Why roam 150,000 sqm of Türkenschanzpark in Hasenauerstraße Vienna, along with ponds, playgrounds and monuments?
Nestled in the outskirts of Vienna's leafy 18th district Türkenschanzpark opens up a historical and natural escape. Despite its intricate landscaping, the park is yet to be discovered by mainstream tourists. Named after the “Türkenschanze” (Turkish Ditch) the park connects you with the Turkish fortifications from the 1683 Second Siege of Vienna. Some historians suggest the name may even date back to the First Siege in 1529.
Founded in 1888 the park occupies land once used for agriculture and sand extraction. Following a 1883 initiative by residents of the nearby “Cottage Quarter,” local businessmen purchased and donated the land to the public. Designed by city gardener Gustav Sennholz as an English-style landscape garden, Emperor Francis Joseph I officially opened the park. To really get under the hood of this underrated neighbourhood ask Claudia whether she or her team are around for you.
What Should You See in Türkenschanzpark ?
1. Paulinenwarte Observation Tower
For 360-degree views of Vienna and the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), climb up the 31 meter high Paulinenwarte Observation Tower, located in the middle of the park. The tower was named after Princess Pauline of Metternich, a key figure in the park's creation, and was recently renovated for public access. The view is particularly beautiful at sunset or when the city lights begin to twinkle in the distance. It's a peaceful spot to take in the surroundings, snap some photos, or simply enjoy the vista.
2. Historic Monuments
To commemorate the 320th anniversary of the Second Turkish Siege of Vienna the Cossack Memorial – a pipe-smoking Cossack on a stone and his grazing horse – was unveiled in2003. It reminds of the Ukrainian Cossack army's participation in the relief battle of September 12, 1683. At the same time, it serves as an identification symbol of the young Ukrainian nation and a sign of its commitment to Europe. Throughout the park, you’ll find monuments dedicated to famous Austrians, including poets, composers, and other cultural figures. Notable monuments include tributes to Austrian writer Adalbert Stifter, composer and writer Franz Marschner, and operetta composer Emmerich Kálmán. Each monument has a story to tell, adding a historical layer to your visit.
3. Yunus Emre Fountain
A symbol of friendship between Vienna and Turkey, the Yunus Emre Fountain is another highlight of the park. In 1991, the Turkish embassy donated the Yunus Emre Fountain, which adds an oriental touch to the park.
The fountain, which is dedicated to the Turkish folk poet and mystic Yunus Emre (died around 1321), stands as a symbol of friendship and international understanding and is therefore one of the few monuments that seeks to express what unites and not what divides the former opponents .">The Turkish folk poet and mystic Yunus Emre (died around 1321), stands as a symbol of friendship and international understanding. Given that Vienna was twice besieged by the Ottomans, the fountain expresses that any hostilities between Turkey and Austria are definitely over.
Located in a tranquil spot, the poetic fountain marks the perfect place to relax. It’s also a lovely spot for photos, especially in the late afternoon light.
What Can You Do in Türkenschanzpark ?
1. Meierei Diglas im Türkenschanzpark
If you’re visiting this park and looking to experience true Viennese charm with a modern twist, the Schneider-Diglas Meierei is a must-visit. A sister of cafés Diglas in central Wollzeile and at Schottenstift, this delightful café boasts a covered terrace offering a wonderful view of the park. You can also sit outside in the outdoor dining area surrounded by plants.
The interior of the family run café is flooded with light from large windows and has a cozy atmosphere, which is enhanced by warm lighting and cushions on the benches. You can choose cake, house-roasted coffee or wine from several showcases. A great way to enjoy Vienna’s contemporary coffeehouse culture.
Opening hours
Wed - Sun from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m
closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
3. Relax by the Water
One of the most tranquil experiences at this park is its peaceful ponds. The park is home to several water features. At one end, the hillside lake provides a serene spot where the calm water mirrors the surrounding greenery, making it a perfect place to relax, read, or take a nap on the grassy banks. A little more secluded, the forest pond invites people seeking peace and quiet, with lush vegetation and gentle water sounds. Lastly, the spa park pond, surrounded by flowerbeds, offers a calming setting for a leisurely stroll, where the reflections of flowers and trees enhance the peaceful ambiance, providing a perfect spot to clear your mind.
4. Explore Nature
Türkenschanzpark is home to over 6,500 square meters of water surfaces and is close to the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). It has a variety of ornamental trees from Asia, Japan, China, and North America, often labelled to help you learn about the species they encounter. These trees, with their different shapes, colours, and leaves, add a botanical diversity not commonly found in other parks in Vienna. Moreover, among the park’s rarer plants is the mountain pasqueflower, which thrives in rocky environments and exemplifies the park’s collection of exceptional species. Spanning 150,000 square meters, it creates a rich ecosystem where plants thrive along the ponds and in the water.
5. Enjoy Sports & Play
This park offers several jogging paths and routes for Nordic walking, weaving through lush greenery and providing a peaceful atmosphere perfect for exercise. Additionally, the flat terrain makes it an ideal spot for outdoor workouts. If you're into team sports, the park has a range of facilities, including two basketball courts, a spacious football field, and a beach volleyball court perfect for summer games.
For a fun challenge, try the slackline setup, which tests your balance. Excitingly, skateboarding enthusiasts will enjoy the skate park, while two table tennis tables allow for a quick game. For a more strategic activity, there are chess tables scattered throughout the park. If you visit Vienna with kids, you will appreciate the 5 well-equipped playgrounds, featuring swings, slides, climbing structures, and more.
6. Christmas Market at Türkenschanzpark
During the Advent season this park transforms into one of the magical Christmas markets. The market, which runs from mid-November to December 23rd, offers a rustic, rural atmosphere with arts and crafts, live music, and delicious food. It's the perfect way to enjoy the seasonal festivities while surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.
How Much Time Should You Spend There?
To fully enjoy all that Türkenschanzpark has to offer, try to make about two hours space. I remember when I visited with my nephews, we spent a full 30 minutes by the hillside lake enjoying the calm water and the surrounding greenery.
My nephews loved the playgrounds, so we spent about another hour exploring the swings, slides, and climbing structures. All in all, we spent about two and a half hours, but if you have the luxury of time, spend three to four hours to fully enjoy everything.
Special Tips for Your Visit
For Dog Lovers: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. There are designated dog zones near Gregor-Mendel-Straße and Hasenauerstraße where your furry friends can run around.
Gastronomy: After your stroll, treat yourself to a meal at the Meierei Diglas, located in the park. While a bit on the pricey side, the shady seating under the trees is worth it. For a sweet treat, the ice cream kiosk next door is a local favourite.
Winter Visit: If you're in Vienna during the winter months, the park's Advent market is a wonderful way to enjoy the festive season in a peaceful setting.
Türkenschanzpark Wien Location
Address: Hasenauerstraße 1180 Vienna.
Parking: Limited parking around the park.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Accessibility: It is easily accessible via public transport, with several bus and tram lines connecting to the park.
Tickets: Free Entry
