Vienna transforms Favoritenstrasse: Green pedestrian dream takes shape!

Vienna transforms Favoritenstrasse: Green pedestrian dream takes shape!

On April 25, 2025, the City of Vienna officially began redesigning the pedestrian zone on Favoritenstrasse. Under the motto “Get out of the asphalt”, a comprehensive facelift of the road will be carried out, which will be implemented in two stages. Extensive greening measures and the creation of leisure opportunities along the popular shopping mile are planned. How Vienna.gv.at reported, the project includes the Platz der Kulturen, Columbusplatz, Landgutgasse and Reumannplatz.

In the first construction phase, which extends from Platz der Kulturen to Landgutgasse, 35 new trees and 2,000 m² of new green space will be created. There are also plans for a climbing wall in the underpass of the Gudrunpassage and a water table for children. For example, a 50 meter long bouldering wall should offer space for up to 30 people. The second construction phase extends from Landgutgasse to Reumannplatz and starts at the beginning of 2026; 60 new trees and 1,000 m² of additional green space will be planted.

Versatile measures to promote foot traffic

The redesign of Favoritenstrasse is part of a larger program focused on improving pedestrian infrastructure throughout Vienna. Loud Econews In 2023, the city will invest over 21 million euros in ten districts to promote pedestrian traffic. City Councilor for Mobility Ulli Sima emphasizes the importance of walking for the Viennese population and emphasizes that new spaces for encounters and relaxation should be created through cooling, greening and traffic calming.

In addition, a “Walking Master Plan” is being implemented to identify potential for improvement for pedestrians. Ten districts have already finalized their plans, with more to follow by the end of 2024. The measures include not only wider sidewalks, but also new trees and traffic-calmed areas to increase road safety, especially in front of schools. Vienna's first Supergrätzl will also be built in Favoriten with new green spaces and a pedestrian zone, which will permanently change the streetscape.

Sustainable greening as a key initiative

The need to green urban spaces is becoming more and more urgent given the global trend of urbanization process. The United Nations reports that over 60 percent of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2030 and around 70 percent by 2050 Fraunhofer highlights.

Greenery has many positive effects: it promotes oxygen production, binds CO2, filters fine dust and improves the microclimate. In Vienna, as part of the overall project, a funding pot of 100 million euros will be used for greening measures, which includes the creation of 74,000 m² of new green spaces, 3,004 new trees, 2,500 new seating areas and 1,930 m² of new water features. These measures are intended not only to increase the quality of life of the Viennese population, but also to make a contribution to climate protection.