The Vienna Central Cemetery is the second largest cemetery in Europe and an important cultural monument in Austria. It is a place of remembrance, mourning and commemoration and at the same time a reflection of the history of Vienna. At the same time, the cemetery with its impressive flora and fauna is also a place of relaxation and, due to its many honorary graves, is one of the most visited sights in the city of Vienna. Even songs have been written about it. Which Austrian doesn't know the hit "Es lebe der Zentralfriedhof" by Austropop legend Wolfgang Ambros.
The history of the Central Cemetery dates back to the 19th century. It was opened in 1863 and expanded several times in the following years. In the first decades of its existence, the Central Cemetery was a place for the rich and famous, who erected their lavishly designed tombs here. But the cemetery was also a place of political conflict, as many personalities of the labor movement were buried here.
Today, the Central Cemetery is a place of diversity, where people of all faiths and nationalities find their final resting place. The cemetery covers an area of 2.5 km² and offers space for around 330,000 gravesIn addition to the many graves, the Central Cemetery also has numerous sculptures, memorials and monuments commemorating famous people. As grotesque as it may sound, many Viennese people simply use the cemetery as an open space. It is a wonderful place to go for a walk. It is not uncommon to even come across a deer or hamster. A special feature is the natural burial siteOnly organic coffins are permitted in the natural area. Organic coffins are permitted in the forest graves. degradable urns used.
One of the most famous rows of graves in the Central Cemetery is the honorary graves rowPersonalities from politics, art, science and culture who have rendered outstanding services to Austria were buried here. The most famous graves of honour include the graves of Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Johann Strauss (son), Udo Jürgens, Peter Alexander and Falco. Another important row of graves in the Central Cemetery is the Israelite section. Many famous Jewish personalities are buried here, including Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, as well as many Holocaust survivors and Jewish resistance fighters. The graves of many well-known personalities from the world of art and film can also be visited in the Central Cemetery.
The cemetery has the following (former) Access:
With an area of 2.5 km², you can easily work up a sweat. It is easier with a e-bike: The bikes can be rented at Gate 2 next to Café Oberlaa. Your own tours help to provide an overview. Tour 1: The City of the Dead on Hamster Paws Tour 2: Noble, poor or rich – death makes everyone equal!
The Vienna Central Cemetery is not only a place of mourning and remembrance, but also an important cultural monument in Austria. The history of Vienna is reflected here and many famous people have found their final resting place here. Anyone who visits the Central Cemetery can take a journey through history and experience the diversity and beauty of this special place. But Vienna is also particularly known for its black humor. At the end of your visit, you might buy a T-shirt in the souvenir shop with the inscription "Vienna Cemeteries - You're in the right place!"
This would probably not be appropriate at the cemetery itself, but we can very much sausage stand recommend that you choose the right name "I don't care." With a view of the second cemetery gate, you can enjoy Käsekrainer in peace and quiet. If you want to have it even more comfortable, we recommend the Concordia Schlössl with a beautiful garden opposite the entrance of Gate 1.