Discover the Viennese Kleingarten Lifestyle: A Hidden Urban Green Oasis
Ever dreamed of owning a private green oasis in the heart of Vienna? Imagine waking up surrounded by nature, tending to your own garden, and enjoying a slower pace of life—all while staying connected to the city. Welcome to the Kleingarten lifestyle! These unique allotment gardens offer an affordable community-driven alternative to city apartments. Whether used as a weekend retreat or a year-round residence, Kleingärten are becoming the future of sustainable urban living in Austria.
What is a Kleingarten in Vienna?
Kleingärten is a place where time can simply stop, allowing you to slow down from everyday busy dynamics. ⎯ Robert Tomić
A Kleingarten (allotment garden) is a privately owned or leased garden plot where residents can build small homes and enjoy sustainable living. Originally, these gardens were meant for seasonal use. However, today many feature fully insulated homes, making year-round living possible. For instance, Vienna has many allotment gardens located centrally. One of the most well-known examples is KGV Wasserwiese, a charming allotment community near the Danube, offering both relaxation and city convenience.
Vienna is home to numerous Kleingartensiedlungen (allotment gardens), offering green retreats across the city. As one moves outward from the centre towards the outskirts, several notable settlements include:
- Kleingarten Landstraßer Gürtel (3rd District – Landstraße)
- Kleingarten Arsenal (3rd District – Landstraße)
- Kleingarten Unterer Prater (2nd District – Leopoldstadt)
- Kleingarten Löwygrube-Laaerberg (10th District – Favoriten)
- Kleingarten Bahndamm (11th District – Simmering)
- Kleingarten Am Schöpfwerk (12th District – Meidling)
- Kleingarten Rosenberg (13th District – Hietzing)
- Kleingarten Am Saturnweg (14th District – Penzing)
- Kleingarten Ried in der Rose (14th District – Penzing)
- Kleingarten Am Heuberg (17th District – Hernals)
- Kleingarten Alte Donau (22nd District – Donaustadt)
- Kleingarten Sommerweg (21st District – Floridsdorf)
In Vienna, we have many centrally located allotment garden. Living in a Viennese allotment garden is almost like living in a village within the city. In addition to being private recreational spaces for relaxation and family activities, these gardens also support urban biodiversity by providing habitats for various plants and animals. The experience of living there is simply magical.
Why Are More People Choosing to Live in a Kleingarten?
1. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Living
- Reduces carbon footprint
- Encourages urban gardening & biodiversity
- Provides natural cooling & green buffers
2. Affordable Housing Alternative
- Lower purchase prices compared to city apartments
- Reduced living costs with energy-efficient small houses
3. Private Green Space in the City
- Perfect for gardening, relaxation, and family activities
- No noise pollution like in high-rise apartments
4. Strong Community & Social Life
- Tight-knit neighbourhood atmosphere
- Shared gardening tips & sustainability practices
5. Flexibility in Design & Architecture
Vienna’s allotment garden developments are evolving beyond their historical roots, and the Viennese Building Code (Wiener Bauordnung) provides architects with the opportunity to shape this transformation. No longer just seasonal retreats, modern allotment garden homes can now be designed as contemporary, full-time residences—integrating architectural quality, energy efficiency, and intelligent spatial solutions. According to the Viennese Building Code, architects can design compact homes that are both practical and visually appealing while following site restrictions.
The challenge lies in maximising liveability within the prescribed building footprint, often restricted to 50 m² per floor and this demands precision in design, where every square metre serves a purpose. Good insulation, smart material choices, and well-designed exteriors allow for an easy shift from seasonal to permanent living. Thoughtful solar orientation and passive design strategies further enhance energy performance, reducing operational costs while maintaining comfort.
Architects designing Kleingarten homes must follow urban planning rules to make sure new buildings fit in with their surroundings while keeping a modern look. The result is a cohesive yet forward-thinking built environment, where lightweight construction meets high-end detailing. These projects are not merely small-scale homes—they are a statement on the future of compact, sustainable living in Vienna.
As more residents seek alternative housing models, Vienna’s allotment garden settlements are becoming a key testing ground for innovative residential solutions. Architects have the responsibility—and the opportunity—to push these designs forward, delivering high-quality living spaces that meet today’s standards while respecting the historical context of these unique urban enclaves.
Can You Live in a Kleingarten Year-Round?
Yes! More and more Viennese families are choosing to live in Kleingärten permanently. Thanks to modern architecture, these houses can now be fully insulated, energy-efficient, and comfortable all year round. If you’re thinking about building a Kleingarten home, we can help you design a smart and sustainable house that meets all legal requirements.
How Much Does a Kleingarten Cost in Vienna?
Typical Kleingarten Prices in Vienna:
- Leased plots: Start from €50,000+
- Privately owned plots: Can range between €150,000 – €400,000
- Newly built Kleingarten homes: From €200,000+
Prices vary based on location, plot size, and building type.
Transform Your Kleingarten Dream Into Reality!
Thinking about moving to a Kleingarten in Vienna? Let us help!
We assist with:
- Acquiring the perfect Kleingarten plot
- Designing your ideal Kleingarten house
- Handling all permits & architectural planning
Contact us today: office@tomic-han.com
