Discover Vienna's Dark History: Crimes and Secrets of the Inner City
Step into Vienna's dark past with this 2-hour tour exploring the city’s most notorious crimes and secrets from the Middle Ages. Discover stories of murders, intrigues, and brutal punishments that shocked old Vienna and shaped its history.
From the infamous blood countess Elisabeth Bathory to political assassinations and bizarre medieval punishments, this experience reveals the city’s hidden, often gruesome stories. It’s a fascinating journey through Vienna’s darker side, perfect for history buffs and curious explorers alike.
Join us and walk through the city’s shadowy past, guided by engaging stories and vivid descriptions. Whether you’re a local or visiting, this tour offers a unique perspective on Vienna’s most chilling secrets.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore multiple historical sites and hear their stories.
In what languages is the tour available?
The experience is offered in both German and English, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 0-6 can ride in a pram or stroller. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, but some stories may be intense for very young children.
What’s included in the price?
You’ll receive an audio guide that you can listen to on your own smartphone, providing detailed commentary throughout the tour.
Can I join this tour alone?
Yes, this experience is designed for solo travelers, with group sizes up to one person, allowing for a personalized and intimate exploration.
Free cancellation
You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
German, English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Audio guide accessible via your smartphone
Itinerary
Explore Vienna’s dark history through a series of intriguing stops, each revealing stories of crime, punishment, and intrigue from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
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Capuchin monastery
Discover the monastery dungeon where monks were sometimes imprisoned for decades for absurd reasons, including unauthorized walks or misconduct. Father Innocentius, who revealed the dungeon, later became a Protestant and advisor to the tsar.
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Jaroszynski murder case
Learn about the murder involving actress Therese Krones and the real motives behind the crime—debt and gambling addiction—rather than scandalous rumors.
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Palais Bathory
Visit the former residence of Elisabeth Bathory, the infamous 'Blood Countess,' accused of murdering over 600 virgins to bathe in their blood for eternal youth.
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Place of the Demel
Hear about the Lucona affair planned here, involving a heavily insured ship with a hidden explosive, leading to murders and insurance fraud in the 1970s.
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Ferstel Palace
Explore the site of medieval Vienna’s most notorious mass murder, where the perpetrator was impaled after killing seven people, including a child.
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Hotel Klomser
Learn about the espionage scandal involving Colonel Redl, whose activities damaged Austria’s reputation before WWI.
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Anna Gaugisch murder
Hear the tragic story of her dismemberment by her jealous boyfriend in 1861, with body parts found in the Danube and nearby waters.
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Lynch murder of Theodor Baillet de Latour
Discover the political violence of 1848, marking the start of Vienna’s October Revolution, with a rare case of political assassination.
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Hannakenkönig
Learn about the surgeon who caused injuries himself to attract business, a bizarre practice in Moravia and Vienna.
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City wall section - Zahlheim case
Visit the site of Vienna’s last execution by decapitation, a particularly brutal form of justice during Joseph II’s reign.
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Thekla Riener
Hear about her tragic torture and death, driven by jealousy and madness, in a story of obsession and insanity.
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Vienna’s 'standard bread loaf'
Learn about medieval punishment where bakers were dipped into the Danube as a form of disgrace, a legend reflecting harsh quality controls.
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Malefizspitzbubenhaus
Visit the site of Vienna’s only witch execution and torture, where a woman was burned for alleged witchcraft and her granddaughter accused of demonic possession.
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Himmelpfort monastery
Hear the story of a nun walled in alive in 1319 for refusing to part with her lover—an early example of tragic love stories in Vienna.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point with your guide, Ben, who will be easily spotted with a yellow Prime Tours umbrella.
When you arrive, look for Ben, a friendly guide holding a yellow umbrella. He’ll be ready to start your journey into Vienna’s dark history.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the tour
- May be canceled due to bad weather or insufficient bookings
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $45.86 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
