All around Schloss Neugebäude Palace

The building, constructed on the order of Emperor Maximilian II., underwent a major renovation under Maria Theresa. Parts of the castle, for example, were used to construct the Gloriette in the imperial gardens of Schönbrunn. Although the structure can no longer be seen in its original form, the interior courtyard has been turned into a popular event site. Each year, it hosts an Easter market, open air cinema in the summer and a historic festival. Garden lovers get their money's worth in spring during the Simmering Garden Days and in autumn during "Flora Mirabilis". Those who would like to find out more about the building's tumultuous history are welcome to participate in one of the regular tours.

The newly designed "Lower Garden" was opened in 2010. The 12,500 m² park is situated exactly on the footprint of the historic imperial garden. The original garden beds and path formations, which were typical during the Renaissance period, were preserved but updated with modern accents. Now there are water games with fountains and shade provided by 70 plane trees, while an avenue lined with lilacs invites visitors for a stroll. Rocking animals such as a tiger and lion, an elephant slide and a giraffe swing are reminiscent of the former menagerie at Schloss Neugebäude Palace, the first in Vienna.

Did you know that the first European tulips were planted in Vienna - namely in front of Schloss Neugebäude Palace - before they became a trademark of the Netherlands?

Central Cemetery and Urnenhain (urn grove)

Visitors who are in the mood for a contemplative stroll after seeing the Schloss Neugebäude Palace can take a 15-minute walk around the castle area to the Urnenhain, the former pheasant garden of Schloss Neugebäude Palace. Here is the crematorium designed by the architect Clemens Holzmeister, which first opened in 1922 as Austria's first crematorium. Across Simmeringer Hauptstrasse lies the main entrance of Vienna's Central Cemetery. It is the second largest cemetery in Europe with 330,000 graves.

Organic foods around the corner

If you're looking for an organic souvenir, your best bet here is Biofeigenhof across from the main entrance of Schloss Neugebäude Palace. This company cultivates figs, herbs, vegetables and wine according to organic principles and sells them at farm prices.

Guided tour:
Helga Rauscher
Registration required at: +43 664 5745210
More information available from the Cultural Association of Simmering:
kvs@kv-elf.com
www.kv-elf.com

Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)

Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234
1110   Wien
www.friedhoefewien.at

Map Accessibility Details

Guide dogs permitted

Main entrance

• Main entrance no steps .

More information

Restrooms with access for disabled persons available.

Comments

Honorary tombs: Main Entrance (2nd Gate, access by car possible on the blue paths), free with ID. Wheelchair-accessible restroom accessible with "Euro-Key" near Hall 3, in the cemetery church and at the cemetery office (ramp), gravel paths.

Contacts

• +43 1 760 41

Opening hours

• November to February Mo - Su, 08:00 - 17:00
• March Mo - Su, 07:00 - 18:00
• April Mo - Su, 07:00 - 19:00
• May to August Mo - Su, 07:00 - 20:00
• September Mo - Su, 07:00 - 19:00
• October to November Mo - Su, 07:00 - 18:00
• on holidays, 10:00 - 17:00