On one of the last sunny and warm September afternoons we decided to finally check the Löwygrube. It is a big park located in the 10th district with one of the biggest dog zones in Vienna. The name came up on the dog group I am part of quite some times. I had it written down in my notebook for very long time, and it is located really not far from us. Somehow we haven’t made it there for nearly two years. Bad mistake, don’t repeat it.
It is really big – over 200 000 square meters. The whole area is well-kept, clean, equipped with trash bins, benches, poo-bag dispensers and water stations. And on top of that you get a great view over the city. Big part of the Löwygrube is made of meadows and fields, but you can find a lot of trees and bushes, that come very handy in the hot months. Important – the area is not fenced, so being off the lead should be reserved for dogs that can contain their exploration urges 😉
Run free!
The concept is quite interesting, as the whole area is the “Hundeauslaufzone”. As a result your dog can ran without a lead. Inside though there are playgrounds for children (fenced, dogs not allowed), and also quite a lot of people without dogs. I personally love this about Austria. Austrian love their dogs and it is quite easy to spot. I find it a great way to educate people about the peaceful cohabitation of dog owners, children-owners etc. So far I really like that the owners with problematic dogs keep them on leads, and don’t let them run freely. It is also a signal for me. I always make sure that Badi does not go to them and disrupt a training or a walk, whatever it is they are doing. Because, and here comes some preaching: even if it says “free running area for dogs”, it does not take the responsibility away from you. You have to make sure your dog comes back when you call him and does not attack people or other dogs.
Interesting fact: in the beginning of the 20th century there was a brick factory (Ziegelgrube) here that belonged to Jacob Löwy. He’s been quite a brick tycoon, as he also owned a brick factory in Oberlaa. The city of Vienna got the area in 1952 and in 1957 transformed it into a waste-disposal place that run till 1965. Later it has been covered with clay and transformed in what it is today.
How to get there?
It is quite easy to reach with the bus 15A or 68A, and super easy to come with a car. You will find a big parking right by the entrance. The parking was quite packed on Sunday afternoon but I am pretty sure it is not a regular basis. If you decide to park outside of designated parking by the entrance make sure not to forget about the parking ticket. We are now part of the Kurzparkzone!
Böhmischer Prater
After a walk in the Hunezdone we felt like a drink. We decided to take a look at the Böhmischer Prater, or in English: Bohemian Prater. The name comes of course from the big Prater located in the 2nd district. This one, dated back to the second half of the 19th century is rather small, but absolutely charming. Time seems to have stopped here and the atmosphere is a bit more… nostalgic? It is worth seeing, as some of the rides are over 100 years old!
As per usual, rollercoasters or similar attractions are not making your heart skip a beat? Then sit down in one of the taverns and enjoy a Langos and a glass of a famous spritzer.
