Desert House: A Journey Through Arid Landscapes
Explore the beauty and resilience of desert life at Vienna's Desert House, home to unique plants and animals from around the world.
The Desert House (Wüstenhaus) in Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace Park offers a fascinating look into the world's arid ecosystems. Originally built in 1904 to house Emperor Franz Joseph's collection of exotic plants, it now showcases diverse desert flora and fauna from around the globe.
A brief summary to Desert House
- Schlosspark Schönbrunn, Vienna, Hietzing, 1130, AT
- Click to display
- Click to display
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Combine your visit with a trip to the Schönbrunn Zoo and the Palm House for a full day of botanical and zoological exploration.
- Look out for free-roaming birds and lizards inside the Desert House.
- Don't miss the naked mole rat exhibit, a unique and fascinating display of social behavior.
- Visit the Desert House in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
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Getting There
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Public Transport
From central Vienna, take the U4 subway line to the station 'Hietzing'. From there, it's a short walk through the Schönbrunn Palace Park to the Desert House, located near the Hietzing Gate and opposite the Palm House. A single Vienna public transport ticket costs €2.40.
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Walking
From Schönbrunn Palace, walk east through the gardens towards the Hietzing Gate. The Desert House is located just inside the gate, opposite the Palm House. The walk from the palace to the Desert House is approximately 10-15 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to the Hietzing Gate entrance of Schönbrunn Palace Park. From there, it is a short walk to the Desert House. A taxi ride from central Vienna will cost approximately €15-€20. Note that during peak season, traffic around Schönbrunn can be heavy.
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Driving
Drive to Schönbrunn Palace and park in one of the nearby parking facilities. Schloßpark Parking is the closest, but other options include Hietzinger Kai Parking, Hietzinger Hauptstraße Parking, Volkstheater Parking and Tivoli Parking. Parking costs around €3.90 per hour, with a maximum daily rate of €39. Garage Schlossallee Schönbrunn charges €3.80 per hour, up to a daily rate of €32. From the parking area, walk to the Hietzing Gate entrance and then to the Desert House.
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