Haus des Meeres
Wien
Haus des Meeres, located in Vienna's Mariahilf district, is a remarkable public aquarium and terrarium housed within a former World War II concrete flak tower. This imposing structure, originally built between 1943 and 1944 as an air defense tower, now spans over 8,000 square meters and accommodates more than 10,000 animals. Visitors can explore diverse aquatic habitats including Mediterranean and tropical sea and freshwater species such as piranhas, sea turtles, and coral, alongside reptiles, tropical birds, bats, and monkeys in the tropical house. The tower features eleven floors with exhibits ranging from large seawater tanks to terrariums and a rooftop observation deck offering panoramic views of Vienna. The aquarium also hosts a small museum dedicated to the building's wartime history on its upper floors. Managed by the non-profit Aqua Terra Zoo, Haus des Meeres attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and provides a unique blend of natural science, history, and urban wildlife experience in a striking architectural setting.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during holidays and weekends. The rooftop terrace restaurant offers a scenic break with views over Vienna. The facility is accessible by public transport, and visitors can enjoy scheduled animal feedings and educational programs. Discounts are available for groups, families, and students. Check the official website for up-to-date opening hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •Haus des Meeres is housed in a former WWII flak tower, a rare example of adaptive reuse of military architecture.
- •The tower is 47 meters tall and was originally crowned with a Würzburg radar dome.
- •It contains over 10,000 aquatic and terrestrial animals from tropical and Mediterranean habitats.
- •The facility includes a tropical house where visitors can see free-flying birds and monkeys without barriers.
- •A memorial artwork titled 'Smashed to Pieces .. In the Still of the Night' by Lawrence Weiner is installed on the tower as a war remembrance.
- •The aquarium attracts over 600,000 visitors annually, making it one of Vienna's most popular attractions.
History
The tower housing Haus des Meeres was constructed rapidly between October 1943 and July 1944 as a concrete flak tower for air defense in Vienna during World War II.
After the war, the bunker served various purposes including a youth hostel and fire station.
In 1957, volunteers began converting parts of the tower into an aquarium, which gradually expanded over subsequent decades.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the facility had grown to include multiple floors of aquatic and terrarium exhibits, a tropical house, and a rooftop terrace.
The building also features a memorial artwork installed in 1991 as a statement against war and fascism.
Today, Haus des Meeres stands as a unique cultural and scientific institution blending history with wildlife conservation and education.
Place Guide
Seawater Aquariums
Large tanks featuring Mediterranean and tropical marine species including piranhas, sea turtles, and corals, showcasing diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Terrarium and Tropical House2000
Exhibits reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and crocodiles, alongside tropical birds, bats, and monkeys living in a greenhouse-like environment with free movement.
Rooftop Observation Deck
Open-air terrace offering panoramic views of Vienna, along with a rooftop restaurant providing culinary experiences with a scenic backdrop.
World War II Flak Tower Museum1943-1944 (original tower)
A small museum on the tenth floor recreating a flak tower control vault, presenting exhibits related to the tower's wartime history, open on weekends with advance registration.
Contact
Phone: 01 5871417
