Haus des Meeres: A fascinating underwater zoo in the heart of Vienna
The House of the Sea in Vienna offers an exciting journey through the world of the seas and tropics. Sharks, crocodiles, exotic fish and reptiles live in the aquariums and terrariums. On 11 floors, visitors can experience the diversity of the oceans and tropical rainforests up close, including an impressive rooftop terrace view of the city.
Short info:
- Where is the House of the Sea? Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz 1, in the 6th district of Vienna (in Esterházypark)
- What is the House of the Sea? An Aqua Terra Zoo and Tiergarten in the heart of Vienna
- How much time should I plan for a visit? At least 2.5 hours
- Is there an entrance fee? Yes, you can find them here price list and opening hours
- What used to be in the building? The building is a former flak tower from World War II
- How many animals are there? 10.000
Here you can find our detailed experience report
Generally
The House of the Sea is next to the Schönbrunn Zoo and the Lainzer Tiergarten one of three zoos in Vienna. On 11 floors and almost 50 meters high, the former flak tower is home to over 10,000 animals, mainly consisting of marine aquariums and terrariums.
The first seawater aquarium in Austria is home to animals from the Mediterranean and from tropical freshwater and seawater habitats such as piranhas, sea turtles and corals on 5,000 m².
In addition, there is a terrarium department and a tropical house with glass walls with birds, fruit bats and monkeys, although these do not live behind bars but can move around freely. As a visitor, you experience the animals up close - sometimes even closer than you would like
In the Krokipark Above the entrance hall you can see crocodiles, turtles, fish, monkeys and birds.
One of the highlights is – in addition to the 300,000 litre two-story shark tank -the surf reefHere you can experience impressive ocean waves, where countless colorful tropical fish frolic among the corals. It is particularly exciting for children, as they can go inside via a glass tube.
Of course, there is also a specially native fish species dedicated department.
Areas are continually being expanded, most recently a hammerhead shark tank on the newly accessible 10th floor and an Amazon passage on the 9th floor. The "Australia" department will reopen in summer 2022.
Friends of reptiles find giant snakes, iguanas, monitor lizards, agamas, mambas and others.
Another highlight is the Restaurant & Bar 360° Ocean SkyThe food and drinks aren't cheap, but you don't have to buy anything to enjoy the fantastic 360° view over Vienna! After all, it is the highest rooftop location in Vienna's city center.
The House of the Sea by Floors
EG: Atlantic tunnel, koi tank, freshwater fish, Australian terrarium, cash desk, shop & cloakroom
1st floor: Snakes, lizards, turtles, ant trails
2nd floor: Mediterranean: jellyfish, octopus, nibble fish tank, piranhas and other tropical freshwater fish. Access to the tropical house and crocodile park
3rd floor: living corals, tropical marine animals
4th floor: Aquarium of the sea turtle “Puppi”, seahorses, tropical house and the Café Sharky, toilets
5th floor: shark tank, deep sea aquarium, toilets
6th floor: Native fish, marine conservation exhibition
7th floor: Desert Terrarium, New Guinea Paludarium, Pacific Eye, 360° Shark Tank
8th floor: Chameleon, Spider, Scorpion & Co
9th floor: Amazon jungle, Komodos, ring-tailed lemurs, Australia tour, meeting point for ring-tailed lemur encounters
9th, 1st floor: Komodo balcony
10th floor: Caribbean hammerhead shark baking, “Remembering Inside”, Victor-Otte-Sall, Lighthouse 10 (Events and Culture Wave)
11th floor: 360° Ocean Sky Restaurant Bar, roof terrace, solar roof (access only for guided groups)
Close by
Mariahilfer Straße
Mariahilfer Straße 77-79...
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