The Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) is one of Vienna’s top tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. This majestic site, where three previous palaces once stood before being destroyed by fires, eventually became the permanent residence of the illustrious Habsburg dynasty.
History of Schönbrunn Palace
The origin of the palace’s name is quite unique. During his time at the original castle, Emperor Matthias II discovered a beautiful natural spring nearby, which he named Schönen Brunnen (“Beautiful Spring”), giving the palace its current name.
Later, Eleonora Gonzaga, who played a significant role in the palace’s history, commissioned various renovations and expansions to transform it into a summer residence. However, during the war with the Ottoman Empire, the palace was completely destroyed. After the war, a new castle was built on the site to commemorate the victory.
The architect initially took inspiration from Versailles, proposing a lavish and expansive design that was ultimately deemed excessive. The project was revised to a more modest scale, resulting in the palace we see today. Although the emperor passed away during construction, the works continued, and the completed Schönbrunn Palace quickly became a favorite of the Habsburgs.
Throughout its history, Schönbrunn has hosted notable guests and events. Napoleon stayed here following his victories at battles such as Austerlitz and Wagram. Two Napoleonic eagles at the entrance gate commemorate his stay. Schönbrunn also welcomed British, Austrian, and Russian sovereigns during the Congress of Vienna and served as the meeting place for John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev in 1961, marking a tense but crucial Cold War moment in the palace’s “Hall of Mirrors.”
Touring Schönbrunn Palace
A trip to Vienna without visiting Schönbrunn Palace wouldn’t be complete. This grand symbol of Imperial Vienna boasts a beautiful interior that makes the visit worthwhile.
As mentioned in its history, Schönbrunn was built in the 17th century and served as the residence of figures such as Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi. Until the monarchy’s end in 1918, it was a favorite palace of the Habsburgs, filled with history and charm that delights every visitor.
Visitors can choose from several ticket options to explore the palace’s rooms:
- The Grand Tour (1.5 hours) covers 40 royal rooms
- Imperial Tour, a more affordable option, includes 22 royal rooms
- Classic Pass: €21. This pass includes the Grand Tour inside the palace (40 rooms) as well as access to the Gloriette and the garden labyrinth.
The Imperial Tour offers a solid introduction, but for a complete experience, there’s the Sisi Ticket, which includes 22 rooms at Schönbrunn and exclusive access to the Hofburg Palace.
For families with children, the palace grounds also offer additional activities, such as a visit to the Schönbrunn Zoo or other fun activities for a memorable day out.
In this case, it’s best to check the official website for a full range of options. However, one excellent choice is a walk through the gardens, which is free of charge.
Tours available at Schönbrunn Palace:
- Mozart and Strauss Concert at Schönbrunn
- Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna City Tour
- Guided Tour of Schönbrunn Palace
- Tour of Schönbrunn Palace and the Imperial Crypt
- Sisi Tour through Vienna
- Skip-the-line Tour of Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
- Skip-the-line Tickets for Schönbrunn Zoo
Tips for Visiting Schönbrunn Palace
When entering the palace, you can request a free audio guide in Spanish. It was very helpful and allows you to tour the rooms in under an hour. The audio guide provides insights into the fascinating and complex relationship between Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, including stories of his deep affection for her.
Keep in mind that taking photos inside the palace is prohibited. Some rooms are quite lavish, while others, like the emperors’ quarters, are simpler.
A visit to the palace gardens can take some time as they span 1.2 km. It’s an enjoyable walk amidst numerous statues, flowers, and fountains.
If visiting during the summer, don’t forget to bring a hat or cap as there is no shade in the gardens, and the sun in Vienna can be intense.
There are no cafés or water fountains within the gardens, so be sure to bring water to stay hydrated.
The labyrinth is another highlight, offering a fun and slightly challenging experience where finding your way out may take a while! For families with children, this can be a fun break from the more historical parts of the palace visit, which might be less interesting for the younger ones.
A visit to Schönbrunn Palace can take up a whole morning. However, if it extends into the afternoon, there’s a café where you can grab a bite.
Exploring the palace and its stunning gardens is a unique experience. It’s also highly recommended to head up the nearby hill, which offers breathtaking views of both Vienna and the Schönbrunn complex itself. The climb is well worth it for the incredible scenery.
How to Get There
To reach Schönbrunn Palace, take the U4 metro line to either the Schönbrunn or Hietzing stations. From there, it’s an easy walk—simply turn right after exiting the metro and follow the path toward the palace. The steady flow of visitors also makes it difficult to lose your way.
Other Palaces: Hofburg and Belvedere
For palace enthusiasts, Vienna offers two additional must-see palaces:
Hofburg Palace
The largest and most historically significant of Vienna’s palaces, Hofburg Palace began as a 12th-century fortress and has seen many expansions since. Today, it serves as the residence of the Austrian president and has housed numerous notable figures, especially the Habsburgs, who resided here for over 600 years. Emperors Franz Joseph I and Empress Sisi also called this palace home, and Adolf Hitler delivered his infamous annexation speech from one of its balconies.
With an entry ticket, visitors can explore the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Silver Collection. Tickets cost €10.50 for adults and €13 with an audio guide.
Belvedere Palace
Constructed between 1714 and 1723 for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Belvedere Palace comprises two main buildings—Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere—separated by extensive formal gardens. This Baroque architectural masterpiece is celebrated for both its beauty and its historic significance.
Belvedere’s history is less extensive than Hofburg’s, but it holds a special place in Austrian heritage as the site of the signing of the State Treaty on May 15, 1955, which restored Austria’s independence.
The palace is also renowned for its art collections, particularly Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece, “The Kiss”. Visitors can admire a wide range of artwork spanning medieval, Baroque, Romantic, and Impressionist periods. Admission to the entire complex costs €19 for adults, while access to the art collection alone is €11.
If possible, plan to visit all three palaces. Each offers a unique perspective on Austria’s imperial past and showcases Vienna’s architectural and artistic splendor. However, if time is limited, prioritize Schönbrunn Palace for its sheer grandeur and historical significance.