Explore the enchanting Hirschstetten Gardens in Vienna for free! With 20 themed areas, a palm house, and a mini zoo, this magical place lets you travel through time and around the world. Dive into its rich history and unique attractions in this article.
Hirschstetten Garden in Vienna
The Hirschstetten Garden in Vienna is a magical place to visit for free. The gardens have around 20 themed areas, a palm house and even a mini zoo. You can see a prehistoric garden that shows what plants existed millions of years ago. But the gardens are not just a journey through time. You can also travel to northern Mexico to see the typical architecture and plants of the region. Explore China, India and Provence all in one place for free!
Hirschtetten T-Shirt
This t-shirt features a stylish design with the word “HIRSCHSTETTEN” elegantly printed in a curved arc above a beautiful bouquet of pink and white flowers. The floral arrangement adds a touch of nature-inspired beauty and charm. The shirt is white, making the pink and white flowers stand…
Key Facts
- The Hirschstetten Garden is completely free to enter.
- The gardens are full of little surprises, such as a maze and a hidden sculpture garden.
- The gardens have plenty of space for picnicking, making them a great option for a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
- The gardens are divided into several themed areas, including a rose garden, a medicinal herb garden, a wetland biotope, and even a vineyard.
- The garden’s greenhouse complex is home to a tropical rainforest, a desert landscape, and a Mediterranean garden.
History of Hirschstetten
Tax records first mentioned Hirschstetten as a human settlement in 1240. The clergy initially owned it, and later the nobility took possession. In 1904, Hirschstetten became part of Vienna. Today, it is famous for its garden, which moved from Vienna’s second district in 1952. At that time, it was the most modern garden center in Europe. Until 2014, the City of Vienna used this site to grow plants for various locations throughout the city.
The name
The name “Hirschstetten” may come from “Stätten herent”, meaning “this side of the stream or river”, but this is only a guess.
Ensemble Spannberg
This old building did not originally stand in Vienna. Builders constructed the farmhouse in 1880, and people lived in it until the 1990s. Over time, it fell into disrepair. The decision was made to move it to Spannberg, about 50 km from Vienna, near the Slovakian border. The farm includes a house and a barn with a wine press.
Viewpoint in Hirschstetten
The viewpoint is set on vineyard hills inspired by Lower Austrian vineyards. Grapes such as Grüner Veltliner and Blauer Portugieser grow here. From the top you can see the whole garden complex and the mini-zoo.
The Zoo
The zoo is home to 50 species of native and exotic animals. It runs educational programmes to protect endangered species worldwide. You can see open beehives through glass, an owl, several species of turtles and wild cats.
Gardening Museum
The Gardens are home to the largest gardening museum in Austria. Inside you can see photographs, plans, tools and vehicles related to gardening, including items from the Rothschild family gardens. The building dates from around 1912.
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