The keel for "Aspern" was laid down at the Pola Arsenal on 4 October 1897 under the contract name ""Kreuzer" B", also designated "Ersatz" (replacement) for the elderly sloop-of-war. Her completed hull was launched on 3 May 1899 and fitting out was completed by 29 May 1900, when she was commissioned into the fleet at a cost of 4.5 million krone. She was named for the Battle of Aspern-Essling of 1809. After entering service, "Aspern" joined the Summer Squadron for its annual training maneuvers, which lasted until 21 July. During this period, she served as the flagship of III Division, leading a flotilla of torpedo boats. She was present for a visit by a British squadron to Trieste in July. The ships of III Division were present for the launching of the pre-dreadnought in Trieste.