On Horseback to the Almighty – by Fiaker to the Central Cemetery

Vienna’s Central Cemetery is unique: a cemetery, a park, an art landscape and a reflection of Viennese history all in one. We’ll experience these expansive grounds in comfort and atmosphere on a Fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) ride.

Starting at the historic main gate, we’ll learn why Vienna established one of Europe’s largest cemeteries in the 19th century and why the dimensions of the complex were exceptional from the very beginning. Our ride takes us along the spacious paths to the heart of the cemetery, where architect Max Hegele created one of Vienna’s most impressive Art Nouveau buildings: the Church of St. Charles Borromeo.

Afterwards, we’ll visit the honorary graves of famous Viennese figures. Here, we’ll encounter, among others, the great names of music: Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms and Johann Strauss, as well as personalities of the 20th and 21st centuries such as Arnold Schoenberg and Falco.

We won’t just tell the stories of the dead, but also of their lives before: of music and society, of imperial Vienna and the Republic, of artists, politicians and the people who shaped this city.

Another stop is the Jewish section of the Central Cemetery. We’ll discuss important Jewish families and individuals, the Jewish bourgeoisie and Vienna’s cultural flourishing, but also the destruction of Jewish life during the Nazi era.

Our route will lead us through other historical and denominational areas of the cemetery. Catholic, Jewish, Orthodox and other burial grounds reflect the religious and cultural diversity of Viennese society. Depending on time and accessibility, we’ll visit selected graves and monuments in more detail. We’ll discover surprisingly artistic tombs, sculptures and family vaults and experience Viennese burial culture, where everyone truly meets – the imperial era, the modern age, the famous and the unknown, religions and generations.