Floridsdorf, Vienna
21st administrative district of Vienna is Floridsdorf. Merging Floridsdorf with neighboring villages, the district was established in 1904. As so, some of these communities were moved to Donaustadt’s 22nd district.In terms of space, Floridsdorf is the second biggest district in Vienna and the third most populated one.Together with Donaustadt, it marks the western side of the Danube River in Vienna.
Floridsdorf, Vienna’s 21st district
A lesser-known area but with plenty of striking architecture and tranquil green spaces is Vienna’s 21st district, Floridsdorf. The name of this area comes from the 16th century fortress known as Floridsdorfer Wasserschloss. It presents a unique approach of investigating historical preservation. Carefully maintained buildings and monuments help to create an environment that carries visitors to another era. Linking the neighborhood to other parts of Vienna and beyond, the Floridsdorf Railway Station is a vital transit center offering easy access to its several attractions.
Architectural Diversity and Tranquil Retreats
From medieval to modern, Floridsdorf presents a wide spectrum of architectural forms. Rising with lofty spires and intricate stained glass windows, St. Jakob’s Church is a neo-Gothic architectural wonder. It offers a calm haven far from the hectic metropolitan surroundings. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Donaupark, a large expanse of gorgeous scenery next to the Danube River, provides a revitalising experience.
A Cultural and Culinary Melting Pot
Comprising art galleries, theaters, and museums highlighting Vienna’s dynamic cultural scene, the neighborhood also serves as a vibrant center. Revealing the historical importance of navigation and discovery, the Vienna Globe Museum in Floridsdorf offers an immersive experience exploring the interesting field of globes, maps, and cartography.
Floridsdorf is renowned for its diverse gastronomic scene, which suits a broad spectrum of palates. Along with international influences, the neighborhood boasts a large range of bistros, cafés, and restaurants presenting classic Viennese cuisine. Renowned neighborhood restaurant Schimanko Restaurant presents great Austrian cuisine with modern flair. Conversely, Café Heiner presents a classic Viennese café scene.
Effortless Exploration
Floridsdorf has a very good transportation system; trams, buses, and trains give easy access to all of its attractions. Floridsdorf guarantees a seamless and continuous experience for visitors to uncover the hidden treasures of the area whether they are investigating on foot or by public transit.
A Harmonious Blend of Past and Present
Floridsdorf is a fascinating location that deftly blends modern conveniences, historical significance, and beautiful surrounds. Any Viennese travel schedule should include it as it provides an interesting experience for both inhabitants and visitors.
Geography
Reaching their highest point at Falkenberg, which sits 320 meters (1,050 feet) above sea level, the southern foothills of Bisamberg offer a breathtaking sight in North Floridsdorf. Currently at an elevation of 358 meters (1,175 feet), the Bisamberg hill’s top used to be the highest point in Lower Austria.
The Danube’s Embrace
The Danube River gracefully defines Floridsdorf’s southern limit, including areas of Danube Island and New Danube. It is interesting to note that Döbling includes the neighboring marshes as part of it. Many bridges link Floridsdorf to its nearby areas: the Jedlesee Bridge, the Vienna North Bridge, the Floridsdorf Bridge, the U6-Danube Bridge, and the Brigittenauer Bridge. These bridges line up according to the river’s flow. The northern portion of the Old Danube crosses Floridsdorf, and the Marchfeld Canal, built in 1992, offers even another water source in the vicinity.
A Tapestry of Communities
Seven once autonomous towns—Floridsdorf, Donaufeld, Greater Jedlersdorf, Jedlesee, Leopoldau, Stammersdorf, and Strebersdorf—as well as portions of two more towns define Floridsdorf’s past.
Floridsdorf’s Diverse Districts
Although Stammersdorf, in the northern part, is the largest settlement, the Floridsdorf sub-district, which bears its name, has the smallest area. Beside Strebersdorf and Großjedlersdorf, Stammersdorf houses the two component settlements Großjedlersdorf I and II. Eastern boundary of the 22nd district is Donaufeld and Leopoldau. Two distinct and well defined sections make up the western half of Jedlesee: Jedlesee and Schwarze Lackenau. While the bulk of these locations are part of the Donaustadt district, Floridsdorf comprises pieces of Kagran and Kaisermühlen.
Census Districts: A Closer Look
Floridsdorf has 28 census districts. Though their names match their respective sub-districts, the census districts of Donaufeld, Greater Jedlersdorf, Old Jedlesee, New Jedlesee, Leopoldau, Schwarzlackenau, Stammersdorf, and Strebersdorf have different borders.
Among the places included are Hirschfeld, Nordrandsiedlung, Großfeldsiedlung, Schottenfeld, Siemensstrace, Jochberg, Donaufelder Gartnergebiet, Mühlschüttel, Bruckhaufen, and Industriegelande. Bahndreieck refers to census areas set especially after land holdings and communities. Named for the biggest vehicle production facility of the Habsburg empire, the Austro-Fiat, the Autokader neighborhood is Named for the 1911-opened gas plant of the city, Gaswerk Leopoldau
Stammersdorf-Brünner Straße, Leopoldauer Straße-Siemensstraße, Strebersdorf-Pragerstraße, Koloniestraße, Shuttleworthstraße, Floridsdorf-Brünner Straße, Floridsdorf-Am Spitz, and Donaufeld-Leopoldauer Straße remain census districts for Floridsdorf. Every one of these areas enhances the varied and energetic nature of this active neighborhood.
Demographics
Located within the energetic metropolis of Vienna, Floridsdorf has a rich demographic past. Just 12,522 people lived in this growing area including its villages in 1869. But its close proximity to Vienna’s metropolis drove an amazing population explosion in the years before the First World War. Floridsdorf’s population had exploded to 62,154 by 1910—an amazing five-fold rise.
Post-War Growth and Recent Shifts
After the First World War, the district’s expansion path was very constant, mostly because of its lower population density than surrounding districts. Up to the 1990s, this upward tendency continued save for a little dip during World War II. With 137,186 people by the start of 2007, Floridsdorf confirmed its third most populous ranking in Vienna. With 3,086 people per square kilometer, it also has the lowest population density among Vienna’s 23 districts.
A Unique Demographic Landscape
Floridsdorf’s demographic makeup in 2005 showed a somewhat greater percentage of persons over 60 than the Viennese average and more young people overall. With 16.2%, the proportion of people under 15 years old above Vienna’s general average of 14.6%). On the other hand, the 15–59 age group accounted for 61.4% of the population (Vienna: 63.4%), well below the citywide average. Additionally declining was the 20–34 age range. Comprising 22.5% of the population, those 60 years of age and beyond exceeded Vienna’s 22.0% marginally. Apart from that, 2001 statistics showed a gender ratio of 47.3% male and 52.7% female, with a marriage rate of 43.0%, somewhat higher than Vienna’s general average of 41.2%.
A Diverse and Multicultural Hub
Fourth among Vienna’s districts, data from 2006 showed that 11% of Floridsdorf’s total population was non-native. This stands somewhat differently from the citywide average of 19.1%. Reflecting the national trend, the population born abroad increased at an annual rate of 7.8% in 2001. With 2.3% of foreign nationals, mostly Serbian and Montenegrin, the district noted in 2005 the greatest percentage of Furthermore 1.2% said were Turkish, 0.9% and 0.6% said were Polish and German correspondingly. According to 2001 statistics, 15.4% of the population were Austrian-born; Serbian, Turkish, and Croatian were the most often spoken first languages among 3.0%, 2.3%, and 1.1% of the population, respectively.
Religious Diversity in Floridsdorf
With 53.9%, one of the greatest Roman Catholic populations in Vienna compared to the citywide average of 49.2%, Floridsdorf stands out. Comprising sixteen Roman Catholic parishes falling under City Deanery 21 (Archdiocese of Vienna), the district By comparison, the Orthodox population makes up 3.0% while the Muslim population makes 4.9%. There are 4.4% of Protestants in Vienna. With no allegiance to any religious community in 2001, a noteworthy 28.9% of the people living in the district—the highest proportion in Vienna—recorded Still another 4.9% did not identify with any one church or denomination.
History
From 4000 to 2000 BC, the Neolithic Era saw the founding of human communities in Floridsdorf, a neighbourhood now securely buried inside Vienna. Celebrated for their sophisticated artwork and martial skill, the mysterious Celts moved to the area in 500 BC. The territory’s sovereignty then split between the young Teutonic tribes and the uncompromising Roman Empire.
As the Lombards, Pannonian Avars, and Slavs consecutively settled Floridsdorf, a real kaleidoscope of civilizations kept forming the city. Finally defeating these factions, Frankish monarch Charlemagne left his lasting impression on the developing history of the area.
The Magyars’ Arrival and the Babenberg Dynasty
With the Magyars’ conquest of the Pannonian Basin, the 9th century saw a dramatic turnabout. This supremacy upset the existing order by setting off raiding forays westward and southward. The Babenberg dynasty became the most powerful in the area in 1000 AD. First known mention to Floridsdorf Jedlesee is from 1014, marking a turning point in the history of the area.
The building of the first bridge in 1500 and the later installation of the wooden Tabor Bridge at Floridsdorfer Haupstrace underlined even more the growing relevance of the area as a traffic center.
The Industrial Revolution’s Reshaping of Floridsdorf
Once largely an agricultural area, Floridsdorf changed rapidly during the Industrial Revolution. A turning point in this change was reached in 1894 when Donaufeld, Jedlesee, and New Jedlersdorf were combined into Floridsdorf. The Northwest Railway and the steam tramway greatly helped to enable this industrialization process.
Officially starting with the opening of the Emperor Ferdinand Northern Railway between Floridsdorf and Deutsch-Wagram in 1837, the railway age in Austria began. This event marked the beginning of a new phase of economic growth and connectedness.
Floridsdorf’s Political Evolution and World War II
Ambitious projects were launched in the middle of the 19th century to transform Vienna into a reichsunmittelbar city, therefore granting it self-governance under the Kaiser and freedom from the Austrian crown land. Floridsdorf was imagined as Lower Austria’s future capital.
Early in the 20th century, Floridsdorf grew to include Jedlesee, Greater Jedlersdorf, Donaufeld, Leopoldau, Kagran, Hirschstetten, Stadlau, and Aspern among other municipalities. Strebersdorf was incorporated into Vienna in 1910; Donaustadt was founded in 1938 and Kagran, Stadlau, Hirschstetten, Aspern, and Lobau were split off from Floridsdorf.
With Allied bombing strikes aimed at the oil refinery and oil sidings, World War II caused significant damage upon Floridsdorf. The aftermath of the war required a review of Lower Austria’s and Donaustadt’s borders, leading to Stammersdorf’s 1954 inclusion.
Places of interest
Churches
The 21st district of Vienna, Floridsdorf presents a special fusion of modern living with rich historical legacy. Among its hidden treasures are a group of churches, each with unique narrative and character. Let’s travel over Floridsdorf’s holy sites, discovering its architectural splendor and spiritual resonance.
Parish Church “St. Leopold”: A Historicist Masterpiece
Rising above Kinzerplatz, St. Leopold’s Parish Church is evidence of the historicist architectural taste. Built between 1905 and 1914, the church was once meant to be a bishopric on the north bank of the Danube. Third highest church in Vienna, it has Romanesque and Gothic features on its massive brick front, behind St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Votive Church. For tourists, the complex features and soaring spires provide an amazing ambiance.
Leopoldau’s Parish Church “Mary in Misery”: A Baroque Relic
The baroque Parish Church of “Mary in Misery” is mute observer of Leopoldau’s past. The oldest building in the 21st district, its roots are in a modest church built in 1489. The chapel was eventually converted into a parish church as the region floods often. Situated adjacent, the statues of St. Nepomuk, St. Leopold, and a plague cross accentuate the historical appeal of the church.
Other Notable Parishes of Floridsdorf
Although St. Leopold and “Mary in Misery” are the most well-known, Floridsdorf features numerous more parishes adding to its spiritual scene:
- Parish of Strebersdorf
- Parish of Maria Loretto Jedlesee
- Parish of Stammersdorf,Clessgasse .
- Parish of Gross-Jedlersdorf
- Parish of Don Bosco,Großfeldsiedlung Ost.
- Parish Holy Cross,Großfeldsiedlung West .
- Parish of St Jacobs,Floridsdorf.
Each of these parishes plays a vital role in the lives of Floridsdorf’s residents, offering a place for spiritual growth, community engagement, and cultural preservation. Whether you’re drawn to the architectural splendor of St. Leopold or the historical charm of “Mary in Misery,” Floridsdorf’s churches invite you to explore the intersection of faith and history in this vibrant Viennese district.
Streets and squares
Franklinstraße: A Bustling Thoroughfare
A mesmerizing microcosm of Viennese life, Franklinstraße, the throbbing artery of Donaufeld, is Its appealing front, with its rich colors and minute embellishments, radiates an obvious attractiveness. Along its cobblestone walk, you will come across a varied mix of stores, cafés, and restaurants that add to the vibrant street scene. The scent of freshly made coffee invites you to stop and enjoy a quiet moment among the busy metropolitan life.
Kinzerplatz: A Gathering Place for Generations
The pulsing heart of Donaufeld, Kinzerplatz beckons guests with its lush surroundings and calm vibe. Both residents and visitors come to this lovely area, which features a great fountain and surrounds by old buildings. While couples stroll hand-in-hand, savoring the perfect surroundings, children play at the playground and their laughter echoes about. Kinzerplatz is evidence of both the ageless beauty of public areas and the continuing spirit of community.
Area at the Spitz: A Convergence of History and Commerce
Prager Straße, Brünner Straße, and Floridsdorfer Hauptstraße cross to create a hive of activity in the Spitz’s surrounds. Here history and business entwine to provide a special and vibrant environment. With their elaborate facades and commanding presence, the magnificent buildings silently bear testimony to the rich legacy of the region. Discovering a wealth of stores, boutiques, and marketplaces providing a varied range of goods and services as you tour this energetic region will help you The air smells like freshly made bread and street musicians’ voices contribute to the sensory feast.
Stammersdorfer Kellergasse: A Hidden Gem
Nestled away from the major thoroughfares is Stammersdorfer Kellergasse, a hidden treasure exposing another aspect of Donaufeld’s personality. This lovely alley with its little wine cellars has an obvious rustic appeal. Wander down its cobblestone road and you will be carried back to a simpler era when the speed of life slows down and the pleasures of the natural world front stage. Bathed in the warm glow of the evening sun, the aromatic vineyards produce an amazing scene destined to leave a lasting effect.
