Wasserbehälter Hackenberg: Vienna's Water Castle

The Wasserbehälter Hackenberg, or Hackenberg Water Castle, is located in the 19th district of Vienna, Döbling, on Hackenbergweg. Constructed during the establishment of the Second Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline between 1908 and 1910, the reservoir sits at approximately 295 meters above sea level. It supplies drinking water to parts of the 18th and 19th districts. With a capacity of around 11,600 cubic meters, the Wasserbehälter Hackenberg is among the larger reservoirs of the Second Mountain Spring Pipeline. The above-ground structure features a neoromanisch-secessionist design. Architect Eduard Bodenseher senior from the Vienna City Construction Office designed the plans for the valve chamber, the visible part of the reservoir. The construction company Rella & Co, under the direction of architect Rudolf Nemetschke, oversaw the planning and construction of the earth-covered reservoir section. The facility is divided into three levels. The entrance level features a pond, from which symmetrical ramps lead to the entrance gates in the arcade. Sweeping staircases ascend to the third level, the dome level, which also serves as the building's flat roof. The dome and pergola give the building its distinctive silhouette. The reservoir is a popular destination, offering walking paths and views.