VWW: Hedy Lamarr - Early life of a Superstar

Vienna should know much more about Hedwig Kiesler

She was a pioneer in physics, feminism, politics and also sex. She was passionate, colourful and spectacular.

And she chose to be buried in this city, which showed that she cared about her roots, even if the city did not treat her so well. Her ashes now lie in both Cobenzl and Zentralfriedhof.

She was born in Alsergrund, and grew up wealthy and happy, even if she sometimes rebelled against her surroundings.

Hedy was spectacularly beautiful, which makes a difference as a young woman. Though she was a little plump in her teenage years, which she describes as a troubling moment in her development...

On this tour, we will look at her early life through the buildings and spaces that surrounded and shaped her.

Was it Wien that led her to being the superstar she was? Or was she born that way?

What did it mean to be Jewish in 1920s Wien? Why was she the first person to simulate orgasm in a film? Was she a great actress? Why was she married six times? We will explore all these questions in our north Wien adventure. And celebrate the life of a true Wien pioneer.

This tour is part of Vienna Walking Week, our ecological response to the climate crisis, to show that there is no need to fly away to have summer adventures and exotic experiences.