Favoritner ZOO retailers B & M Malek Malek OG

Imagine a giant underwater world enclosed within the walls of a powerful historic tower. The Favoriten Aquarium (also known as the "House of the Sea") is the most extensive aqua-terra zoo that Vienna has to offer its guests. The uniqueness of this place lies in its location: the complex occupies 11 floors of a former defense tower, transformed into a true oasis of wildlife in the heart of Austria.

Favoriten Aquarium. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

More than 10,000 animals live on an area of about 5,000 square meters. Here you can find not only exotic fish and majestic sharks but also reptiles, snakes, and even playful monkeys in the tropical garden zone. Huge panoramic aquariums allow you to observe the life of marine inhabitants from all sides, creating a total feeling of immersion in the ocean depths.

In addition to the water tanks, visitors can expect artificial waterfalls, dense jungles with orchids, and amazing spherical aquariums with jellyfish. This place is rightfully considered one of the most interesting sites for family leisure, combining an educational function with a breathtaking spectacle.

To clarify current information regarding visiting rules or booking special tours, you can contact the administration directly. We also recommend checking the official website before your visit.

The main adventure here is watching marine giants. You can see sharks and rays gracefully swimming right above your head in transparent tunnels. Be sure to stop by the area with spherical aquariums, where mesmerizing jellyfish drift in slowly rotating water. For thrill-seekers, there are terrariums featuring poisonous frogs, scorpions, and giant pythons.

The regular feeding shows are particularly popular. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you can watch sharks and piranhas being fed, and on Wednesdays, the bravest visitors are sometimes allowed to touch certain inhabitants. If you are looking for maximum immersion, look into the shark diving opportunity, available on Thursdays under the supervision of experienced instructors.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there is a tropical garden. Here, among vines and waterfalls, exotic birds fly freely and small monkeys jump around. After a long walk through the floors, it is pleasant to head up to the café at the top of the tower to enjoy a cup of coffee with traditional Austrian pastries while taking in the city panorama.

Reaching this amazing place in the Favoriten district is easy. The most convenient way is to use Vienna's public transport. The nearest stops, such as Columbusplatz or Keplerplatz, are served by the metro (line U1), as well as trams No. 6 and No. 18, and bus 14A.

If you are coming from the heart of the city, for example, from Stephansplatz, a ride on the U1 metro line to the Reumannplatz station will take about 20–30 minutes, followed by a short walk of about 10 minutes. A leisurely stroll through the neighborhood will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of the residential quarters of the Austrian capital.

For those who prefer comfort, taxi services or popular apps like Uber are always available. The trip from the city center will take approximately 10–15 minutes. Keep in mind that parking in this area may be limited, so public transport remains the priority option for tourists.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the architectural heritage of the mid-20th century. The complex is based in a massive anti-aircraft defense tower erected during the 1940s. After the end of the conflict, the massive structure with five-meter-thick concrete walls stood empty for a long time until the 1950s, when it was decided to transform it into a unique aqua-terra zoo.

Engineers and architects performed a colossal task to accommodate giant water tanks across the 11 floors of the former fortress. The strength of the construction allowed for the creation of an aquarium with a volume of 300,000 liters, making it the largest in the country. Over time, terrariums and even a real tropical garden were added to the marine exhibits, turning a military site into a symbol of creation and nature conservation.

Today, the "House of the Sea" in the Favoriten district continues to evolve. Plans include the large-scale construction of an innovative landscape aquarium designed by renowned experts, which will feature an impressive underwater theater spanning over 500 square meters. This location clearly demonstrates how austere military architecture can become a home for thousands of living creatures.

To leisurely explore all 11 floors of the exhibition, meet the inhabitants of the tropics, and observe life in the deep sea, an average visitor will need between 2 and 3 hours. This is enough time to walk through all levels and take some memorable photos.

If you plan to attend a shark feeding show or are traveling with children who will likely want to linger longer in the glass tunnels, it is better to budget about 4 hours for the visit. Don't forget to leave some time to relax in the panoramic café on the roof, which offers a wonderful view.

Currently, the exact opening hours for the "Favoriten Aquarium" are not provided in open sources. The schedule may change depending on the season, special events, or technical work in the former tower building.

To ensure your visit goes perfectly, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website of the attraction immediately before your trip. Also, keep in mind that opening hours may be reduced on public holidays.

Exploring the surroundings after your visit to the aquarium can significantly enrich your travel experience. The area offers many options for family leisure and outdoor walks, where you can find both historical parks and modern entertainment zones.

We especially recommend checking out the Prater park and various entertainment centers located within a short transit ride. Below is a list of interesting places nearby: