Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna's most visited attraction and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The history begins in the 14th century with a hunting lodge, but it was under Maria Theresa (reign 1740–1780) that it was expanded into the imperial summer residence — with 1,441 rooms, 45 of which can be visited.

The Tour

• Imperial Tour (22 rooms, 30–40 min.): The private apartments of Franz Joseph and Sisi — the walnut salon, the bedroom, Sisi's dressing room (where she spent 3 hours daily on hair care). Admission: €22.
• Grand Tour (40 rooms, 50–60 min.): Additionally, the magnificent state rooms: the Great Gallery (the mirror hall of Schönbrunn — where the Congress of Vienna danced in 1815), the Million Room (rosewood paneling with Indo-Persian miniatures), and the Chinese Round Cabinet. Admission: €29.

Historical Highlights

• 1762: The six-year-old Mozart played here for Maria Theresa — and allegedly proposed to the young Marie Antoinette.
• 1805 & 1809: Napoleon stayed twice at Schönbrunn — in the same bed later used by Franz Joseph.
• 1918: Emperor Karl I signed the renunciation here — the end of the Habsburg monarchy after 640 years.

The Schönbrunn Palace Park is one of the most important baroque gardens in Europe — and freely accessible. The symmetrical garden with its hedges, fountains, statues, and avenues stretches over 1.2 km from the palace to the Gloriette on the hill.

Highlights in the Garden

• Neptune Fountain: The monumental baroque fountain at the foot of the hill — Neptune with tritons and sea horses. Behind it begins the ascent to the Gloriette.
• Gloriette: The triumphal arch-like colonnade on the hill — erected in 1775 as a monument to the Habsburg victories. From the terrace, you have the most famous view over Vienna: the palace in the foreground, behind it the city up to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Terrace: €4.50. Café in the Gloriette: Coffee with the best view of Vienna.
• Maze & Labyrinth: The historical maze (laid out in 1720, restored in 1998) and the modern labyrinth with play stations — ideal for families. Admission: €7.
• Orangery: The 189-meter-long orangery hosts concerts in summer — "Mozart & Strauss" evenings in an imperial setting. Tickets: from €49.
• Palm House: The Art Nouveau greenhouse built in 1882 — 4,500 plant species across three climate zones. Admission: €7.

Schönbrunn Zoo

The Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world — founded in 1752 by Emperor Franz I Stephan as a menagerie and today a modern zoo with over 700 animal species. Despite its age, it has been repeatedly voted the best zoo in Europe — the combination of historical architecture (the imperial breakfast pavilion still stands at the center) and modern animal husbandry is unique.

• Pandas: Schönbrunn is one of the few zoos in Europe with Giant Pandas — since 2003. The panda search is a highlight for families.
• Rainforest House: A tropical world under glass — with free-flying birds and butterflies.
• Polarium: The facility for polar bears and penguins opening in 2024.

Admission: €25 (adults), €15 (children 6–18). Combination tickets with the palace available.

Technical Museum Vienna

Right next to Schönbrunn: The Technical Museum — particularly interesting for families. Interactive exhibitions on energy, mobility, and music (Vienna's music history through historical instruments). Admission: €16, free under 19.

Hietzinger Cemetery

At the nearby cemetery rest Klimt, Otto Wagner, and Koloman Moser — three of the most important Viennese Art Nouveau artists. A peaceful walk for art enthusiasts.