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Strudlhofstiege: Vienna's Art Nouveau Staircase

Discover the Strudlhofstiege in Vienna: a stunning Art Nouveau staircase with rich history and literary significance in the heart of Alsergrund.

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The Strudlhofstiege, located in Vienna's Alsergrund district, is an iconic outdoor staircase renowned for its Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) design and literary significance. Built in 1910, it connects two sections of Strudlhofgasse and serves as a beautiful example of Viennese architecture and a peaceful urban escape.

A brief summary to Strudlhofstiege

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photographs.
  • Take time to explore the surrounding Alsergrund neighborhood, known for its charming streets and historical buildings.
  • Check for local events or open-air concerts that sometimes take place at the staircase.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Strudlhofstiege is easily accessible via Vienna's public transport system. From the Schottentor station (U2 line), take the Hohenstaufengasse exit and then bus 40A for two stops to Bauernfeldplatz. From there, walk past the Lycée Francais de Vienne (French School in Vienna) away from the city center; the Strudlhofstiege will be on your left. A single ticket for public transport in Vienna costs €2.40. Alternatively, the Sensengasse tram stop (lines 37, 38, 40, 41, 42) is a short walk away.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Vienna Stock Exchange (Börse) or Schottentor, you can walk to the Strudlhofstiege. Head towards Währinger Strasse and then turn onto Strudlhofgasse. The staircase will be at the end of the street. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes from Schottentor.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-sharing service from Vienna's city center (e.g., Stephansplatz) to the Strudlhofstiege will cost approximately €12-€18, depending on traffic. The journey typically takes 10-15 minutes. Taxi services can be hailed on the street, found at taxi ranks, or booked via phone or app. Companies like Taxi 31300 and Taxi 40100 are popular options.

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Discover more about Strudlhofstiege

The Strudlhofstiege, or Strudlhof Steps, is located in Vienna's 9th district, Alsergrund. This outdoor staircase is more than just a way to navigate the slope between Strudlhofgasse and Liechtensteinstrasse; it's a testament to Vienna's artistic heritage. Designed by Theodor Johann Jaeger and completed in 1910, the staircase exemplifies Jugendstil architecture, the German variant of Art Nouveau. The staircase is named after Peter Strudel, an Austrian painter and sculptor who founded an influential art school called Strudlhof in the late 17th century, a precursor to the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. Constructed from Mannersdorf limestone, the Strudlhofstiege features elegant curves and decorative metal railings. The structure overcomes an 11-meter descent with ramps and 58 steps, offering varied perspectives. The symmetric lower part features two fountains, one with a fish-head waterspout and the other with a human face. A plaque near the fish-head fountain displays a poem by Heimito von Doderer, solidifying the staircase's literary connection. The Strudlhofstiege gained literary fame through Heimito von Doderer's novel, 'Die Strudlhofstiege oder Melzer und die Tiefe der Jahre' ('The Strudlhof Steps or Melzer and the Depth of the Years'), published in 1951. The novel uses the staircase as a central meeting point, a metaphor for life's unpredictable paths. The surrounding Alsergrund neighborhood enhances the experience, with its charming streets and proximity to attractions like the Sigmund Freud Museum and Palais Liechtenstein.

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