Schönbrunn Palace Vienna | 300 Years of Habsburg Legacy

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

RECOMMENDED DURATION

4 hours

Timings

08:30–17:30

VISITORS PER YEAR

80000000

TICKETS

From $54.62

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1996

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Schönbrunn Palace boasts 1,441 rooms, but only 45 are open to the public, each preserved with original 18th-century furnishings.

The palace gardens have been open to the public since 1779, making them one of Europe’s oldest continuously accessible royal parks.

Schönbrunn Zoo, founded in 1752, remains the oldest continuously operating zoo in the world.

Must-see attractions at Schönbrunn Palace

Of Schönbrunn’s 1,441 rooms, only about 20 are open to the public, but each reveals a different facet of Habsburg life. From grand ballrooms to intimate private quarters, these are the spaces that shaped imperial ceremony, daily routine, and legend.

Artworks and chandelier in Schönbrunn Palace interior, Vienna.

The State Rooms

Step into the grandeur of Schönbrunn's State Rooms, where opulent gilded furnishings, elaborate chandeliers, and breathtaking frescoes transport you to the height of Habsburg luxury. These rooms once hosted royal receptions and foreign dignitaries, offering a glimpse into imperial splendor.

Elegant room in Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, featuring ornate decor and red velvet chairs.

The Imperial Apartments

Explore the private, decorated quarters of the Habsburgs, with rooms filled with period furniture, delicate tapestries, and intricate woodwork. Each room reflects the personal taste of Austria's royal family, offering an intimate view into their everyday lives and royal duties.

Schönbrunn Palace facade with vibrant gardens, Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace gardens

Wander through the meticulously landscaped gardens of Schönbrunn, where perfectly manicured lawns, flower beds, and majestic fountains lead to stunning views of the palace. Don’t miss the iconic Gloriette, perched high on the hill, offering a panoramic vista of Vienna.

Performers taking a bow at a Mozart & Strauss concert in Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna.

The Orangery

Admire the beauty of the Orangery, a historical structure once used to house exotic plants and citrus trees during the colder months. Today, it serves as a stunning venue for classical concerts, where you can enjoy Mozart and Strauss live in a Baroque setting.

Schönbrunn Zoo

Visit the world’s oldest zoo, founded in 1752, and meet over 700 species, including giant pandas, Siberian tigers, and rare, exotic primates. The zoo combines historical charm with modern conservation efforts, offering a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Palm House

Explore the Palm House, an architectural marvel filled with tropical plants from around the globe. Towering palms, vibrant flowers, and exotic greenery create a serene, glass-enclosed escape into nature.

Desert House

Venture into the Desert House, a unique climate-controlled space that replicates desert environments from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Here, you’ll encounter fascinating cacti, succulents, and hardy desert plants, along with the stark beauty of arid landscapes.

Carriage Museum

Explore the Carriage Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of royal coaches and carriages, including the famous coronation landau. These intricately designed vehicles offer a glimpse into the traditions of the Habsburg court, showcasing the royal lifestyle in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Through the lens: Schönbrunn’s highlights up close

Great Gallery inside Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna with ornate chandeliers and visitors exploring.

The Great Gallery

The palace’s showpiece ballroom, stretching nearly 40 meters long, once staged imperial banquets, Habsburg balls, and grand state receptions with visiting monarchs.

Ornate room interior at Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, featuring intricate wood flooring and decorative walls.

Ornate room with detailed wall art and chandelier in Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna.

Ornate room with chandelier and antique furniture

Chinese porcelain vases on a wooden table

Schönbrunn Palace through the centuries

1569: The site first appears as a hunting lodge, used by the Habsburgs for seasonal hunting excursions.
1642: Emperor Ferdinand III orders the expansion of the lodge into a more substantial summer residence for the imperial family.
1683: After the Ottoman siege, Emperor Leopold I commissions early Baroque improvements, laying the foundation for the palace’s grandeur.
1696–1713: Emperor Leopold I begins extensive Baroque renovations, including gardens and fountains designed for imperial leisure.
1740–1780: Under Empress Maria Theresa, the palace undergoes its major transformation into a Rococo masterpiece, adding lavish state rooms and the opulent Imperial Apartments.
1779: The Neptune Fountain and Roman Ruins garden features are completed, enhancing the palace’s Baroque landscape design.
1800s: The palace serves as the summer residence for successive Habsburg rulers, hosting grand balls, banquets, and official ceremonies.
1918: Following the fall of the Habsburg monarchy, Schönbrunn becomes a museum open to the public, preserving imperial heritage.
1996: UNESCO recognizes Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens as a World Heritage site, acknowledging its historical and cultural significance.

Who built the Habsburgs’ summer escape?

Schönbrunn Palace facade with fountain statues reflecting in Vienna, Austria.

The origins of Schönbrunn Palace trace back to 1569 as a modest hunting lodge, but its transformation into the imperial masterpiece we admire today began under Emperor Leopold I. The visionary architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach laid the foundation for its Baroque grandeur, designing majestic façades, sweeping staircases, and ceremonial halls that spoke of imperial power.

Later, under Empress Maria Theresa, Nikolaus Pacassi took the reins, turning the palace into a Rococo marvel with harmonious symmetry, ornate staterooms, and lavish ceilings adorned with gilded stucco and frescoes.

Generations of skilled artisans, from master stuccoists to fresco painters and gilders, brought these plans to life, crafting intricate details that blend artistic brilliance with Habsburg prestige. Each architect and craftsman left their mark, transforming Schönbrunn into a living testament of Austria’s imperial history and architectural genius.

Baroque grandeur in stone and stucco

Schönbrunn Palace gardens with Gloriette in Vienna, featuring colorful flower beds and fountains.

Façade and symmetry: The palace stretches nearly 160 meters with a perfectly balanced Baroque façade, adorned with statues, pilasters, and ornamental cornices that announce Habsburg power and elegance.
Opulent State Rooms: Inside, vast halls and ceremonial chambers feature gilded stucco, frescoed ceilings, and crystal chandeliers, showcasing Rococo artistry at its finest.
Grand staircases and ceremonial spaces: Monumental staircases lead to regal halls where state functions and balls once impressed foreign dignitaries, blending functionality with theatrical design.
Garden integration: The architecture flows seamlessly into the gardens, with terraces, fountains, and vistas aligned to create a perfect Baroque harmony between building and landscape.
Artistic detailing: From intricate stuccowork to ornate door frames and frescoed ceilings, every corner is meticulously crafted, reflecting both artistic mastery and Habsburg prestige.

A cultural hub in Vienna’s heart

As the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, Schönbrunn hosted centuries of political meetings, artistic performances, and social gatherings, reflecting the grandeur and ambitions of one of Europe’s most influential dynasties.

A young Mozart once performed here for Empress Maria Theresa, while Johann Strauss’s waltzes have echoed through its gilded halls for generations, cementing its place in Vienna’s rich musical tradition. Its interiors showcase the height of Rococo elegance and Baroque artistry, with frescoed ceilings, ornate stucco, and gilded State Rooms that offer a glimpse into imperial tastes and refinement.

Beyond its walls, the meticulously designed gardens, fountains, and the Gloriette embody the European Baroque ideal of harmony between architecture and nature, influencing garden design across the continent. Schönbrunn’s legacy continues today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing millions of visitors looking to experience a living slice of Vienna, a city shaped by music, art, and diplomacy.

Book Schönbrunn Palace tickets

Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hr. - 3 hr. 30 min.

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 8%): Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour + Schönbrunn Zoo Skip-the-Line Tickets

Guided tour

‌

Combo: Vienna Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Schönbrunn Palace & Belvedere Palace Tickets

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 8%): Schönbrunn Zoo + Schönbrunn Palace Panorama Train Ride Tickets

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Schönbrunn Palace: Mozart & Strauss Concert

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hr.

‌

Check availability

Schönbrunn Palace: Mozart & Strauss Concert & After-Hours Tour

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

4 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

Meals included

‌

Check availability

Frequently asked questions about Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna

What is the historical significance of Schönbrunn Palace?

The summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, Schönbrunn, witnessed centuries of imperial life, grand ceremonies, and hosted important figures, making it a symbol of Austria’s rich heritage.

When was Schönbrunn Palace built, and who designed it?

The palace was originally commissioned in the late 17th century, with major expansions in the 18th century under Empress Maria Theresa. Architects Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Nikolaus Pacassi played key roles in shaping its Baroque elegance and Rococo interiors.

What makes the Palace Gardens special?

The Schönbrunn Palace** Gardens are a masterpiece of Baroque landscape design**, featuring geometric parterres, the Gloriette, fountains like Neptune and the Obelisk, a maze, and vast lawns that mirror the grandeur of imperial Vienna.

Is Schönbrunn Palace a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes, Schönbrunn Palace, along with its gardens, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996 for its impact on European history and Baroque design.

Can I attend concerts at Schönbrunn?

Yes, certain halls in the palace, particularly the Orangery, host classical concerts featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. These performances allow you to experience music in an authentic Baroque setting that echoes the palace’s imperial past.

What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Early mornings or weekdays are ideal for avoiding large crowds, particularly during the peak tourist season from May to September.

How long does it take to explore Schönbrunn Palace and gardens?

A full visit typically takes 3 to 4 hours, with at least an hour dedicated to the palace interiors and the remaining time to stroll through the gardens, visit fountains, the maze, and other features of the expansive grounds.

How do I reach Schönbrunn Palace using public transport?

Schönbrunn Palace is easily accessible via Vienna’s U-Bahn, trams, and buses. The U4 metro line is the most convenient, stopping at Schönbrunn station, just a short walk from the main entrance.

How can I buy tickets for Schönbrunn Palace?

You can book Schönbrunn Palace tickets online, with options ranging from standard guided tours to combination passes that include the gardens, zoo, and other attractions, ensuring flexibility for every visitor.