Every angle of Schönbrunn tells a different story, from the symmetry of its golden façade and the ornate detail of its State Rooms to the sweep of its Baroque gardens and the festive glow of its Christmas market. This photo collection gathers those moments into one place, offering you a glimpse of the palace throughout the year, sometimes grand, sometimes intimate, but always full of character.
Photography is not permitted inside the State Rooms. However, you can freely take photos in the Schönbrunn Palace gardens and courtyards.
The Grand Parterre garden facing the palace, the Neptune Fountain, and the view from the Gloriette terrace are among the most photographed locations. Seasonal highlights like the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market also provide beautiful backdrops.
Morning light offers fewer crowds and softer tones on the façade, while late afternoon and evening provide warm golden-hour shots. Night photography can be especially striking when the palace is illuminated.
Tripods are not allowed inside Schönbrunn palace. A handheld camera or phone works best for casual photography.
The Palm House in the gardens often gets overlooked, but its iron-and-glass structure surrounded by greenery makes for stunning shots, especially in spring and summer (between April and June).
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the palace façade and sprawling gardens. If you want to highlight architectural details or statues, a zoom lens will help you get crisp close-ups from a distance.
Most visitors love snapping a selfie with the palace in the background from the main courtyard, but the view from the Gloriette looking down over the palace is just as iconic.
Yes, many couples choose Schönbrunn’s gardens or the Gloriette for wedding or engagement shoots. Professional photography requires permission, but casual photos are fine for personal use.
Snow turns the palace gardens into a striking white landscape, while the Christmas market fills the forecourt with festive lights and atmosphere, making winter one of the best times to photograph Schönbrunn.
The palace grounds are quieter if you arrive early in the morning before 9:30am or later in the afternoon (post 2pm). These times also give you better lighting for photos.
At the Vienna Zoo, you can capture excellent wildlife photos, although direct contact with animals is not allowed. The panda enclosure and elephant habitat are especially photogenic.
Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Combo (Save 8%): Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour + Schönbrunn Zoo Skip-the-Line Tickets
Schönbrunn Palace: Mozart & Strauss Concert
Combo: Vienna Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Schönbrunn Palace & Belvedere Palace Tickets
Schönbrunn Palace Panorama Train Ride Tickets
Vienna Pass: Choose 1 to 6 Days
