Blutgasse: Vienna's Mysterious 'Blood Alley'

Discover Vienna's Blutgasse: a medieval alleyway steeped in mystery, legends of Templars, and captivating historic charm.

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Explore Blutgasse, one of Vienna's oldest and most enigmatic alleyways, located in the heart of the city's Innere Stadt. Its name, meaning 'Blood Alley,' is steeped in legend, with tales of Templar Knights and medieval lore adding to its intriguing atmosphere.

A brief summary to Blutgasse

Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT

Local tips

Visit early in the morning for a quieter atmosphere and better photo opportunities.
Explore the interconnected courtyards by entering through the gates at Blutgasse 3 and 9.
Take a guided walking tour to learn more about the history and legends surrounding Blutgasse.

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Getting There

Walking

Blutgasse is located in Vienna's Innere Stadt, very close to Stephansplatz. From Stephansplatz, walk southwest towards Graben street. Continue along Graben until you reach Kohlmarkt street, then turn left. Walk to the end of Kohlmarkt and turn right onto Blutgasse. The alley will be on your left. This is a short walk of approximately 5 minutes.
Public Transport

The closest U-Bahn station to Blutgasse is Stephansplatz, accessible via the U1 and U3 lines. From Karlsplatz station, take the U1 line (red line) towards Stephansplatz. Exit the station and walk southwest towards Graben. Continue along Graben until you reach Kohlmarkt street, then turn left. Walk to the end of Kohlmarkt and turn right onto Blutgasse. A single ticket for public transport in Vienna costs €2.40. You can purchase tickets at ticket machines in the station, tobacconists, or online.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. A short taxi ride from a central location, such as the Vienna State Opera, to Blutgasse will typically cost between €8 and €20, depending on traffic and the specific route. Taxi fares start at €5.00, with a per-kilometer charge of €1.40. Be sure the driver is using the meter, or negotiate a fixed price before starting your journey.

Discover more about Blutgasse

Blutgasse, nestled in Vienna's Innere Stadt (Inner City), is a captivating step back into the city's medieval past. This narrow, pedestrian-only alleyway, whose name translates to 'Blood Alley', stretches from Domgasse to Singerstraße, and is one of Vienna's oldest streets. The foundations of some of its buildings date back to the 12th century. The origin of the street's ominous name is shrouded in mystery and legend. The most popular story suggests that in 1312, during the dissolution of the Knights Templar, members of the order were slaughtered here, their blood staining the cobblestones. Another theory posits that the name comes from a slaughterhouse whose waste flowed down the street. Regardless of its true origin, the name has fueled local ghost stories and adds to the alley's eerie charm. Today, Blutgasse is a revitalized and picturesque area, featuring building complexes with interconnected courtyards. After falling into disrepair after World War II, it underwent renovations from 1989 to 1991. Visitors can wander through these courtyards, entering through gates at Blutgasse 3 and 9, experiencing the unique atmosphere of this historic area. The blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles provides a stunning backdrop for exploration. Boutique shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants now line the Blutgasse.

Explore the best of what Blutgasse has to offer

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