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Stephansdom North Tower: Vienna's Pummerin Bell

Discover Vienna from above! Ascend the Stephansdom North Tower for panoramic views and an up-close look at the famous Pummerin bell.

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Ascend the unfinished Nordturm (North Tower) of St. Stephen's Cathedral for panoramic views of Vienna and an up-close encounter with the Pummerin, Austria's largest bell. A lift whisks you to the top of this iconic, if incomplete, Gothic tower.

A brief summary to Stephansdom Nordturm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets on-site with cash, as card payments are not currently accepted.
  • Consider the all-inclusive ticket for access to multiple attractions, including the South Tower, catacombs and Dom Museum.
  • Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Check the calendar for any days with limited entry times.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From anywhere within Vienna's city center, the most convenient way to reach Stephansdom Nordturm is via the U-Bahn. Take either the U1 (red line) or U3 (orange line) to Stephansplatz station. Upon exiting the station, the Stephansdom will be directly in front of you. Enter the cathedral and follow signs to the Nordturm lift, located on the left side of the cathedral. A single U-Bahn fare is €2.40.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Innere Stadt (1st district), walking to Stephansdom is straightforward. From major landmarks like the Hofburg Palace or the Albertina, head in the general direction of Stephansplatz, easily identifiable by the towering Stephansdom. The North Tower entrance is inside the cathedral. Allow approximately 10-20 minutes walking time from most central locations.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-sharing service can drop you off directly at Stephansplatz. Be aware that the area is pedestrianized, so the drop-off point will be on the periphery of the square. From there, it's a short walk to the cathedral entrance. A short taxi ride within the Innere Stadt will typically cost between €8-€12. Note that traffic can be heavy during peak hours. The basic fee for taxis in Vienna is 3.80 euros, the first 4 kilometers cost 1.42 euros, the next 5 kilometers 1.08 euros and each additional kilometer 1.05 euros.

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Discover more about Stephansdom Nordturm

The Stephansdom Nordturm, or North Tower, offers a unique perspective on Vienna's history and skyline. Construction began in 1450 under Emperor Frederick III, but was halted in 1511 due to economic difficulties, the threat of Turkish invasions and the Reformation. As a result, the Nordturm remains unfinished, standing at 68 meters, significantly shorter than the South Tower. In 1578, the incomplete Gothic structure received a Renaissance-style dome, known as the "Welschen Haube," giving the Nordturm its distinctive appearance. Today, the Nordturm houses the Pummerin, Austria's largest bell and a symbol of the nation's post-war reconstruction. The original Pummerin, cast in 1711, was destroyed during World War II. A new Pummerin was cast from the remnants of the old bell and installed in the Nordturm in 1957. Visitors can ascend the Nordturm via a modern lift to a viewing platform just below the Pummerin, offering stunning views of Vienna's skyline. From this vantage point, admire landmarks such as the Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), various churches, and modern buildings. The Barbarakapelle, completed in 1474, is located in the tower's lower level and serves as a meditation room. The North Tower is also known as the "Adlerturm" (Eagle Tower) because of the imperial double-headed eagle that adorns its summit.

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