Augarten

Overview

The Augarten is Vienna's oldest Baroque garden (1650), a serene park with formal allées, open lawns, and two massive WWII flak towers that stand as stark reminders of the city's wartime past. It's also home to the Augarten Porcelain Manufactory.

Highlights

• Flak towers: Two indestructible concrete towers from 1944—too massive to demolish, they loom over the Baroque landscape.
• Vienna Boys' Choir: The MuTh concert hall in the park is the choir's home venue.
• Porcelain factory: Guided tours of the second-oldest porcelain manufactory in Europe (est. 1718).

History

Laid out in 1650 by Ferdinand III, the Augarten was opened to the public by Joseph II in 1775. Mozart performed some of his earliest concerts here.

Visitor Tips

• Morning jog: The flat, tree-lined paths are popular with runners.
• Vienna Boys' Choir concerts: Book at muth.at for Friday afternoon performances.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.