Viennese cemeteries: green oases to cool off in the summer heat!

Viennese cemeteries: green oases to cool off in the summer heat!

In Vienna, an oppressive heat wave is causing temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius. Many people are looking for cool places to find some relaxation on these hot summer days. Do you know where in this city you can not only put your feet up, but also relax in the midst of peace and nature? That's right, at the Viennese cemeteries!

A total of 46 cemeteries offer themselves as “open and quiet green retreats”. These areas make up about 1.2 percent of the city and extend over 5.2 square kilometers. With an estimated 30,000 trees and 140,000 square meters of natural meadows, the cemeteries not only contribute to cooling, but also promote rainwater infiltration on the unsealed paths. This means that the visit is not only a leisurely stroll, but also a contribution to the preservation of urban green spaces.

Recreation and activities

Due to the natural care and climate-resilient planting, the cemeteries are true oases of biodiversity. To further inspire visitors, there are numerous ways to enjoy the greenery. We recommend shady walks on the kilometer-long paths, where you can also discover the famous animal adventure trail at the Neustift cemetery. Twelve stations await the little ones here, which impart knowledge about animals and nature in a playful way.

In these historical areas, visitors not only encounter flora and fauna, but they also gain an insight into the history of the cemeteries. On the anniversary path of the Vienna Central Cemetery, which includes seven stations, you go past artistic grave monuments that tell stories of bygone times. Here adults can also quench their thirst for knowledge and immerse themselves in another world.

Cemeteries as access to nature

The high number of trees and the attractiveness of the natural graves make the cemeteries a real local recreation area. The many quiet places invite you to linger and relax - perfect for the trendy reading chair or a shady spot for a picnic. Just stop by if you're looking for a quiet place to think or relax!

Friedhöfe Wien GmbH, which has been part of Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH since 2008, looks after over 550,000 graves and not only aims to provide comfort and remembrance, but also to create a valuable recreational area for all generations. The gardening business, crematorium and stonemason's workshop offer an all-round service for mourners and at the same time contribute to the preservation of the urban landscape.

In these hot days, Vienna's cemeteries pamper their visitors with cool places of reflection and retreat. The visit becomes a little break from everyday life to recharge your batteries.

For more information about what the cemeteries in Vienna have to offer, you are invited to visit the following links: MyDistrict, Vienna.gv.at and Vienna.at.