It is a well known fact that the Viennese are obsessed with death. Passing on to the other side is not merely acknowledged, it is celebrated. Massive headstones and garish monuments mark out the deceased who had means or enjoyed fame, so it quite rightly follows that Vienna should have one of the most extravagant cemeteries anywhere. Zentralfriedhof is so huge that it has its own internal bus route.
It is possible to reach the cemetery in the venerable 11th district by taking either the 18/71 tram or S-Bahn, the latter having its own dedicated stop. Most people ride the 71 from Schwarzenbergplatz in the inner city, immortalised by the fictional investigator Bernie Gunther in A German Requiem. The route is synonymous with the graveyard, and has been serving it for so long that there is even a euphemism among the older Viennese: 'er hat den 71er genommen' (he's taken the 71) is the same as saying 'he's passed away'.
Quite apart from the fact that some of Europe's most famous, er, dead people are lying here, its enormous size ensures that a chance to reflect on being, or merely sitting in quiet contemplation, is guaranteed. An excellent idea for a warm summer's afternoon if you fancy parking yourself on a bench and reading for ages. One of Vienna's nicest Jugendstil churches stands proudly at the centre. Expect to spend upwards of two hours exploring. Admission is nominally €2, but I have never paid. Some useful further information can be found here.
Zentralfriedhof
Nominal charge:
€
2
15346928405
Find your way with 163 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Emmerich" is a 'Buschenschank' in Vienna - a small wooden stand in a vineyard where the owners offer their spritzer and small plates. Go enjoy the view!
by
The Summer Stage is like an outpost of several Vienna restaurants in the form of a huge terrace next to the Kanal with all sorts of different cuisines.
by
The Kent family of restaurants is well known in Vienna as vibrant outposts of Turkish culinary delights with their classic array of appetizers, charcoal-grilled skewers, kebab, and many other highlights.
by
The architecture is simple, light, and modern and allows the creative food and drinks to shine. Arguably one of the finest in Liesing, it still boasts very reasonable prices and ventures into the many flavors of Asia.
by
The Lobau is a national park made of meadows and forests that can be reached via subway and yet it's a world of its own. The perfect escape from city life is a walk in the National Park.
by
The noodles just really taste so different if they are hand-made. The decoration of the plates and drinks is lovely and adds to the overall culinary experience.
by
A long-time resident of Vienna, Sohyi Kim bridges Korean cuisine with Viennese traditions reaching an outstanding culinary level.
by
In the trendy 7th district of Vienna the concept store musette (small "muse" in French) stands out with its thought-through selection of products assorted around a topic.
by
The bar fits perfectly into the lobby of the famed Austrian pavilion of the Expo 1958 in Brussels, so much so that you might think it was always there.
by
They will make it hard for you to choose from the abundance of sweet (and salty) delicacies. Eastern European and Viennese pastries come in huge portions and diversity.
by
163 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 163 Insider Tips