17 best parks in Vienna – list, photo with names and descriptions, map
Vienna is one of the greenest European cities in the world. Among the sights, numerous parks and squares produce pleasant impressions, where tourists can comfortably spend time alone with nature. Well-maintained urban oases are man-made masterpieces of landscape design. The magnificent parks of Vienna surprise visitors with an abundance of exquisite and fragrant plantings that delight the eyes of passers-by with their appearance. A variety of garden compositions are created thanks to a rich fund of age-old, exotic and flowering trees and shrubs.
Schönbrunn Zoo
Tourists should visit Schönbrunn Zoo. This is one of the oldest and richest zoological gardens in the world. More than two million visitors flock here every year. The history of the foundation of the zoo dates back to 1752. Initially, the menagerie served as an entertainment for Emperor Franz I and his court. The crowned ruler showed a special interest in the animal world and the natural sciences. The opening of the zoo to the general public took place in 1779.
Today, the Vienna Zoo is famous for its scientific achievements in the field of restoration of endangered populations of rare animals. Here, for the first time, thanks to the efforts of scientists, cubs of an African elephant and a panda bear cub were born, which until then was impossible to do in captivity. The well-groomed green territory of the zoo covers an area of about 17 hectares. For the rarest representatives of the animal world, natural living conditions have been created that are as close as possible to the wild. This is facilitated by enclosures and pavilions with tropical thickets, ponds, stone boulders and logs.
The park also has an aquarium, an oceanarium, a terrarium and a polarium (a habitat for the animals of the Arctic and Antarctica). The wonderful Vienna Zoo has over 8,000 herbivores, carnivores, birds, reptiles and marine life. The attention of tourists is attracted by polar bears, penguins and fur seals, which frolic and swim in an artificial pond.
On a separate territory, rhinoceroses walk and take mud baths. They do not deny themselves the pleasure of soaking up the rays of the sun on the branches of panda and koala trees. Zoo guests will be curious to observe the behavior of buffaloes, giraffes, penguins, anteaters, elephants, tigers, lions, cheetahs and other animals.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace and Park Ensemble is one of the pearls of world architecture. This is the most popular attraction in Vienna, where numerous crowds of inquisitive tourists flock to. The former summer residence of the imperial Habsburg dynasty and the park complex adjacent to it are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The majestic royal palace, built in the Austrian Baroque style in 1743, impresses the audience with its elegant, brilliant and at the same time strict appearance. The building, which is a rectangle in plan, is crowned with balustrades, marble vases and attractive statues of angels.
The elongated and symmetrical facade of the ensemble is dotted with numerous windows, pilasters and trimmed with stone cornices. Tourists have the opportunity to appreciate the luxurious interior decoration of the state rooms and galleries of the palace. The apartments amaze with their solemn atmosphere, carefully preserving the traces of the rich history of the former Austrian Empire. The grandiose halls are decorated with colorful frescoes, hung with the richest crystal chandeliers and furnished with mirrors. Ceiling paintings, wall panels with gilded ornaments and carpeted floors amaze with their appearance.
Schönbrunn Palace is surrounded by a surprisingly beautiful park that captivates tourists with picturesque corners and interesting buildings. Along the long alleys, neat paths and perfectly trimmed plantings, numerous marble sculptural compositions rise and fountains beat. Rose gardens, flower beds and hanging gardens will please the eye. A pleasant experience will leave a walk through the labyrinths of hedges, where tourists can get lost.
On the territory of the park there is a greenhouse with exotic plants, fruit bushes and sprawling palm trees. Roman ruins deserve special attention. The unique man-made structure of ancient times consists of a pool framed by a semicircular arch and statues of Roman gods. The hilly part of the park complex is crowned by an exquisite building – the Gloriette. This is a glazed triumphal arch, from which two wings with colonnades and semicircular arches depart.
Palace Park Burggarten
Under the shadow of the majestic Hofburg palace complex, the Burggarten park is located. A small and cozy square was laid out at the behest of Emperor Franz Joseph on the site of the former fortress bastion, blown up by Napoleonic troops at the beginning of the 19th century. Covered with grassy lawns, winding paths, flower beds and trees and shrubs, the park was originally intended for a pleasant pastime for members of the royal family and their immediate environment. The always closed Burggarten ensemble became available to the public only in 1919.
One of the iconic elements of the park is a marble statue of the great composer Mozart. In front of the monument to the creator of outstanding musical works, a treble clef is lined with flowers. Among the deciduous and coniferous trees, you can see the only monument in Vienna dedicated to Emperor Franz Joseph. The pond with a fountain in the form of a sculpture of Hercules, which opens the mouth of a lion, gives a special charm to the garden.
Limes, oaks, chestnuts, plane trees, maples, walnuts, as well as spruces, cypresses, junipers and other plantings create a contrasting kaleidoscope of various color compositions in this Viennese corner. The Palm House, built in the Art Nouveau style at the end of the 19th century, serves as an architectural decoration of the Burggarten. The structure of the building, 180 meters long, consists of an iron frame and glazed blocks. Under the roof of the building there is a greenhouse, divided into three climatic zones. The pavilions contain an impressive collection of exotic plants and flowers.
Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna
On the territory of the University of Vienna, more than 11 thousand species of representatives of the plant world, imported from all over the world, have been collected. The botanical garden with an area of 8 hectares was arranged by Empress Maria Theresa in 1754. Initially, medicinal plants were grown here for the Faculty of Medicine and Biology of the University of Vienna, so that students could visually gain knowledge about the beneficial properties of medicinal outlandish plants.
Currently, an amazing collection of various specimens grows in the open air. Walking along the landscaped paths, tourists can see centuries-old trees with lush crowns, alpine meadows, bamboo groves, conifers, as well as cacti, agaves, aloe and other colorful representatives of the flora. Aesthetic pleasure causes the contemplation of fragrant buds of various flowers.
Augarten park
The Augarten is the oldest garden in the capital of Austria. At the end of the 18th century, this green corner of the city with wide chestnut alleys, mowed lawns and neat gravel paths became the first public place for the entertainment of citizens of the capital of all classes. In the middle of the park stands the modest Baroque Augarten Palace, in the reception hall of which Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss regularly held their brilliant musical concerts.
Other halls were occupied by workshops for the production of porcelain. Today, the palace houses a museum dedicated to the Viennese porcelain manufactory. Taking a measured walk along the shady alleys along the green lawns, tourists can see two colossal towers from the Second World War. Monolithic, massive and ominous fortifications were intended for the installation of anti-aircraft batteries. Ammunition and guns were stored inside the towers.
Botanical Garden Hirschstetten
The Hirschstetten Botanical Garden attracts visitors with an abundance of diverse flowering fragrant plants, the contemplation of which can bring great aesthetic pleasure. The main goal of creating a garden farm is to grow flowers of all shades and varieties here for further landscaping of Vienna's parks. The impressive territory of the park covers an area of 60,000 m2. It is divided into thematic zones, where each picturesque section of the park is distinguished by its color, landscape and selection of plants.
English, Indian, Asian, Mexican, as well as coniferous, palm, fruit and even primeval gardens will appear before tourists. Tourists flock here to admire the summer and spring flowers, the number and variety of which is amazing. Tulips alone in the park have grown about one million buds.
Gazebo
By the will of fate, tourists who find themselves in Vienna must definitely visit the Belvedere palace and park ensemble. This is the luxurious former residence of the great Austrian commander, fearless officer and native of Paris – Prince Eugene of Savoy. An architectural masterpiece in the Baroque style and a man-made miracle of landscape design, it occupies vast estates on a hillside. The complex, built in the 18th century, consists of two elegantly decorated palaces. Between the mansions there is a regular park complex of amazing beauty. Its length is about one kilometer.
According to the canons of French park art, the layout of the Belvedere has strict symmetrical geometric lines of alleys with plantings. The three-level composition of the terraced park is decorated with trees, shrubs, fountains, hedges and sculptures. Numerous sculptures depicting scenes of ancient Greek mythology impress with their diversity. Here at every step you can meet interesting and unique figures of nymphs, muses, angels, tritons, winged cherubs and sphinxes.
During flowering, the park is literally immersed in the greenery of plants and the riot of a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers. Pleasing to the eye are perfectly trimmed trees and lawns, forming intricate shapes. Small pools with cascades of waterfalls and borders give the landscape a special charm. After a walk through the park area, tourists can go to admire the valuable collections of Austrian painting masters. Works of art are exhibited in the halls of the Belvedere.
Kurpark Oberlaa
If you move a little away from the central districts of Vienna, then tourists can find a picturesque park – Kurpark Oberlaa. This dendrological corner was designed in 1974 during the preparations for the Vienna International Garden Exhibition. A green oasis spread over a vast area of 800,000 square meters. Cozy glades with sun loungers, ponds with fountains, tubs with palm trees, groves of exotic trees with lush crowns – all this makes up a single unique romantic atmosphere.
Among the hills, around which winding paths lie, flower labyrinths and diverse plantings are planted. Noble flowers grow freely and luxuriantly. Visitors to the park will find themselves as if in an enchanted forest, where the trunks of tall trees are twined with green ivy. Kurpark Oberlaa offers a pleasant pastime in the bosom of a charming natural garden.
Vienna Woods
The capital of Austria is deservedly a storehouse of natural attractions. The surroundings of Vienna are surrounded by dense forests, river valleys and majestic hills in a semicircle. These picturesque places are called by the locals “the green lungs of the city“. The wonderful region enchants tourists with the beauty of landscapes, clean air, the number of trees and herbs.
The famous Vienna Woods covers a vast area of more than 1,000 square kilometers. It partially captures 7 of the 23 districts of Vienna and extends further to the southern suburbs of the capital. Popular mineral resorts, original settlements, as well as reserves, vineyards, architectural monuments of the medieval era and other interesting objects are located here. From the hills of Leopoldsberg and Kahlenberg, an amazing panorama of the Austrian capital opens up.
In addition to observation platforms and walks along countless routes along the biosphere park complex, tourists are interested in visiting historical fortresses, estates and monasteries. Among them, Liechtenstein Castle, built on top of a mountain surrounded by ancient trees, deserves special attention. The elongated three-story building consists of many elements: these are massive walls directed upwards, lancet windows, towers and bay windows.
City park Stadtpark
Among the bustle of the city, near the historical center of Vienna, there is a well-maintained Stadtpark, founded in 1860. The cultural site attracts visitors with its beautifully designed lawns, vine-covered gazebos, flower beds, a pond with ducks, and glades with exotic plantings. Here, tourists can safely walk along shady alleys without the bustle of the city, relax on benches under the crowns of trees, have a picnic on a soft grassy lawn and enjoy the amazing atmosphere of silence.
There are many monuments and busts dedicated to famous Austrian cultural figures – composers, artists and writers. The most popular is the gilded sculpture of the Viennese musician Johann Strauss. The statue welcomes its guests with a violin in hand. The Kursalon Palace harmoniously fits into the structure of the Stadtpark, where classical music concerts are regularly held. This magnificent two-story building was built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. Its facade is decorated with a portico with four columns, a terrace, a balustrade and a series of arched windows.
Amusement park Prater
Tourists expect a lot of stormy emotions from visiting the Prater park complex. This is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, where every visitor will find something to their liking. Numerous attractions, green forests, shady alleys and enchanting lawns leave an indelible impression. An extensive zone of cultural and provocative recreation occupies an area of 6 km2. The infrastructure of the area is conducive to a peaceful and at the same time active pastime.
The territory is indented with walking paths, bike paths and soft grassy glades. There are sports grounds, cafeterias and children‘s corners. In total, there are 250 different exciting modern and original historical attractions. Extreme slides and various carousels will excite with their maximum speed. Go-karts, catapults, autodromes, labyrinths, trampolines, fun rooms, slot machines, swings and shooting galleries evoke enthusiastic sensations.
A tower with a chain carousel rushes up to 117 meters, the angular speed of rotation of which reaches 60 km / h. The symbol of the Prater is the Ferris wheel, installed in 1896. The height of such a venerable age of the structure reaches 65 meters. The wheel rotates fifteen red wagons, reminiscent of trams or retro trains. Wooden benches are placed inside the booths, fully conveying the atmosphere of the 19th century train salons.
Setagaya Park
In 1992, the incredibly mesmerizing Setagaya Garden was laid out by Japanese landscape designer Ken Nakajima. The wonderful Viennese park has become a symbol of friendship between Austria and Japan. The wonderful garden is decorated in the best Japanese traditions. The integral elements of the park are a tea house, graceful rows of flowering plants, a pond with a waterfall, stone boulders and openwork bridges.
The picturesque well-groomed territory turns into a kaleidoscope of bright colors during the flowering period. Setagaya Park symbolizes the perfect beauty of earthly nature. Its central entrance is adorned with a stone monument carved with a Japanese word for a heavenly idea of the local landscapes of the park.
Rope Park Kahlenberg
Surrounded by picturesque landscapes between the majestic Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg hills, a forest rope park is equipped, which attracts lovers of extreme sports. At the disposal of vacationers there are fourteen tracks of varying degrees of difficulty. The routes run at an altitude of one to twenty meters above ground level. The rope park will appeal to both adults and children.
Numerous obstacles will bring a lot of pleasure, overcoming which will require a lot of skill, dexterity and physical endurance. Participants in the passage of the rope complex are under close attention from experienced instructors. The safety of walking along tense bridges between the tops of tall trees is ensured by a safety system.
Donaupark
Between the beds of the Danube there is a cozy well-groomed park, which is the second largest green area in Vienna. The park complex was founded in 1962 on the site of a former landfill. The implementation of the beautification of an impressive space of 800 thousand square meters contributed to the improvement of the environment and the creation of a pleasant recreation area for people. Donaupark has everything you need to attract vacationers who want to spend time alone with nature in a comfortable and varied way.
This is favored by a well-groomed park and forest area. Meadows with roses, irises and trees and shrubs, as well as green meadows where you can have a picnic, cause aesthetic pleasure. Coniferous, heather and cereal plants give the landscape a special decorative look at any time of the year. Flower beds are harmoniously combined with such popular tree species as plane trees, maples, chestnuts and lindens. The decoration of the park picturesque composition is a pond with swans and ducks.
Numerous playgrounds, sports and children's playgrounds will delight visitors to the park. Wide paved paths are provided for running, rollerblading and cycling. Shady courts, chess tables and green fields for minigolf and football are popular. The central and expressive dominant of the garden is the Danube Tower, which rises 252 meters high. It is the tallest building in Vienna. Outwardly resembling a TV tower, the tower has an exclusively entertainment purpose. It houses an observation deck, as well as two revolving restaurants.
Town Hall Park
The majestic neo-Gothic openwork building of the Vienna City Hall is adjacent to a wonderful park, divided by a square, where various entertainment and cultural events take place all year round in the open air. It hosts Christmas markets, music festivals and various celebrations. The green square covers an area of about 40,000 m2.
The town hall park, decorated in the style of an English garden, amazes visitors with the splendor of centuries-old trees, flowering shrubs and various plantings in tubs. Old and powerful beeches, plane trees, metasequoias and ginkgo attract attention. On both sides of the garden paths there are original benches arranged in one long row. Popular objects of the park are two identical fountains. Rocky islands are located in the round bowls of the pools, from which high jets of water rise up.
Sigmund Freud Park
Between the University of Vienna and the Gothic Votivkirche there is a small green area called the Sigmund Freud Park. The place is famous for the fact that sunbeds are brought here every morning of the summer months, on which tourists and Viennese can lie down and soak up the sun for free.
Numerous lawns, secluded paths, sprawling trees create a romantic atmosphere. In the center stands an original sculptural composition, which is a massive granite five-sided table with ten square chairs. The monument symbolizes the expansion of the member states of the European Union.
Nature reserve Lainzer Tiergarten
On the outskirts of the famous Vienna Woods within the capital of Austria, the Lainzer nature reserve is located. These are the former imperial hunting grounds, which since 1919 have become publicly accessible for visiting by all citizens and guests of the country. The beautiful park area with picturesque surrounding natural landscapes captivates the eyes of tourists of all ages.
The forest landscape is cut with a network of hiking trails, which will appeal to lovers of outdoor walks. The Lainzer Reserve is home to many representatives of the animal world, including mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. Here you can meet wild boars, hares, deer, sheep, alpine newts and other animals. A separate section of the park is reserved for a children's playground. Swings and slides are made of natural wood materials.
The architectural landmark of the reserve is the wonderful villa Hermes. A secluded palace, hidden among the lush crowns of centennial trees, was erected in 1886 for the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph. The facade of the impressive three-story building is replete with various decorative elements.