The fields of Aspern and Essling, located on the eastern edge of Vienna, were the scene of one of Napoleon Bonaparte's most important defeats. In 1809, Austrian forces under Archduke Charles successfully stopped Napoleon's attempt to cross the Danube River.
The fields of Aspern and Essling, located on the eastern edge of Vienna, were the scene of one of Napoleon Bonaparte's most important defeats. In 1809, Austrian forces under Archduke Charles successfully stopped Napoleon's attempt to cross the Danube River. The battle was significant because it was one of the first major defeats suffered by Napoleon during his European campaigns. After years of victories, the French emperor was forced to retreat and reconsider his strategy. Today visitors can explore memorials, historic villages and walking routes across the former battlefield landscape. The open plains beside the Danube still provide a sense of the scale of the conflict.
