Schwarzenbergpark: Vienna's Landscape Escape

Schwarzenbergpark, located in Vienna's 17th district of Hernals, provides a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. Spanning approximately 80 hectares, this expansive park boasts a rich history and diverse landscape. Originally known as Neuwaldegg Palace Park, it holds the distinction of being Austria's first English landscape garden.The park's story began in 1765 when Count Franz Moritz Lacy acquired the land. Inspired by the "back-to-nature" movement, Count Lacy transformed the area into a sprawling landscape garden, incorporating rolling hills, ponds, streams, and strategically placed groves of trees. At its peak, Lacy Park was adorned with various garden features, including decorative stones, vases, a Chinese pavilion, and even a miniature Garden of Eden. The Hameau, the park's highest point, featured seventeen chalets built to accommodate guests. Today, only one of these charming houses remains.Following Count Lacy's death in 1801, the Schwarzenberg family acquired the estate, giving the park its current name. In 1958, the City of Vienna purchased the park and opened it to the public. Visitors can wander along the 2.2-kilometer-long Schwarzenbergallee, a chestnut-lined avenue punctuated by two obelisks. One obelisk bears the graffiti of Josef Kyselak, a famous Viennese graffiti artist. Scattered throughout the park are remnants of its past, including a white marble statue and a small classical temple where Count Lacy is buried.Today, Schwarzenbergpark seamlessly blends with the surrounding Vienna Woods. Walking, hiking, running, and cycling are popular activities, with trails winding through the terrain. City hiking trail 3 passes through the park, inviting visitors to explore the wider Vienna Woods region. Families can enjoy playgrounds, meadows, and a forest playground. For refreshments, the Manameierei bistro offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu of breads, salads, and small dishes.