Hernals, Vienna
Located on the northwest edge of Vienna, the 17th district, Hernals, provides evidence of the city’s rich heritage and varied cultural fabric. Established in 1892 by the convergence of the independent towns of Hernals, Dornbach, and Neuwaldegg, this region has evolved into a vibrant community that skillfully combines urban convenience with natural beauty.
Among her most intriguing qualities is Hernals’ wise placement. Denizens enjoy easy access to Vienna’s core, which includes the prestigious university, government buildings, both ancient and modern AKH hospital facilities. For individuals seeking an equilibrated life, its contiguity to essential conveniences and cultural epicenters is a top lure.
The area is not just about urban convenience; it also features a rainbow of leisure activities valued by residents. Perfect getaways into nature abound in Schwarzenbergpark, Schafberg, Kongresspark, and the Kongressbad (a community natatorium), therefore providing chances for rest, work, and recreation. For Hernals, these lush areas are their respiratory organs; they foster community well-being and belonging.
The varied neighborhoods of Hernals clearly reflect its multifarious nature. Residential areas from the Gründerzeit era, with their elaborate construction, exude ancient appeal. A feature of post-bellum urban design, communal housing complexes reflect a dedication to social domiciles and group life. With its little houses and gardens, cottage quarters provide a more pastoral atmosphere. And last, the throbbing core of the region is the ancient town centers with its time-honored markets and emporiums.
About 56,000 people call Hernals home, creating a fascinating tapestry of origins and cultures. The gastronomic scene of the neighborhood, cultural activities, and daily living reflect this diversity. Here old-world customs mix with modern sensibilities to create a distinctive and vibrant community.
Hernals is an ideal of Viennese living, not only an administrative area. It offers a combination of urban pragmatism, natural beauty, historical appeal, and cultural variety difficult to get by elsewhere. Hernals offers plenty to offer everyone regardless of your interests—history, the outdoors, food, or just someone looking for a friendly neighborhood to call home.
Hernals: Exploring the Cultural Haven of Vienna's 17th District
Situated in the city of Vienna, Austria, Hernals is a seductive mix of architectural wonders, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. A promenade around its lovely streets is like traveling back in time, every nook revealing stories of a past.
Architectural Grandeur: Castles and Churches Adorn the Landscape
The great Schloss Hernals, a 13th-century castle that deftly combines Gothic and Renaissance forms, beautify the neighborhood. Its striking front and minute features are evidence of the rich historical tapestry of the area. Another jewel in Hernals’ architectural crown is the brilliant Baroque masterwork, Kalvarienbergkirche. Beautiful artworks cover this hallowed area, which serves both spiritual seekers and art lovers.
Cultural Kaleidoscope: Markets, Theaters, and Community Enclaves
Hernals is a dynamic melting pot of several cultural groups that individually add to the special character of the region. One of Vienna’s first and busiest markets, Brunnenmarkt is a sensory feast. Visitors may enjoy the creations of local artists, smell the fragrant spices, and explore handcrafts here.
For those looking for amusement, the Metropol theater, right in the middle of Hernals, is a cultural cross-roads. Its varied schedule consists in theater shows, musical concerts, and other intriguing events.
Natural Oasis: Parks and Panoramic Views
Among the city bustle, Hernals provides lush retreats for leisure and rest. The vast green Türkenschanzpark welcomes guests to wander slowly along its meandering trails, enjoy the sunlight, or just relax in the embrace of the earth.
One of the most well-known natural landmarks, the Schafberg offers amazing sweeping views of Hernals and her surrounds. This higher perspective captures the harmonic fusion of urban and nature components in the neighborhood.
Culinary Delights: Wine Taverns and Viennese Specialties
Hernals is a gastronomic paradise; several Heurigen wine bars provide real Austrian food together with locally grown wines. Apfelstrudel, the famous Viennese apple pastry, or Wiener Schnitzel—the crunchy delight—are just waiting for visitors to taste.
Effortless Exploration: Transportation and Accessibility
Thanks for its well-developed public transit system; navigating Hernals is simple. Easy access to the city center and other areas of Vienna allows trams and buses to link the neighborhood to enable guests to discover all that the city has to offer.
Geography
Tucked to the west of Vienna, the Hernals region opens out along the flowing Als River, in perfect harmony between the lush Vienna Forest and the famous Gürtel promenade around the inner city. Second in length just to the Wien River, the Als elegantly travel from the Wienerwald to meet the Danube. Rising upwards, the Heuberg peak claims 464 meters, the greatest elevation in the region.
Historical Roots and Architectural Fusion
Hernals originated in 1892 when the Vororte (suburbs) of Dornbach, Neuwaldegg, and Hernals were established—now the core of the 17th district. The neighborhood is blessed with a fascinating mix of architectural forms, with the Gründerzeit era leaving its imprint via elegant homes built around the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Beyond this historic core, remnants of the past still show up as traditional farmhouses, usually complemented by later-built homes and sometimes expansive gardens.
A Landscape Painted in Green
Although 29.7% of the land in the district is used for farming, its importance in modern life has dropped dramatically. At just 1.4% of the whole economy today, the agriculture sector is The Schafberg hills, where traces of the once-thriving wine-growing heritage can be seen today part of the Roman Catholic parish of Dornbach, nevertheless echo the past.
Agriculture’s Waning Presence
While farmland accounts for 29.7% of the district’s land, its role in modern life has diminished significantly. The agriculture industry now constitutes a mere 1.4% of the overall economy. Echoes of the past linger in the Schafberg hills, where remnants of the once-thriving wine-growing tradition can be found, now part of the Roman Catholic parish of Dornbach.
Urban Fabric and Residential Dominance
Residential structures rule supremely inside Hernals’ urbanized breadth, accounting for 90.9% of the developed area – a percentage second highest in Vienna. The remaining constructed environment fits a small allotment for cultural, religious, sports, or public activities (5.4%) and agricultural (2.8%).
Greenspace Abundance and Recreational Opportunities
With woods holding 66.5% of the third-highest percentage of greenspace coverage in the city, Hernals claims Natural appeal of the territory is enhanced by smaller gardens (11.4%) and meadows (12.1%). Still, the Hernalser green space allocates just 3.7% to outdoor sports and recreation areas. The once-famous Schafberg hill’s wine-growing area has seen a marked drop.
Infrastructure and Environmental Considerations
With support buildings covering 10.3% of the district’s total land area, the transportation system leaves a footprint. Human activities affect the surroundings as well; 10.3% of the district reports mild degrees of human trafficking. Just 0.4% of the district area is covered with water, a necessary ingredient.
Demographics
Established in the late 19th century, Hernals District recorded 74,696 residents. Its population skyrocketed by more than 60% to reach 103,000 people in the years before 1910. But this fast expansion was followed by a slow down that continued until a population rebirth was noted in 2001. Hernals saw a little increase in population throughout the 1980s, but this was followed by a subsequent decline to a nadip point of 47,621 people in 2001. Especially in recent years, Hernals and its surrounding areas have had a 10% strong population rise.
The age distribution in Hernals in 2007 was somewhat similar to Vienna’s overall. Women account for 52.8% of the population; a noteworthy 21.4% of people were over 60 years old. Fascinatingly, the district also showed a great range in terms of nationality; 28.8% of the population identified as foreigners.
Hernals’ religious makeup is a patchwork of several ideas. Comprising 47.4% of the population, Roman Catholics made up the biggest group. Eastern Orthodox and Islamic followers, each at 9.4%, followed this. Of the population, 4.1% were Protestant and a sizable 23.4% said they had no religious connection at all.
History
Ancient Roots and Medieval Foundations
Nestled in the center of Lower Austria, Hernals has a fascinating historical tapestry spun from Middle Ages and Neolithic era strands. Vestiges of early human settlement found in archeological digs point to a dynamic past that precedes known history. Centuries passed, Hernals changed, its fate entwined with the larger currents of Austrian history.
The Birth of Vienna’s 17th District
For Hernals, late nineteenth century was a turning point. A historic choice was taken in 1890 to include Hernals as the 17th district of the vast city of Vienna. Given Hernals’ prosperous township in its own right with the greatest population density in Lower Austria, this integration was not without complexity. Hernals already had 74,656 people living in 1,801 houses when it was included into Vienna.
Social and Political Dynamics
For Hernals, the early twentieth century brought significant political and social developments. The neighborhood developed as a pillar of the Social Democratic Party, and this was shown in the building of community housing developments. With an eye on providing reasonably priced accommodation for the growing working-class population, architect Karl Ehn led the building of 164 apartments in Balderichgasse in 1922. Budgetary restrictions presented difficulties, too; several shared flats fell short of the Vienna standard.
Turmoil and Transformation
Restlessness and turbulence defined the interwar years. The Schattendorf Executions in 1927 set off bloody demonstrations in Hernals whereby people clashed with police. Further aggravating tensions and resulting in the founding of a new district government was the Austrian Civil War of 1934.
Post-War Reconstruction and Expansion
With World War II came a period of rebuilding and rejuvenation. On April 7, 1945, Soviet soldiers arrived at Hernals, thereby ending the conflict. The district started an extensive residential development project building 1,050 houses between 1945 and 1955. This pace persisted until 1991, when further 2,948 units were built.
Refining Boundaries: Modern Adjustments
The 1990s saw some small changes to Hernals’ boundaries. The Währing District’s boundaries was changed in 1990, so Hernals’ area slightly shrank. To make up for the prior loss, the district bought a residential area from Währing in 1995 nevertheless. The boundary with Ottakring was again changed in 1998; the most recent modification was in 2001, mostly in the Kongresspark region, which has since been included into the Ottakring District.
A Testament to Resilience and Adaptability
The path Hernals takes over time is evidence of its flexibility and fortitude. From its historic beginnings to its contemporary changes, the area has seen many storms and come out each time with fresh energy. Hernals today is a thriving and energetic village where the ambitions of its people entwine with its rich historical history.
Places of interest
Hernals deviates from the traditional view of Vienna found on postcards. Expect a wonderful range of residential areas, verdant parks, and energetic marketplaces instead of grand palaces and spacious roads. Here the pace of life is somewhat slower and the atmosphere is clearly less pompous. But under this simple appearance is a wealth of experiences just waiting to be discovered.
The Enchanting Wienerwald
Hernals runs beside Vienna’s vast “Vienna Woods,” the Wienerwald. Wander its lush walkways and you could feel disconnected from the hectic city life. The oldest public park in Austria, the Schwarzenbergpark boasts isolated areas ideal for a quiet respite, meadows, and calm ponds. Visit the wooden tower known as Jubiläumswarte, which provides amazing views over the city and the verdant surroundings, to feel a friendly and lively environment.
Gastronomic Discoveries
Although Hernals does not have Michelin-starred restaurants, it shines in providing real Viennese cuisine as well as a range of other foreign foods. Inviting “Heuriger” (wine bars) offers the chance to enjoy regional wines and hearty cuisine such “Backhendl,” (breaded chicken) and “Schnitzel.” Explore the energetic markets, including the Hernalser Bauernmarkt, well-known for its range of artisan treats and fresh cuisine. Take care not to ignore the Turkish bakeries and kebab restaurants, which show the ethnic character of the area.
Unexpected Cultural Gems
Hernals features some surprising cultural venues. Renowned musical venue The Metropol offers a range of events ranging from classical music to cabaret shows. From humorous to tragic genres, the beloved theater The Kulisse offers a great spectrum of shows. Visit the Schrammel brothers’ memorial to pay respect to these great composers of Viennese folk music and engage in a historical immersion.
Architectural Eclecticism
You will find an amazing mix of architectural styles when you tour Hernals. Among Art Nouveau apartment buildings are biedermeier villas. Referring to municipal housing, the classic Viennese “Gemeindebau” projects help to shape the socioeconomic history of the city. Rising on a hill, the Baroque Kalvarienbergkirche is a stunning focal point paying homage to the spiritual tradition of the area.
A Bezirk for All Seasons
One may visit Hernals at any time of the year. Spring arrives and the parks are covered in a profusion of blossoms. Summer calls for slow stroll and alfresco dinners. with fall, the Wienerwald is covered with brilliant hues. Over winter, the area transforms into a stunning wonderland fit for spending warm and private evenings in normal Viennese bars.
Embrace the Unexpected
Although every guest’s schedule may not contain hernals, that is exactly what draws in them. It provides a haven from big crowds so one may really enjoy Vienna’s daily life and find hidden treasures. Thus, stray from the traditional route and let Hernals surprise you with its simple appeal and unassuming joys.
