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Austrian National Library (Nationalbibliothek)

Josefplatz 1 | P.O. Box 308, Vienna A-1015, Austria
(43 1) 534 10
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Ranked #15 of 258 attractions in Vienna
Type: Libraries, Museums, Specialty Museums
Description: Center of information and research regarding the rich history of the Republic of Austria dating from the 14th century to present day.
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167 reviews from our community

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Vienna
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2013 NEW

stuff to spend years reading, pretious gems, rare, beautiful titles, free usage, at main entrance, guided tours in english at entrance josefsplatz, a culture must !

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See 9 more reviews by Wienonline for Vienna
Princeton, New Jersey
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

Note: Jewish Parts closed early (1pm) for Shavu'ot and probably for other key holidays. We had two and a half hours to explore before closing and saw both the old overgrown (Tor 1) and the new more tidily kept (Tor 4) Jewish sections, locating family. If looking for family markers, Israelitische Kultusgemeinde can help you with row and section. Tel... More

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See 3 more reviews by Linda08540 for Vienna
Vienna, Austria
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2013

This is the place to come if you like books - big book, leather bound books, historical books... The National Library collects and conserves the knowledge of centuries, from early manuscript to huge atlases. All of this in a beautiful setting. You really can feel what importance books held... A different selection of interesting books is always on display.

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See 7 more reviews by vienna-onthemove for Vienna
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 27, 2013

With sumptious palaces and heavenly churches and cathedrals the Nationalbibliothek would not normally get a second chance, but having spotted an entry in the guide book, we were glad that we did go in. The building has a wonderful feeling about it and also updates the visitor on Vienna's more recent (and sometimes unfortunate) history. Probably not for tinies, but... More

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See 4 more reviews by Jeremy314 for Vienna
Jakarta, Indonesia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2013

dont forget to visit the national library , the one in Hofburg Palace ,downtown vienna. it is sooo awesome! i am not a book fans,but it really made my eyes wide opened. lots of antique books,they just laying there for you to see,a librarian will assist you if you curious enough to browse inside.don't opened them without their permission.Also, looked... More

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Middlebury, Vermont
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2013

An Emperor doesn't necessarily have to cut corners. Indeed, they have an incentive to display their wealth as a demonstration of power. Regardless of a particular rulers interest or lack of interest in reading, the result can be magnificent. That is the case with the National Library. The exhibits are interesting, well signed and housed in a building with optimal... More

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See 13 more reviews by Legnan0 for Vienna
Maine
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 31, 2013

Well done stories and overall context of the Nazi takeover of Austria on its 75 th anniversary. Otherwise the library is mostly another monument to the Hapsburgs' wealth and desire for status.

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See 8 more reviews by lyricskipper for Vienna
Paris, France
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 22, 2013

Hesitant at first to pay 7€ (6.30 with Vienna card), we're so glad we ventured in. Frescoes ceiling, 2-story wooden bookshelves, old globes, and an interesting exhibit about WW II in Austria, it was definitely worthwhile. Given the choice between the Imperial Treasury and this, the library wins hands down.

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See 9 more reviews by Susan L for Vienna
Chicago, Illinois
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 19, 2013

My sister and I took a trip to Vienna in October and this was a must see for her, as she's an avid book reader. She LOVED it and I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't bored! There was a 7 euro entrance fee and it was definitely worth it. There was mention about a project to digitize the books... More

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London
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2013

One of the most sumptuous libraries in the world, a tour de force of the baroque and one of the real unmissable splendours of Vienna. Only Melk can rival it. And that's just to look at! the treasures it contains are inestimable.

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See 5 more reviews by Dalessandri for Vienna

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