Napoleonic tabletop wargaming
visit us in Vienna
So you are curious to see what this is all about? I am quite certain you will get intrigued…
Welcome!
Vienna is full of relics and sites of old, recent, and world changing history. Changing history is also something we enjoy doing on the the tabletop. If you like exploring history and also playing it, then this might be just for you. We welcome you to this unique experience: a weekend program of military history and sightseeing. In the evening, after the program ends, you are invited to meet the Viennese group and partake in a wargame.
The HGM
To keep our tongue from falling out of our mouth the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum is also known as the HGM. It is a MUST for any military history enthusiast and therefor an important part of our program when we tour Vienna. The building itself, like old Emperor Franz Josef will explain bellow, is a former 19th century military arsenal turned museum.
The HGM houses a formidable collection of uniforms, weapons, maps, art and more, covering Austrian conflicts spanning from the 30 years war in 17th century to the conflicts of the 20th century. Among the most striking items is the limousine Archduke and heir Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie sat in on the fateful morning of June 28th 1914.
I ordered “The Arsenal” buildt after my troubled subjects revolted against the crown in March 1848. The Arsenal, together with two other fortified barracks strategicaly placed around Vienna, made sure no revolution would take the crown away from me!
At the same time i modernized Vienna with new streets and boulevards. No more barricades! The city and my own beautiful Hofburg also got a new look, one that befits my glorious Empire.
Historical Vienna
Military history is the overall theme of this exclusive program but we cannot ignore the contextual history. This is the canvas for our understanding and a proper tour of Vienna paints the background of our experience.
Vienna has none the less a very militaristic history so monuments of great Marshals, generals and even 1 admiral, are not far apart. The city is famous for withstanding two great Ottoman sieges and from the top of the St. Stephen’s cathedral we can look out, like the observers did back in 1527 and 1683, over a city filled with incredible stories.
Inspired yet? Hold on to you shaco because the next part is where these Viennese Wargamers make your experience truly one of a kind. By the way, their HQ is next to my very own grand square in the center of Vienna.
Wargamers basement
Our unofficial mascot Prince Karl Phillip of Schwarzenberg is very correct. Wargamers Vienna’s head quarter is in the center of Vienna and sandwiched between amazing historical sights: The Belvedere Palace, Schwarzenbergplatz, Charles’ Church, Ringstrasse, and the unpopular sovjet liberation monument, are just some of them.
It is also a true basement, private and dedicated to one thing only: 28 mm Napoleonic wargaming. A true wargamer’s paradise which you have exclusive access to. Both weekend evenings are reserved for challenging the house in a grand battle!
What a terrible ordeal this battle was. These pesky Austrians hindered our crossing over the Danube by sending fire-barges down stream and destroyed our pontoon bridges. We fought bravely and almost had the day! Alas, we had to retreat to Lobau island to regroup. Tragically this is also when a canon ball struck my leg. I would fight with my Emperor and dear friend no more.
Aspern-Essling
Situated today in Vienna’s 22nd district, the location of one of Napoleon’s most infamous battles is close at hand. We journey out to the suburbs of Aspern and Essling to take in the site.
Naturally much has changed since the battle was fought here 211 years ago and the area is part of a sprawling suburbia. Still, there are enough reminders, and key points still existing today to give us an insight into the fatefull events of the battle of Aspern-Essling. For instance the church tower in Aspern, from which Marshal Ney mistakenly thought the Austrians where retreating, is still standing. Next to it lies the “Lion of Aspern”, guarding a small Aspern-Essling war museum which we will visit of course.
I finally got my victory at Wagram. But at what costs… The Austrians have learned a thing or two and I was not able to destroy them completely… Also, no revenge will bring my good friend Lannes back from the dead…
Wagram
The Battle of Wagram was Napoleon’s revenge and come-back from the disaster that was The Battle of Aspern Essling. It would lead to the end of The War of the Fith Coalition. But it came at a great cost after which Napoleon admitted that the Austrians were not to be taken lightly anymore.
The battle was fought along the Wagramer escarpment, a plateau just outside of Vienna’s eastern city limits. The higher terrain still offers a great view over the flat plains below today like it did in July 1809. A walk along the escarpment will help us visualize the different events of the battle, leave us with a better understanding and a lasting impression.
Your guide
Hi! My name is Jan and I am a member of the Wargamers Vienna group, creator of this website, Art Historian, and licensed Austria Guide. It is history, art and culture that has drawn me to the guiding business, but I stay because of the people. My greatest pleasure is meeting travelers, history enthusiasts and creating unforgettable experiences.
The program I created in the theme of my Napoleonic hobby group is a dream come true. I am an avid fan of military history and Vienna is full of some of the most epic moments in military history. This weekend program will take you to the most important places in that context while also showing you beautiful Vienna and the surrounding countryside. Not to forget are the evenings where you are invited to join us in our war room for some proper Napoleonic action. This is a truly unique experience!
Contact me directly for a more detailed program, price info and booking.
We hope to see you in Vienna soon!