Austrian cemeteries reflect diverse burial traditions

As All Saints' Day approaches, different burial practices are being highlighted across Austria. In Maria Enzersdorf, the Rauchkogel natural cemetery offers an alternative to traditional graveyards. Owned by the Schottenstift and managed by Bestattung Himmelblau, this site features grapevines and roses where compostable urns are buried. The site is open to the public 24/7, and the grapes harvested from the grounds are used to produce grape juice for services and bereaved families.

In Vienna, the Heiligenstädter cemetery serves as the final resting place for several notable figures. This includes the grave of Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda, who passed away in 2019 due to complications following his 1976 Nürburgring accident. The cemetery also houses the graves of Josefa and Leopold Hawelka, the famous owners of the iconic Viennese cafe Hawelka.