Schmetterlinghaus: A Tropical Oasis in Vienna

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.