The Ringstrasse, also known as “The Ring Road” or simply “the Ring”, is a circular boulevard in Vienna located where city forts used to be during medieval times, and nowadays it surrounds the 1st municipal District of Vienna. The construction of this road was very symbolic, given that the walls that originally occupied that space separated the population of different socio-economic classes, so putting down those walls to build a road meant breaking down figurative and literal barriers.
Today we are going to explore some places and activities both in and out of the Ring, so you can have a panoramic view of Vienna!
Inside the ring
University of Vienna (Main Building)
Opened in 1884, this building's planning went through several alterations, until finally Heinrich von Ferstel's project prevailed, and the place incorporated elements of different styles, including influences of the Renaissance period. Both the structure of the building and its décor represent idea of the “victory of light against darkness”, and we can see that through the copies of paintings by Gustav Klimt and Franz Matsch that decorate the Main Ceremonial Hall.
There are 60-minute tours available inside, both in English and in German, and you can do it on your own or with a friend – even better if your friend's a local!
Between the Ring and the outer part of town
The MQ
The MuseumsQuartier Wien, also called MQ, is known for being one of the largest areas for contemporary art and culture in the world, and it is located in the 7th district. It includes more than 60 cultural institutions and offers several restaurants, cafés, and other spots to sit down, have a chat and relax.
The place where the MQ is now located was originally built in the eighteenth century to function as imperial stables, and its conversion into the MQ we know today happened between 1998 and 2001. Today, the institutions and events that take place at the MuseumsQuartier range from dance to photography, fashion, literature, and much more.
Neubau – the charming 7th district
Besides containing the MuseumsQuartier, Neubau is a lively district, perfect for any culture lover. For photography enthusiasts, there are not only photography shops, but also galleries, like the WestLicht Museum. If you enjoy a vintage lifestyle -from clothes to records – the 7th district is ideal, especially if you want to enjoy it along with some high-quality coffee and delicious food from all over the world.
Outside the ring
Prater Park
Covering an area of six million square meters, the Prater Park is the perfect combination between green area, fun activities and, of course, History. The spacious green area of the park was once an imperial hunting ground and was later opened to the public by Emperor Joseph II, and now it is used by the population for running, skating, and eve riding horses! As mentioned earlier, though, the Prater Park isn't just made of its green side: it contains an amusement park with more than 250 attractions, including the famous giant Ferris Wheel, one of the most well-known landmarks in Vienna. Whether you are looking for a place to exercise, do adrenaline-filled activities or you're simply looking for a nice café to visit, Prater Park offers an enormous range of options for all of it!
Away from busyness of the city center
Kahlenberg Hill
Located in the 19th District of Vienna, this hill offers an amazing view that goes beyond the city of Vienna itself. The place can be reached by public transportation or by foot, through one of the many hiking trails found around it, and besides admiring the beauty of the Vienna Woods, by visiting the Kahlenberg Hill you can also go to one of the Heurigen in the area, where local winemakers sell their products along with snacks and bring a homely feel to the tour. Pair these activities with Strauss' “Tales from the Vienna Woods” and you've got yourself the ultimate magical Viennese experience.
By Ana Carolina Dias Forgiarini
