Fodor's Expert Review Augarten
District 2/Leopoldstadt
Family
An elegant oasis of sculpted trees and elaborate formal gardens, Augarten Park dates to the beginning of the 17th century when this area was used as a small hunting area and lodge. In 1705, formal gardens were established by designer Jean Trehet, and the Lustschloss (a kind of pleasure palace or retreat for entertainment) was rebuilt after being destroyed by Ottoman troops. Today, the palace is the headquarters of the Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur (Augarten porcelain factory), one of Europe's oldest porcelain factories. In 1775, the Augarten was opened to the public by Emperor Joseph II and the inscription "Allen Menschen gewidmeter Erlustigungs-Ort von Ihrem Schaetzer" ("A place of amusement dedicated to all people by their Cherisher") can still be read at the main gate to the Augarten from Obere Augartenstrasse. Gravel paths crisscross the park's 128 acres under the shade of leafy chestnuts, lime, ash, and maple trees. There's also a sprawling playground, a lovely...
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An elegant oasis of sculpted trees and elaborate formal gardens, Augarten Park dates to the beginning of the 17th century when this area was used as a small hunting area and lodge. In 1705, formal gardens were established by designer Jean Trehet, and the Lustschloss (a kind of pleasure palace or retreat for entertainment) was rebuilt after being destroyed by Ottoman troops. Today, the palace is the headquarters of the Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur (Augarten porcelain factory), one of Europe's oldest porcelain factories. In 1775, the Augarten was opened to the public by Emperor Joseph II and the inscription "Allen Menschen gewidmeter Erlustigungs-Ort von Ihrem Schaetzer" ("A place of amusement dedicated to all people by their Cherisher") can still be read at the main gate to the Augarten from Obere Augartenstrasse. Gravel paths crisscross the park's 128 acres under the shade of leafy chestnuts, lime, ash, and maple trees. There's also a sprawling playground, a lovely cafe in the park's center, and two Flaktürme (Flak Towers), built by the Nazis to defend Vienna against air-raids during WWII. At the southern tip of Augarten is MuTH (Musik and Theatre), the 400-seat concert hall and home to the Vienna Boys Choir. Next door is a summer outdoor theater.
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