The Hofburg Imperial Palace is located in Vienna, the capital of the Republic of Austria.
This architectural complex spans various styles, from Gothic to Historicism.
Over time, the buildings have undergone numerous renovations and expansions, transforming it into an expansive palace complex.
In addition to being the residence of emperors, it served as a venue for social events and official ceremonies tied to the governance of the nation.
History of the Hofburg Imperial Palace
The history of the Imperial Palace is truly fascinating and stretches back to the Middle Ages.
The palace was renovated and expanded to meet the needs of its residents.
Today, among the few original medieval features that tourists can see is the Gothic Imperial Chapel, where the Vienna Boys’ Choir sings during Sunday Mass.
It was the residence of the emperors of Austria and later Austria-Hungary until 1918.
The legendary Habsburg dynasty lived here, and it was from this very place that Austria’s most important decisions were made throughout history.
Imperial Apartments
The private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth can be found in the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
The Hofburg Palace offers an immersive experience into Austrian history, where you can explore the grand halls and rooms that once hosted pivotal events in European history, making it one of Vienna’s top attractions.
The tour of the Imperial Apartments covers 24 rooms, from the grand Imperial Staircase to the audience chambers, working rooms, living areas, and the majestic bedrooms of the emperor and empress.
The rooms are decorated in Rococo style, with ornate stuccoes and tapestries imported from Brussels. They also feature porcelain stoves and 19th-century furniture.
Highlights of the tour include the unique lavatory rooms and Empress Elisabeth’s private bathroom.
Additionally, within the Hofburg Imperial Palace, visitors can still see the exercise machines installed for the empress’s personal use.
The dining hall is particularly impressive, featuring a grand, feudal-style dining table.
Sisi Museum
The Sisi Museum, located within the palace, offers a deeper understanding of the life of the famous empress.
You’ll see her personal living quarters and the essential objects she used daily.
Sisi was an influential figure with a remarkably progressive mindset for her time.
One of her main obsessions was her physical appearance. She maintained an extremely slender figure through a strict diet and intense exercise.
Sisi also had the daily habit of brushing her hair for hours, a ritual that became almost an obsession.
In the museum, you’ll find numerous photographs of her life with Emperor Franz Joseph, as well as many of her personal items, which offer insights into her lifestyle.
One area provides a vivid and detailed account of her tragic death, told in a way that resonates deeply with visitors.
If you have the chance to visit, we recommend the guided tour through the palace, the Sisi Museum, and the gardens—a guide will enhance your experience as you explore the rooms of this remarkable palace.
Silver Collection
The Silver Collection, or Court Silverware of the Hofburg Imperial Palace, offers a privileged view of the imperial table service once used by the emperor.
In this section of the palace, you’ll find fine porcelain and crystal glassware, magnificent table centerpieces, and copper kitchen utensils.
The most remarkable piece in this exhibit is the 30-meter-long Milanese table centerpiece, crafted for Emperor Ferdinand I’s coronation as king of the Lombardy-Venetian Kingdom.
The Silver Collection offers an unparalleled look into the lavish lifestyle and ceremonial grandeur of the imperial court, making it an unmissable part of any Hofburg Palace visit.
In the Silver Collection, you can view West Asian porcelain from Sèvres, a gift from King Louis XV of France to Empress Maria Theresa.
Additionally, the display includes plates with panoramic scenes, faience pieces, and silver and gold-crafted works.
Among the highlights are the Viennese imperial silverware and the “Golden Tableware,” an exquisite table set designed to accommodate 140 guests.
With an online ticket, you can also access the palace’s treasury and view a variety of dresses and ceremonial items on display.
Chapel and Church
The chapel, also known as the Wiener Hofburgkapelle, dates back to the 18th century and is designed entirely in the Gothic style of the period.
It is one of the oldest buildings in the palace, making it a must-see for visitors.
The chapel served as a place to honor the memory of prominent individuals who had passed away, such as Napoleon’s son and Empress Sisi herself.
But what makes this chapel especially famous is that it is home to performances by the Vienna Boys’ Choir.
Prunksaal: Austrian National Library
The Austrian National Library is located within the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
It was designed by one of the most renowned architects of the Baroque period, Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, who also built the Karlskirche and the older parts of the Museums Quartier.
Johann Bernhard passed away in 1723, the year construction began, so the building was completed by his son, Josef Emanuel.
The library is beautifully decorated, with striking wooden shelves lining both sides of the main hall.
The Prunksaal hall, with its grandiose frescos and ceiling paintings, is a spectacular sight. This hall, holding over 200,000 volumes, is one of the most stunning baroque library spaces in Europe and a true gem for anyone visiting the palace.
You can also explore the legendary “Eugeniavia,” the private library of Prince Eugene of Savoy, which holds an impressive collection of 15,000 volumes.
Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School is also located within the Hofburg Imperial Palace. This prestigious school was originally created as a pet project of Archduke Karl, brother of Emperor Maximilian II, in the 1570s.
To achieve the desired qualities in his horses, Archduke Karl took an unusual step for the Habsburgs—he initiated breeding programs.
The school uses Lipizzaner horses, a unique crossbreed of Spanish, Arabian, and Serbian horses. These horses served the Habsburgs for centuries in both cavalry and equestrian shows.
The Spanish Riding School offers performances, including horse ballet and training sessions, showcasing the skills and elegance of these remarkable horses.
Tickets for Hofburg Palace – Pricing and Hours
There are many types of tickets for the Hofburg Imperial Palace, as it’s a large complex with many places to visit.
Ticket prices are:
- €10.50 for adults, plus an extra €3 for an audio guide
- €8.20 for children
- €12.90 for students
- School groups pay €6.50 per person.
- The ticket to the Imperial Treasury costs €14 and can be booked here.
The palace also offers a special Sisi Ticket, which, in addition to the standard entry, grants access to the Schönbrunn Imperial Palace and the Imperial Furniture Museum.
Prices start at €29.90 for adults, €18 for children, and €27 for students.
The Hofburg Imperial Palace complex is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How to reach the Palace of Empress Sisi
The palace of Empress Sisi is located near the center of Vienna, accessible by several transportation options:
- For buses, take lines 2A or 3A, which stop at Hofburg.
- Tram lines 1, 2, D, and J stop at Burgring.
- The nearest train stations are Westbahnhof and Meidling.
Visiting the Hofburg complex is easy and convenient, allowing you to fully experience Vienna’s rich imperial heritage in a single location.