Schönbrunn Palace★★★
The summer residence of the Habsburgs is Austria's most visited attraction — and for good reason. The baroque palace with its 1,441 rooms, the extensive palace park, and the oldest zoo in the world (Tiergarten Schönbrunn, 1752) is a total work of art that vividly illustrates the imperial power of the Habsburg dynasty.
★★★ The Palace
Maria Theresa had the palace transformed into today's magnificent building from 1743. The "Grand Tour" leads through 40 state rooms: the Million Room with Indian-Persian miniatures on rosewood paneling, the Great Gallery with its ceiling frescoes (where emperors and kings danced), the Mirror Cabinet (where the six-year-old Mozart played for Maria Theresa), and the private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi.
Particularly touching: Franz Joseph's spartan bedroom — the emperor slept on a simple camp bed and got up every morning at 3:30 am. A contrast to the surrounding splendor.
★★★ Palace Park & Gloriette
The 1.2 km² palace park (freely accessible!) is a baroque masterpiece of garden art: symmetrical avenues, fountains, statues, and the famous Neptune Fountain. On the hill stands the Gloriette (1775), a triumphal arch-like viewing pavilion with a café — from here the best view over the palace and city. The hike to the Gloriette takes 15 minutes uphill and is magical at sunset.
★★ Schönbrunn Zoo
The oldest continuously operating zoo in the world (founded in 1752 by Emperor Franz I) has evolved from an imperial curiosity cabinet to a modern conservation zoo. Stars: the Giant Pandas (Vienna's favorites), Siberian tigers, koalas, and the historic Emperor's Pavilion as the zoo's centerpiece. Multiple times voted the best zoo in Europe.
Daily from 9 am (closing time seasonal 4:30–6:30 pm). Adults €29, children €15. With Vienna Card 10% discount.
★ Maze & Crown Prince Garden
Hidden in the palace park is a hedge maze (since 1720) that is fun for both children and adults. Next to it, the intimate Crown Prince Garden — here the young Crown Prince Rudolf played before his story ended tragically.
💡 Tipp
Arrive at the palace opening at 9:00 AM — until 10:30 AM, you will have the state rooms almost to yourself. From 11 AM, tour groups start to crowd in. The "Imperial Tour" (22 rooms, 16 €) is sufficient for most visitors; the "Grand Tour" (40 rooms, 20 €) is only worth it for Habsburg fans.
