Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)

Vienna's vast Central Cemetery - bigger than the old town, with 3 million graves and a jaw-dropping Art Nouveau church. It holds the graves of honor of Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Strauss and a Mozart memorial. Free, open daily (roughly 7:00/8:00-18:00, later in summer). Take tram 71.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What is the Karl-Borromäus church at the cemetery?

It's the cemetery's centerpiece, a stunning Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) domed church completed in 1911, also called the Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Gedächtniskirche. Its golden mosaics and stained glass make it one of Vienna's finest Secession-era buildings - and it's right behind the composers' graves.

Is the Zentralfriedhof free to visit?

Yes, entry is completely free and it's an active, welcoming public cemetery - locals stroll, jog and picnic here. Only guided tours or the small funeral museum charge. Be respectful, as burials and grave visits happen daily.

How big is the Central Cemetery and how long do I need?

It covers 2.5 square kilometers - larger than Vienna's entire old town - with around 3 million interments. To see the graves of honor, the Art Nouveau church, and one atmospheric older section, budget 2-3 hours. Seeing it all would take days.

When is the best time to visit the Zentralfriedhof?

Autumn afternoons, when the vast avenues turn golden and misty, are magical. Avoid November 1 (All Saints' Day), when locals flock to tend graves and it gets crowded. Check the seasonal closing time before you go - it shuts earlier in winter.

How do I get to the Zentralfriedhof?

Tram 71 is the iconic route - it runs from the Ring (Schwarzenbergplatz, Schwedenplatz) out to the cemetery, stopping at Gates 1, 2 and 3. The S7 suburban train also stops at Zentralfriedhof station. Get off at Tor 2 for the composers and the main church.

Can I find graves or get a map at the cemetery?

Yes - information boards and a grave-locator are available at the main gates, and staff at the administration office can help. There's also a small Bestattungsmuseum (funeral museum) near Gate 2 for those curious about Vienna's elaborate death rituals.

Is it creepy or morbid to visit a cemetery as a tourist?

Not here - Vienna has a famously affectionate relationship with death (the concept of the 'schöne Leich', or beautiful corpse). The Zentralfriedhof is a peaceful, park-like place full of art, wildlife and locals out for a walk. It reads more like a sculpture garden than a graveyard.

Which famous people are buried at the Central Cemetery?

The graves of honor include Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, the Strauss family, Gluck, and Austrian pop icon Falco, with a Mozart cenotaph (his actual grave is lost). Actors, scientists and politicians fill the honorary section too. It's essentially a who's-who of Austrian culture.

Nearby in Ask Vienna

• Meixner's GastwirtschaftRestaurant5.11 km · 64 min walk
• Belvedere PalaceMuseum6.16 km · 77 min walk
• Strandbad LobauBeach6.91 km · 86 min walk
• HundertwasserhausAttraction6.94 km · 87 min walk
• Karlskirche (St. Charles Church)Attraction7.2 km · 90 min walk