Damon Mcknight
Halloween in Austria, as elsewhere, falls on 31 October. In Vienna, the Prater is a popular destination for those seeking a fright on this day, with witches and monsters riding the ghost trains and other terrifying attractions including Black Mamba, Tornado, and Magic Rotor. The Madhouse Tower, with its pathological-anatomical collection, is another must-visit for those looking for a scare. For those who prefer a walk, the Central Cemetery in Vienna offers idyllic paths and mystical corners, including the overgrown Jewish cemetery in the northern section.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 31 October |
| Location | Vienna, Austria |
| Attractions | Ghost trains, Black Mamba, Tornado, Magic Rotor, Madhouse Tower, Prater, Central Cemetery, Giant Ferris Wheel, Jewish Cemetery |
| Dessert | 'Scheiterhaufen' (apple bread pudding) |
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What You'll Learn
Halloween in Vienna
For those seeking a truly terrifying experience, Vienna's Prater is the place to be. On October 31st, a large Halloween parade makes its way through the park, with witches and monsters riding on ghost trains. The park is also home to adrenaline-pumping attractions like the Black Mamba, Tornado, and Magic Rotor, perfect for those who enjoy a thrill.
The Vienna Central Cemetery is another eerie destination. With its overgrown Jewish cemetery and mystical atmosphere, it provides a unique and spine-chilling experience. The Funeral Museum, located within the cemetery, offers a quirky take on death, with exhibits like LEGO figures in the form of crematoria and graves.
For those who enjoy a good scare, O-Der Klub transforms its five floors into a ghoulish paradise, hosting a Halloween party with music, dancing, and bewitching attire. Café Landtmann also offers a spooky experience, blending a creepy vibe with a historical setting.
Foodies can indulge in the cult dish of apple bread pudding, once feared by alleged witches but now a beloved dessert, served at places like Café Diglas.
Vienna also offers a more light-hearted take on Halloween with its Pumpkin Festival. Held on the last weekend of October, it showcases Styrian produce, including pumpkin-themed wine and baked goods, providing a festive celebration before winter arrives.
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Scary attractions in Vienna
Halloween in Austria is celebrated on 31 October, as it is in many other countries. If you're in Vienna, there are plenty of scary attractions to visit for a thrilling experience.
One of the most well-known haunted places in Vienna is Blutgasse, or Blood Street, in the city's first district. This narrow street has a dark and bloody history, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is said that the Knights Templar were slaughtered here in 1312, and their blood flowed down the alley, giving the street its name. With such a gruesome past, it's no wonder that many believe it to be haunted.
Another haunted site in Vienna is the Cemetery of the Nameless, located on the outskirts of the city by the Danube River. This small and slightly overgrown cemetery is said to be one of the most haunted places in Europe. Most of the people buried here met their end in the river, with some drowning and others being drowned. Visitors have reported strange feelings and seeing reflections in the gravestone plaques, suggesting that nameless souls may still linger here.
For those seeking a more traditional haunted house experience, Moosham Castle in Lungau fits the bill. Once a place where witches were tried and convicted, it is now known for ghostly phenomena. Visitors have reported being touched by ghostly fingers in the torture rooms, and the ghost of Henchman Toni, a man who sold his soul to the devil, is said to haunt the castle.
Even the city's most beautiful landmarks have a dark side. St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of Vienna's most recognisable monuments, sits atop what was once a cemetery. Below the cathedral lie crypts and densely packed catacombs, including the Ducal Crypt, which contains the organs of past royals, preserved in jars.
With its rich history and architecture, Vienna offers plenty of eerie attractions to explore, making it a perfect destination for a scary Halloween experience.
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Halloween desserts
Halloween in Austria is celebrated on 31 October, as it is in many other countries.
If you're planning on throwing a Halloween party, you're going to need some sweet treats to go along with the decorations and costumes. Here are some dessert ideas that are sure to thrill your guests:
Pumpkin desserts
Pumpkin is a staple flavour of the fall season, and there are many dessert options to choose from that incorporate this ingredient. Pumpkin cookies, for example, can be made in a variety of ways, from tender cookies with oatmeal and chopped nuts to pumpkin spice cookies topped with pumpkin icing. For a more indulgent option, consider making a pumpkin cheesecake roll or a brownie bottom pumpkin cheesecake. If you're short on time, a simple pumpkin dip can be made in just ten minutes.
Candy apples
Candy apples are a classic fall treat that can be easily made at home with just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes of your time. They are the perfect festive treat for a Halloween party.
Halloween brownies
For a cute and creepy dessert, try making some Halloween brownies. These can be decorated with candy eyeballs for a spooky touch.
Spiderweb cake
For a dessert that's eerily sweet, make a spiderweb cake using marshmallow "cobwebs".
Candy corn cookies
Candy corn is a controversial treat, but when it's baked into soft homemade cookies, anyone is sure to fall in love with the flavour.
Haunted buckeyes
A fun and festive dessert, haunted buckeyes are a twist on the classic peanut butter and chocolate treat. Add crispy rice cereal, seasonal sprinkles, food colouring, and googly eyes for a delightful crunch and a spooky touch.
Whether you're looking for something spooky, silly, or a mix of both, there are plenty of Halloween dessert options to choose from. Get creative with your decorations and enjoy the sweet treats that the season has to offer!
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Vienna's Central Cemetery
Halloween, or All Saints' Eve, is celebrated on 31 October in Austria, just as it is in many other countries.
The cemetery was established in 1863 when city leaders realised that Vienna's existing communal cemeteries would soon be insufficient for the city's growing population. It opened on All Saints' Day (1 November) in 1874. The first burial was that of Jacob Zelzer, whose grave still exists near the administration building at the cemetery wall.
The Central Cemetery is known for its beautiful park-like gardens and wilderness areas, as well as its impressive architecture. St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery Church, built in the Art Nouveau style between 1908 and 1910, is the central church of the cemetery. The crypt of Austrian presidents is located in front of the church, with a burial vault beneath the sarcophagus.
The cemetery is also home to Europe's first Buddhist cemetery, established in 2005, as well as a dedicated plot for the Mormon deceased, established in 2009. The old Jewish section of the cemetery can be accessed via the "Zentralfriedhof" stop on the Vienna S-Bahn.
Many famous figures are buried in the Central Cemetery, including classical composers Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and Franz Schubert, as well as rock star Falco and Hollywood icon Hedy Lamarr.
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Halloween in Austria vs other countries
Halloween in Austria is observed on 31 October, the same day as in other countries. However, the way it is celebrated differs from other parts of the world.
Halloween, a traditionally American holiday, has only recently gained popularity in Austria. Initially, it faced some skepticism due to its foreign origins but has since been embraced, especially by the younger generations. Austrian cities now host various Halloween-themed events, ranging from costume parties to nightlife specials. Like in many other countries, Austrians enjoy dressing up for Halloween, and costume parties are widespread in urban areas, involving both children and adults. Trick-or-treating, another American import, is also slowly catching on in residential neighbourhoods, particularly within expatriate communities.
While Austria shares some Halloween traditions with other countries, it also has unique customs and celebrations that set it apart. One such tradition is Seleenwoche (All Souls' Week), a Catholic observance that begins on Halloween and ends on 8 November. During this week, Austrians honour the dead by visiting gravesites and lighting candles. This period includes All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, which are marked by quiet reflection and remembrance rather than festive celebrations.
Additionally, Austria has its own take on pumpkin-themed festivities with Kürbisfest, or Pumpkin Festival. While not directly linked to Halloween, these festivals are common during the autumn months and celebrate the harvest with pumpkin-themed foods, crafts, and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that complements the Halloween spirit. Another custom is the Rübengeister (Turnip Spirits), where Austrians carve turnips, a tradition practised before the introduction of pumpkins from North America.
In comparison, other countries like the United States, the birthplace of Halloween, have well-established traditions deeply rooted in their culture. For example, trick-or-treating is a long-standing tradition in American neighbourhoods, and their Halloween celebrations are often characterised by elaborate decorations and festive parties. Countries like the UK and Ireland, which have celebrated Halloween for centuries, also have unique traditions such as bonfire night and apple bobbing, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Halloween in Austria falls on 31 October, as it does in most other countries.
Vienna has plenty of spooky attractions for Halloween, including the Prater, where witches and monsters ride the ghost trains, and the Madhouse Tower, which has a pathological-anatomical collection on display.
A traditional Halloween dessert in Vienna is the 'Scheiterhaufen', or funeral pyre—a cult dish of apple bread pudding.
The Central Cemetery in Vienna is a good place for an extended stroll, with idyllic paths and the graves of famous Austrians, including Beethoven and Falco.
The city's extensive cemetery is home to a wonderfully overgrown Jewish cemetery in its northern section, which is especially mystical when wisps of fog drift between the gravestones.
