Schweizer Garten Vienna: Park by Belvedere 21 & Tips

The Schweizer Garten (Swiss Garden) is a charming park in Vienna's 3rd district (Landstraße), just south of the main train station (Hauptbahnhof). Originally conceived in 1904 as part of the imperial gardens, the park received its current name in 1945 as an expression of appreciation for neutral Switzerland, Austria's neighbor. Over the decades the Schweizer Garten has been redesigned and modernized several times, while always keeping its basic structure of wide lawns, groups of trees and water features.

A central highlight of the garden is the "21er Haus" pavilion, known today as Belvedere 21, a museum of contemporary art that impresses not only with its architecture but also with its interesting changing exhibitions. The Schweizer Garten is especially popular with families. Besides shady paths and ponds, playgrounds and wide open spaces invite you to linger. Numerous artworks are also part of the park, including sculptures by Fritz Wotruba and other Austrian artists.

A popular insider tip: early in the morning or at dusk, you can have the park almost to yourself, a rare oasis of calm in the middle of the city. Thanks to its location right next to the main train station, the Schweizer Garten fits easily into a day of museum visits, city walks or a stopover. The park is also great for a picnic, with plenty of seating and wide lawns.

Highlights

- Modern art at Belvedere 21
- Ponds, meadows and shady avenues
- Sculptures by Austrian artists

kid-friendly
Dogs allowed (on a leash)
wheelchair accessible
close to public transport
Good for picnics

Address: Landgutgasse 1, 1100 Vienna
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Besides Belvedere 21 (formerly the 21er Haus), the ponds, sculpture trails and generous lawns are some of the finest highlights, ideal for art lovers and anyone looking to relax.

No, the Schweizer Garten is open to the public and free of charge. Only the Belvedere 21 museum charges admission for its exhibitions.

It is right by Vienna's main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and easy to reach by bus, tram, U-Bahn (U1) and S-Bahn (suburban rail). You can enter directly from Arsenalstraße or Canettistraße.

Yes, a morning walk followed by coffee at the nearby Arsenal or at the Belvedere 21 café is very popular with insiders: quiet, green and artistically inspiring.

For a relaxed walk and a short museum visit, about 1.5 hours is enough. With a picnic, activities for kids or an interest in art, you can easily spend 2–3 hours in the park.

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