Nature & natural history museums in Austria

The Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna Zoo) is a zoo in Vienna that is considered to be the oldest surviving zoo in the world. The zoo was founded in 1752 and is located in the gardens of the former Schönbrunn Imperial Palace in Vienna. The eye-catchers of the Vienna Zoo are the giant pan

The Natural History Museum in Vienna opened in 1889, and while originally it was meant to house the Habsburg's possessions, it became one of the most known museums dedicated to natural history. The figures and statues housed in the museum represent the progress in various fields of science over the

These Baroque gardens cover approximately 120 hectares of land around the Schönbrunn Palace and are listed by UNESCO among the World Heritage sites. Visitors can take a stroll through the carefully designed flowerbeds, or get lost in the local maze. First entered by visitors in 1779, these gardens h

The Hallstatt Museum, located in Hallstatt, Upper Austria, is renowned for its unique collection of discoveries from the local salt mines and Iron Age cemeteries near the mines. These collections provide a deep insight into the Hallstatt culture, making the museum a significant site for historical and archaeological enthusiasts.

Salzburg Zoo, previously known as Tiergarten Hellbrunn, is situated in the southern part of Salzburg city. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city, offering a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of animal species in a convenient location.

The Wild and Adventure Park Ferleiten is situated at the base of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, in the Austrian state of Salzburg. This park is part of the municipality of Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße, which is located in the Pinzgau region. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps while enjoying the park's attractions.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Innsbruck, founded in 1793, has been situated in the Hötting district since 1913. This historical garden is a significant part of the city's heritage and offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of plant species in a serene environment.

The Botanical Garden at the Institute for Plant Sciences of the Karl-Franzens-University Graz is situated in the third district of Graz, Geidorf. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse plant life that the garden has to offer.

The Haus des Meeres in Vienna is a former defence tower used to stop bombers with flak cannons that is now turned into an ocean aquarium. Apart from fish and sea creatures, you will also see snakes, tortoises, birds and even monkeys. Climb to the top floor to get one the best views over Vienna from

The Raritätenzoo Ebbs is a unique zoo located in the municipality of Ebbs in Tyrol. It is nestled in a forest at the foot of the Zahmen Kaiser, providing a serene and natural environment for the animals and a picturesque setting for visitors. The zoo is conveniently located not far from the border with Germany, making it easily accessible for international tourists.

Affenberg Landskron, located in Villach, is Austria's largest open-air monkey enclosure, housing approximately 160 Japanese macaques. This unique zoo offers a semi-free environment for the monkeys, allowing them to live within a fenced, forested area that provides a 40,000 m² habitat.

Trautenfels Castle, a palace located in the district of Liezen in Styria, is situated directly on the Enns at 673m in the municipality Pürgg-Trautenfels. The castle is perched on a cliff protrusion at the foot of the Grimming, offering a unique and picturesque location for visitors.

The Schmiding Zoo spans an area of 13 hectares and showcases the wildlife of various regions of the world. Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse range of animals, including giraffes, monkeys, broad-mouthed rhinos, crocodiles, red pandas, Austria's only gorillas, Siberian tigers, sloths, and exotic birds. This diversity makes the zoo a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.

In 1971, a museum was established within the castle, offering visitors a glimpse into the castle's rich history. The museum also showcases fossil finds from the surrounding area, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the region's geological past. This combination of history and science makes the museum a compelling attraction for tourists.

In the late 1960s, Herberstein underwent a transformation to become a zoo that showcases animals from all five continents. This change allowed the zoo to offer a more diverse and comprehensive animal viewing experience. Visitors can now enjoy the unique opportunity to see a wide variety of animals from around the world in one location.

The Salzburg Cathedral Museum, located in the South Oratory of the Salzburg Cathedral, serves a dual role as the Diocesan Museum. This unique location within the cathedral itself offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and religious significance of the region.

Großdöllnerhof is a historical site that dates back 400 years. It is located in the Mühlviertel Nature Park in the municipality of Rechberg. Today, it serves as an open-air museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The farmstead is a protected monument, showcasing the typical Mühlviertel technique of stone-bare wall construction. This technique involves the use of uncut granite blocks and whitewashed mortar zones to structure the exterior walls.

Tierpark Rosegg, situated in the market town of Rosegg, holds the title of being the largest animal park in the Austrian state of Carinthia. This expansive park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse range of animal species in a natural and spacious environment.

The Ausseer Kammerhofmuseum is a local history museum situated in the Kammerhof in Bad Aussee, Salzkammergut, Austria. The museum is housed in a building that was first mentioned in historical documents in 1395. Over the centuries, the building has undergone several renovations, but much of the original structure has been preserved.

The Franz Liszt Birthplace is a significant location for music enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Located in the picturesque town of Raiding in Burgenland, the house is situated at Lisztstraße 46. This is the very place where the world-renowned composer Franz Liszt was born and spent his early years. It offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the roots of this musical genius.

Familiarize yourself with Austrian nature in an entertaining way! Exhibitions include Glacier World, Forest Galley and a lot more.

The Krahuletz Museum, situated in the city of Eggenburg in Lower Austria, is home to a variety of collections. These collections encompass regional earth history, archaeology, folklore, regional and city history, and a clock collection. This diverse range of exhibits provides a comprehensive insight into the region's past and its cultural heritage.

The Rollettmuseum, located in Baden, Lower Austria, serves a dual purpose. It is home to the city archive of Baden, providing a rich source of historical information about the city. Additionally, it houses the collection of Anton Rollett, a local court doctor. This collection offers a unique insight into the life and work of this notable figure in Baden's history.

The Zoo Linz is situated at the base of the Pöstlingberg, offering visitors a panoramic view over the city of Linz. This location not only provides a unique setting for the zoo but also adds to the overall visitor experience. From this vantage point, tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings while exploring the diverse range of animals housed in the zoo.

Welser Tiergarten, located in the city of Wels, holds the distinction of being the oldest zoo in Upper Austria. This park and zoo combination offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Adlerarena Burg Landskron is a unique bird of prey and owl park that offers daily flight demonstrations. This provides an opportunity for visitors to witness these magnificent creatures in action and learn about their behaviors and habits. The demonstrations are not only entertaining but also educational, aiming to bring people closer to these birds and impart valuable knowledge about them.

The Cumberland Wildpark is a wildlife park situated in the beautiful region of Upper Austria, specifically in the Salzkammergut, near Grünau im Almtal. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Bärenwald Arbesbach is a bear protection center situated in Arbesbach, in the district of Zwettl, Lower Austria. Established in 1998, it is the first bear protection project initiated by the animal protection organization Four Paws. The center provides a safe and suitable environment for bears that have been rescued from poor living conditions.

The Granatium in Radenthein is an adventure museum that provides a comprehensive insight into the history, extraction, and use of the garnet stone. This unique museum offers an interactive experience, allowing visitors to learn about the significance of this precious stone in a fun and engaging way.

The Alpen Wildpark Feld am See is a wildlife park that also houses a museum. It is situated in Feld am See, close to the winter sports resort of Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia, Austria. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the wildlife park and museum, and also enjoy the nearby winter sports resort.

The Klagenfurt Botanical Garden, established in 1862, is situated in a former quarry at the foot of Kreuzberg. This unique location provides a distinctive backdrop for the diverse plant life that the garden nurtures. Visitors can enjoy the blend of natural and man-made beauty that the garden offers.

Reptilienzoo Nockalm is situated in the district of Patergassen, within the municipality of Reichenau in Carinthia, Austria. This location is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore one of the most diverse exhibitions of living venomous snakes in Europe.

The Tiergarten & Reiterhof Walding is a zoological garden nestled in the market town of Walding, situated in the upper Mühlviertel in the Urfahr-Umgebung district of Upper Austria. This location offers a serene and natural environment, making it an ideal place for a family outing or a day trip for nature and animal lovers.

Steppentierpark Pamhagen covers an expansive area of 13 hectares. It is home to approximately 50 species of animals, providing a diverse and engaging experience for visitors. Some of these animals are free-roaming, adding to the unique charm of the park.

The Schmetterlinghaus, the Butterfly House in Vienna is a large historical Jugendstil greenhouse built in 1902 where you can experience hundreds of live free-flying tropical butterflies in a recreation of their tropical environment. It is part of the Imperial Hofburg Palace and open every day of the

Zoo Linz, situated at the foot of Pöstlingberg, offers a unique view over the city. This location not only provides a scenic backdrop for your visit but also a natural habitat for the animals. The zoo's location enhances the overall experience, making it more than just a visit to see animals.

The Stadtmuseum Leonding, also referred to as the Turmmuseum, is situated in Tower 9 of the Linz Tower Fortification in Leonding. It has been functioning as a museum since 1999, providing a unique blend of history and culture to its visitors.

The Montafoner Heimatmuseum Schruns is situated in the market town of Schruns, nestled in the Montafon valley within the Bludenz district of Vorarlberg, Austria. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of the region while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of the Austrian Alps.

The inatura – Nature Experience is an interactive natural history museum located in Dornbirn, Vorarlberg, Austria. It offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it a perfect destination for tourists of all ages. The museum is known for its interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with natural history in a hands-on way.

The Salzkammergut Nature Museum is a natural history museum nestled between the towns of Ebensee and Bad Ischl in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. It is conveniently located on the Salzkammergut Road (B 145), making it easily accessible for visitors.

The kärnten.museum, previously known as the Carinthian State Museum, is a cultural and natural science museum situated in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Carinthia, Austria. The museum is a significant cultural and scientific institution that offers a wide range of exhibits and collections, providing a comprehensive insight into the history, culture, and natural sciences of the region.

The Marmormuseum Adnet is a museum dedicated to the exploration and understanding of Adnet marble. It is located in the municipal building of the Adnet community in the Hallein district in the state of Salzburg. The museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the history, extraction methods, and cultural significance of this natural stone.

The Urzeitmuseum Nußdorf ob der Traisen is situated in the market town of Nußdorf ob der Traisen, in the district of St. Pölten-Land, Lower Austria. It is conveniently located at the marketplace, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The Alpengarten Villacher Alpe is a botanical garden that offers a unique experience for nature lovers. It is situated on the Dobratsch mountain in the eastern Gailtal Alps, standing at an impressive 1500 meters above sea level. This location provides a stunning backdrop for the diverse plant life that the garden houses.

The Schönbrunn Desert House is a desert botanical exhibit in Vienna that is located in the Sundial House that was built in 1904 and commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I based on designs by the architect Alfons Custodis for the overwintering of his botanical specimens from Australia and South Afric

The Brahms Museum, situated in Mürzzuschlag in the Austrian state of Styria, is a tribute to the renowned composer Johannes Brahms. The museum offers a deep dive into the life and works of Brahms, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to understand the composer's life in a more intimate way.

The Lower Austria Museum, previously known as the Lower Austria State Museum, is the national museum for the state of Lower Austria. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fields of history, art, and nature. This museum is a great place for tourists who are interested in these areas to gain a deeper understanding of Lower Austria's rich cultural and natural heritage.

Presently, the Feldbacher Tabor is recognized as one of the best-preserved fortifications of its kind. It now houses a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the region.

The Green Belt Center, located in Windhaag bei Freistadt, is a visitor center that opened its doors in 2015. It is situated in the northern Mühlviertel, directly on the border with South Bohemia. This location makes it a unique destination for those interested in exploring the region's history and natural beauty.

The Bergbaumuseum Klagenfurt was situated in a 500-meter-long tunnel. This tunnel was originally created in the middle of 1942 as an air-raid shelter, driven into a quarry used for the extraction of green slate into the Kreuzbergl.

The Landesmuseum Burgenland in Eisenstadt is a museum that showcases the formation of Burgenland in the Pannonian region. This museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the region's history and its evolution over time. It is an ideal place for those interested in learning about the history and culture of Burgenland.

The museum exhibits fossils from the Tertiary period, which were discovered in a nearby sand pit and during other activities in Obernholz. These fossils provide a glimpse into the ancient past, offering a unique learning experience for visitors of all ages.

The Bonsai Museum is a unique destination for those interested in Japanese culture and garden art. Situated in the picturesque market town of Seeboden am Millstätter See in the Austrian state of Carinthia, the museum offers a deep dive into the world of bonsai and Japanese aesthetics. It's a private institution, which adds to its charm and exclusivity.

The Obir Dripstone Caves, also known as Obir-Tropfsteinhöhlen, are situated in the region of the market town Eisenkappel-Vellach in Carinthia, Austria. This location is known for its unique geological features and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for tourists interested in nature and geology.

The Naturpark Jauerling-Wachau is a nature park located on the northwestern bank of the Danube in Lower Austria. The park extends from the bank of the Danube to the summit of Jauerling in the Waldviertel region. This location offers a diverse range of landscapes and natural beauty, making it a great destination for nature lovers.

The Bezirksmuseum Stockerau is located in the historic Belvedereschlössl, a building with a rich history that dates back to the 15th century. This provides a unique setting for the museum and adds an extra layer of historical significance to your visit.

Tierpark Stadt Haag, a zoological garden, is situated in the park of Salaberg Castle in the Lower Austrian town of Haag. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a variety of animal species in a historical and picturesque setting.

Vogelpark Turnersee is a bird park situated in the district of Sankt Primus, within the municipality of Sankt Kanzian am Klopeiner See in Carinthia, Austria. This location offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of various bird species.

The Mushroom Museum Treffen, situated in the district of Winklern in the market town of Treffen on Lake Ossiach in Carinthia, holds the unique distinction of being the only mushroom museum in Austria. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a niche aspect of Austria's natural history.