The most beautiful cemetery in Europe
Dear guests, friends and readers,
We have written about Vienna's Central Cemetery before, because our guests often ask us about it! Today, we have a follow-up with new photos taken by me. My name is Ingeborg Seitz and I have been working at the hotel for 37 years. I visit the cemetery regularly myself because a few dear people who accompanied me throughout my life have found their final resting place there. It is a place full of history, art and Viennese charm – and is one of the most fascinating sights in Vienna. If you want to experience the true spirit of Vienna, don't miss a walk through the Central Cemetery. My last visit was last week on a beautiful autumn day in October and, as an amateur photographer, I naturally tried to capture the beautiful colours with my camera. Please follow me and let's visit this place of tranquillity together.
A place of peace and history
With over 330,000 graves and around 3 million deceased, Vienna's Central Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in Europe. It was opened in 1874 to provide space for the steadily growing population of the imperial city. At the time, it was not very popular with the Viennese: it was far too far outside the city and not as beautifully wooded as it is today. To get there from the hotel, I take the U1 to Stephansplatz, then the U3 to the Simmering terminus and then tram 71 to Gate 3 (where you can visit the Anatomical Memorial and I say ‘hello’ to my mum). I continue on to Falco's grave.
As soon as you enter through the imposing main gate, you are impressed by the vastness of the grounds. Wide avenues, ornate tombs and majestic trees create an atmosphere of reverence and peace – ideal for a quiet stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Popular graves
The Central Cemetery is famous for its numerous celebrity graves. Music lovers in particular will get their money's worth here:
• Ludwig van Beethoven
• Johann Strauss (father & son)
• Franz Schubert
• Johannes Brahms
• Falco, Vienna's pop icon
These ‘honorary graves of musicians’ make the cemetery a place of pilgrimage for music lovers from all over the world.
Tip: It is best to start your visit at Gate 2, where the main axis to the famous graves is located.
Karl Borromeo Church
The architectural highlight is the Karl Borromeo Church, also known as the Dr. Karl Lueger Memorial Church. The imposing Art Nouveau building was designed by Max Hegele, a student of Otto Wagner.
The turquoise dome and the ornate mosaics inside make it one of the most beautiful churches in Vienna – an absolute must-see for architecture and photography enthusiasts.
Multicultural diversity and quiet beauty
The Vienna Central Cemetery reflects the cultural diversity of the city. In addition to the Catholic section, there are separate areas for Orthodox, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish graves.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is particularly impressive, with its moss-covered gravestones and unique, almost mystical atmosphere.
Viennese humour and attitude to life
Viennese people have a very unique relationship with death – full of dark humour and melancholy. Georg Kreisler already knew: "Death must be a Viennese". Amongst marble statues, angel figures and old avenue trees, you can sense this mixture of transience and joie de vivre – a piece of the true Viennese soul.
Visitor tips
Address: Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Vienna
How to get there: Tram line 71 or S-Bahn to Zentralfriedhof station
Opening hours: Daily from around 7 a.m. (varies depending on the season)
Photo tip: The light is particularly atmospheric in the morning or late afternoon.
Tip: Right next to the main entrance is the charming Café am Zentralfriedhof – perfect for a quick break.
A place between life and eternity
The Central Cemetery in Vienna is not a place of mourning, but one of quiet beauty. It combines art, history, music and typical Viennese charm in a unique way.
Anyone visiting Vienna should definitely add this special place to their list of top sights – for a walk that touches, inspires and makes you pause for thought.
The Vienna Central Cemetery – a piece of eternity in the heart of Vienna.
