Central Cemetery Vienna
Vast, multi-denominational parkland cemetery housing the tombs of many famous Viennese artists and historical figures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Central Cemetery Vienna
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast, multi-denominational parkland cemetery housing the tombs of many famous Viennese artists and historical figures.
"A city of the dead, rich with history, art, and the echoes of musical genius."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast; you'll walk miles! Prioritize comfort for exploring.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Essential for navigating the sprawling grounds and finding specific graves.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Graves of Musical Legends
Arcade 40, Group 32
Pay homage to composers like Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Strauss. A must-see for music lovers.
Presidential Crypt
Group 14
Discover the final resting place of Austrian presidents, a significant historical monument.
Kolumbarium
Near Cemetery Church
An unusual architectural feature where coffins are housed in niches, reminiscent of ancient Roman burial practices.
Roman Era Mass Grave
Construction site (historical)
A recent archaeological discovery revealing a mass grave of Roman soldiers, offering a glimpse into ancient history.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Vastness
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast; you'll walk miles! Prioritize comfort for exploring.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Essential for navigating the sprawling grounds and finding specific graves.
💐 Flower Purchase Options
Flower stalls are available near composer graves and main entrances.
🚆 Use Tram 71
The most convenient public transport to reach the cemetery from the city center.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast; you'll walk miles! Prioritize comfort for exploring.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Essential for navigating the sprawling grounds and finding specific graves.
💐 Flower Purchase Options
Flower stalls are available near composer graves and main entrances.
🚆 Use Tram 71
The most convenient public transport to reach the cemetery from the city center.
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of peace and remembrance. Keep noise levels down.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Central Cemetery Vienna for its immense scale, historical significance, and the opportunity to visit the graves of legendary composers. The atmospheric tranquility and impressive architecture are frequently highlighted. However, some find the sheer size overwhelming and suggest planning is essential to avoid feeling lost.
"I particularly enjoy being in cemeteries. But the Zentralfriedhof is something else, it is like a outdoor museum: the architecture of the buildings and graves is unique, the history of them also amazed me. It is easy to reach from public transportation. A beautiful and a vast place, I could spent the whole day here, walking through the green grass and knowing and praying for who rests in this beautiful cemetery. The site is so huge that there are buses inside (for free, enjoy them haha). Also, it was the first time I have seen a squirrel before."
Willian A Lopes
"So this place was quite confusing. We saw an insta about this cemetery, and as a local and fan of cemeteries I wanted to come but didn't expect it to be this big nor the problems that comes with it when you do not know how to navigate in it.. There are 4 different stops of tram that take you to 4 different entries or more, maybe.. we didn't know, and google Maps showed us to enter at entry 3. We walked over 30 kilometres in this cemetery and still didn't see, I think, a quarter of it. The entry 3 were new tombs, so it was actually boring.. When we arrived at entry 2, it started getting interesting. I think at entry 2 o 1, it is where the musicians are. At the entry where the museum is, they sell the map of the cemetery for money. I still don't know how many entries are there but my advise: research online before going and do not get scammed with a physical map that has 2 marks on it that you can find on Google maps also. There are many tourists coming here where the musicians are. Cemetery nice but prepared to walk, take water and even a sandwich, there are benches here."
Ferial Hussein
"We loved this cemetery and visited twice, great for wildlife watching (hamsters, hares, deer, red squirrels and birdwatching). Gate 2 at 7am (when it opens) was great for hamsters but please don't try to feed them. Towards the back of the cemetery on the smaller tracks it was brilliant for all other wildlife"
Christopher Payne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common and convenient way to reach the Vienna Zentralfriedhof is by taking the Tram 71 from the city center, which takes about 20 minutes. It stops near the main entrance and provides access to various sections. You can also use other public transport options depending on your starting point in Vienna.
Yes, there is parking available at the Central Cemetery, particularly near the main entrances. However, given the cemetery's size, it's often easier and more environmentally friendly to use public transport.
It is not recommended to walk to the Central Cemetery from the city center as it is quite far. Public transportation, such as the Tram 71, is the most practical option.
To reach Beethoven's grave, take the Tram 71 to the Zentralfriedhof. His grave is located in a cluster of famous composers not far from the main entrance.
Yes, guided tours are available, often departing on Sunday mornings around 10 am, which can help you explore the cemetery and its famous inhabitants.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Central Cemetery Vienna (Zentralfriedhof) is generally free. You can wander through the grounds without purchasing a ticket.
The cemetery is typically open daily from early morning until early evening. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
No, there are no separate entrance fees for visiting the graves of famous composers or other notable sections within the Central Cemetery. Access is free for all visitors.
Yes, the cemetery is open on holidays. Visiting on days like Halloween can add to the atmospheric experience, though it's still a place of respect.
While the cemetery is vast and generally accessible, it does have closing hours to ensure peace and security. Always check the official closing times before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The graves of famous composers like Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Strauss are highly recommended. The Presidential Crypt is also a significant site.
Absolutely! The cemetery offers a unique, atmospheric setting for photography, with grand monuments, sculptures, and peaceful pathways.
Given its size, you could spend several hours or even a full day exploring. For a focused visit to key graves, allow at least 2-3 hours.
Yes, there are restrooms available, and some cafes or snack bars can be found, particularly near the main entrances or the cemetery church.
The Kolumbarium is a unique burial structure where coffins are housed in stacked niches, similar to ancient Roman columbaria. It's an interesting architectural and historical feature.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand monuments, the arcades, the cemetery church, and the graves of famous composers offer excellent photographic opportunities. The atmospheric pathways are also very photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed in most public areas of the cemetery. However, always be mindful of ongoing services or private ceremonies and maintain respectful distance.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both wide shots of the landscape and details of the monuments. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of cemetery rules.
Themes include historical architecture, famous graves, atmospheric landscapes, and the unique burial structures like the Kolumbarium.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, dramatic shadows and a serene atmosphere, ideal for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Kolumbarium offers a unique architectural point of interest that might pique their curiosity. To make the visit more enjoyable for children, keep the exploration focused on specific areas, perhaps the composers' section and the main church. Bring snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for walking.
Frame it as a visit to a 'city of the dead' with interesting stories and impressive art, rather than just a somber place. The open green spaces can also offer a chance for a peaceful break.🎵 Music Enthusiasts
Take your time to appreciate the monuments and perhaps even play some of their music on your phone to enhance the experience. Consider joining a guided tour specifically focused on the musical heritage of the cemetery, as these often provide deeper insights and historical context.
Even without a tour, having a map and knowing the locations of these composers' final resting places will make your visit incredibly rewarding. It's a unique opportunity to pay respects and reflect on their enduring legacies.🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the various architectural styles of the tombs and monuments, which tell stories of different eras and social strata. The Cemetery Church is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture.
A visit here provides a unique perspective on Viennese history, art, and culture, spanning centuries.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Musical Pantheon
The area is marked by impressive monuments and a palpable sense of musical history.Finding these graves is relatively straightforward with a map, and often there are flower stalls nearby where you can purchase a tribute.
Beyond the most famous names, the cemetery also holds the graves of other significant musical figures, including Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg. Exploring this section offers a comprehensive journey through the evolution of classical and modern music, all within the tranquil expanse of the Zentralfriedhof.
A Glimpse into History: Roman Discoveries
This find is considered a once-in-a-lifetime discovery for Viennese archaeology. The individuals were all men, aged between 20 and 30, and the hasty burial indicates a chaotic event.
The discovery adds another dimension to the Central Cemetery, transforming it from a place of remembrance for recent history to a site with connections to ancient conflicts and civilizations. It serves as a reminder that history is often found in unexpected places.
Architectural Marvels and Unique Burials
Another unique feature is the Kolumbarium, a structure where coffins are housed in stacked niches, resembling a dovecote. This method of burial, an inexpensive and space-saving option, has roots in ancient Roman practices. The arcades of the Kolumbarium were built in 1907, with the church following shortly after.
This architectural approach offers a different perspective on burial customs and the cemetery's design evolution.Beyond these, the cemetery features a variety of elaborate tombstones, mausoleums, and sculptures, reflecting different eras and artistic styles. The Presidential Crypt is another significant structure, housing the remains of former Austrian presidents.
Social
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