{"id":84216,"date":"2025-06-19T17:15:08","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T16:15:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?p=84216"},"modified":"2025-09-18T16:40:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T15:40:49","slug":"rathauspark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/rathauspark\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rathauspark"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparksmall.jpg\" alt=\"Trees on a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-84215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparksmall.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparksmall-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Vienna&#8217;s imposing city hall has a trio of attractions for visitors\u2026the building, the events outside, and its park: the Rathauspark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Completed in the 1870s<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notable for its statues of Austrian personalities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open-air ice skating in winter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fills with lights &amp; decorations at Christmas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book a short <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/vienna-walking-tours-l205287\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_WalkingTours\" rel=\"sponsored\">walking tour<\/a>* for your visit to Vienna<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/burggarten\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2746\">Burggarten<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/volksgarten\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16829\">Volksgarten<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/stadtpark\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3254\">Stadtpark<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Monuments and hearts<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparkflowers.jpg\" alt=\"Flower bed in a park\" class=\"wp-image-84213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparkflowers.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparkflowers-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The city authorities do an excellent job of keeping the flower beds seasonal)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people viewing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/rathaus-2\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"267\">the Rathaus<\/a> tend to focus on the neogothic architecture of what is Vienna&#8217;s city hall. Or visit one of the many events held on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/rathaus\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"79\">the square<\/a> in front of the building. But the innocent-looking park that flanks that square has one or two surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given its location alongside <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/ring\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1546\">the Ring<\/a>, it comes as no surprise to learn they created the Rathauspark in the late 19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time of completion (1873), the Rathaus itself was still a set of foundations and some blueprints covered in coffee stains and thumb marks.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparkbenches.jpg\" alt=\"Bench-lined path through a park\" class=\"wp-image-84212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparkbenches.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparkbenches-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Benches are numerous)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So the Rathauspark actually first appeared in the absence of its name giver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The park splits into two north and south of the square, each half with its own fountain, winding paths, and notably large trees. Rows of benches follow many of these paths, offering rest and shade for those needing a break from the onslaught of history around the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important features for visitors are probably the statues and the events.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathauspark1875.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a park in 1875\" class=\"wp-image-84200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathauspark1875.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathauspark1875-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Rathauspark photographed around 1875 by Carl Haack with the Votivkirche in the background; Wien Museum Inv.-Nr. 93080\/74; excerpt reproduced with permission under the terms of the CC0 licence)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Statues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Various memorials and monuments to historical personalities appear within the park if you fancy a bit of statue bingo as you wander around. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ferdinand Georg Waldm\u00fcller (1793 &#8211; 1865): one of the great Austrian painters. Waldm\u00fcller is closely associated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/biedermeier\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"29296\">Biedermeier era<\/a> and known for landscapes, portraits, and bucolic scenes. You can see his work, for example, in the permanent exhibition of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/wien-museum-karlsplatz\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"66174\">Wien Museum<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Karl Renner (1870 &#8211; 1950): a former chancellor and president. He played important political roles in the aftermath of both world wars but has not escaped accusations of anti-semitism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ernst Mach (1838 &#8211; 1916): a scientist known particularly for his contributions to physics and philosophy. His work influenced, for example, Einstein<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Karl Seitz (1869 &#8211; 1950): a former mayor of Vienna closely involved with, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/social-housing\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"35479\">post-WWI social reform<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adolf Sch\u00e4rf (1890 &#8211; 1965): a former Austrian president<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strauss-Lanner monument: dedicated to two of Vienna&#8217;s homegrown musicians\u2026Johann Strauss I (1804 &#8211; 1849) and Josef Lanner (1801 &#8211; 1843)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparkrenner.jpg\" alt=\"Karl Renner memorial\" class=\"wp-image-84214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparkrenner.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/rathausparkrenner-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Renner monument)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strauss was a celebrated composer in his own right (look up the Radetzky March) but is probably now known best for being the father of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/johann-strauss\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"21524\">THE Johann Strauss<\/a>. Lanner was a fellow composer, friend and rival to Strauss (the father); and their graves even lie next to each other in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/zentralfriedhof\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"301\">Zentralfriedhof cemetery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although not so recognized outside of Austria, Lanner enjoyed the same prominence in Viennese affections as his friend. History can be cruel in its forgetfulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Josef Popper-Lynkeus (1838 &#8211; 1921): an influential multi-talent in such fields as engineering, political philosophy, and social ethics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Theodor K\u00f6rner (1873 &#8211; 1957): the mayor of Vienna immediately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/wwii-vienna\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"69411\">after WWII<\/a> as the city emerged from the ashes of war and fascism. Later President of Austria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Events<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/rathauschristmasmarket2023.jpg\" alt=\"LED Christmas trees leading into a park\" class=\"wp-image-71536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/rathauschristmasmarket2023.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/rathauschristmasmarket2023-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The park joins in the Christmas fun)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In winter, the Rathauspark takes part in two of Vienna&#8217;s biggest events:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmasmarkets\/rathausplatz\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"222\">Christkindlmarkt<\/a>: Vienna&#8217;s most popular Christmas market occupies Rathausplatz square, but the festivities extend into the park with, for example, lights and decorations, gastronomic booths and a trail of nativity scenes. The south part also converts into ice skating trails<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The most famous decoration is the tree of hearts: a popular photo motif for couples from all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/sport\/wiener-eistraum\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"833\">Wiener Eistraum<\/a>: the icy fun continues shortly after New Year with expanded ice skating trails, curling rinks etc. as part of the huge open-air Eistraum event<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nearby<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/slukarathausplatz.jpg\" alt=\"Sluka Konditorei\" class=\"wp-image-44233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/slukarathausplatz.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/slukarathausplatz-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Try the pear cake)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two notable locations close by offer nourishment of the cultural and sweet kind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/theaters\/burgtheater\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"85\">Burgtheater<\/a> over the road is regarded by many as the de facto national theatre and has English subtitles for some performances via an app<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/sluka-konditorei\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"23006\">Sluka caf\u00e9- confectionery<\/a> has coffee, cake and, um, more cake (I like Sluka a lot, especially <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/sluka-karntner-strase\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"42425\">the branch<\/a> on K\u00e4rntner Stra\u00dfe)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get there<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Subway: take the U2 line to the Rathaus stop, which drops you on the opposite side of city hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tram: take the 1, D or 71 lines to the Rathausplatz \/ Burgtheater or Parlament stops. The former lies in the middle of the park, the latter at the south end. Tram 2 also goes to Parlament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: Rathauspark, 1010 Vienna<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1CvFy08QgKnm1x4rkMf89o2bjRoLw78on\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vienna&#8217;s imposing city hall has a trio of attractions for visitors&#8230;the building, the events outside, and its park<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":84215,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-84216","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sights","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84216","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84216"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84216\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85790,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84216\/revisions\/85790"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84215"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84216"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84216"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84216"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}