Wohnpark Alterlaa

Wohnpark Alterlaa, Vienna: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: History and Significance

Wohnpark Alterlaa, located in Vienna’s 23rd district (Liesing), stands as one of Austria’s most influential and innovative residential complexes. Conceived during the late 1960s to address post-war housing shortages, this vast development epitomizes Vienna’s progressive approach to social housing. Architect Harry Glück’s vision of a “city within a city” is realized here—over 240,000 square meters integrate more than 3,000 apartments, each with private terraces, alongside shopping centers, schools, medical facilities, and abundant green spaces. This unique blend of privacy, communal life, and accessibility to nature has made Wohnpark Alterlaa a celebrated model of humane urban living (wohnpark-alterlaa.at, austriabyoeffis.at, nonument.org, wien.info).

Overview & Historical Background
Practical Visitor Information
Architectural and Social Concepts
Community Life and Amenities
Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips
FAQ
Visual Resources
Summary & Call to Action
References

Historical Background

Wohnpark Alterlaa was developed between 1973 and 1985 as a response to Vienna’s growing need for modern, family-friendly housing. The project was led by Harry Glück & Partner and built under the municipal housing company Gesiba. Designed as a self-sufficient community, the estate integrates shopping, education, healthcare, and leisure spaces into its layout. The three main residential towers (A, B, C), inspired by the “stacked single-family house” principle, ensure each apartment enjoys outdoor space, daylight, and privacy. The adjacent octagonal Wohnparkkirche Alt-Erlaa (church) was completed in 1984, cementing the estate’s role as a social and cultural hub (nonument.org).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Public Areas & Green Spaces: Open daily during daylight hours (generally 8:00 AM–8:00 PM).
Kaufpark Alterlaa Shopping Mall: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Wohnparkkirche Alt-Erlaa: Open for services and visits; check official sources for details.

Tickets & Entry

Admission: No tickets or entrance fees are required. Public spaces, shopping areas, and parks are freely accessible.
Residential Areas: Respect residents’ privacy; private amenities (e.g., rooftop pools) are not open to visitors.

Guided Tours

Availability: Occasional guided tours are organized by architectural and cultural groups. Refer to Vienna’s tourism website or ÖGFA for schedules.

Accessibility

Public Transport: Easily reached via U6 metro to Alterlaa station (about 15 minutes from city center).
On Site: Elevators, step-free paths, and ramps ensure full accessibility for visitors with mobility needs.

Photography

Best Spots: Capture the complex’s terraced architecture from Harry-Glück-Park, pedestrian walkways, and public vantage points. Rooftop pools are reserved for residents.

Wohnpark Alterlaa’s terraced, ziggurat-like architecture is internationally recognized. Each of its 3,000+ apartments features a private balcony, loggia, or terrace—many with four-meter-long planters—maximizing light, air, and greenery. The stepped profile of the three towers (23–27 stories each) is designed to offer sunlight and privacy to all units. Planted terraces dominate the lower floors, while the upper levels offer panoramic city views. The estate’s layout promotes pedestrian mobility and keeps most car traffic underground (Wikipedia, Blue Crow Media).

The project’s holistic philosophy extends beyond architecture. Nearly 140,000 square meters of landscaped green space, playgrounds, and communal gardens foster interaction and relaxation. Over 30 resident-managed clubs, art installations, and open spaces encourage a sense of community and cultural engagement (austriabyoeffis.at).

Community Life and Amenities

Wohnpark Alterlaa is home to 9,000–11,000 residents and offers a comprehensive range of facilities:

Recreation: Seven rooftop and seven indoor pools, fitness centers, saunas, badminton courts, and multiple playgrounds (Goodnight.at).
Social Infrastructure: Two kindergartens, three schools, a day-care center, medical centers, and a public library.
Community Engagement: Thirty resident clubs, an internal television station (WPTV), and a monthly newspaper (WAZ) foster community life and information sharing.
Commercial Services: Kaufpark Alterlaa offers supermarkets, specialty stores, cafes, restaurants, banks, and postal services.
Sustainability: Underground parking preserves pedestrian areas and green spaces; 24-hour maintenance ensures a high standard of upkeep.

This ecosystem supports a diverse, inclusive population—originally intended for low-income families, the estate now attracts a broad mix of residents, reflecting Vienna’s commitment to social integration and housing quality (municipaldreams.wordpress.com, friendsoffriends.com).

Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips

Local Sights: Explore the nearby Schloss Alterlaa or enjoy the Liesing district’s parks and nature trails.
City Center: Direct U6 access connects visitors to Vienna’s cultural landmarks, such as Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere, and MuseumsQuartier.
Visitor Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring a camera for the unique architecture, and visit in spring or summer for lush greenery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Wohnpark Alterlaa open to the public?
Yes, all public outdoor areas and the shopping mall are accessible daily, free of charge.

Are tickets required?
No tickets or fees are necessary for public areas.

Can I join a guided tour?
Guided tours are sometimes available; check with Vienna tourism or local organizations.

Is Wohnpark Alterlaa wheelchair accessible?
Yes, elevators and ramps ensure accessibility throughout.

Are the rooftop pools open to visitors?
No, rooftop pools are reserved for residents, but public vantage points offer impressive views.

How do I get there?
Take the U6 metro line to Alterlaa station; the complex is a short walk away.

Visual Resources

Explore Wohnpark Alterlaa virtually through online photo galleries and virtual tours on its official website and Vienna tourism portals.

Summary and Visitor Tips

Wohnpark Alterlaa is a living monument to Vienna’s social housing ideals. Its innovative terraced design, abundant amenities, and strong community culture make it a global benchmark for successful urban development. Visitors enjoy free access to landscaped parks, striking architecture, and cultural activities, all within easy reach of Vienna’s center. The estate’s self-sufficiency, accessibility, and openness make it an inspiring destination for architecture enthusiasts, urban explorers, and anyone interested in modern city life.

Visitor Tips:

Visit in spring or summer for the best outdoor experience.
Respect residents’ privacy and enjoy public spaces.
Check for guided tours in advance.
Use the Audiala app for audio guides and insider tips.

Call to Action

Plan your visit to Wohnpark Alterlaa and discover Vienna’s groundbreaking approach to urban living. For maps, guided tour notifications, and more, download the Audiala app. Explore related articles on Vienna’s architectural heritage and follow us on social media for updates and events.