City tour to Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
Visitor information
Schönbrunn Palace is open to visitors all year round. Various tours are offered, ranging from short overview tours to in-depth visits. Highlights of the tours include the magnificent state rooms, the private apartments of the imperial family and the fascinating gardens.
Schönbrunn Palace with an experienced tourist guide
A visit to Schönbrunn Palace offers a unique opportunity to experience the history and splendor of the Habsburg monarchy up close. The combination of magnificent architecture, ornate gardens and historical treasures makes Schönbrunn Palace an unmissable destination for any visitor to Vienna. Whether exploring the opulent rooms, strolling through the extensive gardens or marveling at the exotic animals in the zoo, Schönbrunn offers a rich and impressive experience for all ages.
Pearl of the Baroque: Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is one of Austria’s most important cultural and historical landmarks and is one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe. As the former summer residence of the Habsburg monarchy, the palace is rich in history and offers a variety of attractions that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the magnificent world of the Austrian imperial family.
Architecture and plant
Castle building
The palace itself was built in the 18th century in the High Baroque style and comprises a total of 1,441 rooms, of which around 45 are open to the public. The sumptuous interiors are richly decorated and offer an impressive insight into the life of the Habsburgs. The highlights include:
- Great Gallery: A magnificent ballroom used for balls and receptions, famous for its ceiling frescoes and gold-decorated walls.
- Hall of Mirrors: An opulent room with numerous mirrors that was used for private concerts, including by a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
- Red Salon: A room famous for its red silk wallpaper and elegant furniture.
- Vieux-Laque room: Maria Theresa’s private room, decorated with precious Chinese lacquer panels.
Gardens and parks
The extensive castle park extends over 160 hectares and is designed in the French style. The carefully landscaped gardens offer a variety of attractions:
- Large parterre: A formally designed garden directly in front of the castle, decorated with geometric flowerbeds and artistic statues.
- Neptune Fountain: A monumental fountain at the foot of the hill depicting Neptune, god of the sea, surrounded by mythical figures.
- Gloriette: A magnificent pavilion on a hill that offers a magnificent view of the palace and Vienna. The Gloriette houses a café and is a popular place for a leisurely stroll.
Zoological Garden
The palace park is home to the oldest zoo in the world, the Schönbrunn Zoo, founded in 1752. The zoo is known for its historic buildings and biodiversity and offers visitors the opportunity to see animals from all over the world, including pandas, elephants and many more.
Orangery and palm house
- Orangery: A baroque building that was originally used to overwinter orange trees and other exotic plants. Today, concerts and events are held here.
- Palm House: An impressive glass and iron greenhouse that houses a variety of tropical plants and is an example of the Habsburgs’ passion for botany.
Historical significance
Schönbrunn Palace was not only a summer residence, but also an important venue for political and social events. Maria Theresa, Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth (Sisi) are just some of the prominent personalities who lived and ruled here. The palace was the scene of important historical events, including the Congress of Vienna from 1814-1815, which redrew the political map of Europe.
More Vienna information on activities, tours and museums can be found on Kayak‘s extensive website.
