House of the Sea

House of the Sea Vienna – Sharks, tropical house and sea turtles in the former flak tower

The House of the Sea is one of the most popular excursion destinations in Vienna and combines Zoo, aquarium and viewpoint All under one roof. In the former flak tower in Esterházy Park, over 10,000 animals from around the world live on 11 floors. Visitors can expect to see sharks, sea turtles, crocodiles, monkeys, reptiles, coral reefs, and tropical landscapes. With its combination of aquariums, terrariums, tropical house, and rooftop terrace, the House of the Sea is suitable for both families and adults.

Short info:

• Where is the House of the Sea? Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz 1, 1060 Vienna
• What is the House of the Sea? An Aqua Terra Zoo with aquariums, terrariums, a tropical house and a roof terrace
• How much time should I plan for? At least 2.5 to 3 hours
• Is there an entrance fee? Yes, you can find them here price list and opening hours
• Is the House of the Sea suitable for children? Yes, the shark tank, the tropical house, the crocodiles and the surf reef are particularly popular.
• Is there an entrance fee? Yes, you can find current prices and opening hours on the official website.
• What used to be in the building? A flak tower from the Second World War
• How many animals live in the House of the Sea? Over 10,000 animals
• Is there a restaurant? Yes, Café Sharky and the 360° Ocean Sky Restaurant & Bar

This is what awaits you at the House of the Sea

The House of the Sea is next to the Schönbrunn Zoo and the Lainzer Tiergarten one of three zoos in Vienna. 11 floors At almost 50 meters high, the former flak tower is home to over 10,000 animals. The exhibition unites marine aquariums, terrariums, tropical environments, and various species conservation projects under one roof.

Already on the ground floor, the Atlantic Tunnel One of the highlights of the house. Walking through the ten-meter-long acrylic glass tube, you pass right through a large Atlantic tank and can observe fish and rays up close.

The Austria's first seawater aquarium It is home to animals from the Mediterranean Sea as well as from tropical freshwater and saltwater habitats. Among the best-known inhabitants are sharks, rays, sea turtles, piranhas, coral fish, and numerous other species from around the world.

Sharks, sea turtles and the surf reef

Among the biggest visitor attractions of the House of the Sea is the large shark tanks. Here, various shark species swim alongside rays and numerous tropical fish. It is particularly well-known for... Sea turtle „Puppi“, which has been one of the most popular residents of the House of the Sea for many years.

Another highlight is the surf reef. Here, the power of a tropical ocean surf is impressively recreated. Numerous colorful reef fish swim among the corals. The integrated glass tubes, which offer a glimpse into the underwater world, are especially exciting for children.

No less impressive is the 360° shark tank. The fully visible layout of the aquarium makes you feel almost like you're diving. Together with the Atlantic Tunnel, this area is one of the most spectacular aquariums in the House of the Sea.

Tropical House and Crocodile Park

The tropical house offers a completely different experience. Here, various animals roam freely throughout the enclosure. Visitors encounter Fruit bats, tropical birds and monkeys often at close range. The lush vegetation also creates a real rainforest feeling in the heart of Vienna.

The inhabitants include white-faced sakis, tamarins, ring-tailed lemurs, and pygmy marmosets. The latter, weighing only around 120 grams, are among the smallest monkeys in the world.

Directly connected is the Krokipark. Besides crocodiles, other reptiles, turtles, fish, and birds live here. Together with the tropical house, this area is one of the most popular attractions for families.

Australia, the Amazon and rare animal species

Among the most exciting areas is the Australian experience world. Here live Woylies, a rare marsupial species, together with various bird species in a spacious themed area. This gives visitors an insight into the animal world of the fifth continent.

The Amazon Passage is also well worth seeing. Amidst tropical vegetation and large aquariums, you'll encounter various fish species and reptiles from South America. This area is complemented by the Komodo dragons, which are among the largest lizards in the world.

Modern freshwater aquariums featuring endangered fish species are now among the highlights of the House of the Sea. They impressively demonstrate how diverse and worthy of protection the habitats of rivers and lakes are.

Deep-sea aquarium and Japanese giant spider crabs

The deep-sea aquarium displays animals that normally live hundreds of meters below the surface. The most spectacular are... Japanese giant spider spiders. With a leg span of up to three meters, they are among the largest crabs in the world.

Besides the giant spider crabs, other extraordinary deep-sea creatures live here, such as... Spotted wolffish. This area provides fascinating insights into a habitat that few people ever get to see.

Species conservation and research

The House of the Sea is not just a zoo, but is also involved in numerous species conservation projects. Visitors learn more about endangered species, breeding programs, and the protection of sensitive habitats.

The reptile and amphibian rescue center is particularly interesting. Here, surrendered or confiscated animals are cared for and looked after. Visitors also gain insight into the daily work of the animal keepers and veterinarians.

Native animal species also play an important role. Exterior facade of the flak tower Special bat roosts were installed to serve as sleeping and retreat places for various Viennese bat species.

In addition, the House of the Sea participates in the breeding of endangered animal species and provides information about numerous international and local nature conservation projects.

360° Ocean Sky and the view over Vienna

For many, the rooftop terrace with the 360° Ocean Sky restaurant & bar is the perfect end to a visit. From here, an impressive panoramic view of Vienna unfolds – from the St. Stephen's Cathedral about the Mariahilfer Straße up to the Vienna hills.

The food and drinks aren't cheap, but you don't have to buy anything to enjoy the breathtaking 360° view. The rooftop terrace is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Vienna's city center.

The House of the Sea by Floors

• EG: Atlantic Tunnel, Koi Pond, Ticket Office, Shop & Cloakroom, Restrooms
• 1st floor: Snakes, cobras, mambas, taipans, lizards, turtles, ant trail
• 2nd floor: Mediterranean world, jellyfish, octopus, nibble fish tank, piranhas, endangered freshwater species from around the world, tropical freshwater fish, access to the tropical house and crocodile park
• 3rd floor: Live corals, tropical marine animals
• 4th floor: Aquarium of the sea turtle "Puppi", seahorses, tropical house, Café Sharky, toilets
• 5th floor: Deep-sea aquarium with Japanese giant spider crabs, spotted wolffish, shark tank, view of the aquarium of sea turtle "Puppi", toilets
• 6th floor: Native fish species, sturgeon breeding, marine conservation exhibition and rescue center for reptiles and amphibians
• 7th floor: Desert Terrarium, New Guinea Paludarium, Pacific Eye, 360° Shark Tank
• 8th floor: Chameleons, spiders, scorpions and other invertebrates
• 9th floor: Amazon rainforest, Komodo dragons, Australian adventure world with woylies, parakeets and other Australian inhabitants, ring-tailed lemurs
• 9th, 1st floor: Meeting point for lemur encounters, Komodo balcony
• 10th floor: Caribbean Hammerhead Shark Tank, „Remembering Within“, Viktor-Otte-Saal, Lighthouse 10
• 11th floor: 360° Ocean Sky Restaurant & Bar, Rooftop Terrace