Description

Essentials about Schönbrunn Palace in brief

Schönbrunn Palace is definitely one of the must-see attractions in Vienna. The beautiful and largest palace in Austria with its enchanting 160-hectare palace park is the most visited sight in the Austrian capital. Schönbrunn and its park have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Two other main attractions right next to Schönbrunn Palace are the Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world still in existence, and the Imperial Carriage Museum, one of the most important collections of imperial and other carriages.

The history of Schönbrunn Palace

According to legend, the name Schönbrunn goes back to Emperor Matthias, who is said to have discovered an artesian well here while hunting and exclaimed: “Welch’ schöner Brunn'” (“What a beautiful well”). Schönbrunn Palace was built in the mid-17th century, but was so badly damaged in 1683 during the Second Turkish Siege of Vienna that a representative new building was begun at the end of the 17th century.

It was not until the mid-18th century that Schönbrunn was rebuilt and expanded into its present form under Empress Maria Theresa. Until the end of the Habsburg monarchy, the baroque palace was the summer residence of the Austrian imperial family and one of the cultural and political centers of the Habsburg Empire.

Visiting Schönbrunn Palace

Today, visitors to Schönbrunn Palace can tour the original imperial apartments and magnificent state rooms and get an idea of how Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Josef and Sisi once resided and received their guests. Those who need to recover from so much pomp can do so excellently in the wonderful grounds of Schönbrunn Palace Park, visiting the many impressive fountains, statues and monuments.

The Gloriette in the Palace Gardens

The Gloriette in the palace gardens of Schönbrunn, which is visible from afar, is definitely worth a visit; after all, it is the largest and most famous of all Gloriettes in the world. Already used as a dining and banqueting hall in imperial times, it still houses a café today. In addition, from the Gloriette you can enjoy a beautiful view of Schönbrunn and large parts of Vienna.

Website

schoenbrunn.at

Opening hours

Opening hours Apr. – Jun.:

Admission fees

* incl. admission to Schönbrunn Palace Grand Tour, Tierpark, Wüstenhaus and Palmenhaus

** incl. admission to Schönbrunn Palace Grand Tour, Hofburg Wien (Imperial Apartments – Sisi Museum – Silver Collection) and Hofmobiliendepot – Möbel Museum Wien

*** incl. admission to Schönbrunn Palace Grand Tour, Kronprinzengarten, Irrgarten & Labyrinth, Orangeriegarten and Gloriette Observation Deck

**** incl. admission to Schönbrunn Palace Grand Tour, Kindermuseum „Schloss Schönbrunn erleben“, Schloss Hof im Marchfeld

For more information on the various tickets, discounts and guided tours, see the website.

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

U4: Stop Schönbrunn

Tram lines 10, 52 and 60: Stop Schönbrunn

Bus lines 10A and N60: Stop Schönbrunn

By car:

The nearest parking facility is APCOA Parkplatz Schönbrunn Wien.