ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL –
THE HEART OF VIENNA
Everything you need to know for your visit – compact & to the point
For locals it’s simply the “Steffl” – for everyone else it’s the symbol of Vienna.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna, with its 136-meter south tower and the colorful tiled roof, can be spotted from afar. Step inside and you’ll feel a unique mix of sacred silence and living history. In short: a place you simply can’t miss in Vienna.
🎥 For a quick impression of the cathedral and its history, check out this Reel on Instagram.
Your ticket for St. Stephen’s Cathedral
If you really want to take your time and explore the Steffl, I recommend the All-Inclusive Ticket. With just one ticket you can experience every part of the cathedral – from the South Tower to the catacombs, from the treasury to the museum.
General information
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Entry: The main nave is free to enter. For the towers, catacombs and treasury you’ll need a ticket.
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Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sundays & public holidays 7:00 am – 10:00 pm.
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Visiting times: Some areas have shorter hours:
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Towers: usually 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
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Catacombs: guided tours several times daily
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Cathedral Treasury: about 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
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Dress code: Please dress appropriately for a church visit.
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Note: During mass, sightseeing is restricted.
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Further details: You’ll find the latest updates on the official website of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
What to expect inside the Steffl
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Interior: soaring vaults, ornate pulpits and colorful stained glass windows – the atmosphere is unforgettable the moment you step inside. Particularly striking is the gothic stone pulpit, carved in intricate detail, and the vibrant play of light through the stained glass.
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South Tower: 343 steps will test your legs – but at the top, Vienna lies at your feet with one of the best views of the city.
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North Tower & Pummerin: An elevator takes you up to Vienna’s largest bell. Weighing over 20 tons, the Pummerin only rings on special occasions – all the more impressive when it does.
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Catacombs: Beneath the cathedral it gets dark and mysterious. A maze of tombs and stories offers a glimpse into another side of Vienna.
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Cathedral Treasury: Gold, silver and textiles from centuries past – a striking reminder of the cathedral’s historic importance.
Facts about St. Stephen’s Cathedral
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Foundation stone laid: 1137
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Height South Tower: 136.44 m
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Height North Tower: 68.3 m
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Steps South Tower: 343
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Pummerin: 20,130 kg, diameter 3.14 m, cast in 1951, placed in the North Tower in 1957
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Tiled roof: around 250,000 glazed tiles
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Visitors per year: about 6 million
📹 You can also find the key facts in a short Reel on Instagram.
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Best time to visit: Early morning the cathedral is almost yours alone. In the evening the tiled roof glows beautifully in the low sunlight.
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Photo spots: The typical shot from the square in front is nice – but even better are the views from the North Tower, the Churhausgasse (perfect angle on the roof) or from the Skybar in the Steffl department store. Those are the photos that will still impress you later on.
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Christmas season: With the small Christmas market on Stephansplatz, the cathedral looks almost magical.
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How to get there: Take the U1 or U3 subway to Stephansplatz – you’ll step right out in front of the cathedral.
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Tickets: Inside the cathedral tickets are cash only. Online you can only get the All-Inclusive Ticket – easy to pay by card and you’ll have it in advance.
Sights nearby
Right in the center – from the Steffl it’s just a few steps to the Graben and Kohlmarkt with elegant houses, the Hofburg, the Albertina and the Mozarthaus Vienna.
Concerts at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
A classical concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral is worth it mainly for the unique acoustics. When the music echoes through the high vaults, it creates an atmosphere you won’t find in a concert hall. For music lovers it’s definitely a highlight – if classical music isn’t your thing, you might prefer to enjoy the cathedral in other ways.
👉 Tickets start from around €15
Is it worth visiting?
Absolutely. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the very heart of Vienna. Whether you’re here for just one day or an entire week, you can’t miss the Steffl. Take as much time as you like – just a quick look inside or the full experience with towers, catacombs and museum. The cathedral will impress you either way.
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