Richard Linklater’s decision to film Before Sunrise in Vienna came down to a series of fortunate coincidences. Was it the unique atmosphere of Vienna in the 1990s? Certainly. The city’s famous coffeehouse culture and its relaxed, unhurried nightlife also likely appealed to the director. At the time, Linklater had not traveled extensively and was living in Austin, Texas—a relatively small city by American standards. In fact, Before Sunrise almost took place much closer to home, had the screenplay not attracted the interest of European production companies.

Zollamtssteg

This is probably the most famous scene in Before Sunrise and the first one set in Vienna after Jesse and Céline leave the train. It is here that the shy Jesse begins to strike up a conversation with Céline. The elegant bridge provides the perfect backdrop for the beginning of their unforgettable journey together.

Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

The iconic Giant Ferris Wheel is one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks and a highlight of any visit to the city. It also has a long history on the silver screen, inspiring filmmakers with its impressive steel structure for generations.

Café Sperl

Vienna is world-renowned for its traditional coffeehouses, and Café Sperl is one of the city’s true gems. The moment you step inside, it becomes clear why this historic café has fascinated visitors for more than a century. One of the film’s most memorable and frequently quoted scenes takes place here.

The casting process lasted several months before the perfect pair was found. In the beginning, every possibility was on the table: two men, two women, Europeans, or Americans. In the end, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke made film history. Over the course of nearly 20 years, they reunited three times to portray Céline and Jesse. Interestingly, Ethan Hawke was far from convinced when he first read the screenplay.

Richard Linklater and cinematographer Lee Daniel chose to shoot Before Sunrise using a Moviecam—a camera invented in Vienna. It was valued for being exceptionally quiet and easy to handle. Its inventor, Fritz Gabriel Bauer, received three Academy Awards for Technical Achievement. Stanley Kubrick also used a Moviecam to shoot his final film, Eyes Wide Shut.

The best way to experience the magic of Before Sunrise is to visit Café Sperl yourself. Its interior has remained almost unchanged for well over 100 years, making it possible to sit in the very same spot where Jesse and Céline shared one of the film’s most memorable conversations.

Nearly all of the locations featured in the film still look much as they did during filming. Whether it’s a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel, a visit to Kleines Café, or a walk along the Mölker Bastei, there are countless opportunities to retrace the footsteps of Jesse and Céline.

Would you like to discover the original filming locations in person?

The FILMED ON LOCATION audio tour takes you to the most important Before Sunrise filming locations while revealing fascinating behind-the-scenes stories exactly where they happened. Find all the details here:

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