Rettungsstation Hernals (MA 70)
Vienna, IL

- Location
- Vienna, IL
- Category
- iconic bucket list
- Coordinates
- 48.2243, 16.3193
- Best time
- Morning or early afternoon
- Weather tip
- Check the local forecast before visiting.
Overview
The Rettungsstation Hernals, operated by the Vienna Rescue service (MA 70), stands as a functional and architectural landmark in the 17th district of Vienna, Austria. While not a traditional tourist attraction in the sense of a museum or palace, it serves as a critical piece of the city’s emergency infrastructure. Visitors interested in urban architecture and the logistical organization of major European cities often include this site in their walking tours of Hernals. The station represents the operational efficiency of the Municipal Department 70, which manages one of the most advanced emergency medical services in Europe. When considering what to do in the area, observers appreciate the building for its clinical, modernist design that contrasts with the surrounding historic residential blocks. It offers a glimpse into the daily operations of a metropolitan rescue service. For those looking for unique trip ideas, observing the integration of such specialized facilities into a dense urban environment provides a deeper understanding of how Vienna functions beyond its imperial facade. The station is best viewed from the street level during daylight hours, allowing for a clear appreciation of its utilitarian aesthetic. It is a testament to the city's commitment to public safety and infrastructure, making it an interesting, if unconventional, stop for those exploring the less-trodden paths of the Hernals district.
General information
The Rettungsstation Hernals, operated by the Vienna Rescue service (MA 70), stands as a functional and architectural landmark in the 17th district of Vienna, Austria. While not a traditional tourist attraction in the sense of a museum or palace, it serves as a critical piece of the city’s emergency infrastructure. Visitors interested in urban architecture and the logistical organization of major European cities often include this site in their walking tours of Hernals. The station represents the operational efficiency of the Municipal Department 70, which manages one of the most advanced emergency medical services in Europe. When considering what to do in the area, observers appreciate the building for its clinical, modernist design that contrasts with the surrounding historic residential blocks. It offers a glimpse into the daily operations of a metropolitan rescue service. For those looking for unique trip ideas, observing the integration of such specialized facilities into a dense urban environment provides a deeper understanding of how Vienna functions beyond its imperial facade. The station is best viewed from the street level during daylight hours, allowing for a clear appreciation of its utilitarian aesthetic. It is a testament to the city's commitment to public safety and infrastructure, making it an interesting, if unconventional, stop for those exploring the less-trodden paths of the Hernals district.
Did you know
- MA 70 is the abbreviation for the Municipal Department 70, which is responsible for the entire emergency medical service in Vienna.
- The Vienna Rescue service operates one of the busiest emergency medical networks in Europe.
- Hernals is the 17th district of Vienna and is known for its blend of suburban charm and dense urban development.
History
The history of the Rettungsstation Hernals is tied to the broader development of the Vienna Rescue service, which was founded in 1881 as the Vienna Volunteer Rescue Society. Over the decades, the organization transitioned from a volunteer-based entity into a highly professionalized municipal department (MA 70). The current facility in Hernals reflects the modernization efforts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, designed to house specialized emergency vehicles and equipment necessary for rapid response times in the densely populated western districts of the city. The building serves as a permanent base for paramedics and emergency doctors, maintaining a constant state of readiness to serve the local community.
Cultural significance
The Rettungsstation holds cultural significance as a symbol of the 'Social Vienna' model, which prioritizes public service and state-funded infrastructure. In a city world-renowned for its baroque palaces and imperial history, buildings like the Rettungsstation represent the functional, egalitarian reality of modern Austrian civic life. It is respected by locals as a vital hub of safety, embodying the reliability of the city's emergency response systems. While it lacks the ornate decoration of historic landmarks, its significance lies in its utility, serving as a quiet but essential pillar of the Hernals district's social fabric and daily operations.
Geography and landscape
Located in the 17th district of Vienna, the Rettungsstation Hernals is situated within a typical urban landscape characterized by a mix of late 19th-century tenement buildings and mid-century infill architecture. The site is positioned to allow for quick access to the main arterial roads of the district, facilitating rapid transit for emergency vehicles. The surrounding area features narrow streets, local shops, and residential dwellings, typical of the dense, historic urban layout of Vienna's outer districts. The terrain is relatively flat, consistent with the geography of the Vienna Basin, and the building itself is integrated tightly into the existing street grid.
More facts
- Imported from Wikidata
Visitor links
Nearby attractions
- Bezirksmuseum Hernals Vienna - 1242 m
- Paulinenwarte Vienna - 1669 m
- Bezirksmuseum Währing Vienna - 1757 m
- Währinger Wasserturm Vienna - 1767 m
- Geymüllerschlössel Vienna - 2334 m
- WUK Vienna - 2367 m
- Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art Vienna - 2648 m
- Bezirksmuseum Alsergrund Vienna - 2671 m