Schönbrunn Palace

Overview

Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria's most famous historic buildings, its yellow Baroque façade about 180 metres long and containing 1,441 rooms. The palace and its meticulously designed French gardens were a statement of Habsburg power, and the Gloriette on the hill commands a view over the whole palace and the city of Vienna. Interiors open to the public include lavish Rococo halls and Napoleon's private apartments.

History

Schönbrunn was originally built in 1683 as a hunting lodge for the Habsburg court. In the 18th century Empress Maria Theresa commissioned the architect Johann Nikolaus Pacassi to rebuild it on a grand scale, creating the yellow Baroque palace seen today. The child Mozart performed here for the empress, and Napoleon used it as his headquarters after defeating Austria. It became a World Heritage Site in 1996.

Highlights

• •The Great Gallery, one of the most magnificent state rooms in the world
• •The Gloriette on the hill, with views over the palace and Vienna
• •One of the best-preserved formal French gardens anywhere
• •The Children's Museum, excellent for families

Practical tips

• •The Vienna City Card offers discounted tickets
• •Book online in advance to avoid queues in peak season
• •The Grand Tour, covering 40 rooms, is worth the extra over the basic tour
• •Sample authentic Viennese coffee at a nearby café for the full experience

Practical information

Best time

April to October

Tickets

Basic Grand Tour about EUR 16; full tour about EUR 21

Opening hours

9:00 to 17:00, until 18:30 in summer

Local food

Schnitzel, Sachertorte and Viennese coffee

Getting around

Metro lines U1 to U6 and trams cover the city; 24, 48 and 72 hour passes are the best value, and the old town is walkable

Visa

Austria is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa (type C). Book an appointment one to two months ahead and prepare an itinerary, proof of accommodation and travel insurance.

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