The Deer Garden or Tiergarten as it’s known in Vienna - is more than just a garden and is not just about the deer. It is a verdant forest park inside one of Europe’s greatest cities. Lainzer Tiergarten is a quiet, green oasis nestled at the foothills of Wienerwald or Vienna Woods.
Back in the day, Hapsburg emperors roamed these woods as their private hunting ground. Today, it is a public park for anyone who would enjoy a walk with some fresh air. Hunters no longer welcome.
Official records as far back as 1270 show that the area for was for the exclusive use of monarchs and their guests. In the mid 15th century it was referred to as the Cattle Garden at Laab im Walde. Shortly after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian empire in 1918, it became the property of the Disabled Veterans Trust. It opened to the public in April, 1919.
The hunting grounds covered 2,500 hectares, of which nearly 2,000 are still heavily forested. Today’s Tiergarten hikers will surely enjoy the long trails dotted with oak and beech trees.
The entire park is encircled by a stone wall and you can go through it from several gates. Enter through the Nikolai Tor and find yourself immediately in a wooded area full of wild boar. It’s always a good idea to stop for a meal at the Rohrhaus Inn where you can enjoy some of the finest inexpensive food available in Vienna. The park has three restaurants and if you’re up for a picnic, there are designated areas for outdoor eating.
If you enter Lainzer Tor you will suddenly find yourself in parkland. Walk just a little farther and you’ll reach Hermesvilla, a small country cottage built for the Empress Elizabeth, popularly known as Sissi to royals and commoners alike. The name was derived from a small marble statue of Hermes viewable on the garden level.
Hermesvilla comes with an interesting story too. Franz Josef had it built for his wife in 1886. Rumors are rife about marital trouble. History records show that she rarely spent much time here, preferring to travel throughout Europe.
Enjoy the cafe and judge for yourself whether the small mansion is gloomy or should have been cheery enough to attract a monarch. A permanent exhibit inside displays some of her clothes along with many others from 1800 to the early 21st century.
Within the park is a community of wild pigs, deer, and other creatures of the forest. The creatures are obviously happy and thriving. Late afternoon feedings of the deer and wild boar are open to the public, with times posted at the gate.
The Tiergarten is soothing and quiet, a peaceful respite from rushing around to see the dozens of exciting sights in Vienna. The contrast to the Hofburg with its dozens of museums is quite stark. Even the Schonbrunn Zoo, while housing many more animal species, offers nothing quite like this little patch of wilderness at the edge of Austria’s capital.
Related tours and destination in Vienna:
Your ticket enables you to see the oldest and also one of the most modern zoos of the world, the Schonbrunn Zoo - with Giant Pandas, Koalas, Elephants and much more. Ride on Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel, the oldest in the world, the Wiener Riesenrad, with a beautiful view over the city of Vienna.
This leisurely ticket allows you to not only see the House of Music at your own pace, but to actively participate in the museum’s exhibits. Whether you’re in Vienna for a day, or perhaps a week, the convenience of seeing the interactive museum, dedicated to music and sound, at your own pace allows you to sightsee freely.
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