Vienna City Hall Live Webcam, Austria

The Vienna City Hall (German: Wiener Rathaus) is one of the most magnificent and iconic buildings in Vienna, a masterpiece of 19th-century Neo-Gothic architecture. It serves as the seat of both the Vienna City Council and the state parliament of the federal province of Vienna. This architectural landmark stands as a symbol of the Austrian capital’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The City Hall was designed by renowned Austrian architect Friedrich von Schmidt. Construction began in 1872 and was completed in 1883. Von Schmidt chose the Neo-Gothic style, giving the building a cathedral-like appearance reminiscent of famous European churches, such as the Cologne Cathedral. This design choice emphasized Vienna’s prestige as a major political and cultural hub in Europe at the time.

The Vienna City Hall is a striking example of Neo-Gothic architecture with classic Gothic elements. Its most distinctive feature is the tall central tower topped by the Rathausmann, a symbolic statue representing the spirit of Vienna. The tower, including the statue, reaches a height of 98 meters (320 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Vienna’s city center. The building itself is about 152 meters (499 feet) long and 127 meters (417 feet) wide. The façade is richly decorated with arches, spires, and sculptures, giving it a monumental yet refined appearance.

The interior of the Vienna City Hall is just as impressive as its exterior. It contains more than 1,500 rooms, including council chambers, administrative offices, and the splendid Festsaal—a grand ceremonial hall that ranks among the most stunning in Vienna. The Festsaal is frequently used for official receptions, concerts, balls, and public events.

In addition to its political functions, the Vienna City Hall is a major cultural venue. The square in front of it, Rathausplatz, regularly hosts festivals, open-air concerts, Christmas markets, and in winter, transforms into one of Vienna’s most famous ice skating rinks: the Wiener Eistraum (“Vienna Ice Dream”). This live webcam is mounted at the top of the Vienna City Hall and provides a sweeping view over the Burgtheater, the Ringstraße, and Rathausplatz.