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Belvedere Palace Gardens: A Baroque Masterpiece in Vienna

Discover Vienna's Belvedere-Schlossgarten: a stunning Baroque garden offering history, art, and serene city views in a picturesque setting.

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The Belvedere-Schlossgarten is a stunning Baroque garden in Vienna, connecting the Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces. Commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy in the 18th century, the gardens feature symmetrical flowerbeds, fountains, sculptures, and panoramic city views, offering a serene escape. Open year-round, the gardens provide a unique experience with each season.

A brief summary to Belvedere-Schlossgarten

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the garden's tranquility.
  • The gardens are especially beautiful in warmer seasons when the fountains are running and the flowers are in full bloom.
  • Don't miss the small lake behind the Upper Belvedere for a great photo opportunity, especially at night.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces to explore their art collections and exhibitions.
  • Check out the Alpine Garden, home to a historical Alpine plant collection, open during peak flowering season (end of March to the beginning of August).
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station), take the D tram towards Nußdorf. Get off at the Schloss Belvedere stop, which is directly adjacent to the gardens. The ride takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, take the U1 subway line to Südtiroler Platz/Hauptbahnhof station, followed by a 15-minute walk. A single public transport ticket costs around €2.40.

  • Walking

    From Wien Hauptbahnhof, the Belvedere Gardens are approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Exit the station towards Prinz-Eugen-Straße and walk north. The gardens will be on your left, just past the Schweizergarten park. From the city center, walk across Schwarzenbergplatz.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Wien Hauptbahnhof to the Belvedere Gardens will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €8-€12. Note that the Belvedere Palace does not have on-site parking.

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Discover more about Belvedere-Schlossgarten

The Belvedere-Schlossgarten, a magnificent example of Baroque landscape architecture, serves as a vital link between the Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces in Vienna. Commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18th century, these gardens were designed as an integral part of the Belvedere complex, reflecting the prince's wealth, power, and refined taste. Designed by Dominique Girard, a student of André Le Nôtre (the landscape architect of Versailles), the gardens showcase all the essential elements of Baroque garden architecture: symmetrical flower parterres, water basins, tiers and steps, and trimmed hedges. The central water basin, adorned with allegorical sculptures, serves as a focal point, drawing the eye towards the city skyline. The reflecting pools mirror the sky and the surrounding architecture, adding to the garden's ethereal beauty. The Lower Belvedere Garden, situated at the foot of the Upper Belvedere, is characterized by its more intimate and secluded atmosphere. Here, visitors can explore hidden pathways, discover secluded groves, and admire the intricate details of the Baroque sculptures. The gardens have been open to the public since 1780. The park is home to the oldest Alpine garden in Europe and houses the Austrian Federal Gardens' valuable historical Alpine plant collection. Established in 1803 at Schönbrunn Palace park, it was transferred to the gardens of the Belvedere in 1865. The Botanical Garden adjoins the Belvedere park. Established in 1754 under Empress Maria Theresa, it is now an independent division of the University of Vienna. Most people focus on the terraced area between the two palaces, but be sure to go around Upper Belvedere to find the small lake. The southernmost point of the lake is the place to take an excellent photo of that upper palace. The water reflects the front of the building and looks particularly spectacular at night.

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