Vienna transforms parking lot into blooming Naschpark: 70 trees for more green!

Vienna transforms parking lot into blooming Naschpark: 70 trees for more green!

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Vienna, there is now a large project that will not only enrich the Mariahilf district, but also significantly improve the quality of life of the residents. The former parking lot at Naschmarkt is being transformed into a thriving Naschpark – and the first steps have already been taken! Despite the challenges that come with inner-city redevelopment, construction work on Naschpark began on July 10, 2025, and Planning City Councilor Ulli Sima (SPÖ) is ensuring that everything goes according to plan. Loud crown A total of 70 new trees are to be planted in Vienna's former heat island, accompanied by extensive greenery.

The 6,820 square meter area is enhanced not only by the trees, but also by numerous seating areas, shady pergolas and areas for picnics and hammocks. These elements create a real retreat in everyday urban life, where residents can relax and enjoy the greenery. The first trees, including silk trees, Judas trees and crabapple trees, have already arrived and were planted with great care. The tree species, many of them over 25 years old, come from specialist nurseries and are selected so that they can form extensive crowns that not only provide shade but can also reduce temperatures by up to 8 degrees Celsius compared to asphalted areas, such as Cosmo reported.

A clear plan for more green

The implementation of the Naschpark is the result of years of planning and citizen participation. The process began in 2021 with an EU-wide ideas competition in which residents could submit their wishes. Maintaining the popular flea market was of central importance to many; The park will be built on the areas that are not needed for the flea market. Ulli Sima confirmed the commitments and assured that the flea market will remain unchanged, which is well received by the residents. The Vienna Press Service also emphasizes that the park should not only be a place for relaxation, but also a consumer-free space that appeals to all generations.

The location places high demands on the planners. The entire surface of the park is sometimes only 70 centimeters thick and is built over a 100-year-old vault of the Vienna River and the subway. To protect the structure and allow the trees to grow healthily, special protective measures are used. Among other things, a reinforced concrete slab and root-resistant film are used. In addition, reinforcement measures are also necessary to secure the infrastructure, including the U4.

A project with a view of the future

The construction work is scheduled to be completed at the end of September 2023, together with the opening of a new market hall. With a total of 344 greening projects in this legislative period, which include 3,316 trees and 2,745 seating options, the city is sending a clear signal for a better quality of life in Vienna. The Naschpark is not only a green retreat for young and old, but also a sign of how urban planning can be successful - in harmony with the wishes of citizens and nature.

If everything goes according to plan, Naschpark will not only be a green oasis in the city, but also a model for future projects to green inner-city areas. Anna and Paul from the neighborhood are already really looking forward to relaxing under the shady trees soon.