Leitturm Esterhazypark, Vienna Travel Guide

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Explore a repurposed WWII flak tower in Vienna, now home to an aquarium, climbing wall, and panoramic city views.

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Leitturm Esterhazypark

Leitturm Esterhazypark is a former World War II flak tower transformed into a unique landmark in Vienna's Mariahilf district. Today, it houses the Haus des Meeres aquarium and a climbing wall, offering a blend of history and recreation. The surrounding Esterhazypark provides a green oasis in the urban landscape.

A brief summary to Leitturm Esterhazypark

Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz, Vienna, Mariahilf, 1060, AT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Leitturm Esterhazypark.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography.
Take a leisurely walk around Esterhazypark to fully appreciate its beauty and historical context.
Check for local events or exhibitions that may be happening in the park during your visit.
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park, as there are plenty of lovely spots to relax.

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Explore Leitturm Esterhazypark on the Map

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Wien Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take the U1 underground line (red line) towards Reumannplatz and get off at Karlsplatz station. Transfer to the U4 line (green line) towards Hütteldorf and get off at Margaretengürtel station. From there, it is a short 10-minute walk to Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz, where Leitturm Esterhazypark is located. A single ticket costs €2.40.
Walking

From Neubaugasse U3 metro station on Mariahilfer Straße, walk south on either Schadekgasse or Nelkengasse. You will see the Flakturm in Esterhazy Park. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. A short taxi ride from the city center to Leitturm Esterhazypark will typically cost between €10 and €20. Taxi базовый charge is €3.80, plus per km for the first 4 km is €1.42.

Discover more about Leitturm Esterhazypark

Leitturm Esterhazypark, located in Vienna's 6th district, is a compelling reminder of the city's wartime past. Constructed between 1942 and 1944 under Nazi Germany's orders, the Flakturm (flak tower) was one of six built to defend against Allied air raids. These towers also served as air-raid shelters for civilians.After the war, instead of being destroyed like some of its counterparts in other cities, the Esterhazypark Leitturm was repurposed. In 1957, it was transformed into the Haus des Meeres (House of the Sea), an aquarium and terrarium that has grown into a significant attraction housing over 10,000 animals. In addition, one of its outer walls has a 700 square meter climbing wall operated since 1998.The tower itself is an architectural marvel, with walls up to 3.5 meters thick, designed to withstand heavy bombardment. In 2013, a new roof superstructure was added, including a shark tank, a café, and a rooftop terrace. The rooftop offers impressive views of Vienna. The tower is 47 meters high and has 11 stories.The Esterhazypark surrounding the tower provides a green space for relaxation and recreation. The park is a vibrant community space where locals and tourists gather.