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Central Cemetery Vienna: An autumn walk between graves and stories!
Discover the Vienna Central Cemetery: a historic resting place with prominent graves, local recreation area and guided tours.
Central Cemetery Vienna: An autumn walk between graves and stories!
The Vienna Central Cemetery, opened on November 1, 1874, is much more than just a final resting place for over three million people; it is a lively place for encounters and relaxation. Covering an area of around 2.5 km², the cemetery not only offers space for the deceased, but also for lively encounters and natural beauty. The area, originally designed for four million dead, currently houses around 330,000 grave sites, making it the second largest cemetery in Europe, just after the Ohlsdorf Cemetery in Hamburg. [Krone] reports that Claudia Muchitsch, an experienced city guide, has been leading people through this impressive complex for 20 years.
The central cemetery attracts many visitors every year. In order to find lasting acceptance, some of the most famous figures such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert were reburied. This has contributed to the fact that the cemetery is still considered a central point for historical awareness and culture in Vienna today.
A place to meet and relax
Getting to the Central Cemetery is extremely convenient thanks to good connections via subway, tram, horse-drawn carriage, e-bus or by bike. Many Viennese use the extensive paths for jogging or for relaxed walks in the middle of nature. Deer, squirrels and other animal species live here, which gives this historic place a special charm. The autumn months give the surrounding trees an impressive display of color, which makes the visit particularly beautiful.
A highlight is the cemetery church of Saint Charles Borromeo, which is considered one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in the city. A special funeral museum, which opened in 2014, also provides interesting insights into the history of dying and death in Vienna. If you would like to find out more about the background of the burials, you can get an audio guide at the main gate (Gate 2).
Graves of honor – resting places of famous personalities
The Central Cemetery is also known for its around 950 honorary graves, which are dedicated to important personalities who are well liked by the city of Vienna. Artists such as Christiane Hörbiger, Curd Jürgens and Hans Moser, as well as numerous prominent musicians such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Arnold Schönberg and Udo Jürgens, rest here. [Zentralfriedhof] provides an impressive list:
| Famous musicians | Honorary graves |
|---|---|
| Ludwig van Beethoven | Important composer |
| Johann Strauss (father and son) | Waltz icons |
| Franz Schubert | Classic master |
| Falco | Known from pop music |
Visitors can explore the graves of honor on their own or on guided tours. The program is rounded off by night tours from October to March and horse-drawn carriage rides that bring to life the history and stories that lie in these places.
The rich history and cultural treasure of the Vienna Central Cemetery make it a place that not only serves to commemorate, but also contributes to enriching the quality of life in Vienna. The cemetery is an oasis of peace and a tour of its paths is not only educational but also a relaxing experience. [Wien.info] offers comprehensive information for everyone who wants to discover this special place.