Overview:

Haus des Meeres is an aquarium and public terrarium located in Vienna, Austria. It was established in 1957 and is the oldest public aquarium in Austria. The aquarium contains hundreds of species of fish and other marine life, including sharks, tropical fish, and sea turtles. It also houses a library, a research institute, and a museum. The aquarium also serves as an educational center for its visitors, providing workshops and lectures about marine life and ecosystems. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Austria
Prominent Features:

1. Europe’s largest shark tank: One of the most impressive and most popular attractions at the Haus des Meeres is the spectacular 5,000 cubic meter Atlantic Ocean shark aquarium. This colossal aquarium was the largest of its kind when it opened in 1964, and now houses dozens of species of sharks and coral reef fish. 2. Giant Amazonian aquarium: The 55,000 liter Amazonian aquarium showcases the ecological diversity native to South America, and includes species from the Amazon, the Orinoco, and the Río Negro. Visitors can observe caimans, piranhas, manatees, freshwater stingrays and much more in this giant tank. 3. World of frogs: In the Haus des Meeres' 'World of Frogs' visitors can observe more than 100 species of frogs from all over the world. 4. Tropical butterfly house: In the 5,200 cubic meter butterfly house, visitors can find exotic butterflies from all over the world. Guests can learn about all the species’ lifecycles in the educational display and enjoy the enchantingly colorful surroundings. 5. Shark dive for certified divers: For certified divers, the Haus des Meeres offers the possibility to dive in the shark tank with its giant sand tiger sharks. 6. World of reptiles: Over 60 species of reptiles can be found in the Haus des Meeres’ world of reptiles. Impressive species such as iguanas, water monitors, and tortoises can be enjoyed as well as smaller reptiles like frogs, toads, and snakes. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Austria.

History:

The Haus des Meeres ("House of the Sea") is an aqua-terrarium facility in Vienna, Austria, built inside a World War II-era concrete anti-aircraft tower. It houses over 10,000 aquatic and terrestrial animals from around the world, including fish, reptiles, frogs, insects, spiders, and many more. The facility was founded by the Austrian Institute for Oceanography, which was then part of the University of Vienna. The initiative to create such a facility was taken by Dr. Hermann Brezina of the Institute, who, in 1950, wrote to the mayor of the city of Vienna for permission to use the "Flakturm" anti-aircraft tower. He pursued the project for the following 10 years, and in 1961, the Haus des Meeres was officially opened to the public. It was the first inland aquarium in Austria and quickly became a popular attraction. The aquarium is divided into different sections representing different aquatic habitats, including rivers, streams, lakes, and the deep sea. Visitors can observe various species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates from the Amazon, Africa, Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. There is also a marine section that houses sharks, stingrays, moray eels, and other fish. In some areas visitors can even touch some of the animals. The Haus des Meeres also has a research and conservation focus, and regularly organizes educational activities for students and adults. Over the years, the aquarium has become a major tourist attraction in Vienna and continues to be a major education and research institution. Visit one of the famous monuments of Austria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Haus des Meeres ("House of the Sea") is a public aquarium in Vienna, Austria, opened in the year 1957. 2. It is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, housing up to 400 fish from over 400 different species. 3. It features a unique African Hall, designed to accurately display the habitats of 35 African fish species. 4. The aquarium has an impressive variety of live coral, including some of the world's most colorful species. 5. It also has a large coral reef aquarium, offering visitors a look into the vibrant underwater world. 6. Guests can also come face-to-face with over 130 species of amphibians and reptiles. 7. Special activities for kids, such as animal feedings, are offered throughout the day. 8. Aside from its aquatic exhibits, Haus des Meeres also includes several educational and interactive programs, which teach visitors all about amphibians, fish and the underwater world. One of the historical monuments of Austria, it tells the story of a bygone era