City tour with a visit to the Vienna Hofburg.
Visitor information
The Vienna Hofburg is open all year round and offers a variety of guided tours that provide in-depth insights into the history and architecture of the complex. Special exhibitions and events complement the extensive cultural offerings.
The Vienna Hofburg is a must-see for every visitor to Vienna. It combines magnificent architecture, fascinating history and cultural treasures in an impressive way and offers a unique experience in the middle of Vienna’s historic backdrop.
Events and use
Today, the Hofburg not only serves as a museum complex, but also as a venue for state receptions, balls and conferences. The famous Vienna Opera Ball and other social events take place here and contribute to the lively tradition of the Hofburg.
Spanish Riding School
A special attraction of the Hofburg is the Spanish Riding School, the oldest riding school in the world, which still cultivates the high school of classical horsemanship today. The precise demonstrations of the Lipizzaner horses are world-famous and attract numerous visitors every year.
The Vienna Hofburg
The Vienna Hofburg is a magnificent palace complex in the heart of Vienna and an important symbol of Habsburg power and splendor. For centuries, the Hofburg was the political center of the Holy Roman Empire and later of the Habsburg monarchy. Today it serves as the official residence of the Austrian Federal President and is home to a number of museums and cultural institutions.
Architecture and plant
The Hofburg is an extensive complex consisting of numerous buildings and squares that have been extended and rebuilt over the centuries. The complex encompasses various architectural styles, from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Classicism. The most striking parts of the Hofburg include:
- Schweizerhof: The oldest part of the Hofburg, which dates back to the 13th century and is the oldest surviving part of the palace.
- Amalienburg: A Renaissance building from the 16th century, named after Empress Amalie Wilhelmine.
- Leopoldine Wing: A baroque part of the complex, which was built in the 17th century under Emperor Leopold I.
- Imperial Chancellery Wing: Another Baroque building housing the imperial private apartments.
- New Castle: An imposing wing that was completed at the beginning of the 20th century and now houses several museums.
Museums and collections
The Hofburg is home to numerous museums and cultural treasures:
- Sisi Museum: Dedicated to the life and personality of the famous Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) and displays personal items and historical documents.
- Imperial Apartments: Former living and representation rooms of the Habsburg emperors, which are furnished true to the original and provide an insight into courtly life.
- Silver Collection: An impressive collection of silverware, porcelain and other precious objects from the Habsburgs.
- Court Hunting and Armory: presents an extensive collection of weapons and armor documenting the military history and hunting passion of the Habsburgs.
- Austrian National Library: An architectural jewel with an impressive collection of historical books and manuscripts, housed in a magnificent baroque hall.
Chapel and treasury
- Hofburg Chapel: A Gothic jewel known for its magnificent architecture and as a performance venue for the Vienna Boys’ Choir.
- Treasury: Houses the crown jewels and other valuable insignia of the House of Habsburg, including the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian archducal hat.
More Vienna information on activities, tours and museums can be found on Kayak‘s extensive website.
