• Are Austrian Brothels Safer Than Street Prostitution?

    Are Austrian Brothels Safer Than Street Prostitution?

    When discussing the safety of sex work, a critical question often arises: are brothels safer than street prostitution? This topic is especially relevant in countries like Austria, where prostitution is legal and regulated under specific conditions.

    Understanding the safety dynamics between brothels and street prostitution requires examining legal frameworks, working conditions, health measures, and social factors. This article delves into these aspects to shed light on why Austrian brothels tend to offer a safer environment compared to street-based sex work.

    Legal Framework Surrounding Prostitution in Austria

    Austria has a distinctive legal approach to prostitution, recognizing it as a legal profession under regulated circumstances. Brothels operate legally and must comply with strict regulations, including health checks, licensing, and safety protocols mandated by local authorities. In contrast, street prostitution often falls into a gray area, with stricter enforcement against illegal solicitation or unlicensed activity.

    This legal recognition of brothels provides a foundation for safer working environments. Licensed brothels are subject to inspections and must adhere to hygiene standards, ensuring that sex workers operate in controlled settings. Street prostitution, lacking such oversight, is more vulnerable to exploitation and unsafe conditions.

    Controlled Environment in Austrian Brothels

    One of the main reasons brothels are considered safer is the controlled environment they provide. Brothels in Austria typically have security personnel, surveillance systems, and emergency protocols in place. These measures help prevent violence and harassment, which are unfortunately prevalent risks in street prostitution.

    Furthermore, brothels often have clear rules about client behavior and worker boundaries, supported by management. This structure reduces the likelihood of dangerous encounters and helps sex workers feel more secure during their shifts. The presence of colleagues and supervisors also means that help is readily available when needed.

    Health and Safety Measures

    Health is a paramount concern in the sex industry. Austrian brothels are required to facilitate regular health check-ups for sex workers, including screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This proactive health management helps prevent the spread of diseases and ensures that both workers and clients are protected.

    In contrast, street prostitution often lacks access to such comprehensive health services. Sex workers operating on the streets may face barriers to healthcare, including stigma, fear of law enforcement, and unstable living conditions. Without regular testing and medical support, health risks increase significantly.

    Are Austrian Brothels Safer Than Street Prostitution? infographic

    Financial Stability and Support Networks

    Brothels offer a more financially stable environment for sex workers. With an established client base and regulated pricing, workers can often avoid the uncertainties and risks associated with soliciting clients in public spaces. This stability allows them to focus on their safety and well-being rather than constantly negotiating terms or avoiding dangerous situations.

    Additionally, brothels often foster a sense of community among workers. This social support network is crucial for emotional well-being and practical assistance, such as sharing safety tips or intervening in emergencies. Street-based sex workers, on the other hand, may experience isolation, increasing their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.

    Risks Associated with Street Prostitution

    Street prostitution inherently carries higher risks due to its unregulated nature. Sex workers on the street are more exposed to violence from clients, passersby, and even law enforcement. The lack of a controlled environment means that help is not always immediately available.

    Moreover, street prostitution is often linked to greater social stigma and criminalization. This can prevent sex workers from reporting crimes or seeking medical help, further exacerbating their vulnerability. The transient nature of street work also makes it harder to establish consistent safety routines or access support services.

    Impact of Regulation on Safety

    The regulation of brothels in Austria aims to create a balance between allowing sex work and protecting the rights and safety of sex workers. By enforcing licensing, health checks, and security measures, authorities help reduce the risks associated with prostitution.

    While regulation is not a perfect solution and challenges remain—such as ensuring all brothels comply with standards and addressing the needs of marginalized workers—it undeniably contributes to safer working conditions compared to unregulated street prostitution.

    Are Austrian Brothels Safer Than Street Prostitution? infographic

    Conclusion: Why Austrian Brothels Are Generally Safer

    In summary, Austrian brothels tend to be safer than street prostitution due to several factors: legal recognition and regulation, controlled environments with security measures, access to health services, financial stability, and social support networks. These elements work together to reduce the risks of violence, health issues, and exploitation commonly associated with street-based sex work.

    While no work environment is entirely risk-free, the structured nature of brothels in Austria offers sex workers a greater degree of protection and well-being. For those concerned about safety in the sex industry, understanding these differences is crucial in supporting policies and practices that prioritize the health and security of all workers.

  • Does Vienna Have a Red Light District?

    Does Vienna Have a Red Light District?

    When exploring European cities, many travelers are curious about the presence of red light districts, often seen as part of the urban nightlife and culture. Vienna, the capital of Austria, is no exception.

    If you’re wondering does Vienna have a red light district, it’s important to understand how the city approaches this aspect of its social fabric and what visitors might expect.

    Understanding Vienna’s Approach to Red Light Districts

    Unlike cities such as Amsterdam or Hamburg, Vienna does not have a traditional red light district characterized by streets lined with neon-lit windows where sex workers openly advertise their services. Instead, Vienna’s approach to prostitution and adult entertainment is more regulated and discreet. Prostitution is legal and regulated under Austrian law, but it is carried out in a way that emphasizes privacy and social order rather than overt visibility.

    In Vienna, sex work is mainly confined to certain areas and establishments, rather than a single, centralized district. This approach helps maintain the city’s clean and safe reputation while allowing adult services to operate within legal frameworks. The absence of a well-known, bustling red light area also aligns with Vienna’s broader cultural and urban planning priorities.

    Where Is Prostitution Legal in Vienna?

    Prostitution is legal in Austria and regulated by the government to ensure health and safety standards are met. In Vienna, sex workers must register with the authorities and undergo regular health checks. This system aims to protect both workers and clients while minimizing illegal activities.

    Prostitution in Vienna primarily takes place in licensed brothels, private apartments, and certain clubs. These venues operate discreetly, without the flashy signage or window displays that some other cities’ red light districts feature. This means visitors looking for a typical red light area will find the city’s approach much subtler and less tourist-oriented.

    Popular Areas Associated with Adult Entertainment

    While Vienna lacks a traditional red light district, there are neighborhoods and streets known for adult entertainment and nightlife. Areas such as the Gürtel, a long road encircling the city center, have some clubs and venues where adult services may be offered. The Gürtel is a lively area known for bars, music venues, and nightlife, and some establishments discreetly provide adult entertainment.

    In addition, parts of the Favoriten district have been known for some adult services, but again, these are not grouped into a single, concentrated red light zone. Instead, the city’s approach is more dispersed, reflecting Vienna’s preference for integrating adult entertainment within the broader urban landscape rather than isolating it.

    Does Vienna Have a Red Light District? infographic

    How Does Vienna Compare to Other European Cities?

    Many European cities have iconic red light districts that attract tourists and locals alike. Amsterdam’s De Wallen, for example, is world-famous for its openly visible sex work and adult-themed attractions. Hamburg’s Reeperbahn is another well-known entertainment district with a strong red light presence.

    Vienna’s model is quite different. The city prioritizes discretion, regulation, and social integration over spectacle. This means visitors interested in nightlife will find plenty of bars, clubs, and cultural events but fewer opportunities for openly visible adult entertainment. This approach reflects Vienna’s conservative cultural tendencies and emphasis on maintaining a polished urban environment.

    Safety and Legal Considerations for Visitors

    If you are considering exploring Vienna’s adult entertainment scene, it’s important to respect local laws and customs. Prostitution is legal but regulated, so working with licensed establishments is essential for safety and legality. Avoid any unlicensed or street-based offers, as these can be linked to illegal activities and may pose risks.

    Vienna is generally a safe city for tourists, including those interested in nightlife. The police and local authorities actively monitor and regulate adult services to prevent exploitation and ensure public order. This regulatory environment helps maintain a safe experience for both workers and clients.

    Alternative Nightlife Experiences in Vienna

    For travelers who may be intrigued by the concept of a red light district but are also interested in Vienna’s rich cultural scene, the city offers a wealth of alternatives. Vienna’s nightlife is vibrant, with historic coffee houses, world-renowned opera houses, jazz clubs, and trendy bars all contributing to a lively evening atmosphere.

    Visitors can enjoy the famous Viennese wine taverns, attend classical concerts, or explore the bustling districts such as the first district (Innere Stadt) and Neubau for a mix of dining, art, and nightlife. These experiences provide a distinctly Viennese flavor without the overt adult-themed areas found in other cities.

    Does Vienna Have a Red Light District? infographic

    Conclusion: Does Vienna Have a Red Light District?

    The simple answer to the question does Vienna have a red light district is no, not in the traditional sense. Vienna’s approach to prostitution and adult entertainment is more regulated, discreet, and spread out across the city rather than concentrated in a single, well-known district. This reflects the city’s broader cultural values and commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly urban environment.

    Visitors interested in exploring Vienna should focus on its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and safe, regulated adult entertainment venues rather than expecting a bustling, neon-lit red light area. Understanding this difference will help ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience in Austria’s elegant capital city.

    Don’t miss our top list article to get a full overview on the best brothels in Vienna!

  • Vienna’s Red-Light Scene: Facts, Laws, and Misconceptions

    Vienna’s Red-Light Scene: Facts, Laws, and Misconceptions

    Vienna has a long-established and legally regulated red-light scene. Sex work is legal in Austria under specific conditions, and the city of Vienna actively regulates where and how adult services may operate. According to official city and federal sources, adult services in Vienna include licensed sex clubs, studios, escort agencies, limited street prostitution zones, and a registered population of sex workers, alongside a smaller number of illegal or unregistered activities.

    Understanding Vienna’s red-light scene requires looking at how it is structured by law, how it actually operates, and where common misconceptions do not match reality.

    The Legal Status of Sex Work in Vienna

    Sex work between consenting adults is legal in Austria. In Vienna, this activity is regulated by both federal law and city-level regulations.

    Sex workers must be of legal age, register with authorities, and comply with health and administrative requirements. Operators of sex clubs, studios, and similar venues must hold valid licenses and follow strict rules regarding location, safety, and hygiene.

    These facts are confirmed by the City of Vienna’s official information on prostitution .

    Sex work is not allowed everywhere. Vienna enforces protection zones where prostitution is prohibited, such as near schools, churches, and certain residential areas.

    Street prostitution is permitted only in specifically designated streets and only under defined conditions. Violations of these rules are subject to fines and enforcement actions.

    Don’t miss this article about the legal framework of sex work:

    Registered Sex Workers in Vienna

    Austria maintains a registration system for sex workers. Publicly available data does not always provide up-to-date city-specific numbers, but historical and aggregated statistics show that Vienna consistently has over 1,000 registered sex workers, making it the largest single concentration in Austria due to population size and tourism .

    Registration includes administrative reporting and regular health requirements. This system is designed to make legal sex work visible and enforceable, rather than hidden.

    Licensed Sex Clubs, Studios, and Escort Services

    Vienna does not publish a single official list showing the exact number of licensed sex clubs operating at any given time. However, it is publicly documented that multiple licensed sex clubs and brothels operate legally in Vienna, alongside studios and escort agencies that function under business licenses .

    Well-known venues, such as Maxim Vienna, are publicly documented examples of licensed brothels operating within this framework . These venues operate indoors, employ registered sex workers, and are subject to inspections.

    Escort services and studios usually work by appointment and offer a different format from clubs, but they must still comply with the same legal standards.

    Don’t miss our article about the best brothels:

    Illegal and Unregistered Sex Work

    Despite regulation, illegal sex work does exist in Vienna. This includes unregistered individuals, illegal apartment brothels, and street prostitution outside permitted zones. Austrian police regularly investigate and shut down illegal operations, as confirmed by publicly reported enforcement actions and inspections .

    Authorities and NGOs agree that illegal sex work represents a minority of the overall scene but remains an ongoing issue, particularly in private apartments advertised online.

    Common Misconceptions About Vienna’s Red-Light Scene

    One common misconception is that Vienna’s red-light scene is uncontrolled. In reality, it is one of the most regulated systems in Europe, with clear rules on registration, licensing, and location.

    Another myth is that street prostitution is the main form of sex work in Vienna. Official sources confirm that most sex work happens indoors, in licensed venues or through escort services, while street prostitution is limited and geographically restricted .

    There is also a widespread belief that all sex workers are exploited.

    While exploitation is a serious issue that authorities actively monitor, Austria’s legal model is designed to reduce exploitation by making sex work visible and regulated rather than illegal.

    red light district in Vienna

    Consent and Professional Boundaries

    Consent is a legal and practical requirement in Vienna’s adult industry. Sex workers have the right to refuse any service, define their own limits, and withdraw consent at any time. Professional venues clearly communicate house rules, and clients are expected to respect them.

    Paying for a service does not mean unlimited access. Services are negotiated individually and depend on mutual agreement.

    Compared to cities where sex work is illegal or unofficially tolerated, Vienna’s approach emphasizes regulation and oversight.

    This allows authorities to enforce health standards, workplace rules, and tax obligations. While no system is without problems, Vienna’s model aims to reduce harm by keeping the industry within legal boundaries.

    Conclusion

    Vienna’s red-light scene is shaped by law, regulation, and enforcement rather than fantasy. Sex work is legal under strict conditions, with over a thousand registered sex workers, multiple licensed venues, and ongoing police action against illegal operations. Street prostitution exists but is limited and tightly controlled.

    Understanding these facts helps replace myths with reality. Vienna’s adult industry is not hidden chaos, but a regulated system that operates within clearly defined legal limits.

  • Street Prostitution in Vienna: Why It Should Be Banned and Nightclubs Are the Better Alternative

    Street Prostitution in Vienna: Why It Should Be Banned and Nightclubs Are the Better Alternative

    Austria has one of the most open legal systems for prostitution in Europe. In Vienna, sex work is legal as long as workers register, complete health checks, and operate within regulated environments such as brothels, private apartments, or nightclubs.

    Street prostitution, however, is still allowed in certain zones of the city, especially near the Gürtel road and in parts of the Prater district. While the idea is that regulation makes it safer, street prostitution remains a controversial practice.

    Compared to other forms of sex work, it exposes both workers and clients to humiliation, danger, and poor conditions. This article explains why street prostitution should be banned and why nightclubs offer a much better alternative for both sex workers and customers.

    Why Clients Should Avoid Street Prostitution

    Low Quality and Unsafe Experiences: Street prostitution attracts a type of customer who is usually not looking for quality. Unlike high-end escort services or elegant nightclubs, clients on the street are often looking for the cheapest option.

    Can anyone imagine a millionaire with refined taste searching along dark streets for a sex worker? Most likely not.

    This means that clients choosing street services are more likely to encounter unsafe conditions, poor hygiene, and potentially exploitative arrangements.

    Constant Police Controls: In Vienna, police regularly monitor the zones where street prostitution is legal. They check paperwork, registration, and health cards.

    For customers, this creates an intimidating atmosphere. A simple encounter can turn into questioning or public embarrassment.

    In nightclubs, clients enter a safe, discreet environment without constant fear of being interrupted by police checks.

    Hygiene Problems: Street prostitution often takes place in vans, cars, or other makeshift locations. These places rarely meet even the most basic standards of cleanliness. A mattress in a shady van does not compare to the clean, maintained rooms of a licensed nightclub.

    Customers not only risk their comfort but also their health when choosing the street over professional venues.

    Why Women Should Avoid Street Prostitution

    Humiliation and Lack of Respect: Standing on a street corner in full view of strangers is humiliating for many women. Unlike a respectable, organized job, it reduces them to objects under public scrutiny. In nightclubs, women can work in an environment where privacy, respect, and professionalism are emphasized.

    Exploitation by Pimps: Street prostitution almost always involves pimps. They claim to be there for protection, but in reality, they take a large share of the women’s earnings and limit their independence. In licensed nightclubs, workers are free from this direct control. They can keep their own money, work with management under fairer rules, and enjoy greater autonomy.

    Don’t miss this article to know how you can recognize a pimp-controlled situation:

    Unstable Earnings: Street work is unpredictable. Weather conditions play a huge role. A rainy or cold evening means fewer clients and less income. Nightclubs, on the other hand, operate indoors, with steady customer flow and more reliable earnings. Women working in clubs can plan their finances, while on the street every day is uncertain.

    Police Stress and Legal Pressure: Just like clients, women face constant police controls when working on the street. While legal, the process is stressful. Officers check IDs, licenses, and health cards, which can feel like harassment. Nightclubs provide a stable, legal, and safe working environment without constant interruptions.

    Poor Hygiene and Unsafe Settings: On the street, women do not have access to toilets, showers, or safe places to rest. Instead, they often work in cars or vans under unsanitary conditions. Nightclubs solve this problem by offering clean rooms, proper facilities, and professional standards that protect both the workers and the clients.

    Why Nightclubs Are the Better Alternative

    Professional and Safe Environment: Nightclubs in Vienna are licensed and regulated. This means that they meet hygiene standards, provide clean working spaces, and often have security staff to protect both clients and workers. The atmosphere is professional, and women are treated as employees rather than street objects.

    Discretion and Privacy: In a nightclub, everything happens indoors and out of the public eye. Clients can enjoy their evening in comfort, while women can perform their work without being stared at by strangers. This level of privacy benefits both sides and removes the humiliation that comes with street work.

    More Respect for Workers: Women in nightclubs are seen as professionals. They work in a business setting, often alongside colleagues, and are not exposed to the degrading conditions of the street. This respect allows them to feel more confident and dignified in their work.

    Reliable Income: Nightclubs provide a more consistent customer base. Weather does not affect business, and clients are usually more serious and respectful than those on the street. Women can rely on steadier income, plan their schedules, and avoid the financial uncertainty of outdoor work.

    Reduced Exploitation: Without pimps controlling their every move, women in nightclubs have more independence. They can negotiate terms, keep their earnings, and make decisions about their work. This freedom is essential for improving their quality of life and safety.

    Don’t miss our essential guide about what you can expect in a premium nightclub in Vienna:

    Conclusion

    Street prostitution in Vienna may still be legal in certain zones, but it is far from safe or respectable. For clients, it means poor hygiene, low quality, constant police checks, and the risk of scams or unsafe encounters. For women, it brings humiliation, exploitation by pimps, unpredictable income, and unhealthy working conditions.

    Nightclubs, on the other hand, provide clean facilities, professional environments, and greater safety for both workers and clients. Women can work with dignity, enjoy more stable earnings, and escape the humiliations of the street. Clients benefit from privacy, comfort, and a higher level of service.

    Banning street prostitution while supporting legal, regulated venues such as nightclubs would improve the lives of sex workers and protect clients. Vienna has already shown that legal and professional prostitution can work. Now it is time to take the next step and remove the last form of sex work that continues to harm both the women and the customers: street prostitution.

    Are you looking for the best brothels in Vienna? Head over to our related article here: Best brothels in Vienna

  • Best brothels in Vienna

    Best brothels in Vienna

    We are continuously reporting about the news of the Vienna night scene, including new girls, places, gossip, warnings, and other important updates. In this article, you can find the list of the best brothels in Vienna, based on our knowledge and experience in this field.

    These are the best brothels in Vienna in 2026:

    1. Maxim Wien
    2. Goldentime
    3. Babylon
    4. Peepshow Burggasse
    5. Residenz

    Maxim Wien

    Pros:

    • Central location, high-class interior
    • Classic sex club with escort service
    • Very strong line-up of girls throughout the year
    • Fixed price schema with no upsells
    • Informative website with girls’ availability and details
    • Strong social media presence

    Cons:

    • No real cons at the moment

    Maxim Wien is one of the most well-known brothels in the city, with a history spanning a few decades in the industry. Its predecessor was launched in 1985 and re-opened in the current location in 2004.

    Maxim Wien is a so-called all-in-one sex club, offering striptease on small stages, rooms with selected girls, or escort services. Located in the absolute city center, one of the best and safest districts of Vienna, it has two parts: a community area downstairs with a resident DJ and small stages with a pole, where guests can order champagne and spirits at the bar and relax on couches with the girls, and an upstairs area with rooms.

    Maxim Wien invests significantly in modernization and continuous development. By 2024, it had renovated all of its rooms, and a new room will open this year. The entrance has just received a facelift, including a big outdoor info screen.

    The brothel usually has more than 20 girls, mostly from Eastern and Central European countries, but there are Austrian sex workers as well. Most can be booked for hotel escort, and the place can be reserved for bachelor, birthday, and divorce parties.

    Maxim Wien is very active on social media, with accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, as well as a regular newsletter.

    Goldentime

    Pros:

    • Sauna club schema with spa facilities
    • A lot of girls every day
    • Cold buffet, towels, bathrobe included in entry fee

    Cons:

    • No fixed price schema and the girls’ prices are independent of the brothel
    • The extra services of the girls have become too expensive
    • The girls try to upsell clients if they are not regulars
    • The entry fee is 95 EUR for punters

    The Vienna branch of the Goldentime chain is also a well-known brothel in the city, especially for tourists. The sauna club schema is a magnet for them, as this brothel type is unknown in most parts of the world.

    The business schema at Goldentime is different from classic sex clubs, as both guests and sex workers must pay an entry fee. The weakness of this scheme is that it heavily relies on girls’ entry fees, who often pay this fee most days of the month, while regular guests visit the sauna club less frequently. In the past, we reported many cases from Goldentime about girls’ upsells, who take advantage of their key role in the business model and ask higher prices or overbill clients whenever they see a chance. Tourists, in particular, are at risk as they are unfamiliar with the prices in the Viennese sex scene.

    Guests receive a towel and bathrobe upon entering the brothel and can use the cold buffet and spa facilities. The girls walk up and down in bikinis or half-naked, and customers have to negotiate their prices with the girls exclusively, as the management of the sauna club has nothing to do with the girls’ services or prices.

    Babylon Vienna

    Pros:

    • A lot of high-class girls
    • Very nice location
    • Food and some drinks are included in the entry fee

    Cons:

    • Expensive, 150 EUR entry fee
    • The first hour of sex costs 600 EUR
    • A lot of whales who can make the best girls busy for longer periods of time

    The Vienna location of the Babylon chain is located in Palais Coburg and is also one of the best brothels in the city. However, the prices are much higher than in the previous brothels on this list, including a 150 EUR entry fee and 600 EUR for the first hour of sex.

    Because of the higher prices, you can often find whales in this brothel, making it more difficult to get the girls’ attention, as most are interested in the whales.

    As we reported, the owner of Palais Coburg wants to integrate the brothel’s space into the luxury hotel, so the future of the brothel is currently unclear. The value of the hotel without a brothel would increase drastically, so in the long run, we expect that Babylon Vienna will need to find a new place.

    Peepshow Wien

    Pros:

    • Advanced technical solutions in the brothel
    • Real peepshow experience
    • Detailed website with prices of sex and extras

    Cons:

    • The place was closed for half a year by the police and the brothel is still struggling with the girls’ quality

    This brothel has two locations, one in Vienna and one in Graz. In Vienna, you can enjoy a real peepshow, where you can watch the girls on the stage from your own cabin for 1.5 EUR per minute.

    If you want to have sex with the girl, you can go to a room with her. This brothel has always been a tech-savvy place with interesting technical solutions, and overall, it is also a good place for sex.

    Residenz Brunn

    Pros:

    • Good line-up of girls
    • Informative website with girls’ availability and prices of the services

    Cons:

    • Smaller line-up of girls
    • The girls might upsell the clients
    • Less attractive interior

    This brothel chain also has two locations, one in Vienna and one a little bit outside of the capital town, in Brunn am Gebirge. The brothel in Brunn is the 5th on our list, as it also has a nice interior with 7 rooms and a very good line-up for sex.

    However, we have also reported upsells from this place.

  • In 2023, the police conducted 82 checks in the red-light district of Vienna

    In 2023, the police conducted 82 checks in the red-light district of Vienna

    An interview was published on Krone.at, where the reported visited a legal brothel in Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus, where four sex workers waited for the customers. However, there were no clients in the brothel during the time period of the interview, and according to the brothel operator, this happened because of the illegal prostitutes in private apartments.

    The report also mentioned the Loverboys from Eastern Europe, who keep a significant portion of their earnings to sex workers.

    The article also highlighted other key facts of the industry.

    Clients and Loverboys can be both involved in violence against illegal sex workers

    Violent incidents involving clients, increasingly asylum seekers, are reported both by investigators and venue operators. No statistics exist, as illegal workers refrain from reporting incidents to avoid attracting law enforcement attention.

    Furthermore, the threat from ‘Loverboys,’ who often use violence to keep them engaged in illegal prostitution, adds to their vulnerability.

    We could learn key facts of the recent police raids and the average fines for illegal prostitution:

    1. Illegal prostitution often occurs in private apartments. In 2023, the Vienna Police conducted 82 checks in the red-light district, averaging one check every four days. However the Austrian prostitution laws are determined by individual states, Vienna has the strictest regulations.
    2. The police inspected 217 private residences in Vienna, resulting in 614 violations of the Vienna Prostitution Act. In January and February 2024, there were 12 focus points, leading to the closure of five regularly used apartments.
    3. Fines include €200 for unregistered prostitution, €400 for lack of health examination, and another €400 for illegal residential prostitution. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resurgence of apartment prostitution has been noted as legal (red-light) venues were forced to close.

    Bureaucratic is also a big problem

    However, legal brothel operators are often provide with information to authorities about illegal prostitutes, the enforcement often falls shortdue to bureaucratic hurdles.

    A proof held by third parties is insufficient; the police must conduct undercover operations, resulting in significant overtime.

    According to Krone, legal venue operators also criticize the relatively low fines for illegal apartment prostitution, emphasizing the stark contrast to fines imposed on legal establishments.Police counter that fines for illegal apartment prostitution are around €1,000 and that thorough monitoring occurs. Collection of fines proves challenging as these women often lack registered addresses in Vienna.

    Illegal prostitution is a huge problem

    We published a lot of articles lately why illegal prostitution is a problem for the whole industry; for brothel operators, legal sex workers and customers as well:

    Considering booking an independent escort on Booksusi? Before you proceed, it’s crucial to be aware of potential challenges that may arise. Here are the top 5 reasons why your experience might not unfold as expected: Top 5 reasons why Booksusi dates might end up a disaster

    Lately, more people are talking about banning prostitution, saying it’s bad for women. But, here’s the twist – facts paint a different picture. The person in charge of the SOPHIE advice center for sex workers thinks that banning legal sex work might actually make things worse for women: Legal sex work protects women from crime and violence

    A recent article on oe24.at brings attention to a big shift in the world of sex work in Austria. Due to the Corona pandemic, the number of places offering these services is going down. Instead, more sex workers are doing their thing in private apartments or hotels, making it harder to keep track of and regulate the industry: One quarter of sex workers might work illegally in Austria


    Do you want to stay on the safer side? Brothels in Vienna Magazin has a top list of the best brothels in Vienna. Click on the button to reach it:

  • Red Light District Boss Sets Sights on Political Stage, Plans Party Launch in Vienna

    Red Light District Boss Sets Sights on Political Stage, Plans Party Launch in Vienna

    Vienna is about to witness the emergence of a new political player, offering protest voters an alternative choice. Christoph Lielacher, CEO of Funpalast, has unveiled his ambitious plan to enter the realm of politics in the Austrian capital with a party dedicated to the Red Light District.

    Following in the footsteps of Marco Pogo, the renowned rocker-turned-politician, Lielacher, who owns a sauna club, is determined to make his mark in the political arena. Reports from the reputable publication “Krone” confirm his intention to establish the “Red Light District Party.” Lielacher has already made waves in the media during the pandemic with his establishment’s unique COVID-19 vaccination station. Now, he seeks to channel his passion into a serious political endeavor, claiming that five representatives are poised to defect and join his party.

    Lielacher’s mantra revolves around creating an environment where individuals who work hard can also enjoy a sense of comfort and pleasure in their own country. As a gesture of this commitment, he already offers free admission to his establishment every other Saturday. However, he believes that for a significant portion of the population, the focus has shifted from achieving work-life balance to sheer survival. Lielacher accuses politicians of neglecting this pressing issue, asserting that a state of “standstill” persists.

    The Red Light District Party aims to be the catalyst for change. Among their proposed measures is the introduction of a price cap on energy costs, intended to alleviate the burden on citizens. Additionally, they advocate for relief measures specifically targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises. Departing from the conventional notion of a four-day workweek, the party argues for a different approach. According to the “Krone,” the party is currently gathering fresh endorsements from supporters. Their immediate objective is to establish a strong presence in Vienna, with the ultimate ambition of participating in the upcoming national parliamentary election.

    The entrance of the Red Light District Party into Vienna’s political landscape injects a new dynamic, promising to provide alternative perspectives and policy proposals. As protest voters eagerly await the unfolding of this unconventional political journey, it remains to be seen how far Lielacher and his party can go in reshaping the discourse and priorities of Austrian politics.

    Previously we wrote

    Rumors are circulating that Funpalast saunaclub in Vienna may be closing down in the coming months. The initial report surfaced on the Sex Vienna Forum, where a user claimed that the club will shut its doors in the fall and the building will be demolished to make way for a new office building for a pharmaceutical company.

    At present, there has been no official statement from Funpalast’s management regarding the closure, so the information remains unconfirmed and should be treated as mere rumors.

    It is worth noting that Funpalast has recently faced criticism from loyal customers due to pricing and marketing missteps. These missteps have resulted in frustration among patrons, which might have contributed to the rumors of the club’s potential closure.

    Until there is an official announcement from Funpalast’s management, the future of the saunaclub remains uncertain, and customers will need to wait for further updates to know the club’s fate: Is Funpalast Saunaclub Set to Close Its Doors This Fall?

    A young girl from Eastern Europe was rescued by Aargau police from a brothel, leading to the arrest of the brothel operator. The police acted on a tip-off from a concerned member of the public who reported the girl’s presence in the Baden district. The police investigation revealed doubts about the girl’s age and inconsistencies in her identity documents. Further inquiries by specialized personnel led to increased suspicions against the brothel operator, resulting in their arrest after house searches in two Aargau municipalities.

    The rescued girl has been transferred to a specialized agency for psychological care, emphasizing the significance of addressing human trafficking and reporting suspicious activities to authorities: In Aargau, Police Rescue Underage Prostitute from Brothel

    Members of the Sex Vienna forum have once again shared valuable information with each other, this time about a Hungarian gang running a scam on the Booksusi website. The gang advertises their services but ends up defrauding customers of their money.

    The scam typically involves the girl requesting upfront payment, then either asking the customer to take a shower or leaving the apartment on some pretext. Ultimately, the girl vanishes with the customer’s money, leaving them without the promised service, and sometimes even stealing valuables left in plain sight: Sex Vienna Forum User Provides Warning About Scam on Booksusi Website

    Maxim Wien’s blog post titled “Where to go when the Laufhaus closes?” explores the distinctions between Laufhaus establishments and classic brothels like Maxim Wien. Laufhauses operate by renting rooms to individual women, and clients navigate through the premises to check if a lady is available by looking outside the doors. In contrast, Maxim Wien offers a comprehensive experience with its own DJ, party atmosphere, bar, and stage, allowing patrons to relax, socialize, dance with the Maxim Girls, enjoy drinks, and watch performances.

    The blog post emphasizes the differences in services and pricing between the two types of establishments. In Laufhauses, women have complete autonomy in determining the services they provide and setting their prices. In brothels like Maxim Wien, the prices for both the ladies and the customers are consistent for a standard range of services, promoting transparency and equity.: Where you can find sex in Vienna at night?

    Discuss this topic in Sex Vienna Forum here: Red Light District Party: A New Player in Austrian Politics

  • A green oasis is being created in the former red-light district of Westbahnhof

    A green oasis is being created in the former red-light district of Westbahnhof

    Felberstraße used to be one of the biggest street for Prostitution until the new and improved Prostitution law of 2011 banned street Prostitution from almost all parts of the City to the outskirts/industrial area. Now it will become a green Oasis away from redlight.

    The initial designs for the Felberstraße area’s makeover were provided by the city. For the next year, the greatest suggestions from the public are being gathered.

    The city has been working with BB to create “climate-friendly” districts out of old train station locations for a number of years. The following project is located in the vicinity of Westbahnhof, especially along Felberstrasse.

    Sima: “We want to take advantage of historic potential for green space.”

    The development of the storage grounds, which are around six hectares in size and are no longer needed, will take into account continued train operations.

    The proposals have no impact on the Westbahnhof itself, which will continue to serve as a train hub. Ulli Sima (SP), a member of the planning council, stated at the presentation on Monday, 7th of November, that the project should center on environmental sustainability.

    “In such a heavily populated location, my attention is firmly fixed on fresh, roomy green areas.

    Because there aren’t many green spaces in the 15th district surrounding the Westbahnhof, such as Auer-Welsbach-Park or Reithofferpark, there is a historical opportunity to create a brand-new, sizable, and distinctive green space in Vienna’s west, which would make the entire region noticeably more appealing “Sima says.

    Grätzel meeting point planned at Rustensteg

    At this time, residents of the towns of Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus, Penzing, Neubau, and Mariahilf are contributing to the project’s completion. Ideas are gathered over the course of a year via a participatory process at events, on tours, and in conversations. At the end of November, there will be a “conversation day,” which will include neighborhood walks.

    Additionally, the “Stadtraum Mitte 15,” a temporary neighborhood gathering place, will be built on Rustensteg and used as an informational center for the participation process. The planned area is populated by more than 21,000 people.

    Building law: “Site has potential for development”

    “The Westbahnhof serves as a crucial transportation center for us. On its empty operational regions, the related property has a lot of potential for growth. In the heavily populated 15th district, the redesign process is a fantastic chance that will provide residents with additional green space and open areas “district manager Dietmar Baurecht states.

    Silvia Angelo, a board member of BB-Infrastruktur, adds, “We are happy to be able to offer such a significant contribution to the development of the region around the Westbahnhof and consider the public engagement process as a tremendous opportunity and a source of inspiration for further planning.

    Read more Vienna related news

    We are continously covering the newest Vienna sex scene related news, gossips and other information pieces. Don’t miss our previous articles:

    Read our most recent news of the sex scene of Vienna from November: What’s new in the Vienna sex scene?

    There has been an increase in price in almost all Viennese adult establishments since the pandemic and the lockdown that followed. Ladies who advertise themselves independently on online platforms have also increased their asking price for the offered services. Read the details here: Price increase in the Vienna sex industry

    In Vienna, to be an Escort seemed to be much less acceptable than it is now. The public’s view of the industry has made this profession more accessible, less controversial, and well-known.

    If you want to have any possibility of earning a respectable income in this industry, you should put up efforts that weren’t necessary 10 or 15 years ago: Why is being an escort in Vienna more challenging than ever?

    If you are unaware, Booksusi and other similar sites are platforms where independent sex workers can advertise themselves online. Women can register themselves on the website, create a profile with all the necessary information and offered services and find suitors through the service. Since the women don’t always work legally, there are a myriad of things that can go wrong. Read the details here: Everything that can go wrong when booking through online ads

  • Price increase in the Vienna sex industry

    Price increase in the Vienna sex industry

    There has been an increase in price in almost all Viennese adult establishments since the pandemic and the lockdown that followed.

    Ladies who advertise themselves independently on online platforms have also increased their asking price for the offered services.

    In the following article, we will categorize the most popular places in Vienna and briefly make a few points about the price change. In case you are interested in a specific category or place, you can easily navigate the article and find exactly what you’re looking for. Make sure to read the post in its entirety to find other related articles too!

    1. FKK Saunaclubs

    The first category of adult businesses that we’re going to write about is FKK saunaclubs. These types of establishments ask for an entry fee and the ladies need to be paid separately.

    The entry fee includes the use of various facilities in the establishment, as well as food and drinks.

    Goldentime Wien

    Old price: 85 EUR (entry fee), half hour with oral without and kissing: 70 EUR

    New price: 95 EUR (entry fee), half hour: 100 EUR (150 EUR with oural without and kissing)

    Goldentime Wien has increased the entry fee into the establishment from 85 euros to 95 euros. The prices that the ladies ask have also increased. Half an hour of good service used to be 70 euros, which usually meant oral without condom and kissing included. Currently, the ladies ask for around 100 euros for either oral without condom or kissing; both services in a session usually cost around 150 euros and anal is 140 euros extra.

    There was a price increase in Goldentime Wien in 2019 as well. For more details about that, be sure to click on the link and read the post!

    Funpalast Saunaclub

    Old price: 80 EUR (entry fee)

    New price: 110 EUR (entry fee)

    The entry fee into the Funpalast Saunaclub increased from 80 euros (half an hour service with a lady included) to 110 euros.

    We posted about this price increase in Funpalast when it happened. Read the full article by clicking on the link now!

    Goldentime, source: Google

    2. Sex clubs and Nightclubs

    The next category of adult entertainment venues in Vienna is sex clubs. Some sex clubs require the client to pay an entry fee and the ladies are paid separately here as well.

    Drinks are either included in the entry fee or need to be paid for separately.

    Maxim Wien

    No price change, no entry fee!

    Maxim Wien does not have an entry fee and at the time of writing they have not increased the price of an hour of service either.

    Read the Maxim Wien review that we posted about this sex club on our blog now!

    Babylon

    Old price: 100 EUR (entry fee), one hour: 500 EUR but no entry fee is charged

    New price: 150 EUR (entry fee), one hour: 600 EUR

    There was always an entry fee into the Babylon sex club, which includes food and drinks. The entry fee used to be 100 euros, which has now been increased to 150 euros. The first hour with a lady used to be 500 euros, with the entry fee of 100 euros waived in this case. The first hour of service with a Babylon lady has increased to 600 euros now.

    Baroq / Blue Velvet Nightclub

    Old Blue Velvet price: one hour: 200 EUR, no entry fee

    New Baroq price: one hour: 350 EUR, entry fee: 25 EUR

    Baroq, or as the location was previously branded Blue Velvet used to have no entry fee and one hour of service with a girl used to cost 200 euros. Now with the new branding of Baroq, there is an entry fee of 25 euros and the first hour with a lady is 350 euros.

    A review of the Baroq club has been posted on the SexClubWien blog. Check out the post if you wish to learn more!

    Maxim Wien

    3. Escort agencies

    Next we’ll be looking at the price change in Viennese escort agencies. Escort ladies are paid before the session.

    There might be additional costs associated with the date, such as taxi fare, food and drink, etc.

    Sexy Angels

    Old price: 99 EUR one hour

    New price: 130 EUR one hour

    Sexy Angels used to offer services at a very competitive rate, offering ladies’ services for 99 euros for one hour. This has been changed to 130 euros per hour. The prices of the extra services are not known at this point, but our guess is that there will be an increase in that as well.

    Darling Wien

    Old price: between 100 EUR and 200 EUR

    New price: between 130 EUR and 250 EUR

    The Darling Wien agency used to offer the ladies’ services anywhere between 100 euros and 200 euros. This price has been increased to between 130 euros and 250 euros.

    4. Laufhauses

    Laufhauses are establishments where women can rent out rooms and offer their services from there.

    Clients can choose to enter whichever room they want and pay the women separately.

    Laufhaus Vienna / Ici Paris / Rachel

    Old price: 15 minutes 50 EUR

    New price: 15 minutes 70 EUR

    All three of these Laufhauses have increased the price by the same amount.

    15 minutes with a lady used to cost around 50 euros with the extras not included. Currently, the price is around 70 euros most of the time.

    Laufhaus Zollgasse / Juchgasse

    Prices increased, at the moment we don’t know the exact prices

    These Laufhauses belong together so the price that is asked is pretty much the same.

    At the time of writing the exact increase in price is not known, but their prices have also been increased.

    Residenz

    New price: base price + kissing 20 EUR, deepthroat 50 EUR, striptease 50 EUR, anal 100 EUR

    The prices in Residenz are currently fluctuating, so a real comparison of the base price cannot be made at this point. However, the prices of the extra services were set to a high base level, which wasn’t the case a few years ago. Some of the extra services and their prices include kissing for 20 euros extra, deepthroat is 50 euros extra, striptease is 50 euros and anal is 100 euros extra added to the base price.

    For the full list of extra services, check out the article that we posted about the price change in Vienna after the COVID pandemic now!

    Laufhaus Juchgasse, source: Google

    5. Independent sexworkers

    Old price: between 120 and 150 EUR, taxi fare and few services are included

    New price: between 150 and 200 EUR, taxi fare and extra services are not included

    Independent sexworkers are usually ladies who advertise themselves on online platforms and don’t have a club or other type of establishment backing them up.

    In general, the price that independent ladies are asking has increased from around 120-150 euros per hour with the taxi fare and some extra services included.

    Now the ladies generally ask for anywhere from 150-200 euros with the taxi not included in the price, as well as all services costing extra.

    Conclusion on the price increase in Vienna

    As you can see most places have increased their price by some amount recently. This can mostly be credited to the pandemic and the fact that clubs had to be closed for a while over the last two years. Additionally, establishments had to keep up with the new prices that were set by independent ladies while the lockdown was active.

    Most clubs would probably prefer keeping their old prices as they were, but the pressure is high. The businesses cannot really be blamed for the price increase, as their expenses are going through the roof right now.

    Related articles

    In the following section, you can find a couple of articles that you might also be interested in. If you want to read them in more detail, be sure to click on the link to be redirected to the full articles!

    Why is being an escort in Vienna more challenging than ever?

    In this post, you can learn more about the escort business in Vienna and why being an escort is more challenging now than ever. You can read about the challenges of starting out as an escort, as well as a couple of tips for a strong beginning to an escort career!

    Breaking News and everything that can go wrong when booking through online ads

    Booking through online ads is never the safest option and there are many things that can go wrong. In this post, you are able to read about these things more in-depth. Read about some of the biggest problems with online advertising women and what kind of an effect they had on the whole industry. Click on the link now to read the full post!

  • Six years in the red-light district

    Six years in the red-light district

    Woman who was forced into Nuremberg brothel hell now is fighting against prostitution

    Sandra Norak met a loverboy in high school who used psychological pressure to start her prostitution period. She was completely isolated from the outside world and deprived of self-esteem, but after several traumatizing years, the young woman managed to break out.

    As she was in her early years as an adult, Sandra Norak was forced to prostitute for six years. Because of her toxic parental relationship, the loverboy was her only acquaintance. After all those traumatizing years, now she is a future lawyer who wants to fight against pimps and human traffickers.

    Sandra Norak – her name is a pseudonym – started to chat online with the loverboy from Nuremberg area when she was in school.

    The loverboy started to put psychological pressure on her to become a prostitute, as she believed she was in love with him, a feeling that was absent in her life. In an interview with inFranken.de, Sandra talks about her thousands of traumatizing hours with clients, living in a basement room and threats led to a mental breakdown.

    After all that happened to her, she found a strong motivation to become a lawyer and help the women that are in the same situation.

    Nuremberg Loverboy builds trust – and takes advantage of loneliness

    Sandra Norak speaks up in an interview: “I grew up in a small town in Lower Bavaria. My parents’ house was characterized by border crossings and violence by my mother. I distanced myself from classmates and didn’t tell them anything about the conditions at home. Instead, I used online, I preferred chats as an escape from reality.

    When I was 16, the recruitment process by my perpetrators began in the form of the so-called loverboy method, a form of human trafficking. I first met a woman on the Internet who finally met me at my later about 20 years older ‘Loverboy’. Both had been in the red-light district for a long time – the woman was a prostitute for him.”

    Sandra Norak describes the common goal of the two mentioned before as recruiting a new prostitute in order to exploit her and make money.

    The most popular target group is unstable women, since their acceptance to endure further violence is increased.

    Prostitution was not even mentioned when they first got to know each-other, the loverboy trying to build up the trust and relationship. “. I told them about my problems at home and they knew that I wanted to get out of there. They did exploit.”

    After some time passed, the man become Sandra’s closest relationship. He was so deep in building the relationship with her, at some point he even told that he felt in love with her over some deep conversation that they were having.

    “We then met for the first time in my hometown. I had a weird gut feeling, but I was feeling very lonely, and I wanted to hold on to the idea that I’d found someone who loved me and cared about me, so I tried to push that gut feeling aside.”

    Debt, extortion, psychological pressure: This is how the pimp scam works

    She started to visit him regularly during weekends. Sandra is telling the story of the first time when he took her to a brothel.

    The loverboy took her to have a “coffee” with his friends in Nuremberg at the brothel where them were operators and/or pimps. She was never thinking that she will start to be a sex-worker, as it was out of the question. I just went with him.

    He slowly introduced me to the scene. At first, this environment was shocking for me, and I felt strange to be there, but when you see that every weekend and the people give you a family feeling, eventually it becomes normal in a way.”

    As the time was passing, she was going with him more often to those brothels and the unexpected question came from his side, if she wants to work as a prostitute: “After all, you can earn a lot of money and it’s a normal job.”

    As she refused, the loverboy tried another way to convince her, he started to say that he has debts and if he can’t pay them off, he will have problems and prostitution is the way to earn a lot of money quickly to help him.

    His most used sentence was ‘If you really love me, you help me and go into prostitution.” “I would see by now that all the women there were going to work for their husbands and would help them.”

    “He was also happy to accuse me of being responsible if something were to happen to him because he had to do dangerous business without my help to get money.”

    Sandra also knew some of the people he was talking about, the men were from rocker groups. As she refused his proposal, the loverboy started to be distant and cold for a short time.

    “I was worried about him and called him. He repeated the arguments on the phone. With such blackmail, after forming a strong emotional bond, is what traffickers often do and they know women will jump on it. They take advantage of women’s vulnerabilities and pre-trauma, as well as their ability to love deeply.”

    In prostitution you lose your self-esteem completely

    Sandra got in the prostitution field, and she was trained by another prostitute of her pimp.

    Her first client saw that she was inexperienced and didn’t want it but ignored it. This is a world that is not so easy to get out of.

    Sandra Norak writes down her experiences for the public on her blog. “When you start to ‘work’ as a prostitute, you usually already have little self-esteem, in prostitution you lose your self-esteem completely – you are humiliated, degraded, used, and treated as a doormat by clients.

    You feel more and more worthless, you always believe less about earning a living and help because you’re just something on the very fringes of society.

    After all, I was a full-time prostitute and lived with him. Then it completely degenerated. You are threatened with consequences if you say what you really saw and what the real circumstances are. You remain silent or tell stories – and become more and more inaccessible to others in the ‘normal’ world: It there is a process of isolation from the ‘normal’ world.”

    Mental breakdown causes “problems” – solution of pimp begins

    Sandra Norak dropped out of school a year before she graduated from high school and at some point, she only owned things that were needed for prostitution. For about two years, she lived in the basement of a brothel, where her pimp used to come and collect “his” money.

    “My money, of course, but he called it his. He thought I was his, so my money was his. That’s how he saw it and practiced it for a very long time.”

    In most cases it is not possible to simply say goodbye to your pimp and leave with your money, as you are threatened. She was a prostitute in a legal brothel, human trafficking also take place in legal brothels.

    “Only through a mental breakdown did the gradual solution started by my pimp because my condition caused ‘problems’, was conspicuous to outsiders and a ‘quiet exploitation’ with little risk of prosecution, like in previous years, was less and less possible.”

    Sandra started to think of how to break away from the situation her pimp put her in, dropped out of school and a year-long gap in her CV, but she was stuck in the brothel. She was feeling ashamed and afraid to seek for help, as she started doing this ‘voluntarily’. “It was damn difficult to get out I did my high school diploma and completed my law studies so that I could also provide legal help to those affected.”

    Today Norak is a qualified lawyer: “Already have underground in legal brothels”

    Sandra Norak writes about their motivation: “Then I will take action against you, you pimps and human traffickers out there.”

    The 32-year-old also gives lectures and discussion groups at schools. “Education about the dangers of prostitution and prevention are very important to me. Contrary to what our society often argues, prostitution is not a profession like any other.”

    Norak also founded the organization for those affected, ‘Ge-STAC’: “I’m not alone, we are many people affected by human trafficking and exploitation. We want to show that and improve the situation for those affected.”

    She also advocates a legal model like the Nordic model: “Here, prostitutes are decriminalized, while clients, pimps, brothel operators and generally those who profit from the prostitution of others are criminalized. There are exit aids and education in society.”

    “A counter-argument is often that everything takes place underground. But we already have this underground. Sexual assault and rape as well as human trafficking and procuring also take place in legal brothels, but criminal prosecution in this legal environment is so difficult that only very few perpetrators are convicted.”

    We wrote a lot of articles about loverboys

    Over the years, we covered the loverboy topic on our sites. Click on the links below to read the related articles!

    Who is a loverboy? What is the loverboy method about? Read our explanation article here: The Loverboy Method

    Two men and a teenager were arrested in Wuppertal, because they forced several women into postitution, by using the loverboy method: Men forced several women to prostitution

    A 21 year old man lured sex workers in Saarbrücken, using this method and later kidnapped them: Gang kidnapped a prostitute from a strip club, now arrested

    A mother wrote a blog, where she covered her daughter’s story. She was seduced by a loverboy and later forced to work as prostitute. Here are the details: Loverboy Seduces Young Girl and Turns Her into a Prostitute

    A gang of human traffickers were arrested in Vienna, by the cooperation of law enforcement in different countries: Loverboy gang brought to justice in Vienna

    A 37 year old loverboy forced a 19 year old schoolgirl to work as prostitute and stole her 80,000 Euros: Loverboy in Düsseldorf sentenced to prison

    An international gang used the loverboy method to lure unsecure women: International Loverboy Gang Busted by Law Enforcement in Vienna

    Discuss the loverboy method in Sex Vienna Forum! You can find the related thread here: Loverboy method

  • Sex Work Behind the Red Lights

    Sex Work Behind the Red Lights

    According to a recent news article published by Der Standard, financial security is often just a distant dream for many sex workers who had no other choice but to work illegally during lockdowns. Since the work conditions are not under control, prostitution often becomes precarious, to say the least.

    Debates are going on and on about making sex work legal again since the Covid pandemic became prevalent all around the World. One lockdown came after the other as the situation gradually improved, yet prostitution remains strongly regulated because of the body-to-body nature of the services.

    Brothels have closed their doors and there was no more intimacy allowed in the form of paid sex. This was a hard pill to swallow for the currently 1,100 registered prostitutes in Vienna. Only 2 percent of them are Austrians, while the rest of them are foreigners mainly from Romania.

    As a legal job, prostitution falls into the self-employed category. They need to pay a flat tax through their brothel without even having a tax number. As a result, they cannot prove their own income and are not entitled to financial support.

    The Swedish Model of Prostitution

    The aforementioned issue is one of the reasons why many critical voices speak up with the goal to stop prostitution in Austria. But what would happen to those, now legal sex workers who would be affected by such decision?

    Actually, the initiative that aims to ban sex works answers yes to this question. According to them, prostitution is linked with severe emotional and physical violence more often than not. The Feminist Discourse Association and Solwodi, a religious aid organization both stand behind this initiative.

    If their idea would be put in practice, it would mean that everyone who wants to buy sex would make themselves liable to prosecution. In that case, sex workers would not be held liable at all. Sweden is a great example for this. Since 1999, their way of controlling sex work is to punishing customers who pay for it.

    Since then, Iceland and Norway took the same approach. It recently became prevalent in Europe as well with France pursuing the same strategy since 2016. It is now widely called as the Nordic Model and it sheds a light on why making sex work illegal is not the best approach.

    According to Wolfgang Langer from the Department for Prostitution Matters of the Vienna State Police, a ban only results in sex workers starting to work illegally, which is why it is better to just control it. It is exactly why there are currently a lot of prostitutes working in illegal apartments.

    Illegal Prostitutes Take Away Clients from Brothels

    It is completely off the scope of the government and prostitutes working illegally are not safe at all. There is a lot more pressure on them and violence is not uncommon either. Currently, there are countless sex workers available online who work illegally.

    They upload their photos with their phone number while keeping their address hidden. The police also uses those websites and platforms for their investigations.

    According to Diana, a transsexual woman who comes from Columbia, these sex workers are taking away the customers of legal brothels. She currently leads a sex bar in the second district. Working in a bar like hers is much safer than working illegally.

    There are security cameras and the ladies are only able to work with a green card, which proves their successful health check. Legal sex workers need to go through a health check every six weeks at the Vienna Center for Sexual Health.

    For Diana, a sex work ban would be a disaster, as it is her full-time job. She pays taxes for it and being able to work legally is what will pave the way for her toward pension. Christine Nagl from the Pia counseling center for sex workers in Salzburg also spoke up on the situation.

    Although proponents argue that no women would voluntarily become prostitutes, Christine is strongly against the prostitution ban. She says that there is no way to judge other people’s voluntariness, which is true. From a social counselor’s standpoint, a prostitution ban would be a violation of human rights.

    “It is only part of their sexual identity if they want to live and work as prostitutes” Says Nagl.

    All We Need is Criminal Code

    According to Christian Knappik from Sexwork.at, there are constraints that should remain undisputed when it comes to prostitution. This is based on a penal code, whereas indirectly sanctioning sex workers is not the right approach in his opinion.

    He also says that it is immature to assume that sex workers don’t work voluntarily and that the opinion that prostitution should be banned is often racist. After all, most sex workers are immigrants and the assumption that all of them are externally forced into sex work is wrong.

    The current political standpoint is that Austria is not going to ban people from buying sex. According to the Federal Chancellery, there should be enough legal work opportunities which also need to be regulated. This was said in 2018, as they realized that sex work simply can’t be avoided.

    The demand is high and the prostitution scene needs proper job descriptions. Shiva Prugger, a dominatrix working in a studion in Ottakring also spoke up on the matter. She wanted to make sex workers heard and started a sex work association.

    Shiva Prugger’s main goal is to de-stigmatize the profession. It became obvious to her that politicians do their best to avoid using the word “sex work”, as if they would dirty themselves with it.

    The Vienna Mayor Does Not Care about Sex Workers

    During a press conference, Mayor Michael Ludwig was asked whether brothels would open on May 19th. His answer was that he is not knowledgeable in that area. Prugger says that there are around 300 approved brothels in Vienna.

    The fact that the mayor simply does not want to think about that many jobs is pretty astonishing. What Ludwig’s reaction says is that politicians are not concerned about the situation at all. Prugger wants prostitutes not only to become more visible to the government but also to have a say in drafting prostitution laws.

    Knappik from Sexwork.at hopes that laws regarding sex work will be revised, as social workers and street workers have a lot in common legally. He also says that the fact that prostitution has its own legislation is what basically stigmatizes it.

    Maybe it would have been better to abolish prostitution laws entirely. Police registration also stigmatizes prostitutes in his opinion, as they have to deal with far-reaching consequences when they decide to change careers. This is also why many sex workers avoid registering themselves to the police and start working illegally instead.

    Sex work should be something you can write in your résumé without being stigmatized. That is when we would be able to say that sex work is a real profession – according to Nagl.

    Read Other Austria-Related News on Sex Vienna

  • Why isn’t street prostitution in Vienna a viable option for gentlemen?

    Why isn’t street prostitution in Vienna a viable option for gentlemen?

    Even though street prostitution has been widely popular in Vienna since the 13th century, it is slowly dying off in the present time. You are no longer able to find an excessive number of girls selling their bodies on some of the busiest streets of Vienna. Instead, most of the girls who are working in Wien as sexworkers now provide their services from one of the many legally operated sexclubs, studios, Laufhauses or saunaclubs.

    If you’re wondering why brothels and escort agencies in Vienna are better than street prostitution or you are interested in learning about our recommendations, be sure to continue reading the whole article!

    Advantages of choosing a brothel over street prostitution in Vienna

    There are a myriad of different reasons why choosing a brothel over girls that sell their bodies on the street is a great idea. In this segment, we are going to highlight some of the most important reasons.

    • Security – The main reason why you should always choose a brothel over street prostitutes is because of the security that you get in a brothel. Since these establishments for paid sex are operated legally, there are rules and regulations that the owners need to follow. Additionally, if the brothel is a reputable one, you are guaranteed not to be scammed or tricked. This is not true for street prostitution, as the girls that work on the streets can scam you however they want and get away with it.
    • Hygiene – While ladies who work in brothels and other legally operated businesses take showers often and clean themselves after sessions, girls on the streets are not obliged to do this. Because of this, the girls might go through numerous men before they wash themselves. This introduces hygienic problems and it is also not rare for girls who work on the streets to have a bad odor.
    • Integrity – A gentleman who is looking for a partner for a sexual encounter should always go to a brothel or book at a reputable escort agency. Not only are the girls in such an establishment cleaner and healthier, but most of the time they are also better looking and they know how to behave. A lady from a brothel or an escort agency can show up with you on any formal occasion without bringing shame on you.
    • Service – Maybe the most important reason why choosing a brothel or escort agency is better than street prostitutes is the service that the girl will offer. Girls who work in reputable places often perform better, as they want the client to be satisfied and come back. On the other hand, street prostitutes know that they will probably only meet a client one time, so they try to get the most money for the least amount of work.
    • Police interference – Police raids and checks are also a common thing in areas where street prostitutes are found. The police officers are checking the girls, as well as everybody else who happens to cruise by. They ask for identification from clients and girls alike, which can be very inconvenient for those who wish to stay incognito.
    • Pimps are watching – Most of the times when girls that work on the streets are having sex with a client, there’s a pimp in the background observing. While it is an understandable safety measure for the girls, clients might not feel so comfortable having the girls’ pimps watching over their shoulder. Since brothels and other sex businesses have their management, staff and other installed safety measures, the girls and the clients can have sex without feeling uncomfortable.
    • Noise pollution – Since the girls that work on the streets do not have a designated place where they have sex, the intercourse usually happens in the clients’ cars or simply in a dark place next to a park or sometimes even a graveyard. The noises are very problematic for people who live nearby and this has also caused a lot of controversy. This is also one of the main reasons why street prostitution has been banished to the outskirts of the city, in the industrial district.

    These are only a couple of reasons why escort agencies and brothels are a much better choice when it comes to paying for sex. Not only are you going to have a better time this way, but you can also ensure that you’re not going to encounter any health problems after the session.

    street prostitution in Vienna not recommended for gentlemen

    Brothels and escort agencies in Vienna we recommend

    We have already explained why it is better to go the brothel route rather than street prostitution. In this next segment, we are going to highlight a couple of places in Vienna that we can wholeheartedly recommend. If you wish to learn more about certain places on the list, be sure to read our reviews about them or check out their official website for more info.

    Sexclub Maxim Wien

    Maxim Wien is among the last standing true sexclubs in Vienna. Rather than just having sex with the ladies that work there, you can invite them for a drink and get to know them before the session. This introduces a social aspect to the mongering scene that enhances the experience. The girls that work there are usually good in bed and most of the ladies are gorgeous and sexy. Maxim Wien also offers escort services to those who are interested, so you can choose to go that route too.

    If you wish to learn more about Sexclub Maxim Wien, go ahead and check out any of the following links:

    Sexclub Maxim Wien website

    A look into Maxim Wien (Sex-Vienna blog review)

    Sexclub Maxim Wien official thread (Sex-Vienna forum thread)

    Bijou Escort Agency

    The Bijou Escort agency is yet another reputable business that offers numerous sexy girls to their clients for escort date booking. The photos that are shown on the agency’s site are all 100% genuine and the online reviews of the agency are also promising.

    We have yet to have a bad experience with the agency, so we can recommend it to anybody who is looking for an escort girl in Vienna. If you want to learn more, be sure to take a look at the links provided below.

    Bijou Escort Agency website

    Bijou Escort- Escort Agency Review (Sex-Vienna blog review)

    Bijou Escort (Sex-Vienna forum thread)

    Saunaclub Goldentime

    Saunaclub Goldentime is probably the best FKK in Vienna right now. The establishment has some wellness facilities too and the girls are usually naked or in their underwear, while men are in bathrobes or they wear towels around their waist. Clients need to pay an entry fee in addition to the money they pay to the girls for their services, but they can be at the saunaclub all day and use the facilities that are available. The service level that clients get varies depending on the girl that is chosen.

    Click on the following links to learn more about Saunaclub Goldentime and find out what you can expect there:

    Saunaclub Goldentime website

    Watch out! New girls, new prices in Goldentime Vienna (Sex-Vienna blog)

    Goldentime Saunaclub official thread (Sex-Vienna forum thread)

    Conclusion

    As we have previously mentioned, we would never recommend looking for a street prostitute when you have access to legally operated establishment. Choosing any of the recommended businesses is a much safer option when it comes to paid sex in Vienna. While on the other hand, looking for a street prostitute might be cheaper, but there are so many things that can go wrong that we would never recommend doing that. So, if you are in Vienna and you want to have some fun, be sure to check out the reputable businesses we recommended and you are pretty much ensured to have a great time!

    You can discuss this topic further on the Sex-Vienna forums where we have created a forum thread about it. Click on the link and start discussing this in the forums with the rest of the community!

    If you want to learn about other places that are operated legally in Vienna, go ahead and take a look at our list of All Police Licensed Brothels in Vienna that we published on the Sex-Vienna blog!