Brigittenau blooms on: New Wiener Wäldchen improves quality of life!

Brigittenau blooms on: New Wiener Wäldchen improves quality of life!

On August 10, 2025, it was announced in Vienna that the newly created Viennese forest in the Brigittenau thrives. In autumn 2023 the planting took place on Pappenheimgasse 31. District head Christine Dubravac-Widholm and climate councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky use this project to improve the quality of life through intact nature and green spaces.

The concept of the Viennese Wäldchen was launched in 2022 to counter urbanization and adapt the city to the challenges of climate change. New mini forests are continuously created as part of the initiative to promote biodiversity and to improve air quality. There are currently 14 of these forests in Vienna, whereby the latest additions can also be found in Floridsdorf.

advantages of the mini forests

The mini forests that are at least 100 m² are made of different types of tree and shrub types and are particularly suitable for small areas in densely built-up districts. They not only offer cooling through evaporation, but also act as a habitat for domestic plants and animals and contribute significantly to the improvement of the city climate. Climate Councilor Czernohorszky emphasizes that these small oases also enrich the urban living space and promote awareness of nature and climate protection.

The novelty of the Wäldchen on Jedlersdorfer Straße comprises more than 20 types of tree and shrub and is targeted in the minimized room. The first mini-forest was planted in the 5th district in Stefan-Weber-Park, and the city gains knowledge about suitable plant species for the upcoming climatic challenges.

scientific foundations and future projects

An important challenge is that there is a lack of comprehensive scientific studies and manuals for the implementation of mini forests in urban areas. The "Urmini" project, funded by the DAFNE program of the Ministry of Agriculture, will help to provide practical recommendations for preparation for location and plant design. This is done in cooperation with the botanical garden of the University of Vienna and the HBFLA gardening school Schönbrunn.

In addition, three other mini forests with a research background in Vienna and Lower Austria are planned for the autumn season 2024 and spring 2025. These projects aim to further examine the ecological and social potential of the mini forests. Studies will analyze the effects on the microclimate, biodiversity and CO₂ binding.