Last semester, a group of students from Fine Arts Professor Andrew Haringer’s class, Music, Politics and Culture in the Austrian Empire, embarked on an unforgettable trip to Vienna, Austria. This twelve-day journey was filled with enriching adventures that deepened their understanding of European culture, history, and architecture. The group explored some of Vienna's most iconic landmarks, took an overnight trip to Budapest, Hungary, and some students even ventured to Bratislava, Slovakia. From museums and palaces to local delicacies like Wiener Schnitzel and bratwurst, the trip was an immersive experience in the cultural legacy of Austria and central Europe.
Vienna served as the group’s home base for the trip. After settling into their hostel, students immediately began exploring the Austrian capital. Vienna, known for its rich imperial history, did not disappoint. As they walked through its grand straßen (streets in German) and historic buildings, it felt like stepping back in time. The students quickly understood why so many cultural and political movements flourished in this city.
One of the highlights of the trip was the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which Mia Clark ’26, a psychology major, fondly described as "exquisite and breathtaking." The students were thrilled to see some of the masterpieces they had studied in class come to life right before their eyes.
Ryan Overy ’26, a criminal justice major, particularly enjoyed visiting Schönbrunn Palace and the military museum. “Witnessing history in the places where it happened,” he said, “was an experience that surpassed reading about it in a book.”
In addition to the historical sites, the group had the opportunity to experience Vienna’s vibrant arts scene. One evening, they attended a performance of Turandot at the Vienna State Opera. The grandeur of the building, paired with the beautiful music, left a lasting impression on everyone. As English and Communication Professor Adam Walton had hoped, the students were able to experience the richness of Austrian culture in a deeply personal way.
The trip was not just about sightseeing; it was also about connecting with each other and the locals. As political science and international relations major Theodore Burkhardt ’28 shared, “I made amazing friends from Saint Anselm in the group, and I also met some incredible Europeans along the way.” Students also travelled to nearby cities including Budapest, Hungary and Bratislava, Slovakia.
Throughout the trip, one thing stood out above all: the opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture vastly different from their own. As Haringer, the trip’s organizer, explained, the journey provided students with a thorough understanding of the key institutions and historical figures that shaped the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From the court to the church, aristocratic patronage to government buildings, the students were able to witness the tangible remnants of a once-mighty empire that still resonate today in the art, architecture, and culture of Vienna.
Reflecting on the experience, it was clear that the students gained more than just knowledge about history and culture. They also learned about themselves and the world around them. Experiencing new foods, meeting people from different cultures, and witnessing Europe’s grandeur firsthand was a privilege. As Clark said, “It was so great to form a bond with the group and share some great memories that will last a long time!”