Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is a Baroque architectural masterpiece that served as the Habsburgs’ summer residence for centuries. Located in the city’s Hietzing district, this UNESCO World Heritage Site combines ornate state rooms, formal gardens, and monumental fountains that reflect imperial grandeur and meticulous planning.

From its origins as a hunting lodge to its transformation into one of Europe’s most significant palaces, Schönbrunn tells the story of Austria’s imperial history through evolving architectural styles and expansive landscape design.

We visited Schönbrunn Palace during our month-long stay in Vienna, Austria. In this post, we explore the history, architectural highlights, and practical tips for visiting Schönbrunn Palace.

This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The history of Schönbrunn Palace spans over 300 years, reflecting the rise and legacy of the Habsburg dynasty. From a royal hunting lodge to a symbol of imperial power, the palace evolved through centuries of political ambition, architectural transformation, and cultural significance.

The site of Schönbrunn was originally a hunting ground known as Katterburg, owned by the Habsburgs since 1569 when Emperor Maximilian II purchased the land. According to legend, Emperor Matthias discovered a spring here in 1612 and named it Schöner Brunnen (“beautiful spring”), giving rise to the estate’s current name.

After the original structure was destroyed during the Second Ottoman Siege of Vienna in 1683, Emperor Leopold I commissioned architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach to design a new palace. Intended as a rival to Versailles, the ambitious plan was eventually scaled back due to budget limitations, and the first phase of the palace was completed by 1711.

Empress Maria Theresa received Schönbrunn as a wedding gift and led its transformation into a ceremonial summer residence. During her reign, the palace became the center of court life and diplomacy. Architect Nikolaus Pacassi redesigned the palace in the elegant Rococo style, adding key features such as the Great Gallery and the Chinese Cabinets. The palace became the political and cultural heart of the empire during her reign.

In the 19th century, Schönbrunn continued as a royal residence. Napoleon Bonaparte occupied the palace during his campaigns in Austria, and in 1814–1815, the Congress of Vienna was held nearby, reshaping post-Napoleonic Europe. Emperor Franz Joseph I, who was born at Schönbrunn in 1830, spent much of his life there. His long reign saw the palace preserved rather than remodeled, maintaining its Baroque and Rococo character.

After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Schönbrunn became state property and was opened to the public. Despite damage during World War II, the palace was carefully restored. In 1996, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its historical importance, architecture, and Baroque gardens. Today, Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s most visited cultural attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year.

The architecture of Schönbrunn Palace reflects the opulence and ambition of the Habsburg monarchy. From its Baroque foundations to later Rococo refinements, the palace showcases evolving styles that mirror the tastes and power of its imperial residents.

The architectural history of Schönbrunn Palace begins after the Second Ottoman Siege of Vienna in 1683, which left the original hunting lodge in ruins. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Leopold I commissioned the renowned architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach to design a grand imperial residence on the site.

Fischer von Erlach’s design, influenced by Versailles, emphasized axial symmetry, hierarchical layout, and monumental facades characteristic of late 17th-century Baroque architecture. However, due to budget limitations, only a scaled-down version of the original concept was completed by 1711.

This initial structure laid the foundation for the palace’s future expansions and is characterized by a monumental façade, balanced proportions, and a formal layout that established Schönbrunn’s architectural identity.

The most significant architectural transformation took place during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, who received Schönbrunn as a wedding gift and turned it into the Habsburgs’ summer residence. Between the 1740s and 1760s, her court architect Nikolaus Pacassi redesigned both the exterior and interior of the palace, transitioning from the original Baroque to the lighter, more decorative Rococo style.

Pacassi added lavish ceremonial rooms such as the Great Gallery, with its gilded stucco and ceiling frescoes, and the Millions Room, known for its rare rosewood paneling and Indo-Persian miniature art.

The exteriors were also refreshed, including the introduction of the warm ochre color known as “Maria Theresa Yellow”, which has since become synonymous with Schönbrunn.

This period also saw the palace expand its role from a stately residence to the cultural and political heart of the empire.

Alongside the palace renovations, the gardens and surrounding structures underwent extensive development to match the grandeur of the interior. Architect and garden designer Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg was responsible for many of these landscape enhancements. He introduced monumental features such as the Neptune Fountain, symbolizing imperial power and control over nature, and the Gloriette, a hilltop triumphal arch built in 1775 that offers panoramic views of the grounds and city. The Roman Ruin, constructed in 1778, was designed as a picturesque folly—a popular aesthetic trend intended to evoke the romantic grandeur of antiquity. The vast Orangery, one of the largest in Europe, also took shape in this period, housing exotic plants and serving as a multifunctional space for courtly entertainment. These additions transformed the palace grounds into an integrated theatrical landscape in true Baroque garden tradition.

The 19th century brought minimal architectural change but a strong emphasis on preservation. Emperor Franz Joseph I, who was born at Schönbrunn in 1830 and ruled until his death in 1916, made the palace his primary residence. He favored modesty and tradition, choosing to preserve rather than modernize the palace’s Rococo and Baroque character. The most notable architectural addition during his reign was the Palmenhaus, or Palm House, completed in 1882. Built from iron and glass, it reflected the technological advances of the Industrial Age and housed tropical and subtropical plants from across the empire. Other updates included subtle improvements to gardens, the Privy Garden, and the Maze, but the palace’s historic character remained largely untouched, maintaining its 18th-century aesthetic.

After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Schönbrunn Palace became the property of the Republic of Austria and was opened to the public. Though it suffered minor damage during World War II, careful post-war restorations ensured that the architectural integrity of both the palace and gardens remained intact. 

Restoration work since the mid-20th century has prioritized preserving stucco decorations, ceiling frescoes, and the formal symmetry of the Baroque garden design. In 1996, Schönbrunn was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exemplary Baroque architecture and harmonious integration of palace and landscape.

Today, it stands as one of Europe’s most visited and best-preserved imperial residences, offering a rare architectural journey through centuries of dynastic ambition, aesthetic refinement, and cultural legacy.

Metro: U4 line to Schönbrunn station

Tram: Lines 10, 52, 60 to Schloss Schönbrunn

Bus: Line 10A to Schloss Schönbrunn 

Address: Schönbrunner Schlossstraße 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria

Accessible via the A1, A2, or A4 motorways. Follow signs to “Schloss Schönbrunn.” Parking is available nearby.

Before stepping into imperial history, it’s helpful to know what awaits you at Schönbrunn Palace—from ticketing and entry times to navigating the grounds. Here’s what you need to plan a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Schönbrunn Palace is open daily, including public holidays. Operating hours vary by season:

April 1 – June 30: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

July 1 – August 31: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

September 1 – November 2: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

November 3 – March 26, 2026: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Children’s Museum: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM)

Palace Park: Opens at 6:30 AM; closing times vary seasonally:

May – July: Closes at 9:00 PM

August – September: Closes at 8:00 PM

October: Closes at 7:00 PM

November – February: Closes at 5:30 PM

Note: Last admission to all attractions is 45 minutes before closing time.

Main Ticket Center: Located in the Gardetrakt near the main entrance on Schönbrunner Schlossstraße. The ticket office is wheelchair-accessible, featuring stepless entry and accessible restrooms.

Online Tickets: To avoid queues, it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance via the official online shop: imperialtickets.com. Online tickets allow you to print your own admission ticket and choose convenient payment options.

Time-Slot Entry: Admission is based on timed entry slots. During peak seasons, especially summer and holidays, it’s advisable to arrive early or book in advance to secure your preferred time.

Classic Pass (includes Palace, Privy Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze, Gloriette): €38.00 (Adults), €30.00 (Children aged 6–18)

Maze & Labyrinth: €5.50

Gloriette Viewing Terrace: €5.50

Privy Garden: €5.50

Palm House: €9.00

Desert House: €9.00

Note: The Palace Park is free to enter, but specific attractions within the gardens require separate tickets.

Imperial Tour (approx. 40 minutes): €27.00 (Adults), €19.00 (Children aged 6–18)

Grand Tour (approx. 60 minutes): €32.00 (Adults), €23.00 (Children aged 6–18)

All tours include an audio guide available in multiple languages.

If you’re planning a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, here are some helpful tips to ensure you make the most of your experience:

Schönbrunn is one of Vienna’s most visited attractions, especially in spring and summer. Book your tickets online ahead of time to reserve a timed-entry slot and skip the long lines at the ticket office. Opt for the Grand Tour if you want the full palace experience, or the Classic Pass for both interior and garden highlights.

To enjoy a quieter visit and better photo opportunities, plan your arrival early in the morning (doors open at 8:30 AM) or later in the afternoon. Midday tends to be busiest with both group tours and independent visitors.

The palace and gardens cover an extensive area—expect to walk several kilometers if you plan to visit the Gloriette, Maze, Palm House, and other features. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are essential.

The included audio guide is informative, easy to follow, and available in many languages. It adds valuable context to the ornate rooms and helps bring the palace’s imperial history to life. Written descriptions are also available if preferred.

While the palace interiors are impressive, the Baroque gardens are equally worth exploring—and they’re free to enter. Be sure to walk the Great Parterre, visit the Neptune Fountain, and climb to the Gloriette for panoramic views of Vienna.

If you plan to visit other imperial sites (like the Hofburg or Imperial Furniture Collection), consider the Sisi Ticket or Vienna Pass, which offer discounts and skip-the-line access to multiple attractions.

Beyond the main palace tour, consider visiting the Children’s Museum, Orangery, Desert House, or Palm House. These spots are less crowded and offer unique perspectives on court life, science, and imperial innovation.

Timed-entry tickets are valid for a specific window—don’t be late! Once inside, however, you can tour the palace rooms at your own pace. Each visit typically lasts 40 to 60 minutes depending on the tour type.

There are cafés on-site, but if you plan a long garden visit or are traveling with children, it’s wise to bring a water bottle and a light snack—especially in warmer months.

Schönbrunn regularly hosts classical concerts, seasonal markets, and garden events. Check the official website before your visit—you may be able to catch a special performance or festive market.

Schönbrunn Palace is famous for being one of the most impressive Baroque palaces in Europe and the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Its rich history, stunning architecture, lavish Rococo interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens attract millions of visitors each year. The palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural significance and well-preserved imperial heritage.

Absolutely. Visiting the interior of Schönbrunn Palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Austria’s royal family. With beautifully decorated rooms, exquisite frescoes, and historic furnishings, touring the palace allows you to experience the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty firsthand. Don’t miss highlights like the Great Gallery, the Millions Room, and the private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth.

Yes, Marie Antoinette was born and spent part of her childhood at Schönbrunn Palace. As the daughter of Empress Maria Theresa, she lived in the palace before marrying Louis XVI and becoming Queen of France. Schönbrunn remains a significant site linked to her early life and the Habsburg dynasty.

Yes, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed at Schönbrunn Palace as a child prodigy. In 1762, when Mozart was just six years old, he gave a concert for Empress Maria Theresa at the palace. This early performance marked one of his many visits to the imperial court and contributed to his lifelong association with Vienna.

A typical visit to Schönbrunn Palace’s interior lasts between 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the tour you choose. To fully explore the gardens, Gloriette, Maze, and additional attractions, plan to spend 2 to 4 hours at the site for a relaxed experience.

While entry to the Palace Park and gardens is free year-round, visiting the palace interiors, Maze, Gloriette viewing platform, and other attractions requires a paid ticket. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid queues and guarantee admission.

Yes, Schönbrunn Palace offers wheelchair accessibility for most areas, including step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair rental. Some historic rooms have limited access due to architectural constraints, but staff are available to assist visitors with special needs.

The spring and early autumn months (April to June and September to October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but often crowded, while winter visits provide a magical atmosphere, especially during the Christmas markets.

Yes, Schönbrunn Palace offers guided tours in multiple languages. Audio guides are included with most tickets, but for a more immersive experience, you can join live guided tours or book private tours in advance.

Non-flash photography is generally permitted inside the palace’s public rooms, but tripods, selfie sticks, and flash photography are prohibited to protect the delicate interiors. Always follow staff instructions regarding photography.

Schönbrunn Palace is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U4 metro line to the Schönbrunn station, or trams 10, 52, or 60 stop nearby. It takes about 20 minutes from the city center, making it an easy day trip.