THE PLACE TO EXPLORE

ANIMAL VIENNA

If you want to get to know animals and their habitats better, Vienna has a great selection. Whether in the wild or in species-appropriate enclosures in the zoo. Especially if you are traveling with children, a visit to the animals offers a fun change of pace.

We take you to places where you can get up close and personal with native and exotic animals. The places are as different as the animals themselves. At the same time, you will discover a great piece of Vienna and learn more about the history and special flair of this city.

A historical jewel

Schönbrunn Zoo is not only the world’s oldest surviving zoo, it is also certainly one of the most beautiful. It was built in 1752 under Franz I Stephan, husband of Maria Theresa, and was used for his private pleasure.

The enclosures were arranged centrally around a pavilion so that the imperial couple could comfortably observe the exotic animals from there. This structure is still preserved today. Over the last few centuries, however, the zoo has continued to expand.

Around 700 animal species can be discovered in an extensive area. From A for aga toad to Z for zebra, you can travel around the globe here. The lovingly designed enclosures and the zoo’s great commitment to species conservation and research place it among the best zoos in the world.

A wide range of guided tours, feeding times and special offers for children make Schönbrunn Zoo a popular excursion destination for locals and tourists alike.

Sea feeling in the middle of the city

What do a piece of the ocean and a relic from the Second World War have in common? They form the “House of the Sea” not far from Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna’s busiest shopping street.

Since 1965, the former flak tower (anti-aircraft tower and bunker) has been home to the Terra Aqua Zoo. Water tanks with a capacity of up to 500,000 liters are home to freshwater and saltwater animals such as sharks, tropical and native fish, crocodiles, turtles, snakes and much more. Around 10,000 animals live here.

The “House of the Sea” now consists of 11 floors and also includes a restaurant with an impressive panoramic view of Vienna. The absolute highlights are a huge shark tank, a surf reef with beautiful corals and fish, a glass half-tunnel surrounded by water that puts you right in the middle of the action and the 20-meter-high tropical house.

Delicate wings in a historic setting

There is a beautiful palm house in the middle of the Burggarten between the Hofburg and the Albertina. The imperial greenhouse was built in Art Nouveau style at the beginning of the 20th century. In addition to a restaurant, it also contains the so-called “Butterfly House“.

Around 500 butterflies live and fly freely through a tropical rainforest. The lovingly designed tour with bridges, ponds and a waterfall transports you into a fairy tale of delicate wings, bright colors and exotic nature. An air temperature of 26° C and 80 % humidity ensure an ideal climate.

The butterflies have been frolicking in the elaborately restored and adapted glass house since 1997. Numerous information boards provide interesting background information about the butterflies. You can watch the butterflies hatch in the “puppet box”.

In the midst of wild nature

If you have a lot of patience and enjoy being in the great outdoors, the Lainzer Tiergarten is the place to be. The huge area on the edge of Vienna’s 13th district is a popular excursion, walking and hiking paradise for the Viennese.

The nature reserve is known for its wild boars. However, they don’t always show up. With a bit of luck, however, you may well come across them. Other wildlife includes roe deer and stags, mouflons, aurochs and smaller animals such as bats.

There are numerous hiking and walking trails in the 2450-hectare area. This is a wonderful place to relax, unwind and enjoy nature.

The former imperial hunting grounds are also home to the “Hermesvilla”. Emperor Franz Josef had it built for his Sisi, Empress Elisabeth. Today, changing exhibitions make the “Castle of Dreams” a popular excursion destination.

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