Schmetterlinghaus, Vienna Travel Guide

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.