University of Vienna

The University of Vienna is a public higher education institution in Vienna's Ring District, with its main building in Renaissance Revival style. The institution spreads across many locations throughout the city and includes faculties, research platforms and a library holding several million volumes.

Duke Rudolf IV founded the institution in 1365 as the first university in German-speaking territories. The institution developed over the centuries into one of Central Europe's major educational establishments.

The name comes from the Latin designation Alma Mater Rudolphina, referring back to founder Rudolf IV. Students today use the historic lecture halls and arcade courtyards, where campus life unfolds between classes.

The arcade courtyards are freely accessible and offer a quiet space for crossing through the main building. The buildings lie along the Ringstrasse and are easy to reach from the city center on foot or by public transport.

The arcade courtyard in the main building displays 154 busts and memorials honoring scholars and researchers from different centuries. The collection continues to grow and documents the scientific tradition of the institution.

Location: Vienna

Inception: March 12, 1365

Founders: Rudolf IV, Albert III, Duke of Austria, Leopold III, Duke of Austria

Elevation above the sea: 188 m

Operator: Universität Wien

Address: Universitätsring

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 06:00-22:00; Saturday 07:00-19:00

Phone: +43142770

Website: https://univie.ac.at

GPS coordinates: 48.21306,16.35972

Latest update: December 15, 2025 08:03