Laxenburg Park

Saturday was a lovely day, and we wanted to get out into the sun. This time we headed to Laxenburg, just South of Vienna. The park there is a nice size for a family walk.

The gardens and buildings date from the 18th century. The large pond has a castle on the island in the middle. This is the way a castle ought to look - and medieval ones never do. Steven was interested to see that skating is possible on the lake if it gets cold enough. Yes, it would be fun to skate around the castle. In the summer there is a boat rental and apparently the bridge we crossed on is replaced by a ferry. Tours are available of the castle, and there is also a cafe there - in the summer.

In the rest of the grounds we saw a tourney ground - apparently used, as jumps were set up inside. We saw deer in the woods, and horses with riders in a meadow. There were a variety of statues, ruins, a 'Greek temple' and similar things to see all along the paths. One couple was feeding the ducks from one bridge, and we saw swans on the pond. At least one of the fallen trees was labeled 'Kletterbaum'. Most of the visitors seemed to be young families. The paved paths with only gentle slopes are well suited to pushing baby carriages. Young children had lots to look at while walking. We came across a large playground, with lovely looking chairs to lie back on and relax in all around the playground, but the children seemed to be everywhere else in the park, and not there. There were also signs for minigolf, but we didn't get to that corner.

To get there by car either drive out Laxenburgerstrasse from Sued Tiroler Platz or take the Suedautobahn to Wiener Neudorf and turn left. As you drive through the town signs for Parking 1 will take you right to the entrance. There is free parking both outside and inside. Adults pay a small entrance fee, but children are free - even above the age limit if they are school children.