The Vienna Parliament is one of the most striking architectural landmarks in the Austrian capital.
Today, it is considered one of the city’s most significant buildings, showcasing Renaissance design enriched with beautiful Greek-style figures.
It is located on Vienna’s most legendary avenue, Ringstrasse.
The Parliament building has two main halls that serve as headquarters for both the National Council and the Federal Council.
Both halls are joined by a beautiful central portico, with pillars that lend the building a distinctly Greek-inspired image.
Read on to discover all you need to enjoy one of Ringstrasse’s most iconic buildings on your tour of Vienna!
History of the Vienna Parliament
This is the building that today serves as the headquarters of Austria’s National and Federal Councils.
It was designed by renowned architect Theophil Hansen, whose works are well-known for their strong Renaissance influence.
However, for the Austrian Parliament, he drew inspiration from ancient Greece, as that culture was pioneering in upholding principles of liberty and legality.
Construction of the Parliament on Vienna’s Ringstrasse began in early 1874.
Almost a decade later, in 1883, it was completed, and it has since served as Austria’s government headquarters.
Exterior, Architecture, and Façade
Today, the Vienna Parliament stands as one of the city’s most important buildings.
The structure covers an area of nearly 14,000 square meters, featuring around 1,600 rooms and approximately 920 windows.
The building’s exterior incorporates Renaissance elements, yet it was constructed with a design that reflects Greek culture.
The architecture reflects the classical ideal of beauty, embodying the liberal inspiration derived from ancient Greek culture.
The front façade features a stunning artistic masterpiece, the Athena Fountain, located directly in front of the Parliament entrance.
This beautiful fountain has become a state symbol and is one of the most iconic sights in Vienna.
How to See Inside the Austrian Parliament: Guided Tours
If you come across the Parliament building during your Vienna tour, its façade will surely captivate you.
If you’re curious about its interior, it’s possible to tour it.
We recommend joining one of the guided tours offered. These services allow you to explore both the exterior and interior of the building.
Knowledgeable guides will lead you to specific points of interest within the structure, sharing important historical details and facts about the site.
Hall of Columns
During your Parliament visit, if you choose a guided tour, you’ll have the chance to see the Hall of Columns.
Also called the Pillar Hall, this Renaissance-style room is primarily composed of 24 Corinthian columns.
The extravagant design is sure to impress lovers of classic artistic style.
Historic Assembly Hall
This room provides information about parliamentary work as well as the history of the building designed and directed by architect Theophil Hansen.
Here, you’ll be immersed in the building’s history. The guides and setting take you back to the early days and the inauguration of this iconic Parliament.
For all these reasons, it’s one of the highlights of the tour.
National Council Assembly Hall
This hall has an architectural layout reminiscent of a Greek amphitheater.
Additionally, it’s one of the most important and secure areas of the building, as it hosts sessions of the Austrian National Council.
Federal Council Assembly Hall
Also known as the Federal Assembly Chamber, this hall, like the National Council Hall, features a layout where all seats face a central focal point.
This section of the building serves as the meeting place for Austria’s Federal Council, though meetings often involve both chambers together.
Tips and Advice
Some recommendations to keep in mind when visiting the Vienna Parliament include:
First, bring your video camera, as there are fascinating spaces, and recording is permitted inside.
If you’re visiting with friends or planning a family vacation, it’s wise to book guided tour access in advance.
The first tour starts at 10:45 a.m., and the last one begins at 2:45 p.m. Keep in mind that each tour lasts about 50 minutes.
Additionally, the Parliament is a top tourist attraction that offers special services for disabled visitors. The building is equipped with four designated parking spaces and permits guide dogs within the indoor facilities.
Tickets for the Austrian Parliament – Prices and Hours
To tour the interior of the Austrian Parliament, tickets are required, priced at 5 euros for adults and 2.5 euros for students.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages from Monday to Saturday, between 10:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., with five tours scheduled daily.
From September through mid-July, guided tours are available only in English and German.
However, during the season from mid-July to mid-September, tours are offered in Spanish, English, Italian, French, and German.
How to Get to the Austrian Parliament
The Vienna Parliament is located on Dr. Karl Renner Ring, 3, on Vienna’s most historic and traditional avenue.
There are three main modes of transportation that allow you to reach the Parliament quickly from almost any point in the city.
However, travel time may vary depending on your starting point and chosen mode of transport.
Metro
The Vienna Metro is one of the fastest ways to get to the Parliament.
In fact, two metro lines, U2 and U3, bring you to the closest stop, Volkstheater station.
Since most of the metro route is underground, this option is ideal if you’re focused on efficiency rather than sightseeing along the way.
Tram
The Vienna Tram is another way to reach the Vienna Parliament.
With over 30 lines covering the city, it’s one of the most comfortable and efficient means of transportation for relatively short distances.
Lines 1 and 2 are especially useful for tourists, as they follow the iconic Ringstrasse, stopping at many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Austrian Parliament.
Bus
Lastly, the bus is an option; line 48A stops at Dr. Karl Renner-Ring.
However, this mode of transport is the least efficient for city sightseeing and tends to be slightly more expensive than the metro and tram.