Imagine a little piece of Bhutan nestled in Vienna. That is the Druk-Yul-Park. It is located in the 23rd district of Liesing. This park symbolizes the close friendship between Austria and Bhutan. Bhutan is also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Druk-Yul is the country’s name.
This park is at the junction of Speisinger Street, Wittgenstein Street, and Rosen Hügel Street. Its story began in 2007. That year, Vienna decided to honor its relationship with Bhutan. Bhutan was a priority country for Austrian Development Cooperation. The park was planned to mark Bhutan’s 100th anniversary as a kingdom.
Construction started in 2010. The Austrian-Bhutanese Society initiated the project. Students from HTL Mödling built a Chörten. A Chörten is a Bhutanese stupa. Locals call it a turret of happiness.
The Druk-Yul-Park officially opened on April 6, 2012. Ambassadors from China, India, and Bhutan attended the ceremony. The President of the Bhutanese Society was also present. Friendship societies from other countries joined in. These included India, Japan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
A Mani Wall was added to the park in 2014. It is a special wall adorned with sacred mantras. Visitors can see a bird bath in the Druk-Yul-Park. There is an info board providing details about the park. The Druk-Yul-Park covers an area of 3,000 square meters. That is about 0.74 acres. The Vienna City Council operates the park.
Take a moment to appreciate the Chörten. Notice its intricate design. It embodies peace and harmony. The Mani Wall is a testament to international friendship. Each stone represents a connection. The Druk-Yul-Park invites reflection. It provides a serene escape. Here you experience a unique blend of cultures.