Created in the late 19th century to replace the fortification walls demolished under Emperor Franz Joseph, the UNESCO-listed Ringstrasse was designed to accommodate some of Vienna’s most spectacular works of architecture, including the city hall and a number of important museums. Most Vienna tours on foot or by bike, “Ape” tuk tuk, Segway, or minivan trace part or all of the nine sections of the Ringstrasse to visit the city’s highlights set along the monumental route.
The Ringstrasse can be toured via the Vienna Ringtram, a special tourist tram route that traces the entire ring departing from Schwedenplatz. Otherwise, trace all or part of the circular boulevard via a Segway, bike, tuk tuk, or walking tour.
The boulevard itself is outdoors, so best visited on a mild, sunny day if walking. Vienna can get very cold in the winter months, so plan to break up your Ringstrasse tour with stops at some of the museums or monuments along the route if visiting during winter.
There are more than a dozen landmark buildings and museums along the Ringstrasse, including the dramatic neo-Gothic Rathaus, or City Hall, set in the landscaped Rathauspark and the neighboring Parliament buildings. The magnificent Burgtheater and Volksgarten park stand opposite, and heading south, the ring road passes Maria Theresa Square and Franz Joseph’s elaborate Kaiserforum, now home to the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Museum of Natural History). The modern Museum Quarter, the Karlskirche and the world-renowned Vienna State Opera House are also located along the boulevard.
