Volksgarten is a public park in Vienna’s first district, beside the Hofburg and along the Ringstrasse. Its formal paths lead past rose beds, fountains and monuments, with the white Theseus Temple at the center. In late spring and summer, more than 3,000 rose bushes, representing about 400 varieties, bring color and fragrance to the garden. Stop for a walk among the flower beds, look for the Empress Elisabeth monument, or take a seat on a bench between visits to nearby sights.
A public garden beside the Hofburg
Volksgarten lies beside the Hofburg in Vienna’s first district, between Heldenplatz and the Burgtheater. The garden was laid out between 1819 and 1823 on the site of fortifications destroyed in 1809. It opened to the public in 1823 and became Vienna’s first public park.
Its design combines different garden styles. The Hofburg side has a looser English-style layout, while the Ringstrasse side follows a more formal French style. Paths, lawns and flower beds make the park easy to explore on foot, with benches for a pause along the way.
Roses, fountains and monuments
The Rosengarten is the park’s best-known feature. More than 3,000 rose bushes in around 400 varieties grow here, with the main display in bloom in late spring and summer. Labels identify varieties among the beds. June is a useful month to plan around if you want to see the roses at their fullest.
The neoclassical Theseus Temple stands among the garden’s lawns. It is a smaller-scale replica of the ancient Theseion in Athens, completed in 1821. Other features include the Triton and Nymph Fountain, the Volksgarten Fountain and monuments to Empress Elisabeth and writer Franz Grillparzer. The Empress Elisabeth memorial sits in a quieter corner of the park.
Planning a walk through the park
Volksgarten works well as a short stop between the Hofburg, Heldenplatz and the Burgtheater. Follow the paths through the rose garden, then pause by the temple or fountains before continuing to the surrounding sights. Benches provide places to rest, and the garden is also suited to a relaxed walk or picnic.
The park is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Some parts have limited shade, so look for tree-lined areas on hot days. A nightclub also operates within the grounds, but it is a separate venue with its own evening events.
Häufige Fragen
Is Volksgarten free to enter?
Yes. The park is free to enter.
When do the roses bloom at Volksgarten?
The roses bloom in late spring and summer. June is noted as a good time to see them.
What can you see in Volksgarten?
The park has rose beds, the Theseus Temple, fountains, and monuments including the Empress Elisabeth memorial.
How long should you spend at Volksgarten?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes for a walk through the garden and a stop at its main features.
