WDEC 2026 at Vienna Central Cemetery

Discover the programme of activities taking place during WDEC 2026 at Vienna’s Central Cemetery in Austria under the motto “What really matters in the end?”.

What really matters in the end?

During the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026, Bestattung Wien and Friedhöfe Wien are hosting a series of events centred on saying goodbye, remembrance and living forms of commemoration, taking place from 26 to 30 May 2026.

What remains of a person? What do we remember today, tomorrow and many years from now? Under the motto “What really matters in the end?”, this themed week is dedicated to the core of their work – dignified farewells, remembrance and the continuation of stories. The focus is on what truly matters to people in the end, which is making remembrance possible, whether through rituals that provide comfort or places where grief, love and connection can find their place.

Visitors can expect a wide range of events addressing topics such as end-of-life planning, bereavement support, places of remembrance and new ways of saying goodbye.

Renate Niklas, Managing Director of Friedhöfe Wien GmbH, emphasises: “Cemeteries are spaces of remembrance. They give people the opportunity to commemorate, to pass on life stories and to feel a sense of closeness, even when someone is missing. With this themed week, we are showcasing this diversity and highlighting the special role of cemeteries as places of encounter right in the heart of the city.”

Jürgen Sild, Managing Director of Bestattung Wien GmbH, emphasises the social aspect: “We support people during difficult times in their lives and are responsible for ensuring that farewells are conducted with dignity and in a contemporary manner. As part of the Wiener Stadtwerke Group, we see ourselves not merely as service providers, but as a central point of contact for all matters relating to farewells, bereavement and death, in the spirit of providing comprehensive public services.”

All events are free of charge; for some, registration is required due to limited capacity.

Programme

➤ May 26 to 30 | Exhibition opening: As in Heaven – Europe’s Impressive Domed Vaults

At the Church of St Borromeo at Vienna’s Central Cemetery, the exhibition “As in Heaven” by photographer Gerd W. Götzenbrucker offers a new perspective on the perception of sacred architecture. The focus is on large-format photographs of impressive European church domes. The dome of the cemetery church is presented as an integral part of the exhibition.

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 26 to 30, 2026, daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Location: Church of St Borromeo at the Central Cemetery (Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Vienna)
• More info: WIE IM HIMMEL – KREATIVBÜRO FRISCHESGRAS

➤ May 26 | Guided Tour: Graves of Honour at Vienna’s Central Cemetery – “Noble, poor or rich, death makes us all equal”

This tour offers deep insights into Vienna’s Central Cemetery. Participants will discover its origins, organization, and the daily working life of Europe’s second-largest cemetery. The walk highlights its unique art and architecture, alongside fascinating stories of well-known figures from politics, art, and culture who have found their final resting place here.

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 26, 2026, starting at 12:30 PM
• Starting point: Central Cemetery, Gate 2 (Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Vienna)

➤ May 26 | Lecture: Farewell in Vienna – Funerals and Cemeteries

A bereavement is always an emotionally challenging situation. Vienna Funeral Services and Vienna Cemeteries provide information on how to make funeral arrangements. In addition to funeral planning, the lecture covers topics such as organising a funeral service, the first steps to take following a death, and the variety of grave types available, ranging from traditional coffin graves to urn and natural graves.

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 26, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
• Location: PVÖ Ottakring District Organisation (Koppstraße 100, 1160 Vienna)
• Organizers: Vienna Funeral Services and Vienna Cemeteries

➤ May 27 | Keynote Talk & Panel Discussion: Near-death & Near-death Experiences

This event features a keynote lecture titled “Near-Death & Near-Death Experiences” by Prof. Dr Roland Sedivy (pathologist, medical law expert). It is followed by a moderated panel discussion with Prof. Dr Rotraud Perner (psychotherapist/psychoanalyst, Protestant theologian), Brigitte Guschlbauer (author), Mag. Jan Sokora (Catholic priest, rector of St. Charles Borromeo Church at the Central Cemetery), Prof. Dr Roland Sedivy (pathologist, medical law expert), exploring medical, spiritual, and psychological perspectives on what happens at the threshold of life and death. Moderator: Alwin Schönberger (head of the science section at the news magazine “profil”), 

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
• Location: Simmering Crematorium Cemetery, Crematorium Room 4 (Simmeringer Hauptstraße 337, 1110 Vienna)

➤ May 28 | VHS Educational Walk: The Circular Economy of Life and Death

How can a space dedicated to farewell also become a hub for welcome transformation? This educational walk, part of the "Circular (Economy) in Motion" series, explores the Vienna Central Cemetery as a fascinating setting for uninterrupted life cycles. Participants will enjoy a guided tour of the Funeral Museum and a guided tour of the cemetery grounds focusing on how modern circular economy principles are applied to cemetery operations, resource conservation, and wildlife habitats.

From resource-conserving day-to-day management to burial practices that blend tradition with sustainability, this tour offers a forward-looking perspective. It is particularly suitable for those interested in lived sustainability, the practicalities of cemetery work, and the uniquely Viennese sense of humor surrounding burial culture.

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 28, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Starting point: VHS Simmering (Gottschalkgasse 10, 1110 Vienna)
• End point: Vienna Central Cemetery (Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Vienna)
• Organizers: Vienna Adult Education Centres (VHS), in cooperation with Friedhöfe Wien GmbH and Bestattung Wien
• Cost: Free of charge (ages 18+)

NOTE: Part of the route uses public transport.

➤ May 29 | Fire Celebration: Exclusive Guided Tours of the Vienna Crematorium

Under the guiding question "What truly matters in the end?", Friedhöfe Wien and Bestattung Wien present an exclusive guided tour of the Vienna Crematorium. These tours aim to demystify the cremation process and provide educational insights into what happens behind the scenes, from technical facilities and safety measures to fire safety.

In a space where grief, love, and connection are given room to breathe, these tours address the core of dignified farewells. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the infrastructure and rituals that provide support to the living while honoring the stories of those who have passed.

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM (tours last approx. 1.5 hours)
• Location: Main entrance, Feuerhalle Simmering Cemetery (Simmeringer Hauptstraße 337, 1110 Vienna)
• Organizer: Friedhöfe Wien GmbH
• Cost: Free of charge (ages 10+)
• Tours language: German

NOTE: Maximum 25 people per tour. Registration required via post@friedhoefewien.at. When registering, kindly indicate your preferred time slot. Participation is only valid once a confirmation has been received.

➤ May 29 | Mourning Café & Designing a Nature-Inspired Memorial Site

No one understands grief better than those who are grieving themselves. The Bereavement Café offers an opportunity to connect and share experiences with people who are currently going through the same thing, supported by Caritas bereavement counsellors. 

Additionally, a special memorial activity takes place at the new natural burial site “Flower Meadow Graves”. There is a large deadwood hedge which can be decorated with flowers. People from the Grief Café and beyond are invited to drop by and decorate the deadwood hedge with flowers as a memorial. The flowers can be collected from the Phönix cafeteria from 9.00 am. 

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 29, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM (Flower collection and hedge decorating starts from 9:00 AM)
• Location: Cafeteria Phönix (Simmeringer Hauptstraße 337, 1110 Vienna – next to the crematorium at Simmering Cemetery)
• Organizers: Bestattung Wien in cooperation with the Caritas Bereavement Support Centre

➤ May 30 | Guided Tour: Natural Burial in the Vienna Woods

More and more people are opting for a natural urn burial where the ashes return to the cycle of nature. The “Waldesruh” forest cemetery near Breitenfurt in the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve offers exactly that. Stefanie Balog-Rueber from Green City Vienna and an expert from Bestattung Wien will guide you through the woodland cemetery, explaining everything about natural burials and introducing the local flora and fauna of the Vienna Woods.

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 30, 2026
• Location: “Waldesruh” woodland cemetery (near Breitenfurt, Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve)
• Guides: Stefanie Balog-Rueber (Green City Vienna) and an expert from Bestattung Wien

Additional Information

For further details regarding the described activities or to access the full programme of events, please utilize the contact information and resources provided below.

• Contact person: Julia Stering
• Email: kommunikation@friedhoefewien.at
• Phone: 0664 88483282
• Full list of events: www.friedhoefewien.at/schwerpunktwoche-2026

*Photo source: www.friedhoefewien.at

Silent Disco at Vienna Central Cemetery: Event Highlights

A unique experience where sound, space, and community came together.

About the Silent Disco Event

Friedhöfe Wien GmbH consciously embraces the extraordinary. With the first-ever silent disco held at Vienna Central Cemetery, the cemetery church became a place of celebration – quiet, respectful, and yet vividly alive. Equipped with headphones, people of all generations danced side by side, while the space itself remained free of amplified sound.

In this way, a new form of togetherness emerged – one that upholds dignity and respect for mourners while opening space for meaningful and memorable shared experiences.

The aim of the event was to encourage new perspectives in a place traditionally associated with silence and farewell.

The silent disco forms part of a broader range of initiatives through which Friedhöfe Wien has been reimagining Vienna Central Cemetery for several years as a space for art, culture, and social encounter. From urban gardening and sports programs to live music, the cemetery is increasingly being experienced as an open, multifaceted space for the living.

Dancing Until Dawn

The evening of 17 April 2026 marked a notable milestone in the history of Friedhöfe Wien GmbH. The cemetery church became the stage for an extraordinary cultural experience. Public response was overwhelming: Sold out two weeks in advance, the silent disco attracted around 500 guests and transformed the location into a vibrant hub of silent music, movement, and human connection for one night. The event was attended by numerous members of the media.

This innovative format was made possible by close and reliable collaboration with the responsible parish, whose support was essential to its successful implementation.

Event Photos

*Photos Copyright: SilentDisco

Silent Disco at Vienna’s Central Cemetery

Vienna Central Cemetery welcomes visitors to a unique cultural experience in an extraordinary setting on 17 April 2026.

About the event

On 17 April 2026, the Vienna Central Cemetery will host an unconventional cultural event that blends contemporary music with historic surroundings. Visitors will be invited to take part in a silent disco inside the Church of St Borromeo, one of the cemetery’s most remarkable architectural landmarks.

For one evening, the church’s main hall will be transformed into a dance floor while preserving the atmosphere of the space. Music will not be played through speakers; instead, participants will listen through wireless headphones, creating a shared yet quiet experience.

How the silent disco works

The event introduces an innovative format in which two DJs perform simultaneously, each broadcasting on a separate channel. Guests can switch between channels at any time, choosing their preferred style of music throughout the evening. The programme spans a wide range of genres, from electronic and house to hip-hop, pop, indie, and rock, alongside thematic selections inspired by the cemetery setting.

This headphone-based concept ensures that the surrounding environment remains undisturbed, allowing the venue to retain its contemplative character while accommodating a lively social event.

Reimagining the cemetery

The silent disco reflects a broader trend of reinterpreting historic cemeteries as places not only of remembrance, but also of cultural engagement. In recent years, the Vienna Central Cemetery has expanded its role through a variety of initiatives that encourage visitors to experience the site in new ways.

By introducing formats such as the silent disco, the organisers aim to create opportunities for community, dialogue, and cultural participation while maintaining respect for the site’s primary function and significance.

Key details

Date: Friday, 17 April 2026
Time: 8.00 pm – 2.00 am
Venue: St Borromeo Cemetery Church, Vienna Central Cemetery | Main entrance Gate 2, Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Vienna

Tickets are available at: www.silentdisco.at/events-tickets
Further information: www.friedhoefewien.at/silent-disco

Educational activities for kids at Vienna Central Cemetery

Discover the diverse program of interesting and educational activities for children, taking place at the Vienna Central Cemetery in 2024.

150 years of Vienna Central Cemetery

In 2024, Vienna Central Cemetery celebrates its 150th anniversary. To mark this significant milestone, a year-long program of special activities has been organized, placing a strong emphasis on the official WDEC 2024 theme Environmental sustainability and climate change. 

Since the cemetery is also an active participant in the Schools on Cemeteries project, there are many activities tailored specifically for schools and children of all ages. A selection of these activities is highlighted below, while the entire program can be found at this LINK.

Open Beehive Day

What's buzzing there? The bees of the Vienna Central Cemetery are in their spring dress. The beekeepers are at least as hard-working as the bees themselves and are happy to be able to offer a colorful program.

There is a lot to learn, for example about the importance of bees for the environment and pollination of plants, about the development and lifestyle of bees and of course about beekeeping. What are bee products like beeswax, propolis and royal jelly?

We are offering craft stations for children and small snacks and drinks available.

Art Adventure Workshops

In this workshop we paint in acrylic and with fluorescent night-glow paints on canvas.

In the inspiring surroundings of Vienna's Central Cemetery, we create a cool picture that is reminiscent of the unique workshop even weeks after it was created.

Urban Gardening Workshops

Important basics on watering, mulching, hoeing, fertilizing and weeding in organic vegetable growing. Determining soil composition with simple tests: which soil should I work with? Seasonal calendar: Basics of how a gardening season works, what happens when? Use of home remedies in the garden and basic knowledge of identifying beneficial insects and pests as well as recognizing important characteristics of vegetable plants. 

With a joint open question and answer session/exchange.

The sound of birds

Not only the dreamy voices of blackbirds can be admired at the Vienna Central Cemetery, but also, depending on the weather and season, owls, swifts, marsh harriers and sometimes the rare hoopoe with its magnificent headdress.

It's best to come equipped with binoculars or a keen ear to get to know the diverse world of birds that use the central cemetery as their refuge.

Cemetery nature for kids

The natural garden of the Vienna Central Cemetery is a very special place. Its extensive, natural meadows provide a protected habitat for numerous animals. We are sure to hear it chirping, fluttering and rustling in the bushes and, with a bit of luck, see deer, field hamsters, hedgehogs, pheasants and butterflies.

This natural paradise is also perfect for getting to know lots of wild herbs, bushes and trees in a playful way and discovering with all our senses what they can be used for. Which plants are edible, which are used as medicine, as a fragrance or even for making clothes.

 A cozy herbal picnic concludes our nature exploration tour.

WDEC 2024 at the Vienna Central Cemetery

Discover some of the many activities related to environmental sustainability taking place at the Vienna's Central Cemetery in Austria.

Celebrations of nature and biodiversity, along with recognition of cemeteries' significant impact on the urban environment, are present throughout the year at the Vienna Central Cemetery. Here are some of the events centered around environmental sustainability happening at the cemetery during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2024 and beyond:

➤Photography Exhibitions
Admire photographs capturing the wildlife at cemeteries.

➤Bee-Friendly Initiatives
Learn about the role of bees and how cemeteries can support bee populations.
25.5.2024, at 10.00 am and 12.00 am

➤ Wildlife Photography Workshop
Participate in a photography workshop focused on capturing wildlife at the cemetery.
8.6.2024, at 9.00 am

➤ Biodiversity at the Cemetery
Explore the biodiversity present on cemeteries.
6.6.2024 and 14.6.2024, at 3.00 pm

➤ Urban gardening
Visit the workshop to learn more about gardening.
15.6.2024, at 4.00 pm

➤ Nature Experience for Children
Children can join a special guided tour that introduces them to nature on the cemetery grounds. It’s a great opportunity for exploration and learning!
22.6.2024, at 2.00 pm

For more information and more events visit the website of Friedhöfe Wien and celebrate with us.

The longest outdoor gallery in Vienna

A large photo exhibition, created as part of the project "Biodiversity in the Cemetery", is now on display at the Vienna Central Cemetery.

About the exhibition

Vienna Central Cemetery now offers a new attraction: Peter Hanke, City Councillor for Finance, Economy, and Vienna Municipal Utilities, along with Renate Niklas, the Managing Director of Friedhöfe Wien GmbH, opened the longest outdoor gallery in Vienna. It shows animal photographs that were created as part of the research project "Biodiversity at the Cemetery".

The research project was initiated more than two years ago by the University of Vienna in collaboration with Friedhöfe Wien GmbH. Over time, extensive data on animals, plants, and fungi were collected, and fascinating photographs were produced. The exhibition of these images now makes the diverse wildlife on the city's cemeteries visible to all visitors of Vienna Central Cemetery.

Importance of cemeteries for city's climate

"The area of the 46 municipal cemeteries constitutes about 1.2% of the entire city's area. This is roughly equivalent to the size of the 20th district of Vienna. The design of these areas has a significant impact on the city's climate and also serves as an important habitat. We are proud to protect the areas of the 46 municipal cemeteries and the animals that inhabit them to the best of our ability. Vienna's longest outdoor gallery shows in pictures the extent of biodiversity on Vienna's cemeteries," emphasized Hanke.

Renate Niklas expressed her gratitude for the excellent collaboration with the University of Vienna and project leader Thomas Filek: "The interim results underscore the importance of detailed design even in these spaces. People who have a grave on our cemeteries, plant and maintain it with greenery, make a significant contribution to flora and fauna, as well as the city's climate."

Sustainability measures have been derived from the research results, such as the creation of deadwood corners for insects and small animals. The gallery itself is also sustainable: The scaffolding was crafted from local larch wood anchored in the ground with earth spikes.

Excursion with an educational mission

The images displayed in the gallery highlight the growing importance of protected habitats and retreats for animals in an increasingly urbanized environment. All people – Viennese residents, families, school and kindergarten groups, as well as tourists – can visit the gallery until approximately mid-2024. Admission is free.

The longest outdoor gallery in Vienna begins at the entrance to Gate 2 at Vienna Central Cemetery. It leads along two green strips to the Cemetery Church of Saint Karl Borromäus.

The cooling potential of cemeteries

The gallery as a destination for excursions emphasizes that cemeteries are more than just burial sites. Their design has a significant impact on the environment, from reducing tropical nights to the potential for rainwater infiltration. Recently, the results of an AIT study on the cooling potential of cemeteries were published. More information is available HERE.

"Nachklang" concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery

A biennial celebration of music and remembrance with over 4.400 attendees.

On the evening of September 6, 2023, the "Nachklang" concert graced the historic Vienna Central Cemetery with its unique and moving performance. This extraordinary event, held every two years, not only celebrated music but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our culture of remembrance and the significance of cemeteries as repositories of history and memory.

"Nachklang," which translates to "Echo" or "Resonance" in English, commenced with a poignant procession of musicians, set against the backdrop of centuries-old tombstones and mausoleums. The weather cooperated perfectly, with a clear sky enhancing the atmosphere, as if the very heavens were acknowledging the importance of this cultural gathering. The trees lining the cemetery provided a majestic frame for the event.

The musical presentation paid homage to famous musicians, finding their last rest on the Vienna Central Cemetery. This mission was particularly evident in the choice of musical highlights during the concert. Two exceptional artists paid tribute to the legendary Austrian musicians, Falco and Udo Jürgens, by performing their iconic songs. These performances not only entertained the audience but also emphasized the role of cemeteries as the final resting places of influential cultural figures. They showcased how the music of these artists continues to live on and inspire, even amidst the hallowed grounds of a cemetery.

"Nachklang" is not just a one-time event but a biennial tradition that brings together music enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and advocates of remembrance. Held every two years, it serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of cemeteries and their role in preserving our collective memory. The concert's name, "Nachklang," aptly captures the idea that the echoes of our past continue to reverberate and inspire us in the present.

The audience, seated on provided chairs and blankets, was captivated from start to finish. The combination of classical masterpieces and these remarkable tributes created a truly memorable evening of music. It was a testament to the idea that cemeteries, far from being somber places, can also be venues for vibrant cultural events that honor the past and inspire the present.

The meaning of cemeteries changes

Tradition meets alternative, analog meets digital, cemeteries support environmental protection and are an important part of our daily living.

The importance of cemeteries is changing, isn’t it?

And what role does ASCE play with this? There are many cemeteries in Vienna. This is very special. A wonderful city with about 2.000.000 inhabitants and 55 cemeteries. So, even after being there, you can find what you are looking for in Vienna.

My heart found the cemeteries 4 years ago. Before I didn't care about death, graves, cemeteries, and finiteness. And then I started in the position of the general manager of Friedhöfe Wien. I made myself ready for this position, studied a lot of articles, numbers, data and facts and thought about the challenges in connection with the 500 hectares of cemetery area. And there was a lot of good advice like “It’s a safe business, people always die” and “At the end, everyone is coming to you”. So, what do you think about it? Is it true?

No, it is not! Cemeteries have changed. The expectations of cemeteries have changed because society has changed. Megatrends like urbanization, digitalization, globalization also influence life in cemeteries. We do not have enough time to visit and care for the grave sites, maybe we live in another city or country. The idea of a grave site has changed. So, there are many grave site owners, who left the cemeteries. The cultural heritage, the memory of those who have passed away is in jeopardy. ASCE understood this risk years ago. For 20 years, ASCE and its members have been working to emphasize the importance of cemeteries. Together we want to create a “new” value and contemporary importance for it.

But is it possible to actively change the importance of cemeteries for now and for the future?

We must rethink cemeteries. The “use” has always changed over the centuries. Often due to the location of the cemeteries. They were far away from the cities, they were the center part of the cities, they were trading markets, they were part of our life. It is a wonderful thought, that our beloved deceased are still part of our lives, of our living space and everyone can leave a little footprint, isn’t it?

So, what is our challenge, our responsibility as cemetery administrator, as cemetery designer?

We must adapt our offer for society. We must offer something for all requirements. Cemeteries must be interesting and valuable. Be creative! Do you have any idea about it?

We have: tradition meets alternative, analog meets digital, cemeteries support environmental protection and are an important part of our daily living.

Would you like some examples from Vienna?

Let's have a look at tradition:

Let's have a look at alternatives:

Let´s go digital:

That´s nature in the cemeteries:

Cemeteries (should) have many faces. This is what ASCE has stood for for the last 20 years: Together we update the importance of cemeteries to save cultural heritage. We create new networks, share experiences, and improve our services – together! The more people participate, the stronger the network and the ability to maintain and develop the value of the cemeteries. Be part of it!

Mag. Renate Niklas,
general manager of Friedhöfe Wien GmbH

You can access the original article HERE.

Find more about cemeteries in Vienna:

Friedhöfe Wien GmbH
Simmeringer Hauptstraße 339 – 1110 Wien

post@friedhoefewien.at | www.friedhoefewien.at | www.digitalesgrab.at
Facebook & Instagram: @FriedhoefeWien