{"id":913,"date":"2020-07-22T09:07:04","date_gmt":"2020-07-22T07:07:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/viennatouristinformation.com\/en\/?page_id=913"},"modified":"2023-06-07T11:01:56","modified_gmt":"2023-06-07T09:01:56","slug":"city-hall","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/viennatouristinformation.com\/en\/things-to-do\/attractions\/city-hall\/","title":{"rendered":"Vienna City Hall and City Hall Square: Events, Tours & History"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Vienna City Hall in the first district, along with the 5.40 meter high City Hall Mann, which crowns the main tower, is one of the symbols of Vienna.<\/h2>\n

The city hall was built in the neo-Gothic style by Friedrich von Schmidt between 1872 and 1883 and is the seat of government and administration in Vienna. Those interested can visit the town hall on a public tour.<\/p>\n

But the city hall square in front of the town hall also attracts visitors almost all year round with events.<\/p>\n

In the following article we will tell you which regular events take place at City Hall Square, how you can visit the City Hall and all other important information.<\/p>\n

Annual Events at City Hall Square<\/h2>\n

The historic cty hall square is a popular venue for numerous events. At any time of the year you can expect concerts, open-air events, balls, sporting events and much more. The main annual events are listed below.<\/p>\n

1. Christmas Market<\/h3>\n

\"Weihnachtsmarkt<\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone who is in Vienna during Advent should not miss the Vienna Christmas market on City Hall Square.<\/p>\n

Christkindlmarkt, also called Vienna Christmas Dream<\/em> is not only considered the most beautiful Christmas market in Vienna, but also one of the most beautiful in Europe.<\/p>\n

It takes place every year from mid-November until New Years and provides a heavenly setting with festive lights, an atmospheric ambience and the illuminated town hall as a breathtaking backdrop. Around 150 Christmas stands offer delicious treats, traditional handicrafts and gift ideas. A popular attraction is the 3,000 m\u00b2 ice rink, which invites you to ice skate.<\/p>\n

2. Ice Dream<\/h3>\n

\"Eistraum<\/span><\/p>\n

From mid-January to early March, City Hall Square is transformed into the Viennese Ice Dream.<\/p>\n

With over 9,000 m\u00b2 of ice, it is the largest ice skating rink in the Austrian capital and a popular meeting place for young and old. Thanks to the enchanting atmosphere, you not only enjoy special ice sport fun, but also picturesque winter magic.<\/p>\n

Helmet and skate rentals and a variety of food stands are also on-site. The highlight is the Sky Rink<\/em>, a 120 meter long ramp that leads to an extraordinary ice skating terrace. A smaller area is available for children free of charge until 4 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.<\/p>\n

3. Film Festival and Summer Cinema<\/h3>\n

\"Filmfestival<\/span><\/p>\n

Another popular annual event is the Vienna Film Festival & Summer Cinema, one of Vienna’s summer highlights.<\/p>\n

Every year in the summer months, the film festival & summer cinema invites you to the open air cinema in front of the city hall with a diverse program. The program includes pieces from the world of opera, ballet, world music and jazz. Entry is free.<\/p>\n

Not only film and music fans get their money’s worth here, culinary highlights of international and regional dishes are also offered in numerous stands.<\/p>\n

4. New Year’s Trail<\/h3>\n

\"Silvesterpfad<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most popular addresses for the turn of the year is the City Hall Square. As part of the New Year’s Eve Trail in <\/em>Vienna<\/em> , it is one of the largest open-air New Year’s parties in Europe.<\/p>\n

The highlight is definitely the big New Year’s Eve fireworks display on City Hall Square, which every year at midnight makes the starry sky shine with a wonderful sea of lights.<\/p>\n

\"Besichtigung<\/span><\/p>\n

Visit with a Guide<\/h2>\n

Individuals can visit the Vienna City Hall free of charge and without registration. Public tours of the town hall take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

If you want, you can borrow an audio guide in English, French, Spanish and Italian free of charge upon depositing your ID.<\/p>\n

Group tours from 10 to a maximum of 20 people are possible with prior registration. The tours are offered Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.<\/p>\n

The meeting point for the tours is the city information center in the town hall, entrance: 1st, Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1.<\/p>\n

Please Note:<\/strong> No guided tours are offered on meeting days, public holidays, Good Friday, December 24th and 31st, or during major events.<\/p>\n

City Hall Park<\/span><\/p>\n

City Hall Park, which is divided by City Hall Square, is one of the most visited parks in Vienna.<\/p>\n

It was designed as a public park in 1863 and has enjoyed great popularity ever since. Depending on the season, it invites you to picnic, sunbathe or ice skate.<\/p>\n

City Hall Cellar<\/h2>\n

The Vienna City Hall Cellar is located directly at the City Hall. Its traditional parlors and halls, in which the history of Vienna is almost tangible, are characterized by a unique ambience.<\/p>\n

The venerable chambers, along with the culinary delights of Viennese cuisine, make the 100-year-old business one of the most popular event locations in Vienna.<\/p>\n

\"Geschichte\"<\/span><\/p>\n

History of Vienna City Hall<\/h2>\n

Vienna City Hall on Ringstrasse was built between 1872 and 1883 by the architect Friedrich von Schmidt. It replaced the old town hall<\/em> on Wipplingerstrasse, which became too small.<\/p>\n

The imposing brick building was designed in the neo-Gothic style and clad in limestone. On a floor space of 19,592 m\u00b2 there are 1,575 rooms, 7 inner courtyards and 6 floors.<\/p>\n

The bronze statue of the iron City<\/em> Hall Man <\/em>is enthroned on the 98 meter high main tower of the city hall. He weighs 650 kilograms, is 5.40 meters tall including the flag and wears size 63 shoes.<\/p>\n

Today, the city hall houses various local and state political institutions. The magnificent premises are used for representative events for the city, such as receptions, balls, banquets and exhibitions. Particularly noteworthy is the magnificent ballroom, which offers a magnificent view of the famous Ringstrasse.<\/p>\n

Contact<\/h2>\n