Heldenplatz Plaza

Address: Heldenplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Heldenplatz is a public square immediately outside the main façade of Vienna’s Hofburg Palace in the Innere Stadt district. The open plaza forms a ceremonial forecourt to the imperial complex and is visually dominated by large equestrian statues.

The square is edged by monumental palace wings and is often used for public ceremonies, exhibitions and official events. Two prominent equestrian statues stand within the plaza, contributing to its formal appearance.

In the 20th century Heldenplatz was the setting for major political events; the square and surrounding Hofburg buildings date largely from the late 19th and early 20th century Ringstraße period when the imperial palace complex was expanded.

Heldenplatz lies in central Vienna adjacent to the Ringstraße and is within easy walking distance of other central landmarks such as the MuseumsQuartier and the State Opera.

• Layout: The square forms the broad forecourt to the Hofburg imperial palace and is flanked by two large 19th-century equestrian statues.
• Historical event: Site of key 20th-century historical events, including the 1938 public speech delivered from the Hofburg balcony.

Heldenplatz is in central Vienna directly adjacent to the Hofburg complex. From Wien Mitte or Stephansplatz take any tram or walk west along the Ringstraße; the square is a 5-10 minute walk from Stephansplatz.

• Arrive before 10am to experience the square with fewer tour groups and to photograph the Hofburg façade without heavy crowds.
• Notice the wear on the cobbles and the bullet scar marks around the Neue Burg - the square has seen pageantry and violence in equal measure.
• If the weather is warm, pause where the arcaded Hofburg meets the square to watch the afternoon light pick out sculpted stone.