Federal Chancery Ballhausplatz, Vienna Travel Guide

2.5 (177)

Visit the Federal Chancellery on Vienna's Ballhausplatz, the heart of Austrian political power and witness to centuries of European history.

Home
Travel Guides
Austria
Vienna
Federal Chancery Ballhausplatz

The Federal Chancellery on Vienna's Ballhausplatz has been the heart of Austrian political power for over 200 years. This Baroque building, constructed in the early 18th century, has witnessed pivotal moments in Austrian and European history, solidifying its place as a symbol of governmental authority.

A brief summary to Federal Chancery Ballhausplatz

Ballhauspl. 2, Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT
Click to display
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Federal Chancery Ballhausplatz.

Combine your visit with a tour of the Hofburg Palace to delve deeper into Austrian imperial history, as they are located across from each other.
Check for events on Ballhausplatz; the square often hosts political demonstrations or cultural events, offering a glimpse into contemporary Viennese life.
Visit the nearby Memorial for the Victims of Nazi Military Justice on Ballhausplatz, a sobering reminder of Austria's past.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Schwarzenberg-Denkmal

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Heldenplatz

Beethoven statue

Kaiser-Franz-Joseph-Denkmal

Explore Federal Chancery Ballhausplatz on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Federal Chancery Ballhausplatz, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Stephansplatz, take the U3 subway line towards Simmering and disembark at Herrengasse station. From there, it's a short 3-minute walk to Ballhausplatz. Alternatively, from the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper), take tram line 1 or 2 to the 'Dr. Karl Renner Ring' stop, which is a few minutes walk from Ballhausplatz. A single ride on the Vienna public transport system costs €2.40.
Walking

If you are near the Hofburg Palace, head north towards Heldenplatz. From there, walk towards the entrance of the Burggarten. Continue walking until you reach the main road, then turn right onto Ballhausplatz. The Federal Chancery is located at Ballhauspl. 2, approximately a 5-10 minute walk, depending on your starting point within the Hofburg area.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from the city center (e.g., Stephansplatz) to Ballhausplatz will typically cost between €8-€12, depending on traffic and the specific service. The journey usually takes around 5-10 minutes. Taxi basic fee is €3.80, the first 4 kilometers cost €1.42, the next 5 kilometers €1.08 and each additional kilometer €1.05.

Discover more about Federal Chancery Ballhausplatz

Located on Vienna's Ballhausplatz, the Federal Chancellery (Bundeskanzleramt) stands as the epicenter of Austrian political power. For over two centuries, this building has served as the official seat of the Federal Chancellor, bearing witness to critical events in the nation's history. Its address is synonymous with Austrian governmental authority.Originally constructed between 1717 and 1721 by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, the Baroque building was commissioned by Emperor Charles VI to house the Geheime Hofkanzlei (Secret Court Chancellery), responsible for foreign policy. The location was carefully selected, directly adjacent to the Hofburg Imperial Palace, emphasizing the Chancellery's importance. The building was expanded in the 1760s by Nicolò Pacassi.The Chancellery has been the stage for significant events throughout its history. In 1814-1815, it hosted the Congress of Vienna, where European monarchs and diplomats redrew the map of Europe after Napoleon's defeat. Led by Austrian Foreign Minister Clemens Wenzel Prince Metternich, the Congress aimed to restore the balance of power and prevent future conflicts. In 1934, Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss was assassinated within the Chancellery during a Nazi coup attempt. The building suffered heavy damage during World War II but was restored.Today, the Federal Chancellery continues to be the heart of Austrian governance, housing the offices of the Federal Chancellor and serving as the venue for cabinet meetings. While the interiors are not generally open to the public, the building's imposing facade and the historical significance of Ballhausplatz make it a compelling destination.