The botanical gardens of the Kittenberger family (Kittenberger Erlebnisgärten) are located among vineyards and fields at the foot of the mountains near the town of Schiltern. This area is northwest of Vienna and a short distance from the Wachau Valley. This attraction was established by the gardener Reinhard Kittenberger and his family 35 years ago and quickly became one of the most beloved in the region. If you are a nature lover, enjoy colorful plants, peace, and quiet, you probably won’t want to miss a visit to these gardens.
The 40 gardens in the park are divided into three main types: the Formal Gardens, the Pleasure Gardens, and the Gardens of Life.
The Formal Gardens
These gardens are the oldest in the botanical garden. In this section, you can see the Asian gardens, characterized by simplicity, delicate shapes, and of course, a giant Buddha statue. Other gardens in this section are the Tuscan gardens with fruit trees and ancient olive trees. More gardens in this area are the “Water of Life Garden” with a small swimming pool where you can dip your feet, the Rose Garden with about 1,000 roses of a hundred different types, and the Wine Garden.
The Pleasure Gardens
In this area, there are experiential gardens, including the Adventure Garden with playground equipment for children, the Pixie Garden with cute water activities for young children, and the Petting Zoo with alpacas, goats, rabbits, and more. In addition, there is a nice observation deck from which you can look down on the colorful gardens from above and overlook the nearby town of Schiltern and its surrounding vineyards. Other gardens in this section are the Passion Garden with thousands of colorful flowers and the Happiness Gardens, which include a hedge maze and a small fitness equipment area to get the blood pumping.
The Gardens of Life
In this section, you will find the Family Garden with vegetables, herbs, a playground, and a small swimming pool. There is also the Summer Garden, the Relaxation Garden, and the Dwarf Garden.
During the Christmas and New Year period, from the beginning of November until January 6th, the gardens are illuminated with 400,000 lights. It is truly a spectacular sight and an unforgettable experience.
Watch the colorful gardens
Essential Information for Your Visit
Opening Hours:
From March to October:
- Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Sunday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance Fee:
- Adult: €14
- Child (4-14): €7.50
- Child under 3: Free entry
Address: Laabergstraße 15, Schiltern
How to Get There?
The drive by car from Vienna takes about an hour and a quarter. It is quite difficult to get there by public transport, and you have to change trains three times. The journey by public transport takes about two hours.
Map:
If you are traveling by car, you can combine a visit to the botanical gardens with a trip to the beautiful Wachau Valley or the impressive Grafenegg Castle. You can read more detailed information about these two attractions in the dedicated articles we have prepared.
