Vienna's Mayfly Journey: Celebrating 150 Years of Central Cemetery with a Morbidly Playful Short Film

To mark the 150th anniversary of Vienna's Central Cemetery, the Vienna Tourist Board has released a one-minute short film titled "Vienna: the Last Place You Want to Be." The film, created in collaboration with London’s BlinkInk animation studio, follows a mayfly on the only day of its life as it explores Vienna’s cultural and culinary highlights. Reflecting the Viennese fascination with death, the mayfly experiences the city’s iconic locations—from the Central Cemetery to the Spanish Riding School, museums, and famous cafés—before peacefully dying at sunset in the Viennese vineyards.

Director of the Vienna Tourist Board, Norbert Kettner, describes the film as an exploration of Vienna’s unique mix of joie de vivre and morbidity, showcasing why the city is often voted the most liveable place in the world. The campaign video, promoted in several countries including the USA and Canada, coincides with the Halloween season and pays tribute to Vienna’s rich cultural heritage and its special relationship with death.

The short film will be advertised online and via social media from October 14 to November 3, with streaming platforms Disney+ and Netflix carrying it in North America. Visitors can also explore Vienna’s morbid side through the "Morbides Wien Guide" on the city’s ivie app.