Blumengärten Hirschstetten (Botanical Garden)

Blumengärten Hirschstetten, also known as the Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens, is a beautiful botanical garden located in Vienna’s 22nd district. It is one of the city’s popular attractions, offering a peaceful oasis for visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. It has been home to many of the plants around the city’s landscape.

*The photos are mostly from last year’s visit (June) but just before the wedding we celebrated at the Hermesvilla, we were able to visit the garden and did some shots with the couple. Then, there were different flowers blooming for us, and we didn’t complain.

Gardens and Greenhouses

Blumengärten Hirschstetten features a wide variety of gardens, each with its unique theme and charm, representing a collection of flowers, and sometimes a country. You’ll find beautifully landscaped flower beds, ornamental gardens, and themed gardens showcasing different plant species from around the world. The garden’s greenhouses caters to exotic plants and offer a glimpse into various tropical and subtropical environments.

Rose Garden

One of the highlights of the botanical garden is the stunning Rose Garden. Here, visitors can wander through a vast collection of rose bushes, with countless varieties and colors on display.

As an eye-catcher, the English rose, surrounded by perennials and herbaceous plants, stands against the green hedge background.

Popular rose companion plants in the Rose Garden are, for example, the upright-growing, blue-violet flowering ornamental sage, the fragrant lavender and catmint, the woolly zest with its silky, silvery foliage or purple-pink flowering knapweeds.

The scent of the roses permeates the air, creating a delightful and enchanting atmosphere.

Wedding Garden

By the rose garden, there’s a pavilion that is set out for weddings. The layout resembles American wedding venues in some details and is classically elegant at the same time. The entrances are framed with rose arches. A white picket fence separates this part from the flower gardens. The planting is in the colors pink, blue and white and creates an attractive setting for the festive occasion.

Garden of Provence (Lavender Field)

A generous area on a centrally located plateau, with the use of natural stones give the Garden of Provence a feel of southern France’s flair. Besides lavender, many plants typical of Provence were also grown: Mediterranean herbs, vines, lemons and pomegranates, mulberry trees, almonds, rock roses and fragrant broom.

The columnar juniper and the cypresses were planted as landscape-defining and structure-giving elements. If you forgot to book your vacation in Provence, this is a good alternative…

Mexican Garden

The entrance to the Mexican garden is formed by a large archway. From there, a stony path leads to the characteristic hacienda, a Latin American country house. The terrace adjacent to the building is covered by a rustic pergola made of logs and a sun sail. From here you can sit on wooden benches and enjoy the garden view. The garden has a few species of yuccas, agaves and cacti – all thrives even on barren expanses of lava gravel and rocks. You will also see ground squirrels running around, or disappearing in holes all-over the grounds.

Indian Garden

The plant selection and the geometric, rather strict design with water areas are adapted to Indian specifications in this garden.

You can immerse yourself in an oriental world in the Indian Garden. Through a gate with a half-ruined wall made of tuff stone you enter a protected oasis. Winter-hardy bananas, a lotus pool and a wood-carved pavilion from India offer a romantic spot to enjoy the peace and idyll.

Chinese TCM Garden

The TCM (traditional chinese medicine) garden is located opposite the Mexican garden. Harmonious garden design, impressive statues and healing herbs will take you to the Middle Kingdom. Typical zen plants such as bamboo and lotus or design elements such as stones and water are widely seen in this garden.There is a bamboo pavilion to sit at when it gets hot throughout the day.

Summer flower show

In an area of about 1,200 square meters, seasonal plantings are presented 2 times a year at the Summer Flower Show.

The size and expanse of the area, as well as the play with different plant heights, give visitors a completely different view of the plant varieties that are usually used in small areas. In the middle of the floral splendor is a green metal pavilion.

Water Features

Throughout the gardens, you’ll encounter serene water features, such as ponds and small streams, adding to the tranquil ambiance of the place. These water elements not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also provide a habitat for various aquatic plants and wildlife.

Turtle Garden

In an area of 983 square meters, you can observe Moorish and Greek tortoises, wide-shelled tortoises, four-toed tortoises and European pond turtles. The endangered European pond turtle is the only species of turtle native to Austria. It is only found in the Danube Floodplain National Park, just outside Vienna. The area is covered in bamboo trees, creating a sort of a maze, and a hiding area for when the sun comes up too high.

Children’s Playground

There is also a special highlight for children: Blumengärten Hirschstetten is family-friendly and has dedicated playgrounds for children. Kids can enjoy swings, slides, and other play equipment, making it an ideal destination for a family outing. There’s the insect (Insektenspielplatz) and flower playground (Blumenspielplatzes). The insect playground, which covers around 2,200 square meters, combines experience and environmental education: children learn about insects in a playful way. The flower playground, approximately 2,000 square meter, is located in the center of the grounds. It features the following:

Bouncing cushion: Up to 9 children can bounce at the same time on an area of about 44 square meters.
Nest swing: The nest swing offers space for up to 6 children. Individuals can also relax in the swing and enjoy the atmosphere.
2 toddler swings in flower design
Plant memory: Through this game, the children will get to know iris, lily, dandelion, lily of the valley, daisy, poppy, narcissus, carnation, rose, sunflower, tulip and violet. It is the same as the memory game, only installed in a metal frame where that they can flip each supposed “card”.
Parkour installation “Blüten im Gras (Blossoms in the grass)”: On the course, which leads over tulip blossoms, various lattice tunnels and climbing nets to slalom crossings, the children can train their motor skills.

Seasonal Displays

The gardens change with the seasons, so whenever you visit, there’s always something new to see. From the vibrant blooms of spring and summer to the golden hues of autumn, each season brings its unique charm to the botanical garden.

Events and Exhibitions

The botanical garden hosts various events, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year. These events often focus on horticulture, gardening, and environmental education, offering visitors a chance to learn and engage with nature.

Picnic Areas

Blumengärten Hirschstetten provides picnic areas where visitors can bring their own food and enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by nature.

Overall, Blumengärten Hirschstetten is a delightful destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape within Vienna. Whether you have a green thumb or simply want to enjoy the beauty of flowers and plants, this botanical garden is sure to leave you with a sense of tranquility and appreciation for the natural world.