Short Info:
- What can you see there? Many graves of famous personalities
- Where is the Central Cemetery located? Gate 2, Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234
- When is it open? November to end of February: from 9 am to 5 pm
March and from October 1 to November 2: from 9 am to 6 pm
April to September: from 9 am to 7 pm
In case you lose track of time or get lost, there’s also an emergency exit at Gate 2 - How much is the admission? Free admission
General
Vienna’s Central Cemetery is the second largest cemetery in Europe and a significant cultural monument of Austria. It’s a place of remembrance, mourning, and reflection, reflecting Vienna’s history. With its impressive flora and fauna, it’s also a place of recreation and is among the most visited attractions in Vienna due to its numerous graves of honor. There have even been songs written about it. Who in Austria doesn’t know the hit “Long Live the Central Cemetery” by Austrian pop legend Wolfgang Ambros?
History
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 its early decades, it was a place for the rich and famous who built elaborate tombs here. However, it was also a site of political contention, as many figures of the workers’ movement were buried here.
Today’s Cemetery
Today, the Central Cemetery is a place of diversity, where people of all faiths and nationalities find their final resting place. It spans an area of 2.5 km² and accommodates around 330,000 graves. In addition to the many graves, there are numerous sculptures, memorials, and monuments honoring famous personalities.
Who’s Buried Here?
One of the most notable sections of the Central Cemetery is the Graves of Honor section. Here, personalities from politics, arts, science, and culture who have contributed to Austria are buried. Among the most famous graves are those of Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Johann Strauss (Son), Udo Jürgens, Peter Alexander, and Falco.
Key Graves
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Group 32A, Number 29
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Group 32A, No. 55 (memorial 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.
Entrances
The cemetery has the following (former) entrances:
- 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 entrance to the Protestant cemetery at Gate 3, formerly referred to 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 at the graves for the victims of World War I
- Gate 11 at the intersection of Mylius-Bluntschli-Straße/Weichseltalweg
- Gate 12(blocked) at the intersection of Weichseltalweg/Am Kanal
Tips
With an area of 2.5 km², you might break a sweat. It’s easier with an e-bike: bikes can be rented at Gate 2 next to Café Oberlaa.
Self-guided tours are also helpful for getting 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 just a place of mourning and remembrance but also a significant cultural monument of Austria. It reflects Vienna’s history, and many famous personalities have found their final resting place here. A visit to the Central Cemetery offers a journey through history and a chance to experience the diversity and beauty of this special place.
But Vienna is also known for its dark humor. Perhaps you’ll buy a T-shirt at the souvenir shop with the inscription “Vienna Cemeteries – You’re in the right place!”