Wiener Stadtpark

The Wiener Stadtpark is a public park located between the Parkring in Vienna’s 1st district and the Heumarkt in Vienna’s 3rd district. It is a well-known recreational area in Vienna that attracts both local residents and tourists.

The Wiener Stadtpark serves as a tranquil refuge amidst the bustling urban environment. This lush sanctuary, covering an area of 65,000 square meters, provides a pleasant getaway for both residents and visitors. The property boasts well-maintained lawns, charming walkways, and impressive architectural features, rendering it an essential location for individuals in search of tranquility, cultural edification, and scenic allure.

Upon entering the Wiener Stadtpark, individuals are welcomed by a serene atmosphere that appears to surpass the lively urban environment that encompasses it. This park, which was opened in 1862, displays a seamless fusion of English landscape and French formal garden styles, resulting in a picturesque setting. The meticulous arrangement of elements in this piece showcases an exceptional equilibrium between the forces of nature and the skillful workmanship of humans.

The park boasts a significant attraction in the form of a grandiose statue of Johann Strauss II. This impressive homage to the esteemed composer functions as a centerpiece, captivating the interest of guests with its splendor and artistic charm. The statue, created by sculptor Edmund Hellmer in 1921, stands in an upright position, serving as a poignant reminder of Vienna’s illustrious musical legacy.

As park visitors traverse the winding pathways, they are treated to the captivating strains of classical music resonating from the Kursalon Wien. The concert hall, located in Wiener Stadtpark, is renowned for hosting numerous performances by distinguished musicians, captivating audiences with its exceptional acoustics and sophisticated atmosphere. The Kursalon Wien concert offers a highly immersive experience, where visitors can enjoy the harmonious tunes that reverberate through the park, creating a symphony of delight.

The Stadtpark Lake’s shimmering waters enhance the park’s appeal by reflecting the beauty of its surroundings in a captivating manner. The tranquil body of water provides a serene retreat, encouraging guests to unwind, enjoy, and appreciate the park’s inherent beauty. It is a frequent occurrence to observe couples partaking in a relaxed boating excursion or families indulging in a pleasant picnic on the scenic banks.

The Stadtpark Rosarium offers a stunning assortment of roses that will appeal to those with an interest in horticulture. The collection features a variety of colors, fragrances, and intricate petal arrangements. The rose garden is meticulously maintained and offers a sensory experience, captivating visitors with its diverse floral tapestry. As individuals stroll through the rows of colorful flowers, the atmosphere becomes infused with the captivating fragrances of the natural world, leaving a lasting impact on their senses.

In addition to its inherent charm, Wiener Stadtpark serves as a testament to the refinement of architectural design. The Golfer House is a neo-Gothic pavilion that dates back to 1862 and serves as a captivating landmark within the park. The ornate details and intricate craftsmanship of the object in question evoke a sense of a past era, contributing to the historical grandeur of the park’s ambiance. The Cafe-Restaurant im Stadtpark is an exceptional architectural structure located within the park. It offers a captivating setting where visitors can indulge in Viennese culinary delights.

Wiener Stadtpark provides a serene atmosphere and a diverse range of recreational activities. The park offers a well-equipped fitness area for fitness enthusiasts to engage in invigorating workouts amidst a serene backdrop. The park is equipped with multiple playgrounds, offering a secure and pleasant environment for children to play and discover.

Wiener Stadtpark provides a unique experience for those seeking a moment of respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, a cultural immersion into Vienna’s musical heritage, or a leisurely stroll through nature’s wonders. This sanctuary is a captivating blend of natural beauty, architectural splendor, and cultural significance, encapsulating the essence of Vienna and leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

History

During the Biedermeier period, the water glacis located in front of the Karolinenstadt gate was a well-liked venue for entertainment.During the demolition of Vienna’s city wall, Mayor Andreas Zelinka supported the transformation into the Vienna Ringstrasse and proposed the development of a public park on the site.In September of 1860, the city expansion fund provided the city of Vienna with a 94,000 m² area at no cost for the purpose of establishing a city park. An additional 51,000 m² were acquired on the right bank of the Wien river in 1861.The estimated cost for the left bank park design was 115,000 guilders. However, in 1862, the actual cost amounted to 180,000 guilders, which is equivalent to approximately 1.6 million euros.

The park was designed in the English landscape style by Joseph Sellény, a landscape painter, and the plans were reviewed and executed by Rudolph Siebeck, the city gardener.The northern section of the city park, which comprised the Park Salon, an outdoor refreshment venue capable of accommodating up to 300 guests, and was under the ownership of Heinrich Wilda (1821-1903), a coffee maker, was inaugurated on August 21, 1862.As per additional sources, significant portions of the city park were accessible to the general public starting from August 1862, prior to its official opening. The Stadtpark is the second urban park established in Vienna, succeeding the now-defunct Franz-Josefs-Park located on Franz-Josefs-Kai.

The Children’s Park was established on the right bank of the Vienna River in 1863. Presently, the area is predominantly distinguished by asphalt playgrounds and sports amenities, which are linked to the municipal park on the left bank through the Stadtparksteg.Since the winter of 1867/68, the pond located in the park underwent a transformation and was repurposed as a yearly ice skating rink. Access to the rink was granted upon payment of an entrance fee of 30 crowns.In 1870, electric lighting was installed to accommodate professionals who were only able to skate in the evening.The skating rink was transferred to the lessee of the Kursalon in 1871.

Between 1903 and 1907, following the implementation of regulations, Friedrich Ohmann and Josef Hackhofer collaborated on the design of a river barrier in Vienna. The barrier features a river portal, pavilions, and bank steps within the park area, and is considered one of the notable attractions within the park.

Historically, park visitors were required to remit a fee for utilizing the armchairs, which were in high demand by individuals colloquially referred to as “armchair women.”The provision of visitor service, which was managed by a private enterprise, was terminated in 1956.

Since 1891, Sellenygasse located in the 2nd district of Leopoldstadt has served as a commemoration of the park’s designers. Similarly, Siebeckstrasse situated in the 22nd district of Donaustadt has been fulfilling the same purpose since 1960.

Sights in the park

Kursalon

The water glacis featured a spa pavilion that provided medicinal water for the purpose of drinking cures.The Kursalon was constructed for the city park between 1865 and 1867 based on designs by Johann Garben. It was inaugurated on May 8, 1867.The Heinrich Wilda park salon, which was a timbered glass pavilion, ceased operations on May 8, 1867 after four and a half years. Despite an unsuccessful attempt to sell the property and its inventory, the municipal council eventually decided to exchange the former Salon Wilda for 25 cubic fathoms (89.9 m³) of paving stones in an auction held in February 1869.Wilda, the proprietor of a café located adjacent to the children’s park at Heumarkt 15, submitted an application to lease the Kursalon. However, she was unsuccessful in the bidding process and was outcompeted by Johann Hembsch (formerly Wasserglacis) and Johann Mayer (Café Asperngasse 1).

The impressive historical edifice, designed in the Italian Renaissance style, is situated on Johannesgasse and features a spacious terrace overlooking the park.During the era of the Strauss brothers, the Kursalon served as a highly frequented venue for both dance and concert performances. Following a recent renovation, the venue has been restored to its former glory and is now available for hosting a variety of events such as balls, concerts, clubbing, and congresses. Additionally, a café-restaurant is also located on the premises.

Monuments

The gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss (son) in the Stadtpark is one of Vienna’s most well-known and photographed landmarks.It was designed by Edmund Hellmer and unveiled on June 26, 1921. It is framed by a marble relief.

Other monuments include those by Franz Schubert, Franz Lehár, Robert Stolz, Hans Makart, Sebastian Kneipp, and Anton Bruckner; Stadtpark is Vienna’s park with the most monuments and sculptures.

Subway station

The Stadtpark underground station is situated in the southern region of the park and is serviced by the U4 line.The railway was inaugurated on June 30, 1899, as a segment of the Vienna Stadtbahn’s Wiental line, which was planned by Otto Wagner.

An additional subterranean transportation station is situated in the northern vicinity of Stadtpark, known as the Stubentor station.

Bridges

The city park features two bridges that span the Wien river, providing a connection between the north-western and south-eastern sections of the park.The Stadtparksteg is located in close proximity to the U-Bahn station, while the Kleine Ungarbrücke is situated a short distance downstream along the river.

Fountains

The city park has a total of six fountains that were constructed.Three fountains are situated in the central area of the 1st district, namely the Liberation of the Source Fountain, the Donauweibchenbrunnen, and the Vogeltränkebrunnen Fountain.The park commonly referred to as the children’s park, located in the 3rd district, features several notable fountains including the Kneipp fountain, the refreshment fountain, and the basilisk fountain.

Stadtgartendirektion

The administration building of the city garden office, which was designed by Josef Bittner (1879-1945), was constructed between 1906 and 1907. It is situated on the border of the children’s park to Johannesgasse and Am Heumarkt.During the renovations conducted circa 1990, the wall trellis and pergola underwent restoration. However, due to space constraints, the glazing of these structures was replaced.

Plants

The flora in the urban park exhibits a diverse range of species and is strategically planned to bloom throughout the year.The avenue leading to the ring road serves as a filtration system for noise and exhaust emissions.Certain tree species, including the ginkgo, Christ’s thorn, pyramidal poplar, and Caucasian wingnut, are subject to protection.

Enjoyment Festival

Since 2008, the annual festival has been held in the city park during the weekend of Mother’s Day, which falls at the start of May.Manufacturers from nine federal states are showcasing their regional products in over 170 tents, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase and sample them at various stands.The festival is being coordinated by the City of Vienna in collaboration with the Austrian Culinary Heritage Association.

Vienna, Austria