Vienna Council Committee Discusses Queer Saunas, Train Line Greening & Fiaker Horse Welfare

Vienna’s city council committee for petitions convened Thursday to discuss three proposals brought forward by residents, addressing issues ranging from inclusivity in public saunas to climate adaptation and animal welfare.

Sauna Access for LGBTQ+ Community

A petition calling for dedicated times for queer individuals in Vienna’s public saunas was presented by Karin Raber. The proposal seeks to create a more welcoming environment for transgender, intersex, and non-binary people, who often face discrimination and discomfort in traditional sauna settings.

Raber argued that designated time slots, similar to those already offered for women and men, would allow for a more relaxed experience. During these times, gender checks at the entrance would be suspended, relying instead on self-identification. Advocates point to a successful model already in place in Cologne, Germany.

A volunteer group in Vienna currently hosts monthly queer sauna nights at the Sargfabrik, but demand far exceeds capacity, with tickets selling out within minutes, according to those involved with the initiative.

Greening a Railway Overpass

Bernhard Eichinger presented a petition advocating for the “greening” of a railway overpass near Wien Mitte/Ungarbrücke. The proposal aims to transform the 150-meter stretch of unused space into a public green area, offering benefits such as improved air quality, noise reduction, and a new recreational space for residents.

Petitioners highlighted a similar successful project near the University for Music and Performing Arts. They noted that a planned railway closure from autumn 2026 presents a unique opportunity to undertake the project. The city’s development plan already identifies the area as a priority for improvement.

A key point of contention is the stance of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), which the petitioners say does not recognize its responsibility for climate adaptation and noise reduction. The petition calls on the city to impose requirements on ÖBB to address these concerns for the public good and to align with Vienna’s climate goals.

Heat Restrictions for Fiaker Horses

Another petition seeks to protect the welfare of the approximately 300 horses used for Vienna’s traditional Fiaker carriages. The proposal calls for a ban on Fiaker rides when temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

The petition argues that horses standing on hot asphalt in direct sunlight, while Fiakers wait for customers in the shade, is inhumane. International guidelines recommend avoiding horse work at such temperatures, and studies support this position.

Cities like Berlin and Bruges have already implemented similar restrictions. The petition requests Vienna follow suit to ensure the well-being of the animals.

The committee’s recommendations on these petitions will be finalized at a closed-door meeting and then communicated to the petitioners. The next public meeting of the Petitions Committee is scheduled for January 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM at City Hall.

About the Petitions Committee

Established in 2013, the Petitions Committee comprises city council members from all represented factions. Vienna residents over the age of 16, regardless of nationality, can submit petitions that receive consideration by the committee once they gather 500 signatures. All submitted petitions are available for review at www.petitionen.wien.gv.at, where online petitions can also be supported or submitted (ID Austria required). (End) nic