Schönbrunn Palace travel guide

Schönbrunn Palace, an iconic landmark in Vienna, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, the site was a hunting ground until the 16th century, when it was bought by Emperor Maximilian II.

In 1696, Emperor Leopold I gifted the estate to his son, Joseph I, who commissioned a palatial hunting lodge that was later transformed into the present-day palace by Maria Theresa in the mid-18th century.

The palace was the summer residence of the Habsburgs until 1918. With the fall of the Habsburg monarchy at the end of World War I, the newly founded Austrian Republic became the owner of Schönbrunn Palace and preserved it as a museum.

Today, Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors annually with its lavish Baroque architecture, beautifully maintained gardens, and the world's oldest operating zoo.

Schönbrunn Palace is renowned for its beautiful Baroque architecture, a style that was popular during the Habsburg Monarchy. However, the most unique feature is perhaps its expansive garden landscape, which is considered to be one of the most important examples of designed landscapes in the world. The palace garden includes the Tiergarten, the oldest existing zoo in the world. Another point of interest is the Gloriette, a grand structure perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Vienna. Inside the palace, the Hall of Mirrors, where Mozart performed at the age of six, stands out for its historical significance. The Chinese Cabinets, with their intricate chinoiserie and lacquer panels, and the opulent Great Gallery, used for court functions, also add to the Palace's uniqueness. The Palm House is another key feature, housing exotic plants in a large, steel and glass structure. Schönbrunn Palace's blend of historical significance, architectural splendor, and natural beauty makes it a truly unique attraction.

Located in the dynamic Hietzing, the popular Schönbrunn Palace is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Vienna or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Austria.

Vienna is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Vienna offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Vienna and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable St. Stephen's Cathedral, Belvedere Palace, Schönbrunn Palace Park, Hofburg, and Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Vienna has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Vienna, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Austria!

Schönbrunn Palace is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Vienna, Austria. If you're flying in, Vienna International Airport is approximately 13.3 miles (21.4 km) away from Vienna. From there, you can easily reach Schönbrunn Palace by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Vienna, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Schönbrunn Palace, which is located 3.2 miles (5.1 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Schönbrunn Palace, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Schönbrunn Palace!

The best time to explore Schönbrunn Palace is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when Vienna's weather is pleasantly mild. These seasons offer a comfortable climate for wandering through the Palace's vast gardens in full bloom or rich autumn hues. Moreover, crowds are usually smaller during these periods, allowing for a more serene and intimate exploration of the Palace. The Palace hosts its annual Easter Market in spring, offering a unique cultural experience with traditional Austrian crafts, food, and music. In autumn, the Apple Strudel Show is a must-see, where you can witness the making of this iconic Austrian dessert in the Palace's court bakery. Although beautiful throughout the year, a visit during the Christmas season is also special, with the Palace grounds transformed into a magical Christmas market. Regardless of the time of the year, we recommend visiting early in the day to avoid peak tourist times. This way, you can fully appreciate the grandeur and history of Schönbrunn Palace at your own pace.

To truly enjoy your visit to Schönbrunn Palace, joining a tour that features this popular château in Vienna is highly recommended. As one of Austria's most iconic attractions, Schönbrunn Palace draws visitors from around the world. Booking a tour in advance allows you to skip the lines and ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Schönbrunn Palace starting at just 15.5 EUR below.

With a rental car, discovering the popular Schönbrunn Palace and Austria's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Vienna International Airport and the city of Vienna, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Austria cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Vienna and beyond.

Conveniently explore Schönbrunn Palace and plenty more captivating attractions in Vienna by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Schönbrunn Palace and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Vienna has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Schönbrunn Palace below.

Aside from Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Vienna, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely St. Stephen's Cathedral, Belvedere Palace, and Schönbrunn Palace Park.

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a bucket-list church and top attraction in Vienna, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 100,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of St. Stephen's Cathedral is Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria.

Another appreciated attraction in Vienna is Belvedere Palace. Like St. Stephen's Cathedral, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars among 67,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this museum is Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria.

Schönbrunn Palace Park is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Vienna. This park and top attraction in Vienna has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 54,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Vienna below.