Swap the crowded paths in the city park for plenty of space to breathe deeply. The Hirschstetten Flower Gardens will reopen after the winter break on March 17. The 60,000-square-meter facility in the 22nd district will lift us out of our winter blues just in time for Easter – and admission is completely free.
Vienna’s most dramatic glow-up
Have you ever wondered where the thousands upon thousands of tulips in the city parks come from? The answer lies right here. The city has been growing its own plants since 1860. What once began as a functional “reserve garden” and was rebuilt in Hirschstetten in 1954 at a cost of 54 million schillings is now a massive visitor attraction.
It was not until 2002 that the site was officially renamed “Blumengärten Hirschstetten” (Hirschstetten Flower Gardens). The gardeners have planted around one million flower bulbs and 300,000 spring flowers in the ground for this spring alone. If you stroll along the paths now in March , you will be greeted by crocuses, daffodils, and early violas.
Between ground squirrels and the Easter market
Things really start to get busy at the end of March. The Easter market is back – fortunately with a focus on regional crafts and delicacies instead of cheap plastic toys.
If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, just head towards the animal enclosures. What many people don’t know is that the flower gardens have been officially approved as a Category A zoo since 2006. In addition to the goats on the farm, the wild ground squirrels are just now waking up from hibernation in the meadows.
“Crowned root system” & plant swaps
For anyone who regularly melts away in their old building in summer or simply wants more greenery in their home, this year’s program is extremely relevant. The new theme for 2026 is “Crowned Root System. “ In the large pagoda tent, aninformational exhibition shows what old trees actually do for the urban microclimate.
MA 42 has planted its own city tree avenue especially for this purpose. Here you can see live which extremely stress-resistant tree species will cool our heat-stricken streets in the future. There’s also plenty going on away from the flower beds: this year, you can look forward to plant exchange fairs (perfect for getting your hands on some monstera cuttings), macro photography walks, herb tours, and urban gardening workshops for your balcony.
The best tactic for your first spring weekend
The Easter market magically attracts families on sunny days. If you want to take your time looking at the tree plaques or simply enjoy your coffee undisturbed at Stanitzel: Vienna’s smallest café, where you can only order through the window, save yourself the Sunday afternoon rush. It’s better to go there first thing in the morning. The 26 tram will take you almost to the entrance. Secure one of the benches in the Indian Garden before the big rush begins.
