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Schmetterlinghaus: A Tropical Oasis in Vienna

Experience a tropical paradise in the heart of Vienna: hundreds of exotic butterflies flutter freely in a stunning Art Nouveau glasshouse.

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The Schmetterlinghaus, or Imperial Butterfly House, is a stunning Art Nouveau glasshouse in Vienna's Burggarten, home to hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies amidst lush flora, waterfalls, and ponds. A unique and enchanting experience in the heart of the city.

A brief summary to Schmetterlinghaus

  • 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

Local tips

  • Visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
  • Look for the feeding tables and honey-coated artificial flowers to see butterflies at rest.
  • Bring your camera to capture the stunning butterflies and lush surroundings.
  • Check for special events or guided tours for a more in-depth experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Schmetterlinghaus is easily accessible via Vienna's public transport system. Take the U3 subway line to Herrengasse or Volkstheater, or the U2 to Museumsquartier. Tram lines 1, 2, D, and 71 also stop nearby at Burgring. A single ticket costs €2.40.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Innere Stadt (Inner City), walking to the Schmetterlinghaus is a pleasant option. From the Hofburg Palace, exit towards the Burggarten. The Palmenhaus, which houses the Schmetterlinghaus, is located on the left side of the Burggarten, near the Albertina Museum. The walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Vienna. A short taxi ride from a central location like Karlsplatz or the Vienna State Opera to the Schmetterlinghaus will typically cost between €8-€12, depending on traffic and the specific route.

Unlock the Best of Schmetterlinghaus

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Discover more about Schmetterlinghaus

Nestled in the heart of Vienna within the Burggarten, the Schmetterlinghaus offers a unique and enchanting escape into a tropical paradise. Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau glasshouse, once a palm house of the Hofburg Palace, this butterfly house is home to hundreds of free-flying, exotic butterflies. Originally opened in 1990 in the Sonnenuhrenhaus, Schönbrunn, the Butterfly House moved to its current location in the Palmenhaus in 1998. The Palmenhaus itself is a historical landmark, designed by Friedrich Ohmann and completed in 1901. Emperor Franz Joseph used the greenhouse for recreation. Today, the Palmenhaus is divided into three sections: the Butterfly House, a café-bar-lounge, and a section for cultivating plants for Viennese events. Visitors can wander through a vibrant ecosystem filled with exotic plants, delicate butterflies, small ponds, and even a waterfall. The Schmetterlinghaus recreates the natural habitats of these butterflies, with plants selected to provide food and shelter. Informative displays detail the butterfly life cycle, and visitors can observe butterflies hatching. The experience offers two levels for viewing the butterflies. The Schmetterlinghaus is not only a beautiful attraction but also educational, showcasing butterfly conservation efforts. The butterflies come from tropical butterfly farms that are located in Thailand, Costa Rica, Belize, and the Philippines.

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