Stadtban station on Karlplatz Square

The former Stadtban railway station on Karlsplatz Square in Vienna was built in 1899. This ground structure was created by the famous Austrian architect Otto Wagner with the participation of Josef Maria Olbrich. The Stadtban station building consists of two pavilions connected by a high arch with the central entrance and represents a vivid example of Art Nouveau architecture. Steel structures with marble slabs were used in the construction, which made Vienna one of the modern cities of its time.

When the railway lines were converted into a subway in 1981, this original station was in danger of demolition, but thanks to public outcry, local authorities decided to leave it. After restoration and reconstruction, the station building was raised 2 meters higher.

Currently, it has become an architectural monument, a decoration of Karlsplatz Square, one of its attractions. One pavilion serves as the exhibition hall of the Vienna Museum, the other houses a cafe. In summer, tables with umbrellas from the cafe are also installed in front of the station, here in the fresh air you can relax and admire the patterned finish on the Stadtban arch.