Spittelberggasse biography

Rounding out the collection of Viennese Christmas markets is the one in the Spittelberg area: a collection of narrow streets, galleries, art stores, organic grocers, and similar in Vienna’s 7th district.

The Spittelberg market

(The street layout adds a unique ambience)

Spittelberg represents the classic urban regeneration success story.

In the mid-1980s, the area looked set for demolishment to make way for speculative construction projects.

Timely intervention by activists and politicians brought renovation, then rejuvenation.

A thriving collection of bars, restaurants, and shops has since sparked Spittelberg to life, and the Christmas market is a symbol of this success. This somewhat bohemian location even featured in the movie, Before Sunrise.

Unlike most of its colleagues, the Spittelberg market doesn’t occupy a large square or open area.

Instead, the stalls fill narrow streets, alleyways and small courtyards, flanked by li