A full 7 meters below Karlsplatz, not only does Vienna’s wastewater flow, but a genuine movie set is also hidden here. When the fall weather turns unpleasant, head straight underground for one of the city’s craziest guided tours. There, the 3. Mann Tour awaits you, offering a completely new perspective on the city.
Before you head down, you’ll put on a helmet and headlamp, then set off down the original movie staircase from the famous cinematic classic. In other words, this tour combines a state-of-the-art sewer system with real history to create an exciting expedition. Plus , the adventure begins right at the large red sewer grate in Girardi Park.
In the Footsteps of the Old Canals
Afterward, you’ll explore the old cholera canals to the left and right of the Wien River. These have remained virtually unchanged since the 1830s, so you can feel the historic atmosphere with every step. During the 45-minute guided tour, you’ll also learn plenty of technical details, as Vienna’s sewer system spans an impressive 2,400 kilometers — the same distance as the straight-line distance from Vienna to Cairo.
Consequently, there’s far more to see here than just old stones, even though the charm of the past is ever-present.
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Finale beneath the Naschmarkt
Apart from that, modern spotlights and lighting technology ensure that you experience the hard work of the sewer workers up close. Finally, a massive vault beneath the Naschmarkt serves as the grand finale, where the underground river course is impressively showcased.
These museum tours are only available through the end of October, as operations pause for the winter. So if you want to join, you’ll need to reserve your spot online in advance, because the tours book up extremely quickly. The minimum age is 12, and the full price for a ticket is 18 euros.
If you’d like to warm up after your chilly outing, the famous Café Museum is conveniently located right across the street. There, you can enjoy delicious coffee and a delicious quark strudel to round off your trip. Have you secured your spots yet?
🕳️ 3rd Man Sewer Tour
📍 Girardi Park (sewer grate), 1010 Vienna
💶 Admission: €18
⏰ May through October (Thu–Sun, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.)
