Rathaus (Vienna City Hall)

The Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) is the seat of the local municipal government and houses the offices of the mayor and the town council, as well as other related government institutions. Amongst them is the legislature of the States of Austria, called the Landtag.

Located on the Ringstrasse, Vienna City Hall has a large square in front of it – Rathausplatz, and it is surrounded by Rathaus park on the side and behind the building. Across the Ringstrasse is the famous Burgtheater, Vienna’s state theatre.

The construction of the building began in 1872 and was supervised by the famous architect Friedrich von Schmidt. It was built in classical Gothic style with elements of Neo-Gothic style with a prominent tower, which is one of the highest constructions among historical buildings.

You can go to the top of the tower by climbing exactly 331 steps and be rewarded with an amazing view of the city.

The building, whose construction finished in 1883, has close to 1,500 rooms and almost 2,000 windows. Windows are often used to display works of art for charity events.

The area is known for a number of outdoor activities and festivals like the Christmas market, summer concerts, film festivals, and a very popular ice rink during the winter.

There are free guided tours through the Vienna City Hall showcasing staterooms. The tour covers the Council Chamber, the two Coat of Arms Halls, the Stone Halls, the Festival Hall, the Senate Chamber, the Grand Staircases, and the Arcade Courtyard with a view up the Rathausmann.
It is worth also visiting the restaurant inside the Vienna City Hall – Wiener Rathauskeller.

Interesting fact, the name for English speakers might sound funny – Rathaus – ‘House of rats’, but ‘rat’ in German means ‘advice’ or ‘council’, so it is literally translated into a ‘council house’.

Facts, figures and visitor info

The Rathaus (Vienna City Hall) is a central administrative building in Vienna and a prominent example of Gothic Revival architecture. Here are detailed facts, figures, and visitor information for those planning to explore this landmark:

Facts and Figures

History and Architecture

• Construction Period: Built between 1872 and 1883
• Architect: Friedrich von Schmidt
• Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
• Height: The tower is 98 meters tall, and with the Rathausmann statue on top, it reaches 103.3 meters.
• Rathausmann: The statue atop the tower, known as the Rathausmann, is a symbol of Vienna and was created by sculptor Franz Gastell in 1882.

Structure and Capacity

• Building Area: Approximately 113,000 square meters
• Rooms: The Rathaus contains about 1,575 rooms.
• Main Features:
  • Festsaal (Festival Hall): This grand hall can accommodate up to 1,500 people and is used for major events and balls.
  • Arkadenhof (Arcaded Courtyard): One of the largest courtyards in Europe, used for various events and festivals.
  • North and South Halls: Used for meetings and smaller events.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

• Administrative Offices: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
• Public Areas: Vary depending on events and exhibitions

Guided Tours

• Availability: Free guided tours are available on certain days.
• Tour Schedule: Typically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1:00 PM. No tours on holidays or during special events.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Languages: Tours are generally conducted in German, but English tours may be available on request.
• Booking: No prior booking is required for regular tours. Groups should contact the visitor center for arrangements.

Admission Fees

• General Entry: Free
• Special Exhibitions and Events: May have an admission fee

Facilities and Services

• Accessibility: The Rathaus is equipped with ramps and elevators for wheelchair access.
• Restrooms: Available within the building.
• Café: There is a café on-site where visitors can enjoy refreshments.
• Gift Shop: Sells souvenirs and publications related to the Rathaus and Vienna.

How to Get There

• Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
• Public Transport:
  • Subway (U-Bahn): U2 line to “Rathaus” station
  • Tram: Lines 1, 71, and D to “Rathausplatz/Burgtheater” stop
  • Bus: Various lines serve the nearby stops
• Walking: The Rathaus is centrally located and can be easily reached on foot from other attractions like the Hofburg Palace and the Vienna State Opera.

Visitor Tips

• Check Event Schedule: The Rathaus frequently hosts events, exhibitions, and festivals, so check the schedule beforehand to plan your visit accordingly.
• Seasonal Activities: The Rathausplatz (City Hall Square) hosts popular events like the Christmas Market in winter and the Film Festival in summer.
• Photography: Non-flash photography is generally allowed. Be mindful of specific restrictions during certain events.
• Explore Surroundings: Take time to explore the surrounding Rathauspark and nearby attractions such as the Burgtheater and the Austrian Parliament Building.

Conclusion

The Vienna City Hall is not only a hub of municipal administration but also a cultural and architectural landmark. With its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, rich history, and vibrant events, the Rathaus offers a fascinating experience for visitors. Whether you’re interested in its historical significance, architectural beauty, or lively public events, a visit to the Rathaus is a must when exploring Vienna.