Türkenschanzpark: duck ponds and rare trees

Bordering the suburban neighborhood of Gersthof , Türkenschanzpark is one of the most varied parks in Vienna. Idyllic walking paths wind around small duck ponds. The neighboring University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna has enriched the park with botanical treasures such as sequoias, false cypresses and various species of oak tree. There is also a wide range of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, ball courts and a skate park. From the Paulinenwarte you can see across the entire city, and at Meierei Diglas you can enjoy modern Viennese cuisine – including in the outdoor seating area. A highlight for train enthusiasts – a busy railway track briefly emerges between two tunnels right in the middle of the park.

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Donaupark: observation tower and park railway

The Donaupark lies between the recreation areas of the Old Danube and Danube Island, right next to the Vienna International Centre. It is dominated by the Danube Tower, which, at 252 meters, has been Austria’s tallest structure since its opening in 1964. It offers sweeping views of the city, the Danube, the expansive lawns, the rose garden as well as the sports facilities for mini golf, basketball and tennis thanks to its 360-degree rotating observation deck. A nostalgic park railway makes its rounds across the grounds.

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Kurpark Oberlaa: garden show and petting zoo

The Kurpark Oberlaa on the Laaer Berg was created in 1974 for the International Garden Show and continues to impress visitors today with its rolling hills and landscaped themed areas. Botanical highlights such as the Japanese Garden called Takasakipark, the romantic Lovers’ Garden and the flower labyrinth define the grounds. The same goes for the striking sculpture on Rosenberg hill and the heritage-listed network of paths. Vienna’s first accessible playground opened here in 2001 and there is even a petting zoo with goats and sheep on the sprawling grounds. Right next door is the premises of Therme Wien. The well-known Kurkonditorei Oberlaa also opened its first branch here in 1974.

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Pötzleinsdorf Palace Park: antiquity and wildlife

Pötzleinsdorf Palace Park is an expansive park in Vienna’s 18th district, Währing, on the edge of the Vienna Woods. Once part of a Baroque palace ensemble, it was redesigned in the 19th century as an English landscape park. The four antique-looking sculptures of the “Singing Quartet” originally came from the Ringtheater, which burned down in 1881, and they pair perfectly with the Greek temple. Large parts of the grounds are wooded and home to deer and squirrels, which are most often seen at dusk. Several individual trees and tree groups have also been designated natural monuments by the City of Vienna.

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Bank Austria Park: art curated by André Heller

Located almost right on the banks of the Old Danube, a total of 14 sculptures, movable sound and wind chimes, creative seating options, and around 500 trees are scattered throughout the park grounds. The artworks are curated by internationally renowned multimedia artist and cultural impresario André Heller. One sculpture, the spectacular “Wasserwächterin”, meaning “Water Guardian”, is by Heller himself. A charming walking path meanders past all of the exhibits. There are places to cool off in the water for free, and a 400-square-meter climbing area for the little ones to enjoy.

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Schweizergarten: modern art and architecture

With its groups of mature tree and ponds, the Schweizergarten lies between Vienna Central Station, the Belvedere Palace and the Arsenal cultural complex. A striking glass cube from the 1960s houses Belvedere 21, a museum of contemporary art. In the middle of the park, a Chopin monument commemorates the Polish composer’s period of residence in Vienna. At the edge of the green spaces, the elegant residential buildings designed by star architect Renzo Piano rise on stilts into the sky to form a striking contrast to the parkland.

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Wienerberg recreation area: city pond and forest atmosphere

A large park was created around former brick ponds in Vienna’s tenth district. This is where Wienerberger, the brick producer that operates worldwide to this day, was founded in 1819. Long walking trails and dense woodlands make this large space a valuable local recreation area. Extensive meadows, playgrounds, and sports fields, as well as a network of cycling and walking trails, invite visitors to enjoy active recreation, while the view of the nearby Wienerberg skyline ensures that the big city is never far from sight.

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