Zoos & Aquariums in Vienna
Schönbrunn Zoo
Situated among Vienna’s Hietzing area, inside the brilliant gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, is Schönbrunn Zoo, a tribute to both royal past and modern preservation. Originally established in 1752 under the direction of the Habsburg monarchy, it holds the esteemed title of the most famous, always operational zoological garden in the world. Appointed director in 2020, zoologist Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck has overseen the zoo’s explosive growth, drawing over two million visitors yearly since 2006.
Covering a large 17 hectares, Schönbrunn Zoo provides haven for an amazing range of animals, including about 7,800 species from 700 different species. Among the most remarkable visitors to the zoo are its giant pandas. Two pandas whose reproductive successes have been nothing less than remarkable—Long Hui (dragon sign) and Vienna gladly welcomed Yang Yang (sunshine) in 2003. Long Hui sadly passed from tumor-related problems in December 2016, but the zoo welcomed a new male panda, Yuan Yuan, in April 2019.
In 1996 Schönbrunn Zoo received the prestigious title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in concert with Schönbrunn Palace and Palace Park. This historic year also saw the first bronze chef-d’oeuvre by eminent sculptor Gottfried Kumpf, a royal lion. Additional bronze sculptures have added to the zoo’s collection in the next decades; each one is a popular focal point for visitor’s pictures.
For Schönbrunn Zoo, 2002 turned out to be a turning point as it celebrated its sestercentennial by opening the immersive Rainforest House. This modern display complemented the arrival of the first koalas at the zoo, further enhancing its already outstanding collection. Moreover, 2002 brought the panorama railway, which offers visitors an unmatched view of the vast expanse of the zoo.
With its long legacy and varied animal occupants, Schönbrunn Zoo captivates guests from all around the world and reflects both historical solemnity and modern conservation.
Haus des Meeres - Aqua Terra Zoo
Situated in the middle of Vienna’s calm Esterhazy Park, this area pays amazing respect to aquatic biodiversity as well as historical value. Known sometimes as the “House of the Sea,” the Haus des Meeres is more than just an aquarium. It is a memorial to the past of the city, a haven for aquatic life, and a rather well-liked tourist site all around.
A Towering Legacy
An amazing example of architectural creativity, the Haus des Meeres is housed in a rebuilt World War II flak tower. Originally a symbol of conflict, this amazing concrete tower has been transformed into a vibrant center of knowledge, preservation, and activity. For everybody who goes, the mix of its historical relevance and modern use as a refuge for marine life creates an engaging narrative.
An Aquatic Menagerie
Comprising an amazing 5,000 square meters, the Haus des Meeres is a vast aquatic wonderland. The aquarium’s around 10,000 animal collection spans a broad spectrum of marine settings, including the exotic worlds of tropical freshwater and saltwater ecosystems as well as the rich depths of the Mediterranean. Visitors may see the graceful movement of sea turtles, the mesmerizing choreography of piranhas, and the great beauty of coral reefs.
A Record-Breaking Attraction
Unquestionably, the Haus des Meeres is stunning. With around 640,000 guests in 2018, it exceeded its own eleventh year in a succession attendance record. Attracting families, nature lovers, and curious people both, this remarkable achievement establishes Vienna’s most well-known destination.
Beyond the Aquarium
The Haus des Meeres broadens its impact beyond of aquatic environments. The tropical house and terrarium part offers a window into the great variety of terrestrial life. Visitors can see fruit bats in their evening habitat, monkeys elegantly traversing the trees, and birds flying above. The tropical house presents an interesting experience letting guests interact with these fascinating primates free from any physical restrictions like glass panes or bars.
A Journey Through the Canopy
Above the Haus des Meeres’ entrance hall sits an intriguing crocodile park. Visitors at this site can see these prehistoric reptiles among many types of turtles, fish, monkeys, and birds. The way the park is designed allows visitors to have an overhead view of the many species below while they negotiate high paths that meander among the rich plant life.
The Ever-Expanding Horizon
Progressive in nature, the Haus des Meeres always changes to provide its visitors fresh and fulfilling experiences. Along with an Amazon corridor on the ninth level and a pool especially for hammerhead rays on the freshly inaugurated tenth level, other additions to the building include These developments improve the range of attractions at the aquarium, therefore ensuring that every visit is unique and fascinating.
Remembering the Past
A small museum aiming at preserving and respecting the historical significance of the flak tower sits on the ninth and tenth tiers. Under the motto “Remember,” the museum celebrates the tower’s transformation into a vibrant center for marine life and education as well as serves as a potent reminder of the past.
A Symbol of Transformation
The great influence of metamorphosis is best shown by the Haus des Meeres. From a legacy of war to a beloved aquatic ecosystem, it is a perfect illustration of both nature’s resiliency and human tenacity. Vienna’s environmental preservation, knowledge-sharing, and unique visitor experience commitment make it a vital tool for the city and a major draw for fans of aquatic life all around.
Lainzer Tiergarten
Lainzer Tiergarten is evidence of Vienna’s dedication to environmental preservation; a vast wildness buried within the city’s embrace. Under the care of Municipal Department 49, this public refuge offers an amazing scene of the complex ecosystems growing inside its boundaries.
Covering an amazing area of more than 2,450 acres, Lainzer Tiergarten holds the title among the most vast enclosed nature reserves in Central Europe. From lush woodlands and sun-kissed meadows to placid ponds, a kaleidoscope of ecosystems provide cover for a varied spectrum of life. Indigenous creatures wander free, their presence evidence of the reserve’s effectiveness in creating a harmonic ecology.
Among the most mysterious residents of the park is the uncommon breed native Lainzer white donkey. As they graze in the meadows, visitors may come across these calm animals, therefore adding some mystery to the scene.
The appeal of Lainzer Tiergarten beyond its unspoiled beauty. The existence of historically important buildings most famously the Hermesvilla reflects the reserve’s legendary past as a Habsburg hunting property in the 18th century. Originally an imperial hunting lodge, this architectural wonder offers evidence of the grandeur and luxury of bygone times. Today, it acts as a cultural hub giving guests a window into the rich creative past and reserve history.
For those who want to explore the core of Lainzer Tiergarten, a system of carefully kept paths waits. Through the varied terrain of the park, hiking enthusiasts can set odysseys where each step reveals fresh aspects of its natural beauty. The symphony of birdsong and the rustle of leaves as you negotiate the paths creates a peaceful environment that invites you to turn away from the noise of the city and into the embrace of nature.
Lainzer Tiergarten guarantees a lifetime experience regardless of your interests in history, animals, or just a break from the noise of the city. Here the past and present mix, where the human soul finds comfort among the wild environment and where nature’s resiliency survives.
Butterfly House
Renowned for its cultural and musical legacy, Vienna hides a seductive secret for those looking for an unusual meeting. Nestled in the historic first district of the city, the Butterfly House calls, a fascinating lepidopterarium kept inside the architectural grandeur of the Palmenhaus on the edge of the lush Burggarten.
Designed by Friedrich Ohmann, the modern palm house is a monument to Vienna’s architectural grandeur always present. Built in 1901, this massive structure covers a floor space of around 2,050 square meters and is 128 meters in length. Concerned about safety, the Palmenhaus sat dormant for a spell before painstaking 13 million euro renovation brought it back to life in 1998. The left, north-west wing of the Palmenhaus has been transformed into the intriguing Butterfly House, spanning 280 square metres since its rebirth.
Enter the Butterfly House and you will be carried to a rich tropical jungle bursting with life. Here, their wings a kaleidoscope of hues, around 400 tropical butterflies representing 150 different species fly elegantly through the air. Maintaining a constant temperature of about 26 degrees Celsius and a humidity level of about 80%, the inside of this glass paradise is painstakingly designed to replicate the balmy and humid conditions of a tropical jungle. Notable among these fascinating species are none that are legally protected, so allowing guests to have close-up view of their delicate beauty.
The Butterfly House in Vienna’s Palmenhaus provides a very immersive experience whereby guests may interact with the ethereal beauties of nature in an urban setting. This magical refuge promises an everlasting trip into the brilliant world of butterflies, regardless of your level of passion for the outdoors or the need for peace.
