St. Stephen’s cathedral Vienna – Visitor info
St Stephen's Cathedral is Vienna's imposing landmark and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. With its striking south tower and colourful roof, it attracts millions of visitors every year and is one of Austria's most important sights.
St Stephen's Cathedral Vienna - Vienna's Gothic centrepiece
St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also the spiritual centre of the city and one of the most visited sights in Austria. The impressive church with its striking south tower, ornate tiled roof and over 850 years of history attracts numerous visitors every day. If you would like to discover the cathedral in all its facets, you can book tickets for special guided tours and areas of St Stephen's Cathedral Vienna.
The history of St Stephen's Cathedral
St Stephen's Cathedral was first consecrated in 1147 and has been repeatedly extended and renovated over the centuries. Its current Gothic appearance was mainly created in the 14th and 15th centuries. Particularly striking is the 136.4 metre high south tower, which for centuries served as the most important vantage point over Vienna. The cathedral survived several wars, fires and alterations and was rebuilt in record time after its destruction in 1945. Today it is not only a religious centre, but also a cultural monument and popular tourist destination.
How do you visit St Stephen's Cathedral?
Access to St Stephen's Cathedral is free, but certain areas such as the catacombs, towers or special guided tours are only accessible with a ticket. St Stephen's Cathedral Vienna tickets can be booked on site or online.
Admission & Passes:
- With the Vienna PASS or the Vienna FLEXI Pass, you get free access to several paid areas, including the cathedral tour and the towers.
- The Vienna City Card grants discounts, but not free admission.
Opening hours:
St Stephen's Cathedral is usually open daily from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. Guided tours, tower tours and visits to the catacombs are usually possible from 9.00 am until the early evening.
Important information for visitors:
- The cathedral is an active church - appropriate clothing (no shorts, no sleeveless tops) is mandatory.
- Photography without flash is permitted in most areas.
- Animals, food, drinks and loud behaviour are prohibited.
What can you see in St Stephen's Cathedral?
The catacombs
A guided tour through the underground burial chambers reveals the mystical side of medieval Vienna. Former bishops, members of the Habsburg dynasty and victims of the plague rest here.
South Tower & North Tower
The south tower can be climbed over 343 steps and offers a unique view over Vienna. If you prefer a more comfortable experience, take the lift in the north tower to see the famous Pummerin bell.
The roof & the cathedral treasury comb
A guided roof tour offers spectacular views of the roof with over 230,000 glazed tiles. The treasury displays sacred artefacts and relics from over 800 years.
How do you get to St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna?
St. Stephen's Cathedral is located in the centre of Vienna on Stephansplatz and is easily accessible by public transport:
- Underground: Lines U1 and U3 to Stephansplatz (directly in front of the cathedral)
- Tram & bus: several lines stop within walking distance
The HOP ON HOP OFF buses (red and blue line, station no. 12) also stop within walking distance. The Vienna City Card is ideal for travelling comfortably and cheaply by public transport.
Curious facts about St Stephen's Cathedral
- Deer antlers in the cathedral? Yes! Stag antlers hang in St Barbara's Chapel as a symbol of the Habsburg hunting tradition.
- Fire station in the tower: Until the 20th century, a fire station was housed in the south tower to provide early warning of fires in the city.
- The Pummerin: Austria's largest bell hangs in the north tower. It weighs over 21 tonnes and only rings out on special occasions such as New Year's Eve or high church festivals.
- Secret signs: In the outer walls of the cathedral you will find mysterious stonemason's marks and carved games such as the medieval "mill game".
Frequently asked questions
St. Stephen’s Cathedral was first consecrated in 1147. Its current Gothic appearance was mainly developed during the 14th and 15th centuries.
The South Tower of the cathedral stands at 136.4 meters (448 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Europe for centuries. The North Tower remains unfinished and is significantly lower.
For a full visit including the cathedral tour, catacombs, tower climb, and treasury, plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours. A brief self-guided look inside the main area takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Yes, entry to the main nave is free. However, access to special areas like the towers, catacombs, and museum requires a paid ticket.
Yes. The Vienna PASS and Vienna FLEXI Pass include free access to several paid sections of the cathedral. The Vienna City Card offers discounts, but not free entry.
The cathedral is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Guided tours and access to paid areas like the catacombs or towers are usually available from 9:00 AM until early evening.
As St. Stephen’s is an active place of worship, please follow these guidelines:
- Dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless tops)
- No loud behavior, animals, food, or drinks
- Photography without flash is allowed in most areas
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is located at Stephansplatz in the heart of Vienna.
- Subway (U-Bahn): Take lines U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz
- Tram & Bus: Several lines stop within walking distance
- Also easily reachable via Hop On Hop Off buses (red or blue line, stop no. 12)