House of the Sea

The Haus des Meeres (House of the Sea) is a unique aquarium complex located in the heart of Vienna. Its main feature is its unusual location: it is housed in a former historical anti-aircraft tower. This landmark attracts visitors from all over the world, offering a chance to dive into the underwater world without leaving the capital of Austria.

Inside the tower, an incredible variety of marine and exotic inhabitants awaits you. The collection features more than 10,000 species, from tiny colorful fish and crustaceans to impressive sharks gliding slowly in enormous tanks. The exhibition spans several floors, where in addition to aquariums, there are terrariums and even a corner of a real tropical forest (Tropenhaus), recreating the humid and warm atmosphere of the jungle.

In addition to getting to know the fauna, a visit to the Haus des Meeres offers other experiences. The upper floors house a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the tower itself—its construction and use. And on the 9th floor, there is a panoramic observation deck offering breathtaking views of the rooftops and spires of Vienna, making a visit here even more memorable.

To check up-to-date information on opening hours, special events, or ticket prices, it is recommended to contact the Haus des Meeres directly. You can do this using the contact details provided below.

At the Haus des Meeres, visitors can expect an exciting journey through underwater and tropical worlds. The crown jewel is "Aquaria"—the largest saltwater aquarium in Austria. Here, in a huge tank mimicking the ocean depths, you can observe graceful sharks, giant rays, and other marine life. The glass tunnel is a particular highlight; walking through it, you find yourself at the very center of underwater life, surrounded by swimming fish.

Beyond the ocean depths, you can explore other ecosystems at the Haus des Meeres. Spacious terrariums are home to crocodiles, venomous snakes, and giant spiders. One of the most unusual exhibits is a system of transparent tubes through which leaf-cutter ants move continuously, carrying their green loads to a massive anthill. You can also see the Hans Hass tank, home to a large sea turtle, and numerous other tanks with piranhas, jellyfish, and colorful corals.

Finish your visit on the panoramic terrace located on the roof of the former tower. It offers one of the best views of Vienna, allowing you to see the city from a bird's-eye view. This is a wonderful opportunity to take unforgettable photos and look at the capital from a new perspective after diving into the amazing world of animals.

Getting to the Haus des Meeres is quite simple, as it is located in the central part of Vienna, in the 6th district, Mariahilf. Thanks to the excellently developed public transport system of the capital of Austria, the journey to this unique aquarium won't take long, no matter where you start your trip.

The most convenient way is to use public transport. You can take the U3 metro line to the Neubaugasse station, which is just a few minutes' walk from the Haus des Meeres. An even easier option is to take one of the buses that stop right at the destination. Buses 13A, 14A, and 57A all stop at the station called Haus des Meeres.

If you prefer comfort or are traveling with small children, you can always take a taxi. A trip from Vienna's historical center will be quick and affordable. Additionally, since the Haus des Meeres is located near the famous Mariahilfer Straße shopping street, you can combine your visit to the aquarium with a pleasant walk and some shopping by reaching it on foot.

The history of the Haus des Meeres is inextricably linked to the history of Vienna itself. The building, which today houses thousands of marine creatures, is a former anti-aircraft tower from the 1940s. After the mid-20th century, the authorities of Austria decided not to demolish this monumental structure, and in 1957, a private association established a museum here. Thus, a somber historical site was transformed into a wonderful world that introduces visitors to the ecosystems of the seas and tropical forests.

One intriguing detail is the inscription in English and German added to the top of the tower in 1991 by American artist Lawrence Weiner: "Smashed to pieces in the still of the night." This art object serves as a reminder of the world's fragility and symbolizes the building's transformation. Furthermore, the museum is closely associated with the prominent Austrian marine researcher and underwater filming pioneer Hans Hass, after whom one of the exhibits is named, highlighting the scientific mission of the site.

Visitors can connect with history not only through the animal exhibits. While climbing the tower's staircases, you can see original architectural elements and tiles preserved since its construction. These details serve as a silent reminder of the building's past. It is this unique combination of historical architecture, modern art, and wildlife that makes the Haus des Meeres a truly special landmark where history and nature harmoniously complement each other.

When planning a visit to the Haus des Meeres, one of Austria's most impressive aquariums, it is worth allowing at least 3-4 hours. This will be enough time to unhurriedly walk through all 11 floors of the former tower, meet thousands of inhabitants, and fully enjoy the atmosphere of this unique place. Given the variety of exhibits, from giant tanks to the tropical pavilion, a shorter visit might leave you feeling like you missed out.

A quick look at the main shark and ray tanks might take about two hours. However, to fully immerse yourself in the world of the jungle in the "Tropical House," observe the reptiles in the terrariums, explore the historical exhibit about the tower's past, and, of course, head up to the panoramic rooftop terrace, you will need extra time. Just enjoying the breathtaking views of Vienna from above and taking beautiful photos can easily take half an hour.

Ultimately, the duration of your visit will depend on your personal interests. Families with children often spend half a day here, lingering by the enclosures with playful monkeys or watching the fish being fed. Marine biology and history enthusiasts will also find plenty of fascinating things to see, which will require more time. In any case, the Haus des Meeres is a place where time flies by, so plan your day with some time to spare.

The Haus des Meeres is open to visitors year-round and operates daily, making it convenient to visit on any day of your trip to Vienna. Standard opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This allows guests to plan their visit for either the morning or afternoon, taking their time to explore all 11 floors of the exhibition.

To avoid queues, especially during the peak tourist season, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. Some services offer tickets with fixed entry times, which helps save time and guarantees your visit at a convenient hour. Although the attraction follows a stable schedule, it is always a good idea to check the official Haus des Meeres website before your visit for information on potential schedule changes or special events.

A visit to the Haus des Meeres is a vivid experience in itself, but its prime location in Vienna opens up excellent opportunities for further exploration of the city. Discovering the surrounding area will not only diversify your day but also allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this multifaceted district, where modern entertainment sits alongside historical and cultural treasures.

Just a few minutes' walk from the aquarium are iconic spots that will complement your stroll. You can easily combine a visit to the Haus des Meeres with a trip to famous museums, a break in cozy cafes, or a walk through lively streets. Below is a list of interesting sites located in the immediate vicinity.