Vienna: Saturday morning at the Market

Honey and Bee Product Choices

Street filled with stalls and calls

Is there anything better on a Saturday morning then visiting a Farmer's Market?  We have discovered (probably later than everyone else!) that there are Farmer's markets in every centre in Europe.  We are late to this knowledge as they typically are not listed in any travel book or website with the exception of ones that include the beautiful flower markets.  In Paris, and then again in Vienna, we stumbled upon the Farmers' Market while walking around a neighbourhood located somewhat off the tourists' path.  

Great Viennese Breads

Dried fruit stand

Although there is something familiar about all Farmer's Markets, each has its own signature which sets it apart from others.  In Vienna the unique characteristic was the calling of the venders.  As we walked through the gauntlet of stalls we were serenaded by the chorus of venders singing out their daily special. "One euro for soup stock roots", "We've got great walnuts- three euros", "One bag carrots - One euro" were just a few of the songs to be heard. Because of the lyrical way each called out, it truly was an entertaining experience.

Pork hocks.A very popular buy.

The Pay Off..Ahh

As with all Farmer's markets, the produce and processed products are fresher, local, and cheaper than what can be obtained at a store.  Product oddities for the region also make the most interesting selection of any market. In Vienna's market, one finds an assortment of regional products such as root vegetables, roasted pork hocks, tiny grapes, elk and wild boar, and bee products including 'royal jelly' and bee enzymes in alcoholic solutions used to cure colds and promote good health. After we loaded up with our goods we stopped at one of the booths for a lunch of delicious regional specialties (vegetable patties, beet salad, pan-fried potatoes) accompanied, of course, by a beer.

After eating to our fill and returning to our hotel to drop off our purchases, we were ready for touring a palace, visiting a cemetery, and walking the Danube. Oh Vienna!