What is the best walking tour Vienna offers for history lovers?

A self-guided walk through the Innere Stadt is ideal for history lovers. This specific route covers the Hofburg, the National Library, and Augustinerkirche, providing a comprehensive look at 600 years of Habsburg rule.

Is the Hofburg palace free to enter?

The exterior courtyards and public squares like Heldenplatz are free to explore. However, interior attractions such as the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Treasury require a paid admission ticket.

Can I see the Spanish Riding School on this walk?

Yes, the Spanish Riding School is located right next to Michaelerplatz and Josefsplatz. You will pass the Lipizzaner stables and the entrance to the performance hall during this route.

Where can I see the Roman ruins in Vienna?

The best place to see Roman ruins is at Michaelerplatz. The open excavations in the center of the square reveal walls and foundations from the ancient Roman camp of Vindobona.

Is this walking route accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the route is largely accessible as it follows flat city pavements and public squares. Some cobblestone sections in the older courtyards may be bumpy, but they are manageable with assistance.

What is the significance of Heldenplatz?

Heldenplatz is Vienna's 'Heroes' Square,' featuring statues of Austrian military leaders. It is most famous historically as the site where the annexation of Austria was announced in 1938.

When is the best time of day for this imperial walk?

Morning is best, specifically between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. This allows you to beat the large groups that congregate around the Hofburg and the Spanish Riding School later in the day.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the epicenter of one of history’s most powerful dynasties with this self-guided walk through Vienna’s Innere Stadt. For over six centuries, the Habsburgs ruled from this very ground, transforming a medieval fortification into a sprawling imperial complex that rivals any royal residence in Europe. This walking route invites you to explore the architectural evolution of the Hofburg, the private sanctuaries of emperors, and the public squares where history-defining moments unfolded. From the solemn beauty of the Augustinerkirche, where royal hearts are kept in silver urns, to the breathtaking Baroque splendor of the Austrian National Library, you will encounter the physical manifestation of imperial ambition. This walking tour Vienna highlights the contrast between the rigid protocol of court life and the personal tragedies of figures like Empress Elisabeth, known as Sisi. As you navigate the route, you will see how the city’s layout was dictated by the needs of the monarchy, culminating at the grand Heldenplatz and the archaeological layers of Michaelerplatz. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this neighborhood stroll offers the flexibility to admire the grand facades or pause for a coffee in a former royal garden. By following this route, you gain a deeper understanding of how Vienna became the cultural and political capital of Central Europe. Unlike a standard guided tour Vienna experience, this self-guided adventure allows you to linger under the dome of the Michaelertrakt or spend extra time photographing the Mozart monument without the pressure of a group schedule. Discover the stories of power, art, and legacy that continue to define the Austrian capital today.

Highlights

The 'Heart Crypt' of the Habsburgs in Augustinerkirche

The Baroque masterpiece of the Austrian National Library

The sprawling Imperial Palace (Hofburg) complex

The iconic Mozart Monument in the Burggarten

The massive public expanse of Heldenplatz

Roman excavations and the modernist Looshaus at Michaelerplatz

Tour Stops (6)

Augustinerkirche

Welcome to the Augustinian Church, the former parish church of the imperial court. While its Gothic exterior may seem modest compared to the surrounding palaces, its historical weight is immense. This was the site of high-profile Habsburg weddings, including the marriage of Marie Antoinette to Louis XVI by proxy, and the union of Emperor Franz Joseph and Sisi. Inside, the church holds a fascinating, if macabre, secret: the 'Herzgrüfterl' or Heart Crypt. Behind a small door in the Loretto Chapel, 54 silver urns contain the actual hearts of the Habsburg rulers. This tradition of 'separate burial'—where the body, heart, and entrails were interred in different locations—was a hallmark of imperial funeral rites for centuries.

Austrian National Library

Standing before the Josefsplatz, you are looking at one of the world's most beautiful library buildings. Commissioned by Emperor Charles VI in the 18th century, the Austrian National Library is a pinnacle of Baroque architecture. The State Hall, or Prunksaal, is the centerpiece, stretching nearly 80 meters long and rising to a height of 20 meters. It houses over 200,000 historic volumes, including the library of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Look up at the frescoes by Daniel Gran, which depict the apotheosis of Charles VI. The library serves as a reminder that the Habsburgs were not just political rulers, but immense patrons of the arts and sciences, dedicated to the preservation of human knowledge.

Hofburg

The Hofburg is not just a single palace, but a massive 'city within a city' that grew organically from the 13th century until the fall of the monarchy in 1918. Every emperor seemed to add a new wing, resulting in a fascinating mix of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque. This was the winter residence of the imperial family. Today, it serves as the workplace of the Austrian President. As you walk through the courtyards, imagine the thousands of servants, soldiers, and aristocrats who once bustled through these gates daily. The complex also houses the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Treasury, which holds the crown of the Holy Roman Empire.

Burggarten

Originally the private garden of the Emperor, the Burggarten was opened to the public in 1919. It offers a peaceful contrast to the stone courtyards of the Hofburg. The most famous resident here is the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart monument, which was moved here in 1953. Notice the flowerbed in front of the statue, often planted in the shape of a treble clef. Nearby, the elegant Art Nouveau Palm House (Palmenhaus) stands as a testament to early 20th-century glass and steel design. It once served as a royal greenhouse; today, it is a popular café. This garden was designed in the English landscape style, providing a relaxed, naturalistic escape for the imperial family.

Heldenplatz

Heldenplatz, or 'Heroes' Square,' is defined by its vast scale and the two massive equestrian statues of Prince Eugene of Savoy and Archduke Charles. This square was intended to be part of a grand 'Imperial Forum' that was never fully completed. While it represents Austrian military pride, it also carries a somber historical weight; it was from the balcony of the Neue Burg, overlooking this square, that Adolf Hitler announced the 'Anschluss' of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938. Today, it is a site of national commemoration and a popular place for locals to enjoy the open space against the backdrop of the Ringstrasse museums.

Michaelerplatz

Our route concludes at Michaelerplatz, a square that serves as a crossroads of Viennese history. In the center, you can see open excavations of Roman ruins, reminding us that Vienna began as the military camp of Vindobona. Dominating one side is the Michaelertrakt, the grand Neo-Baroque entrance to the Hofburg. Directly opposite stands the Looshaus, a pioneer of modern architecture. When it was built in 1910, its lack of window ornaments so horrified Emperor Franz Joseph that he reportedly refused to ever use the nearby palace gate again. This square perfectly encapsulates the tension between Vienna's imperial tradition and its embrace of the modern age.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes between 120 and 180 minutes. This includes time to admire the architecture at each of the 6 major stops and a short break in the Burggarten.