Esmeralda, Barbosella, and Palumbina all sound like characters from a fairy tale but are actually orchids. And if you want to catch a whole book’s worth of glorious orchidaceous shapes and colours, then head over to the International Orchid Show in Vienna…
- Numerous exhibitors
- Full of gorgeous displays
- Commercial booths sell plants and equipment
- Located in the Hirschstetten botanical gardens
- Next dates: Feb 23-27, 2028
- Book a 2-hour walking tour* in Vienna
- See also:
Orchids and more
(Expect a kaleidoscope of colour; press photo © Stadt Wien/Fürthner)
Now, we Europeans consider our roses and other such delights with some pride. And we even have a few little orchids to bring an exotic touch to our grassy meadows.
The tropical orchids, however, cast a sardonic look over at our feeble efforts; they occupy an entirely different league.
Fortunately for us, the International Orchid Show gives us the chance to see their sublime beauty in all its glory.
(One of our orchids from home)
Two long glasshouses host the show on the grounds of the Blumengärten Hirschstetten site.
The location is a municipal plant nursery that includes a palm house, aviaries and other animal enclosures, landscaped and themed gardens, and much more (most of which only open to the public in the warmer months). Consider Hirschstetten a bit of a city secret, actually.
Entering the show glasshouses when I last visited revealed landscaped beds covered in a plethora of colour.
(Hardy outdoor orchids we bought at the show and which have since flowered)
These were not the standard supermarket orchids you bought grandma last year: photographers will squeal in pleasure and hope they packed a macro lens.
The event is a show in the true meaning of the word. Exhibitors have stands where you can peruse and buy their wares. However, blooms and creative designs also fill several standalone display areas.
The orchids range from tiny beauties to giant, almost alien-like, varieties. They hang from lianas and ceiling hooks, poke out of raised beds, and peek out from among trees, shrubs and water features that create an authentic-looking natural environment. And that’s not all…
A few organisations typically set up stall for the show, too, such as orchid societies, university botanical gardens, and the federal and municipal garden authorities. And all might offer some display or another.
(A study in delicate art)
For example, the Hirschstetten hosts once integrated orchid arrangements with oriental-themed installations.
And that’s still not all…
Among the orchids, you might also find walls of air plants and perhaps cacti and carnivorous plants. On one visit, a stand even sold orchid-inspired jewellery.
Dates, tickets & tips
The next show runs from February 23rd to 27th, 2028.
Opening times last time out were daily 9am to 6pm. Tickets cost €8 for a standard adult and could be bought at the door (cash only).
This is one of the few events to entertain us in the normally quiet February.
How to get to the orchids
The show takes place somewhat outside the centre in the district of Donaustadt (which translates to Danube City).
Using public transport, your best bet is to get as close as you can on the subway, then use the bus or tram.
Option 1: Take the U1 line to Kagraner Platz and jump on the 22A bus for around eight minutes to the Blumengärten Hirschstetten stop. Or catch the 26 tram to the Oberfeldgasse/Spargelfeldstr. stop (which is around the back of the gardens).
Option 2: Take the U2 line to the Hardeggasse station, then jump on a 95A bus for about 17 minutes to reach the Blumengärten Hirschstetten stop.
The Hirschstetten site also has a couple of decent-sized car parks, though these might get busy at weekends, for example.
Address: Quadenstraße 15, 1220 Vienna | Website