Central Cemetery in Vienna: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

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I lived in Vienna for ten months before I finally made it to the Central Cemetery and honestly, I had no idea a cemetery could be that beautiful.

What surprised me most was the atmosphere: peaceful, green, and full of life. Wildlife photographers trying to catch a perfect shot, locals enjoying a quiet afternoon stroll or jog, cyclists going past me. It feels more like a park than a burial ground.

But the cemetery is huge, really huge (it is the second-largest cemetery in Europe), and I felt overwhelmed on my first visit. That’s why I put together this guide, to help you make the most of your visit.

Whether you’re drawn to the famous graves (like Beethoven or Falco), curious about the unique sections like the Buddhist or pet cemeteries, or just looking for a quiet walk far from Vienna’s tourist crowds, this guide will help you plan your visit.

What Makes the Central Cemetery in Vienna Special

Here’s what makes the Wiener Zentralfriedhof truly stand out, and why it’s more than just the final resting place for over 3 million people:

It’s one of the largest cemeteries in Europe, covering 2.4 km² (590 acres)
You’ll find graves and memorials of many famous Austrians
The cemetery includes unique sections, like a forest cemetery, a Buddhist cemetery, and even a pet cemetery
Wildlife is everywhere, deer, squirrels, and all kinds of birds (you’ll often see wildlife photographers with long lenses)
Locals use it almost like a park, for example there are designated jogging routes, advertised as Silent Run
You can rent bikes at the gate to explore more of the grounds at your own pace

It’s a peaceful mix of history, nature, and everyday Viennese life, and it’s unlike any cemetery I’ve ever visited.

Row of historic gravestones with wrought-iron fences along a shaded gravel pathway lined with trees.

Split collage promoting dark history attractions in Vienna. One side shows an anatomical wax model with exposed internal organs in a museum display, while the other features an ornate sculpture of a crowned skull surrounded by intricate carvings. The text reads "DARK VIENNA".

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How to Get Around the Cemetery

The Central Cemetery is massive, and it’s easy to underestimate just how much ground there is to cover. Luckily, there are a few different ways to get around, depending on how much time and energy you have.

Walk

You can definitely explore on foot, but be prepared: you’ll likely cover several kilometres. The main paths are wide and well-maintained. That said, it’s easy to get turned around, so it’s worth having a map handy (or downloading the app).

Rent a Bike

At the main entrance (Tor 2), you can rent e-bikes to explore more comfortably. It’s a great option if you want to see a lot without spending hours walking. Just keep in mind that cycling is only allowed on marked paths.

Take the Cemetery Bus

Yes, there’s a dedicated bus line that runs through the cemetery. It’s Line 11, and it stops at the most important sections. You can buy tickets directly from the driver or use your regular Vienna transit pass.

Jogging (Silent Run)

Jogging in a cemetery might sound odd, but it’s actually encouraged here. The Silent Run initiative promotes jogging through marked routes in a respectful and mindful way. It’s especially popular with locals who live nearby.

Map of Vienna Central Cemetery showing its various sections, religious burial areas, and pathways, labeled “Der Wiener Zentralfriedhof.” — Vienna Central Cemetery Map near the entrance

What to See at the Central Cemetery

The Central Cemetery is so big that it’s divided into numbered sections. You’ll see signs with section numbers throughout the grounds, which makes it easy to orient yourself, if you know what you’re looking for.

At the entrance, there’s a big map showing all the sections. I recommend taking a photo of it before you head in. Alternatively, you can download the cemetery’s official app, which includes GPS-based orientation (note: the app isn’t free).

White obelisk gravestone of composer Ludwig van Beethoven adorned with a golden lyre emblem, surrounded by flowers and trees. — Ludwig van Beethoven

Colorful and heavily decorated grave of Austrian musician Falco, featuring flowers, heart-shaped tributes, photos, and a red obelisk inscribed with his name. — Ludwig van Beethoven

Famous Graves in the Central Cemetery

Many of Austria’s most iconic cultural figures are buried, or honoured, here. Most of them are located in Group 32A:

Johann Strauss II: Composer of the Blue Danube (which is played every New Year’s Eve at midnight in Austria) and known as the “Waltz King”. (Group 32A)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Musical genius of the classical era. His memorial here is a cenotaph, as his true burial site is at the St Marx cemetery. (Group 32A)
Johannes Brahms: One of the most influential German composers of the 19. century. (Group 32A)
Franz Schubert: Austrian composer, left behind a very big oeuvre, even though he died young with just 31 year. (Group 32A)
Ludwig van Beethoven: Legendary German composer known for his symphonies, who lived most of his life in Vienna. (Group 32A)
Falco: Iconic Austrian pop star best known for Rock Me Amadeus. (Group Ehrenhain, next to 40)
Udo Jürgens: Beloved singer-songwriter with a piano-shaped tomb that’s become a bit of a modern landmark. (Group 33G)
Arnold Schönberg: Pioneering composer who revolutionized modern music with his development of the twelve-tone technique. (Group 32C)

Unique Cemetery Sections

The Central Cemetery has countless areas, but these are some of the most remarkable ones:

Sunlit section of the old Jewish cemetery at Vienna Central Cemetery, with leaning gravestones scattered in long grass beneath leafy trees.

Old Jewish Cemetery (Groups 5B, 6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 49, 50, 51, 52, 52A, 53B)

Dating back to the 19th century, this Jewish section is atmospheric and historic, with ivy-covered stones and a sense of quiet decay.

Many graves are no longer maintained, giving it a haunting beauty.

Row of colorful Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the foreground with a domed Buddhist memorial in the background at Vienna Central Cemetery.

Buddhist Cemetery (Group 48A)

Opened in 2005, this was the first Buddhist cemetery in Europe.

It’s a small but very peaceful spot, reflecting Buddhist traditions of remembrance in form of the Noble Eightfold Path.

Bronze sculpture depicting four life-sized figures in a circle, titled with an inscription on the base, set among trees and graves in Vienna Central Cemetery.

Mormon Cemetery (Group 57C)

A reminder of Vienna’s small Mormon community.

The gravestones themselves are not that special but the Mormon sculpture in the middle is very interesting.

And if like me you’ve never seen a Mormon cemetery before, it’s worth a quick stop.

Peaceful woodland path at Vienna Central Cemetery lined with trees and dense groundcover under dappled sunlight.

Forest Cemetery (Group 35A, 41A, 41B)

This natural burial site is a very unique place. When I walked through, it felt like a small forest, not a cemetery at all, only the small plaques on trees hint that there’s more to it.

Biodegradable urns are buried next to trees. To preserve the natural look, candles and flowers are only allowed at a dedicated spot.

Nature Graves (Group 23)

This is another very modern and environmentally conscious area in the cemetery. It’s right next to the park, it it still feels like a park. This natural area the only cemetery area of its kind in Europe.

Here, burials are allowed in biodegradable coffins and urns.

Ornate weathered sign reading “MUSIKER” with an arrow points toward the musicians’ section of Vienna Central Cemetery, with a decorative stone monument and tree-lined paths in the background.

Honour Graves (Group 32A, 32C, 33G, 14A, 14C, Ehrenhain)

Known as Ehrengräber, these sections are reserved for Austria’s most celebrated figures in music, culture, politics, and science.

Modern memorial wall with engraved plaques, flowers, candles, and offerings in a dedicated remembrance area of Vienna Central Cemetery.

Anatomiegräber (Group 26)

This section is dedicated to those who donated their bodies to science. It’s simple but deeply meaningful place, where their loved ones can still remember them.

Monumental war memorial with carved statues and engraved text, fronted by a stone slab and candle lantern beneath leafy branches.

Ringtheater Fire Victims (Group 30A)

A mass grave for the 384 victims of the Ringtheater fire in 1881, one of Vienna’s worst disasters. A stark and moving memorial.

Exterior view of the Karl Borromäus Church with its green copper dome, white façade, and flower-filled circular garden in front, under a bright sunny sky.

Präsidentengruft (No number, right in front of the church)

This is the crypt for Austria’s federal presidents, where several heads of state are buried.

Babygruppe (Group 35B)

A deeply emotional section dedicated to stillborn babies. Many graves are lovingly decorated with toys, flowers, and small memorials. It can be very moving, and might be worth skipping if this is a sensitive topic for you.

Pet Cemetery

Just opposite Gate 2, down a small side road, you’ll find the Pet Cemetery (Tierfriedhof). It’s easy to miss since it’s technically outside the main cemetery grounds, but it’s absolutely worth a stop.

This was the first pet cemetery I had ever visited, and it felt surprisingly moving and unique. You’ll see gravestones for mostly cats and dogs, all lovingly decorated. Some are very simple, others have photos, figurines, or heartfelt messages.

Park der Ruhe und Kraft

Large leafy tree surrounded by upright stone markers arranged in a circle, set in an open grassy area under a bright blue sky.

Stone fountain with cascading water flowing through carved basins, surrounded by benches beneath shady green trees in the cemetery grounds.

Translated as the Park of Rest and Strength, this section feels more like a serene park than a cemetery. When I visited, I saw a couple relaxing on a bench and a wildlife photographer quietly focused on a little mouse.

The park features elements like a stone circle, a fountain ornament, and other designs elements meant to promote energy, calm, and strength. It’s a peaceful place to pause and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Cemetery Church of St. Charles Borromeo

Ornate interior of the Karl Borromäus Church at Vienna Central Cemetery, featuring a deep blue dome with golden rays, painted icons, and a detailed altar with religious artwork.

A beautiful art nouveau church in the centre of the grounds. You can step inside for free, it’s worth it just for the architecture alone.

There’s also a crypt you can visit but I found it a bit underwhelming, there’s not that much to see. The main church is way more interesting.

Funeral Museum Vienna

Exterior of the Funeral Museum at Vienna Central Cemetery with a white façade, green roof, central clock, and a tall sign labeled “MUSEUM.”

Display of historic funeral uniforms, plumed hats, ornate lanterns, and horse-drawn carriage harnesses in a dimly lit exhibition at the Funeral Museum in Vienna.

I visited out of curiosity, but to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re really interested in funeral customs. It’s small, and parts of it felt more like an ad for companies that turn ashes into jewellery.

Kurkonditorei Oberlaa

Yes, there’s a café inside the cemetery. It’s a branch of the beloved Vienna chain known for cakes and pastries. They even have some vegan options.

Souvenir Shops & Dark Humour

Display shelf at the Funeral Museum Vienna featuring novelty merchandise from Bestattung Wien, including tote bags with humorous slogans such as “Ich turne bis zur Urne” (I work out until the urn) and “Ich lese, bis ich verwese” (I read until I decay), alongside branded lighters and cigarette boxes.

Before you leave, check out the souvenir shop near Gate 2 or the one inside the Funeral Museum. Austrians love a bit of dark humour, and it really shows in the items on display.

You’ll find everything from “death buns” with sayings like Ich lese, bis ich verwese (I read until I decompose), which doesn’t quite work in English, to custom funeral-themed LEGO sets. It’s weird, it’s morbid, and it’s very, very Viennese.

Tips for Visiting the Cemetery

Respect the atmosphere: The Zentralfriedhof is still an active cemetery, where families visit their deceased loved ones. Please keep your voice down, move respectfully, and avoid treating it like just another tourist attraction.
Take a map photo at the entrance: The overview board near the gates shows all the numbered sections. Snap a picture before you head in.
Download the app (optional): The official app has GPS orientation, which can be helpful if you want to find specific graves. Just keep in mind it isn’t free.
Wear comfortable shoes: Even if you only plan a short visit, you’ll end up walking a lot more than expected.
Plan your route: Decide what you want to see (famous graves, unique sections, or just a peaceful walk). Otherwise, it’s easy to lose track of time.
Bring water: Especially if you’re visiting in summer. The only options to buy a drink are at Kurkonditorei Oberlaa café and a vending machine near Gate 2.
Timing: Early morning or late afternoon are the most peaceful times. Autumn is particularly beautiful with the colourful leaves. On 1 and 2 November (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day), many Austrians visit the cemetery to remember their loved ones, leaving thousands of candles on graves.
Insect repellent: When I visited in early September in the evening, I was covered in mosquito bites afterwards.

⚠️ Sensitive Content: Some sections, like the Babygruppe, can be very emotional. If this might be difficult for you, you may want to skip them.

Outdoor display board featuring a photograph of a deer, placed in front of an arched colonnade building at Vienna Central Cemetery.

Guided Tour Options

If you’d like a bit more structure to your visit, here are some ways to explore:

Guided Tour with a Local Guide

Several companies offer walking tours of the cemetery, often focusing on the famous graves, the architecture, and Vienna’s unique funeral traditions.

Going with a guide can save you a lot of time wandering and adds fascinating stories you might otherwise miss.

☠️ Book your guided cemetery visit here

Self-Guided Tour with an Audioguide

You can rent an audioguide at the entrance or download the official Hearonymus Cemetery app, which offers GPS-based orientation and information about key sites. The app is convenient, but keep in mind it isn’t free.

Stone grave marker in the shape of a rugged cross entwined with ivy and an anchor, set among tall trees and gravestones.

Sunlit view of a cemetery section with gravestones, tall trees, and long shadows cast in the late afternoon light.

Why You Should Visit a Cemetery in Vienna

Exploring Vienna’s cemeteries may sound unusual, but they reveal a lot about the city’s character, its history, traditions, and even its (dark) humour.

The Central Cemetery is the most famous, but it’s only the beginning if you’re curious to see Vienna from a quieter, more reflective angle. Two other cemeteries that stand out are:

Cemetery of the Nameless: A hauntingly small cemetery on the banks of the Danube, dedicated to unidentified bodies washed ashore in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s remote and somber, but also deeply moving.
St. Marx Cemetery: Best known as the original resting place of Mozart, this cemetery is no longer in use but has a romantic, overgrown charm.

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