Heinz Fischer was born on October 9, 1938 in the city of Graz. In 1961, he graduated from the law faculty of the University of Vienna, attaining a doctorate in law. Fischer practiced law in the courts for a long period.

Between 1959 and 1960, Fischer was chairman of the Viennese branch of Austria's socialist National Union of Students.

Between 1971 and 1983, Fischer was a member of the National Council (the lower house of the Austrian Parliament), and between 1975 and 1983 he was the first deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) in the Parliament.

Between 1983 and 1987, Fischer held the position of Federal Minister for Science in the government headed by Fred Sinowatz.

Between 1987 and November 1990, Fischer was chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Austria at the National Council.

Fischer was President of Austria's National Council between 1990 and 2002; he was re-elected for the post three times.

Fischer was elected Federal President of the Republic of Austria on April 25, 2004.

Fischer has made a number of visits to Russia.

Fischer is married with 2 children. He is interested in climbing, and likes music, mainly jazz.