
Central Cemetery
A vast, historic cemetery, one of Europe's largest, featuring grand monuments, composer graves, and a stunning Art Nouveau church.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful, artistic beauty

Central Cemetery
Best Time
Peaceful, artistic beauty

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, historic cemetery, one of Europe's largest, featuring grand monuments, composer graves, and a stunning Art Nouveau church.
"A peaceful realm where history, beauty, and stillness converge."

🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
This cemetery is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore its vast grounds.
🚗 Avoid Driving Inside
Cars on narrow paths can be a hazard. Stick to walking or use public transport to reach the gates.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Graves of Musical Giants
Composer's Section
Pay homage to legends like Beethoven, Strauss, and Brahms. Their graves are significant landmarks within the cemetery.

Art Nouveau Church
Near Main Entrance
Marvel at the stunning architecture of the cemetery's church, a beautiful example of Art Nouveau style.

Kolumbarium Niches
Specific Section
Discover this unique 'dovecote' for coffins, inspired by ancient Roman practices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Scale
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
This cemetery is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore its vast grounds.
🚗 Avoid Driving Inside
Cars on narrow paths can be a hazard. Stick to walking or use public transport to reach the gates.
🕯️ Visit on All Saints' Day
Experience the unique glow of thousands of candles on graves for a memorable visit.
👻 Consider a Night Tour
Explore the cemetery's mysterious past after dark for a spooky and unique experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
This cemetery is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore its vast grounds.
🚗 Avoid Driving Inside
Cars on narrow paths can be a hazard. Stick to walking or use public transport to reach the gates.
🕯️ Visit on All Saints' Day
Experience the unique glow of thousands of candles on graves for a memorable visit.
👻 Consider a Night Tour
Explore the cemetery's mysterious past after dark for a spooky and unique experience.
🎶 Seek Out Composer Graves
Locate the resting places of musical legends like Beethoven and Strauss for a historical connection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Central Cemetery for its immense scale, historical significance, and serene beauty, particularly noting the impressive Art Nouveau church and the graves of famous composers. While some find the presence of cars disruptive, many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and unique historical insights it offers.
"This venue is very old - over 100 years its the biggest in Europe. It looks especially moody / unusual durin All Saints Day which is celebrated on 1 November. On that day in the evening people lit candles on the graves of thier ancestors. There are thousands and thousands of them ( candles) so the glow is visible from far away."
Mirosław Siemieniuk
"This is the largest cemetery in Europe and it is over 100 years old.
It looks especially gloomy on All Saints' Day, which is celebrated on November 1. On this day, in the evening, people light candles on the graves of their ancestors.
This cemetery is always clean, I often come to this place to be in silence. But sometimes I even meet parents with children who ride roller skates or bicycles because the cemetery has really good roads and many interesting places."
Viacheslav Demchenko
"This would be so pretty were it not for all the cars driving on the small paths. An enormous garbage trucks doing 60 on a tiny path would definitely have been unable to stop had I not stepped out of the way. All the visitors driving their private cars at 50 passing pedestrians with 30 cm margin also definitely do not feel safe or particularly relaxing"
Andreas Ehrencrona
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof) is accessible via public transport. Tram lines 71 and 11 go directly to the main gates. The U3 subway line to Simmering station also provides access, followed by a short bus or tram ride.
While vast, the cemetery has well-maintained paths. Maps are available at the entrances, and many visitors find it navigable on foot. Consider using a GPS app if you're looking for specific graves.
Yes, you can drive, but be aware that cars can be a nuisance on the narrow paths, and parking can be challenging. Many visitors prefer to walk or use public transport to avoid traffic issues.
For a comprehensive experience, walking is recommended to fully appreciate the monuments and atmosphere. Alternatively, guided tours or even bike rentals (if available) can help cover more ground.
The main paths are generally paved and accessible, but some older sections or graves might be uneven. It's advisable to stick to the main thoroughfares for easier navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Central Cemetery is generally free. You can wander through its 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 best to check the official website or local listings before your visit.
Yes, guided tours are often available, especially during certain seasons or for special events like night tours. These tours offer historical context and insights into the cemetery's famous residents.
While entry to the cemetery is free, there might be a small fee or donation requested for entry into the church itself, depending on its operational status and any ongoing services.
Yes, the graves of famous composers like Beethoven and Strauss are well-marked and are popular points of interest for visitors. Maps often highlight these locations.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It's renowned for being one of Europe's largest cemeteries, its beautiful Art Nouveau church, and the graves of numerous famous composers, making it a place of historical and artistic significance.
Expect grand mausoleums, ornate sculptures, tree-lined avenues, and the graves of historical figures, particularly musicians. It's a place of quiet beauty and historical reflection.
While it is a cemetery, many visitors describe it as a place of memory, art, and quiet beauty, rather than just sadness. The atmosphere can be peaceful and contemplative.
All Saints' Day (November 1st) is a significant event, with many people lighting candles on graves, creating a unique atmosphere. Night tours are also sometimes offered, adding a different dimension to the visit.
The Kolumbarium is a unique section where coffins are housed in stacked niches, resembling a dovecote. It's an ancient burial practice adapted in Vienna.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the public areas of the Central Cemetery for personal use. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
The Art Nouveau church, the grand mausoleums, the composer's graves, and the tree-lined avenues during autumn offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Photography during night tours might be restricted or challenging due to low light conditions. It's best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in cemeteries and most public spaces to maintain peace and respect. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Many visitors capture the gothic and dark aesthetic, the historical architecture, and the serene, autumnal landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
Many visitors find solace and a sense of calm here, using the opportunity to connect with history and art at their own pace. The absence of crowds during off-peak hours enhances this experience, allowing for a deeply personal and contemplative visit.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Beyond the famous composers, the cemetery's connection to Vienna's rich musical heritage is palpable. It's a place where history, art, and emotion converge, offering a unique way to connect with the legacy of these influential artists.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A City of the Departed: History and Scale
Its historical significance is amplified by the presence of numerous 'graves of honor' dedicated to Austria's most celebrated figures. This practice began early in its history, transforming parts of the cemetery into a memorial park. The cemetery's design itself reflects the era it was established, with grand avenues and diverse architectural styles in its monuments, offering a glimpse into Viennese society and its artistic trends over the past century.
Musical Legacies: The Composers' Section
The 'Composers' Section' is a pilgrimage site for music lovers. Each tombstone tells a story of a life dedicated to art, and standing there, one can almost feel the echoes of their timeless melodies. The cemetery's atmosphere, especially during quieter times, lends itself to reflection on the enduring impact of their work. It’s a unique intersection of history, art, and remembrance, making the Central Cemetery a must-visit for anyone interested in classical music.
Atmospheric Visits: Autumn and Night Tours
For a truly unique and haunting experience, consider the night tours offered during certain times of the year, especially around Halloween. These tours delve into the cemetery's mysterious past, sharing chilling stories and legends. Exploring the grounds after dark, illuminated by moonlight or lanterns, offers a thrilling and memorable way to connect with the cemetery's history and folklore.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit