Fischerstiege, Vienna, Historical stairs in Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria

Fischerstiege is a street in Vienna's first district that runs from Salvatorgasse northeast, bends at Sterngasse, and continues north to Salzgries. The first section is a staircase up to Sterngasse; from there it becomes a sloping lane, with the lower part operated as a one-way street. Most buildings date from the post-war period, except the last two near Salzgries from the late 19th century.

Fischerstiege is documented since the Middle Ages: the name appears in 1373, briefly became Fischergasse in 1451, and was fixed in its present form from 1664. It carried fish from the nearby Danube arm to the city. Until the late 18th century a gate from the old castle wall stood at its lower end.

The name comes from the fish trade: catches from the nearby Danube arm were carried up this lane into the city. The name is recorded in 1373, briefly became Fischergasse in 1451, and has been fixed as Fischerstiege since 1664. A wall relief by Rudolf Schwaiger above a rusticated portal, made in 1953, shows the fish trade.

The stairs are located in the city center and easy to access, with several bus stops and subway stations nearby. Since it is a steep passage with many steps, wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time to cross it safely.

The lane's name is documented in 1373 and was briefly changed to Fischergasse in 1451 before reverting. A gate from the old city wall stood at its lower end until demolition in the late 18th century; from it the lane forked, and the left branch, later Wachtelgasse, vanished around 1900 when the area was rebuilt.