Haus des Meeres is an aquarium and animal house inside a former World War II flak tower at Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz 1 in Vienna’s 6th district. Its 11 floors bring together marine life, reptiles, birds and mammals, with sharks, crocodiles and monkeys among the draws. Look for themed habitats such as coral reef and rainforest displays, then head to the upper levels for views across the city. The vertical layout makes this a varied stop for families and animal enthusiasts, though it involves moving between floors.
An aquarium inside a former flak tower
Haus des Meeres occupies a World War II flak tower, a concrete structure built for air defence. The building’s former purpose gives the aquarium a distinctive setting: its animal displays rise through 11 floors rather than spreading across a single level. The collection includes more than 10,000 sea and land animals, with fish, sharks, rays, reptiles, birds and mammals among them.
The exhibits bring together marine and terrestrial environments. Coral reef and rainforest habitats are among the themed areas, and the aquarium also has a glass tunnel. As you move through the tower, the displays change from floor to floor, so the visit includes more than tanks of fish.
Sharks, rainforest habitats and animals on the move
Large tanks are a central part of the visit, including a shark pool. The glass tunnel gives you a view through the water as animals swim overhead and around you. Other displays cover crocodiles, snakes, turtles and tropical fish, alongside birds and smaller creatures.
Some areas have a more open feel than a conventional aquarium. Monkeys and birds can move freely around visitors in designated spaces. The Madagascar area is another place to look for mammals, including lemurs. There is also a touch tank, though the available information does not specify which animals are in it or when it can be used.
The range of habitats and animal groups makes the attraction a good fit for families with children who enjoy wildlife. Its floors and exhibits can keep an animal-focused visit varied, but expect to spend time moving between levels.
Views from the upper floors
The upper levels include viewing areas where you can look out over Vienna. A rooftop terrace and café are also located at the top of the building, adding a pause after the aquarium displays. You can visit the viewing area for the city outlook without making the restaurant your destination.
For a more direct route through the exhibits, begin at the top and descend. The aquarium is open until 8 PM, which gives you the option of an afternoon visit that runs later than many local attractions. A weekday visit after 5:30 PM may have reduced adult admission; confirm the applicable ticket details before setting out.
Planning your visit
Haus des Meeres is at Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz 1 in Vienna’s 6th district. Buying tickets online is recommended, and a timed booking can help you avoid the box-office queue. Lockers are available for belongings, and coins may be needed to use them.
The site has a café, a gift shop and facilities for visitors with children. The building has lifts, as well as wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, restrooms and parking. If you want to see feeding sessions, check the aquarium’s current schedule before your visit; times are not included in the available details.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at Haus des Meeres?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours to explore the animal displays across the floors and visit the upper viewing areas.
What animals can you see at Haus des Meeres?
The aquarium and animal house has marine and land animals, including sharks, tropical fish, crocodiles, reptiles, birds, monkeys and lemurs.
Is Haus des Meeres suitable for children?
Yes. The exhibits include a wide range of animals, and the site has family-oriented facilities, including a playground and touch tank.
Can you see Vienna from Haus des Meeres?
Yes. Viewing areas on the upper floors and a rooftop terrace provide views across the city.
