Ottakring, Vienna
Originally separate settlements of Ottakring and Neulerchenfeld, Ottakring, the 16th district of Vienna, was founded in 1892 by combining them. Previously on the brink of ruin following the war, its western section has seen a remarkable rebirth starting at the turn of the twenty-first century.
The restoration of public areas and the development of a vibrant cultural scene has helped the center of the district to be restored. The opening of the U3 station in Alt-Ottakring has spurred expansion in the neighboring areas of the district.
Previously defined by industrial activities and cheap housing, Ottakring now bears evidence to diversity and the explosive expansion of urbanization.
Ottakring: Exploring Vienna's 16th District
Ottakring, tucked away in Vienna’s western edge, is a neighborhood honored for its harmonic mix of multicultural residents, classic appeal, and a thriving gastronomic scene. Its unique architecture, which reflects its industrial past, shows its rich history—from the 12th century. Since 1837, the Ottakringer Brewery—a shining example of history and workmanship—stands as a symbol of the district’s legacy, beckoning beer drinkers to enjoy tastings of their unique beers and guided visits.
A Microcosm of Diversity and Multicultural Vibrancy
Ottakring’s appeal is found in its multicultural mosaic, which attracts people from all walks of life—native Austrians, immigrants, expats from all around the world—including Rich variety of customs, languages, and gastronomic traditions weaves the social fabric of the district. Its streets show a varied range of family-run restaurants, aromatic spice emporiums, and multinational grocery stores, therefore satisfying a kaleidoscope of tastes and preferences.
Architectural Fusion: Where Baroque Meets Modernity
Ottakring’s architectural scene is a mesmerizing mix of Baroque facades in harmonic contrast to sleek modernist buildings. Attracting both residents and visitors, the brilliant neo-Gothic edifice known as the Wilhelminenberg Palace sits atop a hill and provides amazing perspectives of Vienna. For visitors wishing to explore Ottakring’s architectural legacy, the masterwork created by renowned Austrian architect Otto Wagner, the Kirche am Steinhof, is a pilgrimage site.
Urban Oasis: Green Spaces and Natural Splendor
Ottakring has plenty of green areas and natural beauty even if it radiates a strong urban energy. For leisurely walks, outdoor dining, or just basking in the sun, the Türkenschanzpark—which boasts manicured lawns, vivid flower beds, and meandering paths—offers a calm refuge. With their lush forests and picturesque hiking paths, the Vienna Woods invite guests to re-connect with nature and start exciting outdoor activities.
Cultural Kaleidoscope: Festivals and Celebrations
Ottakring’s many cultural events and celebrations highlight the district’s variety and creative energy, therefore reflecting the community spirit. Featuring live music, street food vendors, and a large assortment of libations, the Ottakringer Brewery’s annual beer festival captures the core of Ottakring. Celebrating the beauty of roses with vivid displays, musical and dance performances, and an enchanted atmosphere, the Rosenfest takes place among the peaceful grounds of the Wilhelminenberg Palace.
Ottakring: A Viennese Gem Awaits
Ottakring is a neighbourhood in central Vienna where history, culture, and cuisine entwine. Whether savoring gastronomic pleasures, discovering gorgeous parks, or fully immersing oneself in cultural celebrations, this area’s distinctive cultural milieu offers an exceptional experience for everyone who walks inside its embrace.
Geography
Tucked near the western edge of Vienna, Ottakring is a neighborhood distinguished by its varied topography and architectural quirks. Surrounded by the busy Gürtel highway and the lush Wienerwald hills, the neighborhood offers a special contrast of urban and natural settings.
Josefstadt and Neubau to the east, and Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus and Penzing to the south, Hernals, a nearby district, borders many other Viennese sites. Rising 449 meters above sea level, the Gallitzinberg, sometimes known as Wilheminenberg because of Schloss Wilheminenberg, is the highest peak in the district.
Ottakring’s architectural design bears evidence of its socioeconomic background. Close closeness to the Gürtel’s industrial centers resulted in the building of working class packed, grid-like homes. By contrast, the region next to the Ottakring cemetery features a row of villas surrounded in rich deciduous vegetation.
Ottakring’s land use is like a wonderful mosaic. While buildings occupy 45.4% of the district, green spaces—including wooded areas—account for 36.7% of it; transportation infrastructure takes up 17.9%. Thaliastraße, the business artery of the neighborhood, throbbs with activity. Fascinatingly, agricultural activities occupy only 1.23% of the land; the once-celebrated vineyards are now essentially extinct. Along the Penzing border and in the gardens around Castle Wilhelminenberg, remnants of Ottakring’s horticultural past abound.
Demographics
From 31,383 in 1869 to 106,892 by 1890, the population of Ottakring’s Viennese section rose rapidly. Ten years later, it was Vienna’s most densely populated area, with a pinnacle of 179,045 souls in 1910. But during the Great War, the population dropped precipitously, bottoming out in the 1980s at almost 88,000 and then increasing to 100,520 by 2015.
With 14.7% children under 15 and 64.7% between 15 and 59, Ottakring had a somewhat younger demographic than the Viennese standard. There were 41.5% married couples among the 47.5% male to 52.5% female gender divide. Among Viennese districts, non-native inhabitants accounted for 25.5% in 2005—the seventh largest percentage.
At 23.9% in 2001, the district had an increasing flood of foreign nationals. Comprising 8.0% of the residents of the district, Serbian and Montenegrin expats led the charge; Turkish, Polish, Croatian, Bosnian, and German groups followed.
Ottakring, with its large immigrant population, claimed a lesser Roman Catholic component (44.2%), compared to Vienna. Third and second highest respectively in Vienna were followers of Islam (12.7%) and Orthodoxy (9.7%). By contrast, Protestant residents were 3.6% below the national average.
Of Ottakring’s residents in 2001, a noteworthy 23.8% identified with no religious affiliation and another 5.9% either omitted their religious affiliation or linked with a different religion.
History
Bavarian immigrants founded Ottakring, a Viennese neighborhood with roots going back to the eighth century. Aiming at urban cohesion, Emperor Franz Joseph started Vienna’s inclusion of nearby suburbs in 1890. Now home to 106,861 people, the recently established district experienced explosive growth upon admission. Ottakring boasted a population of 177,686 by 1910, mostly blue-collar workers.
Ottakring had a boom in social housing initiatives following World War One; 28 municipal buildings were built between 1922 and 1934. Among these were the Sandleitenhof residential complex, opened under the First Republic. But the early 1930s economic crisis caused devastation in the area; unemployment rates at times topped fifty percent of the workforce. Ottakring also became caught in the 1934 February Uprising.
Ottakring came under French control following the Second World War; although the road to rehabilitation was not clear-cut, it finally resulted in the preservation of the most iconic elements of the district. The Franz-Novy-Hof replaced the Negerdörfel shantytown, and later residential buildings followed suit. Six changes to the district’s borders followed the leaving of the occupying troops, with effects for sports facilities, leisure spaces, and transportation infrastructure.
The U3 metro line’s expansion to Ottakring in 1998 helped surrounding areas come alive. The abandoned industries gave place to the tall building sometimes referred to as the “nurses’ tower,” bursting with business activity. Now it takes just thirteen minutes to get from Vienna’s downtown core down below.
Places of interest
Churches
Sandleitner Parish Church of St. Joseph: A Beacon of Modernism
Tucked on Sandleitengasse, the Sandleitner Parish Church of St. Joseph is evidence of the modernist movement sweeping over Europe in the early 20th century. Built between 1935 and 1936, the church’s clean lines and simple front radiate subtle elegance. Inside, Albert Paris Gütersloh’s ethereal stained glass windows wash the presbytery and the “workday chapel” in a kaleidoscope of colors, therefore fostering an atmosphere of peace and introspection.
Neu-Ottakringer Parish Church of the Holy Family: A Neo-Gothic Gem
On Wattgasse, the Neu-Ottakringer Parish Church of the Holy Family whisks guests back to the age of Gothic revival building. Built between 1894 and 1898, the church’s pointed spires, great arches, and complex tracery inspire wonder and respect. Originally meant as the Rudolfskirche to mark a royal marriage, the church today is used for local worship. From the 1800s, its brilliant stained glass windows tell biblical tales in vivid colors, so illuminating the inside.
Schmelz Parish Church of the Holy Spirit: Plecnik’s Masterpiece
Designed by eminent Slovenian architect Josef Plecnik, the architectural wonder known as the Schmelz Parish Church of the Holy Spirit stands on Herbststrace. Constructed between 1911 and 1912, the church’s front combines Byzantine and Art Nouveau influences while its inside is a symphony of mosaics, marble, and gold. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit mosaic-covered altar wall shimmers with celestial light. Inspired by the Steinhof cathedral, the brilliant gold high altar exudes divine majesty. By contrast, the plain walls of the crypt serve as a moving reminder of the simplicity and humility of early Christian life.
Neulerchenfeld Parish Church: A Tale of Transformation
Situated on Neulerchenfelder Strace, the Neulerchenfeld Parish Church boasts an interesting past marked by both devastation and renewal. Built as a chapel initially in 1719, the church grew in 1733–1735 only to be virtually totally destroyed during World War II. Restored between 1955 and 1957, the church still shows its old tower facade, a moving testament of its fortitude. Inside, a number of paintings from the building of the ancient church still provide peeks into its past. In an amazing turn of events, the Catholic Church was deconsecuted in 2012; today, the structure represents the parish church for the Serbian Orthodox Church Community, marking a fresh phase in their spiritual development.
