Vienna Central Cemetery: A Place of Peace and History
Short info:
- What is there to see there? Many honorary graves of famous people
- Where is the Central Cemetery? Gate 2, Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234
- When is it open? November to the end of February: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March and from 1 October to 2 November: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April to September: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you lose track of time or get lost, there is also an emergency exit at Gate 2
- How much does the entrance fee cost? No admission
Generally
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 story
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.
The cemetery today
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.
Who is buried here?
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 most important graves in detail
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Group 32A, number 29
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Group 32 A, No. 55 (grave monument only)
- Johannes Brahms – Group 32A, number 26
- Franz Schubert – Group 32A, Number 25
- Johann Strauss (Son) – Group 32A, Number 48
- Adolf Loos – Group 32A, number 6
- Falco – Group 40, Number 6
- Karl Renner – Group 40, Number 11
- Helmut Qualtinger – Group 32C, Number 18
- Bruno Kreisky – Group 40, Number 8
- Thomas Klestil – Group 32C, number 5
- Hedy Lamarr – Group 33G, number 31
- Helmut Qualtinger, Group 33 G, No. 73
- Peter Alexander – Group 40, Number 7
- Udo Jürgens – Group 33G, Number 12
- Franz Antel – Group 40, Number 23
- Marika Rökk – Group 40, number 22.
The entrances
The cemetery has the following (former) Access:
- Gate 1 at the intersection of Simmeringer Hauptstraße/Weichseltalweg, near the old Jewish cemetery
- Gate 2 (main entrance) at Johann-Hatzl-Platz on Simmeringer Hauptstraße
- Gate 3 at the intersection of Simmeringer Hauptstraße/Thürnlhofstraße
- separate access to the Protestant cemetery at Gate 3, formerly known as Gate 4
- Gate 4 (formerly Gate 5) at the intersection of Simmeringer Hauptstraße/Pantucekgasse, access to the new Jewish cemetery
- Gate 9 at the intersection of Mylius-Bluntschli-Straße/Ailecgasse
- Gate 10(walled up) at Mylius-Bluntschli-Straße, opposite Gate 2 near the graves for the war victims of the First World War
- Gate 11 at the intersection of Mylius-Bluntschli-Straße/Weichseltalweg
- Gate 12(blocked) at the intersection Weichseltalweg/Am Kanal
tips
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!
Conclusion
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!"
Food and Drink
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.
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