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Lainzer Tiergarten: Vienna's Wildlife Oasis

Discover Vienna's wild side in this expansive nature preserve, a former imperial hunting ground with hiking, wildlife, and historical sights.

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Escape the city in this sprawling 2,450-hectare wildlife preserve, once the imperial hunting grounds of the Habsburgs. Today, the Lainzer Tiergarten offers hiking trails, diverse wildlife including wild boars and deer, and the magnificent Hermesvilla, providing a unique blend of nature and history.

A brief summary to Lainzer Tiergarten

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes, as the trails can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.
  • Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
  • Check the official website for seasonal opening hours, as they vary throughout the year.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated picnic areas, but be sure to take all trash with you to protect the environment.
  • Visit the Hermesvilla museum to learn about the history and the imperial family who once frequented it. Note that there is an entrance fee for the Hermesvilla.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Lainzer Tor (main gate), take the U4 subway line to Hietzing station. From there, transfer to bus 56B, direction 'Lainzer Tiergarten', and get off at the final stop, 'Lainzer Tor'. The bus ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes. A single ticket for public transport within Vienna costs €2.40.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from central Vienna to the Lainzer Tor will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €20-€25. Be sure to specify 'Lainzer Tiergarten, Lainzer Tor' as your destination.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Hermesstraße 78, 1130 Wien. Limited parking is available near the Lainzer Tor. Parking fees may apply, typically around €2-3 per hour. Consider using public transport as parking can be challenging, especially on weekends and holidays.

  • Walking

    From the Speising tram stop (lines 60 and 62), it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk along Hermesstraße to the Lainzer Tor entrance. The walk is mostly flat and straightforward, following the road directly to the main gate.

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Discover more about Lainzer Tiergarten

The Lainzer Tiergarten, located on the western edge of Vienna, is a 24.50 km² (6,054-acre) wildlife preserve that offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature and explore Austria's imperial past. Established in 1561 by Emperor Ferdinand I as a private hunting ground, it was later opened to the public in 1919 after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The preserve is home to diverse flora and fauna, including wild boars, red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, and mouflons. Visitors can explore a network of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through woodlands and meadows. The Lainzer Tiergarten also features several gates, including the Lainzer Tor, Nikolaitor, and Pulverstampftor, each offering a unique entry point to the park. One of the highlights is the Hermesvilla, a palace built in 1886 by Emperor Franz Joseph I for his wife Empress Elisabeth. Today, the Hermesvilla houses a museum showcasing the history and lives of the imperial family. The Lainzer Tiergarten is more than just a park; it's a testament to Vienna's commitment to preserving its natural and historical heritage.

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