Vienna’s prestigious and visually arresting Ringstrasse (Ring Road) offers one stunning building after another – from the Vienna State Opera to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, there’s no other street like it in the world.

Built in 1865, after the city's medieval fortifications were dismantled, construction of the Ringstrasse signaled a significant expansion of Vienna's urban area. The Ringstrasse is lined with some of Vienna's most important and impressive buildings and is home to many luxury hotels, cafes, and shops. This impressive avenue is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Because there is so much history to take in when you visit Ringstrasse, you’ll get the most profound experience if you take a Ringstrasse guided tour. A local cultural historian or scholar leads our private outdoor walking tour, providing essential context and insights into Vienna’s history and culture.

The Ringstrasse Tour Experience

Our Ringstrasse private tour allows you to immerse yourself in the luxury and history of this fabled street, guided by a local expert. During your tour, you’ll look at this hallmark of Vienna’s urban landscape through the eyes of the prominent families who once lived, dined, and socialized here. As you wind along the street, stopping at striking venues and cafés, you’ll gaze up at the Ringstrasse's palaces and imagine life in the affluent households of 20th-century Vienna.

Your journey will start at the magnificent Palais Coburg, which retains parts of the old city wall. The removal of the former city defenses paved the way for the palaces and promenades we see today, including this one, with its stunning façade of gleaming white columns.

You’ll then see notable buildings such as Palais Erzherzog Wilhelm, named for the eponymous archduke of the Habsburg dynasty, Palais Königswarter, the address of Emperor Franz Joseph's lover, Katharina Schratt, and Palais Todesco, where you’ll discuss the importance of Jewish families in Vienna—an important theme throughout the walk. If time permits, you might be able to jump on one of Vienna’s iconic trams to ride the entire length of the historical thoroughfare and experience these grand buildings from a new perspective.

At the end of your tour, you’ll leave not just with a deep appreciation of the singular structure and architecture of the Ringstrasse, but also a nuanced understanding of Vienna's fascinating societal and cultural evolution.

Opulence and Elegance on the Ringstrasse

A stroll along the Ringstrasse conjures the image of Vienna's high society – gilded buildings, luxurious parties, cultural gatherings, and the quintessential social intrigue that characterizes the affluence of the Gilded Age.

While each carefully designed and constructed building on the Ringstrasse deserves attention, these are some of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in Vienna, and you can see these notable buildings on the Ringstrasse on our guided tour.

Palais Coburg

The Palais Coburg was built between 1840 and 1845 as a palace for Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and it has since been used for various purposes, including as a hotel and a center for cultural events.

The building is known for its distinctive neoclassical style, characterized by its grand facade, elegant columns, and ornate decorations. The palace is equally impressive inside, featuring a beautiful courtyard, luxurious guest rooms, and a stunning wine cellar.

In recent years, Palais Coburg has become known as a top destination for wine lovers, as it is home to one of the most extensive wine collections in the world. The wine cellar in the palace's basement contains over 60,000 bottles of wine from all over the globe, including rare vintages and unique blends.

Palais Erzherzog Wilhelm

Palais Erzherzog was constructed in the 19th century for Archduke Wilhelm Franz Karl of Austria, and it embodies stunning neoclassical architecture.

The palace features a grand entrance, elegant columns, and beautiful sculptures, all reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the Austrian monarchy during the 19th century. The palace’s interior mirrors the extravagance of the exterior, with spacious rooms, ornate decorations, and beautiful frescoes on the ceilings.

Though it previously served as a private residence for the Archduke, it is now open to the public. The Palais Museum, located on the first floor, contains a variety of exhibits related to the history and culture of Vienna. Visitors can explore the museum's various rooms, decorated with period furnishings and artwork, and learn about the city's rich cultural heritage.

Palais Königswarter

Widely considered to be a gem of Vienna, Palais Königswarter was originally built for the Königswarter family, who were prominent members of Viennese high society. The palace’s unique architectural style blends elements of the Gothic and Renaissance periods.

This palace’s exterior is just as interesting as the societal scandals that infuse the building too. Baron Miklós Kiss de Ittebe purchased the home from the Königswarter family, and the Baron’s ex-wife, Kartharina Schratt, inherited it when he passed. Schratt was long rumored to be Franz Joseph’s lover. Some believe that he actually gave her the home as a present – one of the great mysteries of Vienna's history!

Palais Todesco

Palais Todesco features a large central hall adorned with amazing frescoes and sculptures, as well as high ceilings and exquisite furnishings. Throughout its history, Palais Todesco has been a private residence, a center for cultural events, and the headquarters of the Bank of Austria.

Today, Palais Todesco is a popular venue for concerts, conferences, and other special events. Its central location, stunning architecture, and rich history make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in Vienna's cultural heritage.

An Era of Prosperity on the Ringstrasse

The Ringstrasse is more than an avenue of beautiful buildings. It is a formidable symbol of Vienna’s modernization and emergence as a political power.

Who built the Ringstrasse?

Franz Joseph I, an Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was largely responsible for the construction of the Ringstrasse area. Work began in the 1850s and continued for nearly 40 years.

The Ringstrasse was built during the mid-19th century, a time when Vienna was the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, one of the most powerful political entities in Europe at the time. The masterpieces on the Ringstrasse serve as a reminder of Vienna's political importance, with many of its grand buildings housing the offices of government ministries and other institutions.

The construction of the Ringstrasse also coincided with the growth of Vienna’s new middle class of professionals, businessmen, and upwardly mobile individuals. This beautiful landmark provided a front-row seat to the explosion of wealth and status. It also signaled the start of a broader effort to modernize Vienna.

The new boulevard was designed to accommodate the latest forms of transportation, including horse-drawn carriages and, later, electric trams. The Ringstrasse also incorporated many modern technologies and materials, such as iron and glass, in its construction.

How Long Does it Take to Walk the Ringstrasse?

Vienna’s Ringstrasse stretches for just over three miles (about 5 kilometers). We recommend that if you’re traveling at a leisurely pace, you allow at least three hours to experience the spectacles that line this famous avenue.

Why Take a Tour of the Ringstrasse

While many simply walk along the Ringstrasse and take in its glorious buildings, don’t miss an opportunity to enhance your experience with a guided tour. It is a place meant to be discussed, analyzed, and fully appreciated.

You’ll get to connect with a local expert who can offer unique insights and customized expertise on this amazing location. Your local historian guide can highlight the most significant parts of each building and help you navigate this historic street steeped in Vienna history.

A deeper understanding of the Ringstrasse and its place in Austrian history offers key context into Austria's cultural identity as a whole. You’ll depart your tour with a new appreciation for the people who once lived inside these storied buildings and had a significant role in designing Vienna’s next century.

If you are planning a trip to Vienna, take some time to peruse our additional Vienna guided tours. Our local experts offer in-depth, exciting tours and experiences designed to enhance your time in Austria.