In 1614, Emperor Matthias had a hunting lodge built in what was then an almost untouched riverside landscape. The first garden was laid out almost 50 years later, which was then opened to the public by Joseph II in 1775. Entry is free of charge to this day. Good thing, too, because the 52-hectare park in the 2nd district has become an integral part of everyday life for the people of Vienna. People chill out, picnic or play sports on the spacious lawns – fitness, yoga, soccer and frisbee are just a small selection of the sports that are practised here. And many runners train on the approximately 2.3-kilometre Augarten loop.

The numerous shady avenues of chestnut, elm, linden, ash and maple trees provide shelter from the sun in summer and turn magically colorful in autumn. The team at the Austrian Federal Gardens also take care of the magnificent flower displays. Rather unusual for such an idyllic setting are the two air raid and defense towers, also known as flak towers. These relics from World War II provided shelter for up to 30,000 people.

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Fun fact: 
The geographical center of Vienna is located here at the lower Augartenspitz at the coordinates 48.220282,16.3800575

No room for boredom

Hardly any other park in Vienna offers so many options. The world-famous Augarten Porcelain Manufactory is based here and also has its own Porcelain Museum. The famous Vienna Boys’ Choir and Girls’ Choir have, in addition to their traditional performance venue, their school and dormitories in the baroque Palais Augarten, a modern concert hall on the grounds: at MuTh visitors will also find events of all kinds, such as classical music, avant-garde, jazz and dance. In summer, the local Filmarchiv Austria operates an open-air cinema. Children can enjoy four playgrounds and an outdoor family pool. And – unlike in most inner-city parks – dogs are also welcome: on a leash and only on the paths, or off-leash in the two small dog zones.

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Dining in the Augarten

The garden terrace of Restaurant Sperling offers the perfect view of the park’s geometrically designed walking paths. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and feels like a living room. Modern dishes and drinks are served, inspired by Austrian cuisine with international influences. A dedicated breakfast menu as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes complete the offerings.
The tranquil Schankwirtschaft is almost a hidden gem. After entering through the rather concealed entrance between the walls on the south side, regional and seasonal delicacies paired with Viennese wine and coffee await diners under the leafy canopy. The guest rooms are even located in an old bunker.

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