending Suzanne to anyone wishing to learn about history and art in Vienna.

Not only was the tour wonderful it was especially helpful to have Susanne as a private guide in the museum. She gave us much more understanding of the art, the period and the connections between periods. Susanne was delightful and even gave us some help with a medical problem one of us had. Highest recommendation

Susanne was a wonderful guide to Vienna. She was extremely knowledgeable about art and history (our particular interests), energetic, attentive, helpful and warm. We are very happy she was our guide to this beautiful city!

Jewish history of Vienna is a very delicate topic that many tour guides try to avoid. Susanne does a wonderful job in highlighting this important part of Vienna’s past! She was very knowledgeable and thoughtful. I was visiting Vienna with my young daughter and my goal was to share the history of the city with her while highlighting the impact the Jewish community has made on it over many centuries. Susanne was able to accomplish this goal with excellence. We are very grateful for such wonderful experience

Susan is very positive and has good understanding to The need and interest I have on my visit to Vienna . She is one of the best I can recommend to my friends who Will visit Vienna .

Susanne, our tour guide around Vienna was superb. She was very well informed and delivered an insight in to the history; culture and fascinating sights in a truly professional manner. She was very personable and a delight to be with. We would highly recommend her as your tour guide.

Susanne’s knowledge of the subject matters was excellent and the diversity of the tour (museum, market, highlights along the way) was appreciated. She provided us with follow up material to read or watch on the subject matters we were interested in and we really appreciate her attention to details and our wishes. Of yes, she is very personable and considerate as we ranged in ages from 58 to 80. Highly recommend her!!

Our tours were outstanding with Susanne. She is knowledgeable about history, art, Jewish Heritage etc. It was a real learning experience and Susanne was delightful to be with. We are so pleased and will recommend Toursbylocals and Susanne to friends.

If there would have been a six star rating, Susanne would have deserved it all the way ! She is this very special guide who walks the extra mile with pleasure, like: sending beforehand a whole list of links and ideas (movies, music, Youtube interviews, books, …) so one can prepare for the tour properly/extensively; adding extra hidden gem ideas to improve even thisbr brave tour; informing if her guests returned safely home… She actively involved the youngsters in the tour. She is most recommendable !

BEST DAY of our trip! It started with a scenic drive outside of the city on our way to the picturesque Wachau Valley. After an apricot danish in the town of Krems we saw several other quaint towns, and miles of miles of vineyards on our way to our lunchtime cruise down the Danube River and then ended up in the town of Melk and a tour of the Melk Abbey. Susanne planned a simply perfect day – one we won’t forget for quite some time! This was a 10 star tour!