Schönbrunn Palace: Vienna's Imperial Jewel
Explore Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna: a UNESCO World Heritage site with imperial history, Baroque architecture, and stunning gardens.
Schönbrunn Palace, located in Vienna's Hietzing district, stands as a testament to the grandeur and power of the Habsburg dynasty. Originally built as a hunting lodge in the 16th century, it was transformed into a magnificent Baroque palace in the 18th century by Empress Maria Theresa. The palace boasts 1,441 rooms, showcasing a blend of Baroque and Rococo architectural styles. The palace's history dates back to 1569 when Emperor Maximilian II purchased the land and used it as a recreational hunting ground. The name Schönbrunn, meaning "beautiful spring," originates from an artesian well on the property. Over the centuries, the palace evolved, with significant renovations and expansions undertaken by various Habsburg rulers. Maria Theresa played a pivotal role in shaping Schönbrunn into a palatial residence and a focal point of Austrian political and social life. Today, Schönbrunn Palace is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. Visitors can explore the opulent state rooms, stroll through the vast gardens, and discover other attractions within the palace grounds, such as the Imperial Carriage Museum, the Schönbrunn Zoo (the world's oldest zoo), the Maze & Labyrinth, and the Gloriette. The palace gardens are open to the public free of charge throughout the year. Schönbrunn offers a captivating glimpse into Austria's imperial past and a chance to experience the splendor of the Habsburg court.
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking, both inside the palace and in the gardens.
- Visit during mid-March to early November to enjoy all the attractions, including the seasonal gardens.
- Take advantage of the free audio guides available in multiple languages to enhance your palace tour.
- Consider a Vienna Pass for free entry to Schönbrunn Palace and other attractions in Vienna.
A brief summary to Schönbrunn Palace
- Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, Vienna, Hietzing, 1130, AT
- +431811130
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Vienna's city center, take the U4 U-Bahn line to the 'Schönbrunn' station. The palace is a short, signposted walk from the station. Alternatively, take tram lines 10 or 60, or bus 10A to the 'Schloss Schönbrunn' stop, which is directly opposite the main entrance. A single Vienna public transport ticket costs €2.40.
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Taxi/Ride-Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Vienna and offer a convenient way to reach Schönbrunn Palace. A typical taxi ride from the city center to Schönbrunn takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately €25-€35.
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Car
If driving, Schönbrunn Palace is located at Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna. Paid parking is available on Schönbrunner Schloßstraße and in nearby parking facilities. Parking fees can range from €3.90 per hour to a daily maximum of €39. Consider using a Park and Ride garage outside the city center for cheaper parking (approximately €4.40 per day) and take the U-Bahn to Schönbrunn.
