Austria Vienna Vienna Tourist attractions

Kärntner Strasse

About

Kärntner Straße is one of Vienna’s most famous and historic pedestrian shopping streets, stretching from the Vienna State Opera to St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the city center. With origins dating back to Roman times, it was once known as Strata Carinthianorum, serving as a key route connecting the city center to the Carinthian Gate and beyond to important port cities. Today, Kärntner Straße is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and commerce, lined with elegant Baroque and historicist buildings alongside modern shops and luxury boutiques such as Swarovski, Apple, and high-end fashion brands. The street is also home to iconic landmarks like the Hotel Sacher, famed for its original Sacher Torte, and the Steffl department store, located in the building where Mozart died. Visitors enjoy strolling through its lively atmosphere, shopping, dining in traditional Viennese cafés, and admiring nearby cultural sites including the Vienna State Opera and the Maltese Church. Kärntner Straße’s transformation into a pedestrian zone in the 1970s enhanced its appeal as a social and commercial hub, making it a must-visit destination that combines Vienna’s rich heritage with contemporary urban life.

Vienna Austria

Location

Kärntner Straße is a bustling pedestrian street in Vienna’s historic city center, running from the Vienna State Opera at Karlsplatz to St. Stephen’s Cathedral at Stephansplatz. This prime location places it amid some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. At its western end, the street begins near the Vienna State Opera and the elegant Hotel Sacher, famous for its original Sachertorte and Renaissance-style architecture. Along the street, visitors find a mix of luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and traditional Viennese shops, making it a premier shopping destination. Close by are other cultural highlights such as the Maltese Church and Palais Esterházy, while the nearby Kärntner Straße mosaic by Eduard Veith adds an artistic touch to the area. The street is well served by public transport, with Karlsplatz station (U1, U2, U4) nearby, and connects seamlessly to other pedestrian zones like Graben and Kohlmarkt. Its proximity to major attractions, elegant cafes like Café Sacher and Café Mozart, and historic sites makes Kärntner Straße a vibrant hub where Vienna’s rich history and modern life converge.