Vienna Ring Road

Vienna’s Ringstrasse (Ring Road) is a grand 3 mi (5km) boulevard encircling the city centre in a near-perfect semicircle lined with some of the most magnificent landmarks.

Built during the 19^th century, the Ringstrasse consists of six connecting straight segments, each with its own name, that collectively form the ring road.  Its construction followed Emperor Franz Joseph’s decision to replace the outdated city walls with a modern urban design.  Part of this vision included the addition of significant public buildings along the boulevard, serving both political and cultural purposes.

Among the highlights is the Vienna State Opera, the first of the grand buildings to open with a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni.  

The breathtaking architecture of the Natural History Museum is complemented by its fascinating exhibits, including a vast collection of rare gems, meteorites, and crystals.  Its counterpart, the Museum of Art History, is home to Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s iconic Tower of Babel.

Just up the road, the Parliament building stands as a striking example of neo-Renaissance architecture, and next to it, the Town Hall comes alive with its famous Christmas market.

Across the street, the Burgtheater, Vienna’s premier state theatre, states classic and contemporary plays in German, along with occasional avant-garde Shakespeare productions.

The exquisite Votive Church was built in gratitude after an assassination attempt was foiled on Emperor Franz Joseph.

The boulevard also houses several green spaces like Stadtpark, the first one on Ringstrasse and home to a gilded statue of Johann StrassII, the renowned waltz composer best known for The Blue Danube.  Another notable park is Volksgarten, featuring the beautiful Theseus Temple and a fountain memorial to Empress Elisabeth.