For more information about the programs, please contact the UNWG Activities Chairwoman at unwgactivitieswien@gmail.com, or stop by or call the UNWG office during office hours.
To find other regular activities, such as language classes, arts & crafts groups, etc., click here.
General Meeting
Welcoming Coffee: China
Embark on a Chinese cultural journey through rich heritage. Explore ancient dynasties, vibrant traditions, and delectable cuisine.
Book Group Discussion
All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley
UNWG INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL CHARITY BAZAAR 2024
There are international gift items for sale, and special foods and drink from around the world. Multinational cultural entertainment for the family will be presented. Open to the public. Entrance is free.
Beethoven Museum Tour
There is no place in Vienna where you can get closer to Ludwig van Beethoven than the Beethoven Museum. His residence in Probusgasse (in today's 19th district) is wonderfully preserved and explains the life and works of the world-famous composer through documents, objects, and many musical examples. Some of Beethoven’s most important works were written in Heiligenstadt, including the first sketches of the "Eroica" and the famous “Tempest Sonata.” In addition, the exhibition covers Beethoven's youth in Bonn, his complex social circles, and his musical legacy.
Number of participants: 20-25. Cost is €15 for a guided tour in English. Contact Rana by email unwgactvitieswien@gmail.com or sign up in the UNWG office or call the office at 01 2600 24276. Meeting point: In front of the museum.
General Meeting: Vote for 2025 UNWG Board
Kiosk: Charity Silent Auction
In a new way to offer the more valuable and unique donations to the UNWG, the Kiosk will be hosting a three-day silent auction in the Rotunda. Items to be auctioned include unique and valuable jewelry, porcelain, art objects, antique fabric, an antique traditional kimono, and a quilt from the Guild's quilting group. Visit the exhibit and bid on the many items on offer. Bids close on Friday, November 8, at 14.00. All proceeds go to support children worldwide.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Fireworks
Book Group Discussion
Maktub by Paulo Coelho
General Meeting
Charity Awards Ceremony
All UNWG members are invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate our many fundraising efforts with the recipients of this year's charity grants. Members are encouraged to wear national dresses/costumes, if possible. If you are able, please bring a finger food or dessert to share for the reception following the ceremony. Please sign up in the UNWG office if you are able to bring something.
Döbling District Museum Tour
The museum has objects from prehistory and early history, the history of the former villages, industry (Samum, Gräf and Stift, Bensdorp, etc.) as well as models of the cog railway and the cable car. You can visit the salon of Villa Wertheimstein, the memorial rooms for Eduard von Bauernfeld and Ferdinand von Saar and the magnificent staircase (Moritz von Schwind). Maximum 15 participants. Cost: €3 for charity donation. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Rana.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: My Kind of Poet
Book Group Discussion
The Suitcase: Six Attempts to Cross a Border by Francis Stonor
Welcoming Coffee Hosted by Azerbaijani Cultural Center by the Embassy
Introducing Azerbaijan's culture. Sign up in UNWG office or with Maya.
CRC Charity Projects 2024 Display
General Meeting: Health Qi Gong
The 6th European Health Qi Gong Games and the Vienna International Health Qi Gong Festival will be held in Vienna from September 26-29. Mr. Ernst Woller, first chairman of the Vienna State Council, Ms. Bai Lin the President of Australian Health Qi Gong Association and some Qi Gong masters will give our members a chance to learn and experience the Health Qi Gong for our body and mind. They will explain the essence of traditional Qi Gong and interact with members to show us how to regulate Qi and blood, and to strengthen muscles and bones.
Blumengärten Hirschstetten
After the summer it will be nice to get together again, so we will say goodbye to summer and start autumn with a visit to the famous Blumengärten Hirschstetten, a very exciting place where we can see nature in all its beautiful colors. Be ready to enjoy yourself on this tour of the Hirschstetten flower gardens in Wien’s 22nd district. We will be met at 10.00 by an employee of the gardens for our tour, which will last about 1.5 hours. Cost: €3 for charity donation. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Rana.
Austrian Parliament Building
We will mark the end of summer with a wonderful 1.5 hour tour of the Austrian Parliament, including the third floor Penarium. We will learn more about this very important building in Vienna and what goes on inside. Number of participants: 20-30 persons. Please be at the main entrance of the Parliament at 9.45 for ID and security checks before our 10.30 tour. Cost: €3 for charity donation. Please note that appropriate clothing is required. If you are interested in lunch afterwards in the Parliament café, please inform Rana because a table must be reserved. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Rana.
Welcoming Coffee: Haus der Europäischen Union
We have been invited to the House of the European Union and will receive an introductory presentation on the European Union, in particular on the European Commission and the tasks of the representation. Sign up in the UNWG Office or with Maya or Burghild.
Kiosk Sale: International Day of Peace & World Children's Day
Featuring special peace items in honor of Peace Day, in addition to many of the Kiosk's products. All proceeds go to support children's charities worldwide.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Happy Holidays
UNWG Office reopens for regular office hours, Monday to Friday from 10.00-14.00
Book Group Discussion
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
New! Café International: Food'Amour (mumok)
This activity will give you the chance to meet with old friends and welcome new friends. Once a month we will meet at some well-known or secret place in Vienna to chat, to laugh, to make friends and to learn about your host city. Sign up with Burghild, the membership chair, before August 25.
International Charity Art Exhibition and Charity Sales with the Kiosk, Book Shop & Charity Shop
The second UNWG International Charity Art Exhibition will be held in the VIC Rotunda exhibiting artwork by children. The theme for the exhibit is “To Feel the World” and the opening ceremony is on Tuesday, August 20. In addition, the Kiosk, Book Shop and Charity Shop will be selling their products during the 3-day UNWG Rotunda event.
Kiosk, Book Shop & Charity Shop Rotunda Sale
Summer Luncheon
To celebrate the start of the summer holidays, our summer luncheon will be held at Strand-Gasthaus Birner in the 21st district. All UNWG members are welcome to participate. Sign up from June 7-19 in the UNWG office or with Rana.
General Meeting
1. Charity Projects - 9.30-10:00: The CRC will present the projects they have selected for giving grant monies in 2024.
2. Staying Safe in Vienna - 10.00-11.30: Members of the Vienna Police will meet with us to present ways to keep ourselves and our families safe at home, while commuting and in crowded areas. Their presentation will address topics and strategies to prevent or deal with potential problems and will focus on: property protection, safety in the streets, domestic violence, supporting children and teens, cybercrime, and other topics.
Brunnenmarkt, 1160 Wien
The Brunnenmarkt is almost 1 kilometre long with about 160 market stalls, and is one of the cheapest markets in Vienna. It is also known as "Orient around the corner" due to its colorful and multicultural atmosphere. It is the second largest inner-city market in Vienna after the Naschmarkt. If you want to get more information about this market, come and join us. I am sure you will enjoy the tour and the shopping in addition to buying the delicious food they have there. Cost: €3 for charity contribution. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Rana.
Kiosk Sale: World Environment Day
The Kiosk will be celebrating World Environment Day with some new environmentally friendly products which produce zero waste. Products such as whales for kids made of ocean recycled plastic, bracelets made using ocean nets and our new logo cup to go will be presented in those days. Jewelry recycled and upcycled using the donations we receive will also be available.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Poetry of Resistance
Book Group Discussion
Children of Sugarcane by Joanne Joseph
Wien Museum
Join us for a guided tour in English of the newly reopened Wien Museum, home to Vienna’s extraordinary collection of art works and historical artifacts, giving visitors a glimpse into the city's culture and history. The museum’s permanent exhibition “Vienna. My History” offers a chronological tour of the city — from the first settlement to the present day. Across three floors, visitors will encounter highlights ranging from a 20ft-model of St. Stephen’s cathedral and Gustav Klimt’s portrait of Emilie Flöge to the museum’s mascot Poldi, the Prater Whale.
Maximum 20 participants. Cost is €13 for a guided tour in English. Contact Rana by email unwgactvitieswien@gmail.com or sign up in the UNWG office or call the office at 01 260024276. Deadline for sign-up: May 27.
Cooking Group: Arabic Cooking
Our second cooking class will be very delicious and easy to cook famous and traditional Arabic dishes. Rana Hawash Al-Masri, Shosho, Rola Ajjeh and others will do this demonstration for us. All the participants will receive a copy of the recipes on the day of the event. Come and share with us in cooking and eating very delicious dishes. Please be there at 9.30 because the explanations will start on time!! Maximum 25 participants, first come first served. Cost is €15 for ingredients and charity donation. Contact Rana by email unwgactvitieswien@gmail.com or sign up in the UNWG office or call the office at 01 260024276.
Welcoming Coffee Hosted by the Moroccan Embassy
The wife of the Ambassador of Morocco Mm Amina Idrissi Belkasmi invites us to have our May Welcoming Coffee at her residence. We will be welcomed by a Moroccan traditional tea ceremony and will have video presentation about Morocco. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Maya by May 17.
Schönbrunn Zoo / Tiergarten Schönbrunn
A visit to the Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world which has been named Europe’s best zoo six times in a row. Part of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site with the imperial summer residence of Schönbrunn Palace at its centre, the zoo provides a unique blend of culture and nature, while promoting conservation and biodiversity. The zoo’s special appeal comes from its imperial charm, 700 species from anteaters to zebras, and giant pandas. Visitors have the chance to observe many of the animals at feeding time, finding out fascinating facts in the process. Feeding time at the sea lion enclosure is always popular. There is also a restaurant we’ll stop at for a meal or a cup of coffee.
Friends and spouses are most welcome to join us. (A minimum of 10 participants.) Entry ticket price is €30 though we can get a group discount if we have enough people. Contact Rana by email unwgactvitieswien@gmail.com or sign up in the UNWG office or call the office at 01 260024276.
Friends & Newcomers Circle:
Theme: Effective Communication Skills Among International and Multicultural Women's Groups
Dead Poets Society, Theme: This Makes Me Laugh
General Meeting
Nisreen Mirza and Elisa Errico from the VIC's UNFCU will discuss support for education when having a UNFCU account.
Book Group Discussion
Muddy People by Sara el Sayed
Picnic in Donaupark
Enjoy a walk around the Donaupark with their beautiful spring flowers, then take part in a picnic of the food and drinks that we ask everyone to contribute to. Bring what you like; either one of the famous traditional dishes of your country or buy something if you don’t have time to cook. It’s time to have fun and enjoy a day of chatting, playing games or do whatever you want together. Come and invite your friends and let’s have wonderful time together. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Rana.
General Meeting: The Power of Music
Mrs. Shan Luo and Mr. Weiping Xia from the Youtuo Classical Music Institute will introduce the Vienna International Philharmonic Initiative, which aims to promote the development of public welfare through the power of music, especially in the fields of music and arts education. This initiative seeks to enable more people to enjoy the beauty of music, nurture artistic talents, and make positive contributions to society.
Kiosk Sale: Sustainable Products, Gifts From the Earth and Mother's Day
The Kiosk will be recognizing Earth Day and Mother's Day with a sale in the VIC focusing on Earth friendly items and recycled goods. An ongoing focus at the Kiosk is reusing materials and upcycling them to create new pieces of jewelry. Creating a piece by using already existing materials is very gratifying, not only because it guarantees a unique piece, but it is a zero-waste approach.
Over the last years we have also experimented with reusing glass, porcelain, and plastic materials (all but the kitchen sink) challenging our creativity with the materials at hand. Other artists' sustainable objects will also be on sale such as the secret books, Rosa's clay bowls and plant colored silk scarves from Tamae.
We are grateful for all the donations that contributed to our sales.
International Luncheon
This successful fundraiser is open for the VIC population to sample excellent world cuisine supplied by our members and participating embassies and missions. It is a wonderful opportunity to support our charity program. We encourage embassies and permanent missions as well as members to come showcase their countries and to share some of their culinary delight at the charity luncheon event. If you are willing to bring a national dish or would like to help, please contact the organizing team at unwgluncheon@gmail.com.
Welcoming Coffee: Let's Play Bunco
We are going to play Bunco, a popular game in the USA. This does not take much skill but there are rules to follow and to help you, we are including a video of Bunco rules here. If you want to play, please bring 1 euro and a pencil. If you don't want to play, spectators are welcome. We will start with coffee at 9:30 while we prepare the tables for the number of people who want to play. Playing begins at 10:05. (Please take into account the wait at Gate 1.)
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Awake Like a Bear in Spring
Book Group Discussion
The Girl With Seven Names: Escape from North Korea by Hyeonseo Lee
Tostmann Trachten
Since the company was founded in 1949, all Tostmann dirndls have been manufactured in Seewalchen am Atersee or Vienna. The family business is now in its third generation and employs around 100 people at the two locations. In addition to dirndls for young and old and for every occasion, you can also find traditional costumes for men. Join us for a tour by the owner of the shop and factory. Sign up in the UNWG office. Maximum number of participants: 15. Cost €3 for charity donation.
Augarten Porcelain Manufactory Tour
Join us for a private English tour of the famous porcelain maker's factory in the heart of Vienna's second district. They have a 300-year tradition of producing the finest tableware and exquisite decorative objects by hand. Sign up and pay in the UNWG office. Minimum number of participants: 10. Friends and spouses are welcome. Cost €22 for the tour and charity donation.
Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky Zentrum
Our next activity will be a very interesting tour of the former apartment of a famous Austrian architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky. The MSL Zentrum provides a space for exhibitions and is a research centre on the pioneers of architecture. Sign up in the UNWG office by March 11. Maximum number of attendees is 15. Cost: €13 includes tour and charity donation.
General Meeting: Gender Equality in Society
To mark the International Women’s History month, our member Ruth Mwangeka will talk about role of gender equality in the modern society. We can have a discussion among members on the topic.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Purity
International Women's Day Luncheon
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The Board has organized a luncheon at E-Wok Restaurant to celebrate the day. Sign up and pay in the UNWG office. Cost: €15
Kiosk Charity Sale: In Honor of International Women's Day
Welcoming Coffee: Dynamic Korean Arts
The March Welcoming Coffee will be hosted by the Korean Cultural Center under the auspices of the Republic of Korea Embassy. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Maya by March 4.
Book Group Discussion
"The Exchange of Princesses" by Chantal Thomas
Friends & Newcomers Circle: Exploring Our Interests and Hobbies
The first workshop in 2024 will be exploring things we love to do that make us happy and content, and we'll find out who shares similar interests with us. Sharing similar interests among friends makes one comfortable within the group. All members are welcome to attend. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Philomena.
Margarete Schütte-Lihotzk Zentrum
The MSL Centre is in the former apartment of the famous Austrian architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky. It provides a space for exhibitions and is a research centre on the pioneers of architecture. Sign up in the UNWG office by February 19. Maximum number of attendees is 15. Cost: €10
Tour of Türkenschanzpark
Türkenschanzpark, one of the most beautiful parks in Vienna, is in the style of a romantic English landscape garden. It boasts of amazing garden architecture with many beautiful fountains and sculptures. Learn about many interesting details of the botanical species in the garden, as well as famous visitors to the park. A little bit of historical gossip is included! Following the walk, we can have lunch if people are interested. Minimum number of attendees is 10. (Spouses or friends are most welcome.) Cost €12 payable when you sign up in the UNWG office.
General Meeting: Vienna, Your Host City
Angelika Wölfer from the VIC's Vienna Service Office will present some not so well-known aspects of the beautiful city of Vienna.
Cooking Group: Easy Dishes
Welcome to the first cooking class of 2024. Have you ever thought that you want something healthy and satifying to serve to family or friends but don't want to spend a lot of time cooking in the kitchen? We will be cooking two spinach dishes that look like they took a lot of time to prepare but take less than 30 minutes each and can be adapted in many ways. Limited to 20 persons. Sign up in the UNWG office. Cost €11 per person for ingredients and charity donation.
Welcoming Coffee Hosted by the Australian Embassy
Dr. Christine Biggs, the Australian Ambassador’s spouse, invites you to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The theme is reconciliation. Sign up in the UNWG office or with Maya by February 9.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Longing
Kiosk Charity Sale: Valentine's Day Special
Book Group Discussion
"The Durrells of Corfu" by Michael Haag
Tour of the Lower Belvedere
Let us start this year 2024 with a cultural event. The Belvedere celebrates its 300th birthday this year, so our first activity will be a tour of the Lower Belvedere Gallery. Entry cost including the guided tour: €22. Sign up and payment in the UNWG office. Deadline for sign up: January 19.
Welcoming Coffee: Hosted by the Indonesian Embassy
The wife of the Ambassador of Indonesia, Mrs. Ermita Agusman, is pleased to invite 25 ~ 30 ladies for our first Welcoming Coffee in 2024. Sign up in the UNWG Office. Registration is limited and required.
General Meeting
Report of the board 2023; appreciation certificates for Board 2023; installation of the Board 2024; and upcoming events by respective Board members.
Dead Poets Society, Theme: Love
Book Group Discussion
"The Wizard of the Kremlin" by Giuliano da Empoli (original: Le Mage du Kremlin)
