Schmetterlinghaus
Schmetterlinghaus: A Tropical Oasis in Vienna
Schmetterlinghaus: A Tropical Oasis in Vienna
Discover a tropical paradise in the heart of Vienna, home to hundreds of exotic butterflies and lush flora.
The Schmetterlinghaus, or Imperial Butterfly House, is a serene tropical oasis located in Vienna's Burggarten, near the Hofburg Palace. Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau glasshouse, it offers visitors an escape into a lush environment filled with hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Schmetterlinghaus
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Palmenhaus, Schmetterlinghaus Hofburg Burggarten, Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT
Monday
10 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday
10 am-5 pm
Wednesday
10 am-5 pm
Thursday
10 am-5 pm
Friday
10 am-5 pm
Saturday
10 am-5:30 pm
Sunday
10 am-5:30 pm
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Getting There
Walking
The Schmetterlinghaus is located in the Burggarten, near the Hofburg Palace. From the Albertinaplatz, walk through the Burggarten, following signs for the Palmenhaus. The Schmetterlinghaus is located inside the Palmenhaus. No additional costs are involved.
Public Transport
Take the U1, U2, or U4 subway lines to Karlsplatz or the U3 line to Herrengasse. From Karlsplatz, walk through the Burggarten towards the Palmenhaus. From Herrengasse, walk towards the Hofburg Palace and enter the Burggarten. The Schmetterlinghaus is located inside the Palmenhaus. A single ride on Vienna's public transport costs around €2.40.
Local tips
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Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the butterflies.
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Wear bright clothing to attract the butterflies – they are often drawn to vibrant colors.
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Take your time and be patient; the butterflies may land on you if you remain still.
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Check out the pupa box to see butterflies emerging from their chrysalises – a truly magical sight.
Discover more about Schmetterlinghaus
Step into the Schmetterlinghaus and find yourself transported to a vibrant tropical rainforest in the heart of Vienna. This unique attraction, housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau palm house, is home to around 400 free-flying butterflies from various exotic species. The air is warm and humid, creating the perfect climate for these delicate creatures and the lush tropical plants that surround them.
Located in the Burggarten, adjacent to the Hofburg Palace, the Schmetterlinghaus offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Originally built as a glasshouse in the 1820s, the current Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) palm house replaced the original at the beginning of the 20th century. The butterfly house itself first opened in 1990 and has been enchanting visitors ever since.
Wander through the meticulously maintained habitat, complete with waterfalls, small ponds, and bridges. Observe the butterflies up close as they flutter among the colorful flowers and plants, and if you're lucky, one might even land on you. Informative display boards provide insights into the life cycle of butterflies, and a pupa box allows visitors to witness butterflies emerging from their cocoons. The Schmetterlinghaus also features a film room where you can learn more about butterfly conservation.
A brief summary to Schmetterlinghaus
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