Schönbrunn Palace

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The prime summer palace of the Habsburg kings was Schönbrunn Palace in Hietzing, Vienna. Water for the court came from an artesian well, where the name Schönbrunn (meaning 'beautiful spring') originated. 


The Rococo palace is widely regarded as one of the country's most significant cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks. Over the course of 300 years, numerous Habsburg emperors left their mark on the palace and its expansive grounds, expressing their unique preferences, interests, and objectives. 


How to explore Schönbrunn Palace? 

  • The palace has 1441, but only about 40 of the most impressive ones are open to the public. Check out these princely rooms to learn about the royal lifestyle of the kings that once lived here. 
  • Learn more about Elisabeth, the Empress (the famous Sisi), and her life by visiting the carriage museum. The Wagenburg museum is home to an enormous collection of carriages, sedan chairs, and other vehicles used by the Imperial family. 
  • The Children's Museum, located in a former wing of the palace, will transport you back in time to your days as a young Archduke or Archduchess. 
  • The grounds and gardens of the palace span over a square kilometer, and feature tree-lined boulevards, manicured lawns, wooded areas, and planted flower beds. There will likely be water features, statues, faux ruins, and walled gardens. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, which seem to ignore the presence of humans. 
  • Behind the palace is a sizable hill that rises to the Gloriette. Legend has it that this triumphal arch was erected so that the residents of the main palace would have a good view from their living quarters. Although it is primarily a facade, the building contains a rooftop, observation deck, and a cafe. 
  • The flowerbeds, box hedges, and vine-covered pathways in the privy garden scream 'costume drama' at you whenever you visit it. 
  • Experience the exotic flare of Schönbrunn's flora in the world's longest orangeries. There is a vineyard on the grounds, exotic flora, and trees of odd fruit sorts. 
  • Explore the labyrinth and maze to see how much of a challenge you can face. 
  • See the Roman ruins at Schönbrunn that look so real, even though they were built in 1778. The Temple of Vespasian and Titus present there served as inspiration for them. 
  • It is said that the history of the Habsburg dynasty may be read in Egyptian hieroglyphics carved onto a gigantic obelisk. Check out this obelisk to get an insight into royal life. 
  • The Neptune fountain is an impressive sight and may be found near the end of the main palace gardens. The fountain depicting the Roman god Neptune atop a throne of tritons and sea horses is most impressive. 
  • The Schönbrunn Zoo is the world's first and oldest operational zoo. The menagerie that Emperor Francis I founded in the 18th century still features some of the original buildings. This zoo is sure to capture the attention of children.
  • imageDuration Required
    3 hours

Address of Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria

Opening & Closing time of Schönbrunn Palace

  • Monday
    09:00-17:00
  • Tuesday
    09:00-17:00
  • Wednesday
    09:00-17:00
  • Thursday
    09:00-17:00
  • Friday
    09:00-17:00
  • Saturday
    09:00-17:00
  • Sunday
    09:00-17:00