How long does it take to walk through the Central Cemetery?

A thorough self-guided walk typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Because the grounds cover over 500 acres, you can easily spend half a day if you visit the more distant sections like the Old Jewish Cemetery.

Where are the famous composers buried in Vienna?

Most of the famous composers, including Beethoven, Strauss, Brahms, and Schubert, are located in the 'Ehrengräber' (Graves of Honor) section, which is a short walk from Gate 2.

Is there an entrance fee for the Vienna Central Cemetery?

No, entrance to the cemetery grounds and the main church is free of charge. There is a small fee if you wish to visit the Funeral Museum located on-site.

Can I take photos in the cemetery?

Photography for personal use is generally permitted and the cemetery is very photogenic. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid photographing active funeral services.

What is the best way to get to the Zentralfriedhof?

The most iconic way is taking Tram 71 from the city center (e.g., from Opera or Schwarzenbergplatz), which drops you right at the main gates.

Are there places to eat near the cemetery?

Yes, there is a famous cafe called Kurkonditorei Oberlaa located right by Gate 2, famous for its cakes and pastries, as well as a traditional restaurant, Schloss Concordia, across the street.

Is the cemetery accessible for those with mobility issues?

Yes, the main avenues are paved and flat. There is even an internal bus line (Route 11) that runs within the cemetery grounds for those who prefer not to walk long distances.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

5

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step into a parallel world where the silent residents outnumber the living. Vienna’s Zentralfriedhof, or Central Cemetery, is not merely a burial ground but a vast 'City of the Dead' sprawling over 2.5 square kilometers in the Simmering district. This self-guided walk invites you to explore one of the largest and most atmospheric necropolises in Europe, a place where imperial grandeur meets profound silence. As you navigate the tree-lined avenues, you will encounter the final resting places of some of history's greatest musical minds, from the classical titans like Beethoven and Brahms to the modern pop icon Falco. The route highlights the shifting architectural tastes of the city, most notably the stunning Friedhofskirche zum Heiligen Karl Borromäus, an Art Nouveau masterpiece that dominates the horizon with its striking blue dome. This walking route is designed for those who appreciate history, art, and the quiet beauty of nature. Beyond the famous names, you will discover the 'Park of Rest and Power,' a unique space designed using principles of geomancy to offer visitors a place for reflection and energetic recharging. The journey concludes in the poignant New Jewish Cemetery, a stark reminder of Vienna's complex 20th-century history. Whether you are a music lover paying homage to the greats or a photography enthusiast seeking the perfect play of light through ancient ivy, this audio walk provides the context and stories needed to truly understand this unique Viennese landmark. Explore at your own pace, away from the city center crowds, and immerse yourself in the stories of those who built the cultural legacy of Vienna.

Highlights

The 'Ehrengräber' section featuring Beethoven, Strauss, and Schubert
St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery Church, a Jugendstil architectural gem
The final resting place of Austrian pop legend Falco
The meditative Park of Rest and Power
The atmospheric and historic New Jewish Cemetery

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (5)

1

Zentralfriedhof 2.Tor

Welcome to the main entrance of Vienna's Central Cemetery, known as Gate 2. Opened in 1874, this portal serves as the primary gateway to a site that was initially controversial due to its massive scale and multi-denominational nature. As you stand here, notice the symmetry and the grand scale that signals you are entering a true 'City of the Dead.' In Vienna, the phrase 'taking the 71' is a local euphemism for dying, referring to the tram line that has brought mourners and residents here for over a century. This gate is your entry point into a vast landscape where nearly three million people are interred.

2

Central Cemetery (Musicians' Graves)

You are now in the Ehrengräber, or 'Graves of Honor.' This is perhaps the most prestigious real estate in the cemetery. Look around to find the monuments of Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert, and the Strauss family. It is a rare experience to stand among so many giants of classical music in one spot. Interestingly, many of these composers were moved here from other cemeteries to give the Zentralfriedhof more prestige when it first opened. Don't miss the more modern, glass-adorned grave of Falco, the Austrian pop star famous for 'Rock Me Amadeus,' which remains one of the most visited sites in the entire complex.

3

Friedhofskirche zum Heiligen Karl Borromäus

Dominating the central axis of the cemetery is the St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery Church. Designed by Max Hegele and completed in 1911, it is one of the most significant Art Nouveau, or Jugendstil, churches in the world. While many associate the style with Otto Wagner, Hegele’s work here is a masterpiece of the era. Look up at the massive dome—the blue tiling and gold accents are breathtaking. Inside, the light filters through stunning stained glass, creating a serene, celestial atmosphere. The crypts below the church serve as the final resting place for several Austrian presidents, cementing the church's role as a national monument.

4

Park der Ruhe und Kraft

For a change of pace, enter the Park of Rest and Power. This is not a traditional graveyard but a landscape designed based on geomancy and 'earth energy' principles. It is divided into different zones intended to facilitate meditation, mourning, and the restoration of energy. You will notice stone circles and specific plantings that differ from the rigid rows of the rest of the cemetery. It reflects a more modern, holistic approach to the concepts of life and death, offering a peaceful sanctuary for the living to reconnect with nature and their own inner strength amidst the surrounding silence.

5

New Jewish Cemetery

The final stop on our route is the New Jewish Cemetery, located near Gate 4. This section provides a somber and powerful look at Vienna's Jewish history. Unlike the meticulously manicured central sections, parts of this area have been reclaimed by nature, with ivy climbing over weathered headstones. It houses a memorial to the victims of the Shoah and the graves of many prominent Viennese Jewish families. The architecture of the ceremonial hall here, also designed by Max Hegele, mirrors the main church but with distinct Jewish symbolism. It is a place of profound memory and a vital part of the city's historical fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is one of Vienna's most unique sites, offering a blend of world-class history, Art Nouveau architecture, and a peaceful park-like atmosphere that contrasts with the busy city center.