Photo: Stefanie Jost
Cherry blossom in Vienna
The most beautiful places and best time for the perfect hanami
When spring arrives in Vienna, some parks and gardens are transformed into a sea of pink and white blossoms. The cherry blossom is a very special natural spectacle that is a delight every year. Whether for a relaxing walk, a picnic under the blossoming trees or impressive photos - the cherry blossom is the perfect occasion to enjoy spring in Vienna to the full. In this article, you will find out where you can find the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in Vienna, when the best time to visit is and what you should look out for when taking photos.
- What does sakura mean?
- The best places to see the cherry blossom in Vienna
- Best time to see the cherry blossoms in Vienna?
- Tips for cherry blossom photography
- Cherry grove
1. What does “Sakura” mean?
“Sakura” (桜) is the Japanese word for cherry blossom. In Japan, it has a profound symbolic meaning - it stands for beauty, transience and new beginnings. The traditional cherry blossom festival “Hanami” is celebrated there every year with picnics under the blossoming trees.
So grab your camera or simply a picnic blanket and enjoy the cherry blossoms in Vienna!
Photo: Zhaoli Jin, Unsplash
2. The most beautiful places for cherry blossom in Vienna
- 🌸 DonauparkIn the extensive Donaupark, especially around the Japanese Garden, you can experience a breathtaking display of cherry blossoms in spring. The quiet location and spacious green areas invite you to linger. 🚌 Accessibility: U1 (Alte Donau or Kaisermühlen-VIC station)
- 🌸 Setagaya ParkThis small but beautiful Japanese garden in the 19th district offers an authentic hanami atmosphere. In addition to the blossoming cherry trees, there is a picturesque landscape with waterfalls, stone paths, and typical Japanese design. 🚌 Accessibility: Tram 37 (Barawitzkagasse station), bus 10A (Barawitzkagasse station)
- 🌸 TürkenschanzparkThe Türkenschanzpark impresses with its variety of trees and plants - including beautiful cherry trees. It is particularly popular with locals and offers many cozy places to relax. 🚌 Accessibility: Bus 40A (Dänenstraße or Türkenschanzplatz station)
- 🌸 Botanical Garden of the University of ViennaAn insider tip for nature lovers! In addition to numerous other plant species, you will also find magnificent flowering cherry trees here. The botanical garden is located right next to the Belvedere and is a quiet oasis in the city. 🚌 Accessibility: Tram D, O (Quartier Belvedere station), S-Bahn (Rennweg station)
- 🌸 Schönbrunn Palace ParkAlthough the cherry trees are not the main attraction of the park, there are some beautiful flowering specimens. Combine your visit with a walk through the extensive gardens. 🚌 Accessibility: U4 (Schönbrunn station), Bus 10A (Schönbrunn station)
Photo: Stefanie Jost
3. Best time for the cherry blossom in Vienna
The cherry blossom in Vienna varies depending on the weather, but usually blooms between the end of March and mid-April. A mild spring can cause the blossom to start earlier, while colder temperatures can delay it. The full bloom often only lasts one to two weeks, so be quick to capture the perfect photo opportunity!
4. Tips for cherry blossom photography
Take advantage of the golden hour: The soft light in the morning or evening creates warm colors and a romantic look. Change perspective: Photograph from below towards the sky or focus on individual flowers for impressive close-ups.
Choose the right background: A blue sky or a historic building such as Schönbrunn enhances the effect.
Creatively incorporate people: A walker under the blossom trees can create an almost poetic image.
Photo: Rick Hunter, Unsplash
5. Kirschenhain
In the spring of 2002, the Japanese artists' group “to the woods” designed the cherry grove in cooperation with the City of Vienna's municipal department 49 and planted it on the Danube Island approx. 1.6 km north of the North Bridge. It consists of 100 worked granite stones and 150 Kanzan cherry trees. The cherry trees are part of the 1000 Japanese cherry trees that were given to the city of Vienna as a gift on the occasion of Austria's 1000th anniversary. Every year from mid to late April, they bear the characteristic cameo red blossoms. The cherry grove is a new interpretation of the traditional Japanese garden.
A cherry grove festival has been celebrated every year since 2002. It represents a bridge between Japan and Austria. Year after year, the cherry trees grow and symbolize the growth of the friendships and relationships that have been forged. The idea corresponds to the typical Japanese hanami, where every year in April people come together under the trees to eat and drink together.
You can find more information about the cherry grove at: www.kirschenhain.at
Photo: Inga Klas, Pixabay
Post your most beautiful cherry blossom photos on Instagram and link our EasyCityPass Vienna account and we'll be happy to repost them! Use our hashtag #easygoingvienna and we'll feature you on our channel! Happy Sakura!